Where We Live

Episodes

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  Author Chris Bohjalian on his writing routines and his latest novel “The Amateur” 20.08.2026 48m

  Chris Bohjalian is the author of over twenty books, but his latest novel “The Amateur” pulls on his own lived experience working as a golf caddy. The story follows Mira, an 18-year-old golf prodigy. One afternoon, while practicing at her prestigious country club, she hits a stray ball right into the temple of her classmate’s head, killing him almost instantly. Where We Live host Catherine Shen recently hosted a conversation with Bohjalian at the Westport Library. We spoke about his new book, his writing routines and "exercising his demons" through writing this highly autobiographical novel. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Rocks rock! A celebration of the new CT state rock 18.08.2026 49m

  Igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic: Do those words ring any bells? Maybe from that old earth science class? Don’t lose your marbles! Today, we’re talking about rocks. Did you know that Connecticut now has a new state rock? Housatonic marble has officially received this prestigious title of Connecticut’s state rock. Today, we learn how it all happened. Later, science educators talk about using the earth sciences as a foundation for science literacy. Guests: Robert Thorson: Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Connecticut Louis Goffinet: STEM Enrichment Teacher at Mansfield Middle School Todd Campbell: Department Head of Science Education at the Neag School of Education at UConn Violet Andrews: recent UConn graduate Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What draws these Connecticut adventurers to the sea? 17.08.2026 49m

  What makes someone willingly leave the safety of shore and head into the unknown? Connecticut adventurer, Elizabeth Fry, has swum some of the world’s most challenging open-water routes, while Guilford-native, Brec Morgan, spent four and a half years sailing around the globe alone. This hour, they talk about the fear, solitude and exhilaration of their journeys – and the emotional experience of finally coming home. Plus, they explore why it’s worth doing things that scare us, and what the ocean has given them in return. Guests: Elizabeth Fry: marathon open-water swimmer from Westport, Connecticut Brec Morgan: marine artist and sailor from Connecticut who completed a solo, unassisted-style circumnavigation of the globe Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  After losing a child, these parents dedicate their lives to advocacy 13.08.2026 48m

  You’ve probably heard of the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. But the stages of grief aren’t always linear. The grieving is almost always a little messy. And when a child dies, navigating grief can become a lifelong journey. Today, two parents who have experienced the death of a child join us and share their experience, and how they’ve channeled their grief into advocacy and awareness. GUESTS: Carolyn Fletcher: Organ donor advocate and New England Donor Services volunteer Brianna Garrison: Associate Professor in the Social Work Program at Southern Connecticut State University  Jay Rivera: founder of Always 65, a local organization dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children and young athletes Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  How dementia caregivers navigate a challenging role: Catharsis, humor and patience 11.08.2026 48m

  Dementia is one of the leading causes of disability among older adults. For caregivers of people with the disease, the role is filled with a variety of emotions like worry, sadness and grief. But it’s also a role often filled with connection and love. In June, Connecticut Public’s Daniela Doncel moderated a conversation about dementia caregiving at the Webb Deane Stevens Museum in Wethersfield. Today, we’ll hear that discussion. Panelists spoke about the logistics of care, the importance of speaking openly about the disease, and the experience of losing someone who is still physically present.This conversation is part of Connecticut Public’s ongoing coverage focused on caregiving and aging. You can learn more here. Guests: Tonya Maurer: caregiver to her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2017 and now lives in a memory care facility in Connecticut. Maria Canales: a volunteer educator with the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut chapter who helps Spanish-speaking communities in the state learn about the disease. Colby McCaskill: a writer and reporter living in New York City. His radio story, “Dear Papa,” explores his fear about his grandmother’s escalating dementia, and was selected as the grand prize winner for this year’s NPR College Podcast Challenge. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The scoop on Connecticut’s best ice cream 10.08.2026 49m

  Summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty of time for ice cream. We go behind the scenes to learn how one of Connecticut's most beloved frozen treats is made, revisit the nostalgia of the neighborhood ice cream truck, and hear from local experts about what makes a truly great scoop. We'll also explore creative flavors – including vegan options – and get recommendations for some of the best ice cream destinations around the state. Whether you're loyal to vanilla or always chasing the next unique flavor, this episode is for you. Guests: Chris Casiello: plant Manager of Arethusa Farm Dairy in Litchfield Reinaldo Sánchez: co-owner and chief operations officer of Vía Láctea Lorivie Alicea: co-owner of Vía Láctea Craig Behun: teacher and owner of the CT Ice Cream Tour food truck Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The chaos and majesty of geomagnetic storms 06.08.2026 49m

  You check the local weather, but do you ever check space weather? Storms are always occurring in space and sometimes, we’re impacted by them here on Earth. Today, we’re talking about geomagnetic storms — how they affect Earth, how we’re able to predict them, and how someday, we might even be able to prevent their effects. Also, we discuss what causes the magic of the Aurora borealis, or the northern lights, and how you might better your chances of seeing them here in Connecticut. GUESTS: Dr. C Alex Young: Associate Director of Science Communication in the Heliophysics Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Dr. Brian Walsh: Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  'Burn without opening:' How a mysterious note led to a family history investigation 04.08.2026 49m

  If you discovered a note from a loved one marked “burn without opening,” would you read it? Author and former journalist Paul T. O'Connor did. He joins us to discuss the decision that sent him on a years-long search for the truth about his mother's past, chronicled in his new book, “The Missing Child.” And later, we learn how Connecticut residents can begin uncovering their own family stories. Guests: Paul T. O’Connor: Author of “The Missing Child”  Sierra Dixon: Director of research center, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Worshippers return to the pews: CT religious researchers and leaders tell us why 03.08.2026 49m

  Attendance in church pews has bounced back since COVID-19 pandemic lows. And many of these attendees are young worshippers, looking for religious community. Today, church researchers and writers join us to help us understand why so many people are coming back to church. Plus, are nuns having a moment? It certainly seems like it! The Catholic Church is seeing an increase in interest in religious life, specifically the lives of religious sisters. We hear from the Global Sisters Report and hear what’s attracted so many people to the lives of the sisters. GUESTS: Olivia Bardo: Multimedia and Social Editor at the Global Sisters Report, a Project of the National Catholic Reporter Scott Thumma: Professor of Sociology of Religion and Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research at Hartford International University Rev. Dr. Frederick Streets: Professor of Divinity and Social Work at Yale University Divinity School Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Housing roadblocks continue in CT: Local architects are stepping up to the challenge 30.07.2026 49m

  Finding affordable housing is a huge challenge in Connecticut. Could part of this problem be how housing is built and designed? Architects aren’t just thinking about how to design better, more efficient homes. They’re thinking about how to design homes with community and affordability in mind. Today, we hear how architects are working to build better homes and communities across the state. Plus, an update from the Connecticut Tenants Union. GUESTS: Luke Melonakos: Vice President of the Connecticut Tenants Union Andrei Harwell: Executive director of the Yale Urban Design Workshop, and I'm a senior critic at the Yale School of Architecture Joan O’Riordan: Principal Architect at O'Riordan Migani Architects Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What we know about cyclosporiasis cases in CT, plus a look at air quality 28.07.2026 49m

  In the last month we have seen a flurry of warnings that lettuce might be infected with cyclosporiasis. To date, there have been over 60 cases here in Connecticut. Wildfires from the west brought smoke to the East Coast, leading to air quality warnings and recommendations for residents to stay inside, if they can. Today, we get updates on these public health situations, and hear what you need to do to stay well. GUESTS: Dr. Manisha Juthani: commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health Scott Dolch: President and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant and Hospitality Association Connecticut State Senator Dr. Saud Anwar: East Hartford, South Windsor, East Windsor, and Ellington Indu Upadhyaya: Food Safety Extension Specialist, UConn Extension Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  CT poet Rohanna Delossantos on migration, motherhood and stories passed down through generations 27.07.2026 49m

  Connecticut poet Rohanna Ssanyu Delossantos has a new chapbook, “The Marabou Who Crossed the Sea,” a collection inspired by her family's roots in Uganda and her own experience growing up between cultures. What do we inherit from the places our parents left behind? Connecticut poet Rohanna Ssanyu Delossantos discusses her new chapbook, “The Marabou Who Crossed the Sea,” a collection inspired by her family's roots in Uganda and her own experience growing up between cultures. We explore how poetry can serve as a vehicle to unpack family history, navigate questions of identity, and carry memories across generations. Rohanna will be at the Pardee-Morris Museum in New Haven on August 9 for an afternoon of art and storytelling. Guests: Rohanna Ssanyu Delossantos: New Haven-based poet, author of “The Marabou Who Crossed the Sea”  Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  When immigration enforcement reaches schools: How CT educators are responding 23.07.2026 49m

  As educators prepare to support students in the upcoming school year, some are facing a new challenge: how to respond to immigration enforcement. Early research shows that many students are grappling with fear and anxiety when it comes to the threats of ICE arrests. This has already started to impact school performance and attendance. Today, we hear what educators are doing to prepare and respond to ICE presence on campus. Plus, some students of immigrant families face additional educational hurdles as English language learners. We hear how teachers are supporting these students, and their families. GUESTS: Julie Sugarman: Associate Director for K-12 Education Research at Migration Policy Institute's National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy Luanelly Iglesias: Bilingual teacher at Danbury Public Schools Carolyn Sattin-Bajaj: Professor of Education Policy at in the Department of Education at the Gavert School of Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Novelist Celeste Ng on great first lines and themes of identity and belonging 21.07.2026 47m

  Author Celeste Ng is familiar with the push and pull of adolescence. In May, Ng had a conversation with Simsbury High School students and Where We Live host Catherine Shen. Students at Simsbury High School recently launched a documentary initiative called “Make Us Count,” inspired by the themes of identity and belonging in Celeste Ng’s books. Today, we listen back to that conversation Listen to our episode on the Simsbury High School AAPI documentary and oral history project here. Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The World Cup: A global game in a divided moment 20.07.2026 49m

  The World Cup has come to a close, but soccer's impact reaches far beyond this global tournament. This hour, we explore how the sport has grown from a niche pastime in America to our most popular youth sport – and why it's often called the world's universal language. From immigrant communities to local professional clubs and the sport's very passionate supporters, we'll look at how soccer creates spaces where people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives come together, even during a politically divisive moment. Guests: Brian Bunk: historian at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Shavar Thomas: Lead Coach for CT United FC Lukas Kamrath: Defender for CT United FC Douglas Hernandez: Member of “Raza Brava,” a dedicated Hartford Athletic supporter group that brings Latino flair and culture to the stands. Jake Fenner: Member of “Bonanza,” official, unified, and independent supporters group of Hartford Athletic Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Making the most of summer in Connecticut 16.07.2026 50m

  Do you still make a list of all the things you want to do before the summer’s end? We sure do! Today, we will share some of our favorite summer happenings around the state and we want to hear yours too! Connecticut Public pals Frankie Graziano and Francesca Fontanez join us to share their favorite summer spots. These Connecticut natives have all the best tips and secrets to making the most of your summer. GUESTS: Sheila Moeschen: author of "New England. Author of Book Lovers' New England: A guide to literary landmarks" Francesca Fontanez: Connecticut Public’s lead Social Media Editor Frankie Graziano: Host and producer of the Wheelhouse on Connecticut Public Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What happens after animal abuse is reported? 14.07.2026 49m

  In 2025, there were nearly 200 animal cruelty cases in Connecticut. Ten years ago, Connecticut passed “Desmond’s Law” a landmark animal welfare bill that allows attorneys to advocate for animals involved in abuse. Animal abuse and neglect is complicated. Hoarding cases might start small, but getting out of hand very quickly. Local shelters can be a first line of defense against these situations. Today, we get an update on animal welfare in Connecticut, from shelters and advocates around the state. GUESTS: James Bias: Executive Director at Connecticut Humane Society Jessica Rubin: Associate Dean, J. Agnes Burns Professor of Law and Director of the Animal Law Clinic at the University of Connecticut Cesar Perea: Associate Vice President of Rescue at the American Humane Society Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Fibroids, extreme heat, and the health issues we overlook 13.07.2026 49m

  Up to 80% of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50, but many people still don’t know what they are or how they can affect daily life. This hour, we break down the basics of fibroids, from symptoms and diagnosis to the treatment options available. And later, as summer temperatures rise, we hear from an emergency physician about how extreme heat affects the body and who is most at risk. Plus, we learn practical advice for keeping yourself and your family safe during the hottest days of the year. Guests: Dr. Cheruba Prabakar: Obstetrician and Gynecologist at Lamorinda Gynecology and Surgery, author of “Fibroids: Finally Heard”  Dr. Cynthia Laverne Price: Emergency Medicine Physician at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Exploring Connecticut State Parks: Conservation, Hiking and Indigenous History 09.07.2026 49m

  It takes a lot of work to help preserve Connecticut's nearly 140 parks and forests. Today, we learn what that looks like across our state. We hear from the Connecticut Forest and Park Association and learn about their efforts to pass down land stewardship to the next generation. Plus, Connecticut state parks are a treasure trove of Indigenous history. A local author shares their guide on hiking Indigenous lands across the state. To explore more or plan a park trip, visit ctparks.com. GUESTS: Joey Listro: Executive Director of Connecticut Forest and Park Association Jay Levy: Author of "Hiking Indigenous Lands of Connecticut and Massachusetts," tribal consultant for the New England Trail and an archeologist for the Mohegan Tribe Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environment Protection (CT DEEP) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Supreme Court's immigration rulings: What they mean for Connecticut 07.07.2026 49m

  The US Supreme Court in Washington, DC, on June 25, 2026. The US Supreme Court on Thursday backed a Trump administration move to strip deportation protections from some 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians living in the United States. The conservative-dominated court, in a 6-3 ruling, said the Department of Homeland Security's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian and Syrian immigrants was not subject to judicial review. In late June, the Supreme Court issued several landmark immigration rulings on birthright citizenship, asylum and temporary protected status (TPS). Today, we hear how these rulings will affect immigrants living in Connecticut. The court ended protected status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants. There are approximately 5,000 Haitians living in Connecticut with TPS. Although the court upheld birthright citizenship, the decision's dissent outlined a narrower application of birthright citizenship. Experts say the debate over birthright citizenship is far from over. GUESTS: Ximena Bustillo: DHS and Immigration policy reporter at NPR Tabitha Sookdeo: Executive Director of CT Students for a Dream Wayne Unger: Associate Professor of Law at Quinnipiac University School of Law Maggie Mitchell Salem: Executive Director of Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS) in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.