Where We Live

Some studies show that working with your hands can have a lot of cognitive and emotional benefits. Creating something with your hands can be a deeply satisfying process, and for some students, it can set them on a path for a real career in engineering. That’s where Makerspaces come in. Across the state, makerspaces are providing places where students of all ages can go and learn a new trade or craft with the help of some exceptional makers, and really advanced equipment! Today, we hear from MakerspaceCT, a Hartford based skills development center. Later, we learn how libraries are becoming hubs for innovation as well. GUESTS: Samuel Ferri: coordinator with Studio 20 South, a digital maker studio at the West Hartford Library Paul Lavoie: Chief Manufacturing Officer of the state of Connecticut Cole Grosner: Education Director for MakerspaceCT Devra Sisitsky: Founder and Executive Director of MakerspaceCT Care Verikas: co-founder Bristol Bazaar, an indoor makers market that is open year round Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Connecticut lab is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to study endometriosis, a painful condition that impacts people with a uterus. Endometriosis is just one of the many invisible illnesses that impact an estimated 10% of the American population, according to Disabled World, an independent Health and Disability news source. This hour, we talk about why invisible illnesses are difficult to diagnose and how scientists are trying to change that. GUESTS: Michayla Savitt, State Government Reporter, Connecticut Public Jennifer Crystal, Author of “One Tick Stopped the Clock” Kelsi Carolan, Assistant Professor and licensed clinical social worker, University of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traditionally, college campuses are epicenters of activity, connection, and engagement. So why are students feeling so isolated? 39% of students have reported feeling lonely. Loneliness remains an ongoing health crisis throughout the nation. United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has raised concerns about loneliness, sharing that a lack of connection can increase the risk for premature death. Today, we take a look at loneliness and isolation in the university setting, and hear how some colleges are working to address it. We also hear from students and learn about how they have addressed loneliness in their lives. GUESTS: Nick Pinkerton: Associate Dean of Counseling Services and Wellbeing at Southern Connecticut State University Alex Kafka: Senior Editor, at The Chronicle of Higher Education and author of the report Overcoming Student Loneliness Krista Mitchell: Senior at University of Connecticut Bonnibel Lilith Rampertab: Sophomore at University of Connecticut Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sy Montgomery is the author of several books on animals, ordinary and extraordinary. Her new book What the Chicken Knows tackles one of the most common birds on the planet, but she argues that chickens are truly exceptional creatures. Today, Sy joins us for the hour to talk about her new book and her experience owning and raising chickens. Although chickens have a reputation of being rather unintelligent creatures, they actually have distinct personalities and communities. Later, we touch on a recent avian flu outbreak that occurred in Texas, and what poultry farmers and chicken owners in our state need to know about it. If you have chickens, we want to hear from you this hour. GUEST: Sy Montgomery: author of What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World's Most Familiar Bird Indu Upadhyaya: Food Safety Extension Specialist, at UConn Extension College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we explore the beverage that helps us start our days, energize our bodies, and connect with friends: coffee. Coffee has played an unexpected role in Connecticut’s history. It has fueled fights for workers’ rights and social reforms, and even shaped cultures. With the help of a local historian, we move through time; from the birth of the 'coffee house' to the rise in popularity of the coffee date. And later, we talk to local roasters and business owners about how they bring fresh and unique perspectives to the centuries-old coffee industry. GUESTS: Karen Li Miller: Research Historian, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History J. René Martinez: Owner of J. René Coffee Roasters in West Hartford Tiera Aighewi: Owner of Black By Demand Specialty Coffee in Norwalk Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

77% of adults said the future of the nation is a significant source of stress in their lives. When anxiety is high, it can be more important than ever to lean into self-care routines to manage stress. And today's guests say that strategies managing election stress aren't that different than managing everyday stress. Today, interfaith chaplain Reverend Tracy Mehr-Muska joins us to talk about managing election stress, and staying resilient in the midst of uncertainty. We also hear from Kate Dias, a math teacher at the Manchester School district and president of the Connecticut Education Association. We hear about the conversations she’s having with her students. GUESTS: Patricia Crouse: Professor of Political Science at the University of New Haven Susan Raff: Chief Capitol Reporter, WFSB TV Jonathan Wharton: associate professor of political science and urban affairs, Southern Connecticut State University Reverend Tracy Mehr-Muska: assistant director in the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, at Wesleyan University and author of the book Weathering the Storm: Simple Strategies for Being Peaceful and Prepared Kate Dias: math teacher at the Manchester School district and is president of the Connecticut Education Association Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election Day is finally here. Today, we’ll get updates on how Election Day is unfolding in our state and across the nation. Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas will join us, and we hear from one Connecticut Public reporter in the field. Later, we take a look at one of the oldest political campaign tools: lawn signs. Are you voting today? What are polling stations looking like where you live? GUESTS: Stephanie Thomas: Connecticut Secretary of the State Sujata Srinivasan: Senior Health Reporter for Connecticut Public Jennifer Hopper: Associate Professor of Political Science at Southern Connecticut State University Alex Coppock: Assistant Professor of Political Science at Yale University and a resident fellow of the Institution for Social Policy Studies and Center for the Study of American Politics Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This hour, we hear a panel discussion called “Artistic Congress,” held at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut on October 26. Panelists, including educators, journalists, and artists, gathered to discuss the connection between creativity and civic engagement. They asked: Is it political discourse that impacts art? Or is it art that fuels political discourse? GUESTS: Lucy Gellman: Editor of the arts paper and cofounder of the Youth Journalism Arts Initiative at the Arts Council of Greater New Haven Leslie Blatteau: President of the New Haven Federation of Teachers Lady Dane Figueroa Edidi: Performance artist, playwright and curator of the Black Trans Women at the Center New Play Festival at the Long Wharf Theatre Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Halloween! Is Connecticut the spookiest place in the country? We’re not sure, but our guests today are pretty haunted! All this hour, we’ll be talking about all things Spooky Connecticut, and not just our favorite haunted spots. There will be candy debates, talks of our favorite horror flicks filmed right here in Connecticut, and more. Watch the Connecticut Public documentary "Trail of Terror" here. GUESTS: Colin McEnroe: Host of the Colin McEnroe Show Chion Wolf: Host of Audacious with Chion Wolf Francesca Fontanez: host of Spooky CT and Social Media Editor at Connecticut Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you spend your time online? Many of our online platforms are designed to encourage scrolling, and to benefit advertisers and algorithms. Platforms built to connect us have left us more disconnected than ever. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Technologists say that a better internet is possible. Today, we talk about the changing architecture of the internet to serve the public interest. Later, we take a look at one of the largest libraries of online culture: The Internet Archive. It came under attack this month. We learn how this resource is being preserved for future generations. GUESTS: Dan York: Senior Advisor at the Internet Society Andrew White: Caleb T. Winchester University Librarian at Wesleyan University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the season of the witch! While we prepare to wear our pointed hats this Halloween, we can’t forget the gruesome history of witch hunts in New England – including Connecticut. While many movies today celebrate witches as quirky, empowered, and misunderstood, the history behind being called a “witch” is rooted in prejudice and fear. In today’s political landscape, the word “witch” continues to be weaponized against female politicians. So how far have we really come from the days of witch hunts? For more Where We Live conversations around Connecticut's history of witches: 'Before there was Salem, there was Connecticut': State formally pardons accused witches A push to exonerate victims of Connecticut's early witch trials Connecticut witches of the past, present and future Author Spotlights Connecticut's History Of Witch Hangings GUESTS: Natalie Bellager, Public Programs Manager, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History Julie Walsh, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Wellesley College  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the Afghanistan fell under Taliban rule in 2021, instruments were destroyed and musicians were silenced. Today, we hear from Afghan musicians taking part in a performance at the Bushnell Theater in Hartford entitled “Symphony of Resilience: The Afghan Orchestra Unsilenced.” We’ll listen to some of their original music and learn how some artists in Afghanistan are finding ways to pursue and even record music abroad. Plus, Kevin Bishop, the founder of Cuatro Puntos, a Connecticut non-profit that works to amplify persecuted and underrepresented music and musicians, joins us. GUESTS: Nazira Wali: musician and composer Arson Fahim: musician, pianist, composer and conductor Kevin Bishop: Founder and Executive Director of Cuatro Puntos Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James White entered the Connecticut school system at age 7. Although he would go on to graduate high school and run a small business, he found himself struggling. He had to ask friends and family members for help with paperwork. Writing and reading was a challenge. But then he found the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford and started taking classes. Many adults struggle with reading comprehension, and writing. There are approximately 48 million adults in the United States that cannot read above a third grade level. Today, we take a look at literacy education in Connecticut and beyond. There are many areas of literacy, including media literacy. If you hear the term media literacy, you might think of news, social media, or even yes, election ads and political messaging. But media literacy is starting to encompass a lot of other mediums including artificial intelligence. We learn about expanding media literacy education. GUESTS: James White: Student taking courses at the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford Steve Morris: Executive Director for the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford Michelle Ciulla Lipkin: Executive Director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every presidential election, campaigns flood our TVs with political ads. Back in 1952, “Ike for President” became the very first political advertisement on TV. Dwight Eisenhower's campaign may have been the first to use television like this. But it’s certainly not the last. Today, more than 70 years later, political ads are everywhere. In recent weeks, both the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns have ramped up their advertising. And it’s no longer just on our TV screens; it’s on social media platforms, too. This hour, we’re looking at political advertising during the 2024 election cycle from the messages we’re seeing to how that impacts what we do at the ballot box. What kinds of messages are you seeing? GUEST: Erika Franklin Fowler: Professor of Government at Wesleyan University and co-director of the Wesleyan Media Project Note: The ad from Rep. Jahana Hayes's campaign played in this episode originally aired in 2022 and was featured on the campaign's website homepage at the time of this broadcast. This episode originally aired on August 24, 2024. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Early voting starts next week across Connecticut. This means voters can cast their ballots ahead of Election Day in November. Each town and city will have at least one early voting location, and voters can even cast their ballots over the weekend. Today, we hear from poll workers getting ready for early voting in Connecticut. Plus, we'll hear about what early voting looks like across the country. Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joins us. She explains what you need to know about casting your ballot ahead of Election Day. Find information on registering to vote, finding your polling location and more by visiting myvote.ct.gov. GUESTS: Stephanie Thomas: Connecticut Secretary of the State David Becker: Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research Ginny Kim: Volunteer with Asian Pacific American Coalition of Connecticut and Co-lead of the Let’s Vote Initiative David Fenn: Poll worker in Windham Stacey Chowanec: Poll worker in Willimantic Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The humanitarian crisis in Lebanon has become dire. The country faces economic and financial uncertainty, and nearly 2000 deaths since the start of the conflict. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that of the 5.5 million people living in Lebanon, 1 million people are in dire need. Today, humanitarian aid organizations International Rescue Committee and Anera joins us to describe what is happening on the ground in Lebanon. Plus two Lebanese Americans living and working as chef-owners in Connecticut join us to respond to the situation and speak on Lebanese cuisine, culture and hospitality. GUESTS: Samar El-Yassir: Lebanon and Jordan Country Director for Anera Ciaran Donnelly: Senior Vice President, Crisis Response, Recovery & Development at International Rescue Committee Reem Hadir: chef and founder of Lebnani Mediterranean Kitchen and Bar in Watertown George Noujaim: chef owner of Noujaim’s Mediterranean Cuisine in Winsted Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mohegan Tribe – a sovereign and federally-recognized Indian tribe in Southeastern Connecticut – has a longstanding belief in the power of storytelling. This oral tradition is a form of spoken record-keeping. Stories can often capture a deeper and fuller understanding of culture and beliefs than historical texts. This hour, we talk to Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian. Melissa is part of a long line of “culture bearers,” tasked with keeping the traditions of the Mohegan Tribe alive through stories. GUESTS: Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel, the Mohegan Tribe’s vice chair of the council of elders and tribal historian Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Connecticut, the bear population has boomed. And so have human-bear conflicts. There are somewhere between 1000-1200 black bears in our state alone. You might know what to do if you encounter a black bear in the wild, but bears are not just on trails anymore. In the past year, there were 35 incidents of bears entering homes right here in our state. Although they might look friend-shaped, we wouldn’t recommend getting friendly. In fact, intentionally feeding the bears is now against the law. Maybe you’ve seen a bear where you live. Today, we’ll hear from bear experts across the state and learn what to do if you come across one. Did you follow this year’s Fat Bear Week? This week-long national tournament by the National Parks Service celebrates bear hibernation and conservation, while also serving as a campaign to make the public bear aware. We learn about it. GUESTS: Jason Hawley: Wildlife Biologist for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Felicia Ortner: Volunteer Docent at the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo Rachel Maiser: Natural Resource Lead for the Northeast Regional Office of the National Park Service Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is Menopause Awareness Month. There is not one universal menopause experience. But almost everyone with a uterus will go through it. So why is it still taboo to talk about “the change?" Well, that’s something our guest today wants to change. Today, we’ll hear from journalist and menopause advocate Tamsen Fadal on changing how we talk about the change. She is the author of the upcoming book How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before. She is also a producer and executive producer of the new documentary The [M] Factor: Shredding The Silence On Menopause. Today, she joins us for the hour. Plus, a local OB GYN joins us. What's your menopause story? GUESTS: Tamsen Fadal: author, journalist and menopause advocate Dr. Karianne Silverman: OBGYN at St Francis Hospital/Trinity Health Of New England in Hartford Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks one year since the Hamas attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 people. In the ensuing war, more than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed — and there are mounting concerns about a wider conflict in the region. The United Nations reports that the humanitarian support system in Gaza is close to total collapse. Civilians in the region have severely reduced access to food, water, sanitation, hygiene and health services. This hour, we get an update on humanitarian aid in Gaza. Plus, we explore the principles of international humanitarian law, also known as the laws of war, and what they aim to do during times of conflict. GUESTS: Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health Janti Soeripto, President & CEO of Save the Children, an international NGO and humanitarian aid organization based in Connecticut Lila Hassan, Independent investigative journalist  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.