Where We Live

Where We Live

Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines. We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Episodes

November 20, 2025 49 mins

Many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising grocery bills. Meanwhile, an estimated $550 million worth of food will go to waste this Thanksgiving alone. That’s according to the nonprofit ReFed.

This hour, we’ll hear about statewide efforts to reduce, reuse and rethink what we throw away.

And later, we’ll hear from experts on the front lines of food recovery — people working to get good food out of ...

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New Haven's Claire's Corner Copia has been a Connecticut institution for 50 years now. This hour owner Claire Criscuolo joins us to talk about food, building community and her new cookbook. We'll get vegetarian cooking tips ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, and take your calls.

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For generations, stories of Native America were erased from the American story. Today, we explore the Native American experience in New England.

Connecticut Public Special Correspondent Diane Orson has spent nearly a year researching, producing and reporting the stories in this series, called "Still Here."

We hear from Diane, and get a preview of this special series.

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Hurricane Melissa was one of the most powerful hurricanes on record. This Category 5 storm caused devastation in Jamaica and across the Caribbean, permanently changing the lives of those living and working in this region.

Here in Connecticut, many residents have felt the ripple effect. The West Indian community makes up a large portion of the immigrant population in Connecticut. There are 70,000 West Indian immigrants in greater Ha...

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It all started with a typo.

Anelise Chen was going through a difficult divorce. Her career and job security was tenuous. She just got into a bike accident leaving her with bruised ribs, and she received a text from her mom: “Clam down! Just clam down.” 

This typo inspired a journey of healing: a journey that included retreating, diving into her family history and learning everything she could about the life of a cl...

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If you’ve ever stared at the ceiling wondering why sleep won’t come, you’re not alone.

In fact, six out of 10 adults in the United States don’t get enough sleep. That’s according to the National Sleep Foundation.

This hour, we hear from someone diagnosed with insomnia and a sleep expert. They'll help us understand why rest feels so out of reach, and what might help us drift off.

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The United States' first Food Stamp program began in 1939.

Since then, millions of people have benefited from nutritional assistance. In 2024, one in nine Connecticut residents received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Last week, federal judges ordered the Trump Administration to continue to fund SNAP benefits. The administration initially agreed to cover a fraction of the benefit payments. But ...

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Although there are many barriers that keep young adults from casting their ballot, the data shows that things are changing, and more young voters are participating in elections. In the 2024 presidential election, 47% of young adults age 18-29, voted..

Today is Election Day. We’re going to spend the hour talking about the youth vote.

Social media, artificial intelligence and even podcasting is changing the way candidates reach...

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Five-time James Beard Award winner Dorie Greenspan joins us for a conversation about baking, memory and the joy of sharing something homemade.

Her newest cookbook, "Dorie’s Anytime Cakes," is a love letter to the simple cakes that fill our kitchens and our lives. From the ones we nibble all day long to the ones we bake for people we love, these are cakes meant for every moment.

This hour, we’re celebrating the comfort a...

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Connecticut Public staff talk about their favorite Halloween traditions of today and yesterday — including candy, movies, costumes and more.

Later, a local paranormal investigator joins us to talk about their work exploring haunted homes and businesses across Connecticut.

And an author says our fascination with asylums as haunted places is easily explained. We hear about his investigation.

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Local politicians shape life in Connecticut cities and towns, making decisions on education, housing and business development. But voter turnout is historically low in local elections.

Today, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas joins us to answer our Election Day questions and yours. Later, we hear how her office is preparing for the 2026 midterm elections and increasing voter education.

We'll also hear what's being...

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It’s Halloween week, which means we’re summoning Connecticut’s most chilling stories.

From ghostly apparitions to mysterious happenings that defy explanation, this hour will make you think twice about what lurks in the dark.

Historians, tour guides and a psychic join us to share their strangest encounters. Tune in for a haunting hour of history, folklore and a few goosebumps.

GUESTS:

  • Christine Jewell: Directo...
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When you think of horror fiction what comes to mind for you? Maybe the classics like "Frankenstein," "Dracula," or "The Shining?"

Like many genres, horror has evolved with the times to encompass all things terrifying.

The spooky season is in full swing and we have a great line up of horror fiction to keep you entertained and spooked all season long. Today, we talk about our favorites.

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Professional women's sports are having a moment. This hour, we hear from soccer player and Connecticut native Alyssa Naeher ahead of her U.S. Women's National Soccer Team retirement ceremony, and from Quinnipiac University's Women's Head Rugby Coach, Becky Carlson, about the rising status of that sport after one of her former athletes became a global celebrity around the last Olympics.

GUESTS:

  • Alyssa Naeher: American prof...
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Fifty years ago, 20th Century Fox released the iconic cult classic film, Rocky Horror Picture Show. After being launched on the midnight film circuit, it developed a fan following like no other.

Today, we hear from the one and only Barry Bostwick. Fans of the film know him as the original Brad Majors. He says that after fifty years, the film is still bringing people together.

"I think this is necessary, in...

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In 2018, 33-year-old Ryan Bode Moriarty died of a heroin overdose. He was a musician, artist and T-shirt designer. He created linoleum block carvings, and would print all his shirt designs by hand.

After his death, Ryan's mother, Patricia Bode, found one of his linoleum blocks carved with the words "Remember Love." This discovery inspired the Remember Love Recovery Project and sent Bode on a mission to destigmatize...

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Being financially literate is important when navigating tough times and tough markets.

Today, we get an update from financial experts and educators from around our state, and hear what you can do to stay financially resilient.

Later, when is the best time to start planning for retirement? We hear from one high school teacher who’s passing on the knowledge of financial planning to her students.

Got a question about personal fi...

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Chef Pyet DeSpain is making her mark on the culinary world. A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and with Mexican-American roots, she’s bringing fresh flavors — and long-overlooked traditions — to the table.

This hour, she’ll share stories of her culinary journey, one that took her from experiencing homelessness to winning Gordon Ramsay’s reality TV cooking competition, "Next Level Chef."

And...

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Are you doing any leaf peeping where you live?

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection joins us to talk about making the most of the fall season in Connecticut and the best spots to see all the natural wonders of our state.

And bird lovers, this show is for you! Fall is a big migration time for birds. Connecticut Audubon Society joins us, too.

Later, have you been feeling a little stuffy or sneezy? Got itc...

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We’re in another government shutdown.

The federal government shut down at the start of October following a standoff between Senate Republicans and Democrats.

Now, the Trump administration is proposing more federal worker layoffs, calling it an “unfortunate consequence to a government shutdown.”

Today, we hear how the government shutdown could impact local government services, programs and workers in Connecticut.

L...

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