Trump proposes a baby bonus. What some parents want instead
Parenthood is hard, and expensive. Over the course of 18 years, it costs nearly $300,000 to raise a child in the state of Connecticut. So is a $5000 baby bonus really going to inspire prospective parents to have children? Today, we talk about some of the Trump administration’s recent proposals to increase the birthrate. Ahead of Mother’s Day, we dig into solutions to supporting parents. We hear from parents who will share the ways they’d like to be supported throughout their parenthood journey. And we want to hear from you, what’s parenthood like right now? What support systems would you like to see? GUESTS: Sarah Donaldson: graduate student at Southern Connecticut State University Jessica Holzer: Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Population Health and Leadership Malissa Griffith: Program Manager of Parents Connecting Parents and family engagement at the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Roman Catholicism in a moment of change: Could women (finally) have expanded roles?
This week begins the search for the next head of the Catholic Church known as the Conclave. Social media has been a buzz as Cardinals all over the world have gathered to begin this sacred ritual to elect the next Pope. During his papacy, Pope Francis took stands on issues like immigration, war and environmental justice. Although he appointed women leaders in the Vatican office, he did not go so far as to allow women to serve as deacons, and priests. As the Catholic church elects a new pope, some women are hoping for expanded roles under the next papacy. Today, we hear what that might look like. What would you like to see from the next Pope? GUESTS: Olivia Bardo: Multimedia and Social Editor at the Global Sisters Report, a Project of the National Catholic Reporter Celia Viggo Wexler: journalist and author of Catholic Women Confront Their Church: Stories of Hurt and Hope Sister Barbara Mullen: Sister of Saint Joseph and Hartford Archdiocese Delegate for Religious Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Connecticut authors reflect on food’s power to connect us
What meal instantly takes you back to childhood? Whether it’s a dish made with grandparents or a recipe passed down through generations, food has the power to unlock memories. This hour, two local children’s authors share their belief in food’s ability to connect us. They discuss their latest novels, the challenges they face in an industry that often pigeonholes writers of color, and how they tackle complex emotions in stories for young readers. GUESTS: Debbi Michiko Florence: author of children’s and middle grade books including her latest, Last Chance Academy: A Study in Secrets Caela Collins: owner of Caela Enterprises, LLC, and author of Food Is Love Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Comedian Sheng Wang on plants, standup and humility
Comedian Sheng Wang does not perform comedy that punches down; making jokes about those with less power and privilege. The child of Taiwanese immigrants refuses to make jokes about the Asian American diaspora, but does include stories about his family in his standup. Sheng joined us to talk about his 20 year career, his first comedy special on Netflix and connecting with audiences through humility and kindness. Learn more about his Connecticut performance here. GUEST: Sheng Wang: Comedian, actor and writer Where We Live is available as a podcast 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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Exploring the future of Connecticut public transit
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently stated that the Trump administration will be prioritizing transportation funding to states that require “local compliance or cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.” In April, the Connecticut Department of Transportation held it’s 2025 Transportation Showcase. Today, we listen back to the panel discussion, where we explored how public transit could impact small business growth and the future of federal infrastructure funding in Connecticut. We also touched on the transition to an electric bus service and efforts to reduce Connecticut’s carbon footprint through green solutions. GUESTS: Benjamin Limmer: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Bureau Chief of Public Transportation, Marian Andoh-Clarke: Director of Small Business Development, Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Matt Hart: Executive Director, Capital Region Council of Governments John Truscinski: Director of Resilience Planning, The Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate. Where We Live is available as a podcast 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.
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.
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