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. Guests: Frankie Graziano: Host and producer of the Wheelhouse on Connecticut Public Robyn Doyon-Aitken: Deputy Director of Audio Storytelling and Talk Shows Francesca Fontanez: Connecticut Public’s lead Social Media Editor Barry Pirro: paranormal investigator based in Connecticut. His podcast is Haunted Happenings and he is the author of the book “Haunted Happenings: A Ghost Hunter’s Strangest Cases" Troy Rondinone: professor of history at Southern Connecticut State University, and the author of the book “Nightmare Factories: The Asylum in the American Imagination” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 done to increase voter participation among the more than 4 million U.S. citizens living abroad. Less than 4% of this population voted in the 2022 election. Looking for the early voting location in your community? Check out this list. Guests: Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas Sara Kempner: Director of Creative Campaigns & Collaborations at the U.S. Vote Foundation Michayla Savitt: Connecticut Public State Government Reporter Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Director for The Ancient Burying Ground Mallory Howard: Assistant Curator for The Mark Twain House & Museum Chrystyne McGrath: Psychic, founder and owner of CM Paranormal Services and The Guilford Ghost Tours Courtney McInvale: Author, historian and founder of Seaside Shadows Haunted History Tours Wesley Broulik: performer, actor in Time’s Fool Company Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. GUESTS: AK Nevermore: president of the Connecticut Romance Writers Association and author living in Connecticut Andrew Liptak: author of the newsletter, Transfer Orbit, a newsletter about science fiction, writing and the future Stephanie Gagnon: host of the Books in the Freezer Podcast Jane Frankel: author and librarian at the Warehouse Point Library in East Windsor Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 professional soccer player and Connecticut native. She currently plays for Chicago Stars FC. She was part of the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2014 to 2024, winning a World Cup in 2019 and a Gold Medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics Becky Carlson: Women's Rugby Head Coach at Quinnipiac University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a way, to bring us back to some kind of humanity," shared Bostwick speaking on Where We Live. "They always say, Don't dream it, be it, that's what our thing is. That’s our Gospel: don't dream it, be it." Bostwick will be at the Warner Theater in Torrington on October 30 with the The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. GUESTS: Barry Bostwick: Actor and performer Michayla Savitt: Connecticut Public State Government Reporter Upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast performances in Connecticut RKO Army: Friday, Oct. 24, 9:00pm at Westbrook Cinemas, in Westbrook, CT The Come Again Players: Saturday, Oct. 25, 7:30 pm at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, CT 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.

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 addiction. It's a mission of vital urgency. After months of steady declines, overdose deaths in America are now on the rise. During National Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month, we hear from those working to destigmatize addiction and get harm reduction tools into the community. Has addiction impacted you or someone you love? We want to hear from you. GUESTS: Patricia Bode: Associate Professor and Coordinator of Art Education at Southern Connecticut State University. She is also the founder and president the Remember Love Recovery Project Justin Phillips: Chief Executive Officer of the Overdose Lifeline Dr. J Craig Allen: Medical Director at Rushford and Vice President of Addiction Services at Hartford Healthcare Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 finance? GUESTS: Barbara Angelicola-Manzolli: Business Education Teacher at Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington Christian Sherill: Director of Growth and Advocacy with Next Gen Personal Finance Ben Fuchs: Chief Investment Officer at Fuchs Financial. He’s also the co-host of the new podcast Fuchs Around & Cal Them Out Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 later, she’ll offer up advice on how you can cook more authentically. GUESTS: Pyet DeSpain: A member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Mexican-American chef. She's the winner of Gordon Ramsay’s competition, "Next Level Chef," and author of “Rooted In Fire: A Celebration of Native American and Mexican Cooking” Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 itchy eyes? It might be fall allergies. We learn what you can do to combat it. GUESTS: Katie Dykes: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Tom Anderson: Director of Communications, Connecticut Audubon Society Dr. Josh Mosdale: Primary care physician and medical director of clinically integrated network at Trinity Health Of New England Medical Group Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Later, Christianity in America is at a crossroads. We hear from two Connecticut church leaders on how the current political climate is influencing faith communities locally, and across the U.S. GUESTS: Andrea Barton Reeves: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Social Services Scott McLean: Professor of Political science and Faculty Director of the Honors Program at Quinnipiac University Kate Dias: teacher at the Manchester School district and is president of the Connecticut Education Association Pastor Shawn Fisher: Bloomfield Congressional Church Rev. Dr. Stephen G. Ray Jr.: Minister of United Church on the Green in New Haven Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley Bouder spent two decades as a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, performing some of the most physically demanding roles in the repertory. Now, she’s stepping into a new role as executive director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet school. This hour, she reflects on the physical and mental challenges of a career in ballet, from injuries to the sacrifices required to stay at the top. She also talks about the lack of support for parents in the industry and the changes she hopes to see. GUESTS: Ashley Bouder: former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and current executive director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.