AI tools might be able to write a decent email, but can it write a book? Today, we hear how AI is shaking up the book world for publishers, writers and readers alike. One local rare and vintage bookseller joins us to talk about what this has meant for her company. One author shares her experience after her work was allegedly stolen by AI research company, Anthropic. Guests: Colleen Lynch: Owner of No Other Book Like This, a bookstore in Mystic Sarah Darer Littman: Young-Adult author based in Connecticut Anna Silman: Power and Culture reporter at the Wall Street Journal Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Third spaces are those social spaces that aren’t your home or your workplace. They’re those great in-between environments where you can come by just to hangout with your community. They can act as the building block of a healthy, thriving community. Although many of these spaces have disappeared, there’ are efforts to bring them back. Today, we take a look at third spaces in Connecticut and beyond. Plus, heading into the long Labor Day weekend, we get an update on a "Where We Live" favorite third space — Connecticut parks and forests! Guests: Mason Trumble: Deputy Commissioner with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Melissa Whitson: Professor of psychology and licensed psychologist at the University of New Haven Michael Brown: Owner of Third Space in New Haven, a gaming lounge, creative community space and event venue Sydney Williams-Brown: Co-owner of Third Space Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caring for a child takes time, money and flexibility – all things that can be hard to come by when you're also trying to work a full time job. Connecticut has taken steps to ease that pressure, including a paid family and medical leave program and a new investment in early childhood education. But families still face high costs, limited availability and childcare schedules that don't always line up with the demands of work. This hour, we ask: What would it take to build a caregiving system that actually works for Connecticut families? Guests: Amanda Aronson: Founder and principal consultant of StoryB Erin Choquette: Chief executive officer of the CT Paid Leave Authority Representative Kate Farrar: Deputy Majority Leader serving West Hartford Adrienne Billings-Smith: leader of employee development & community engagement and the Title VI coordinator for the town of West Hartford Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 40% of Connecticut drivers admitted to speeding, at least sometimes. Some say they speed to avoid holding up traffic, while others are simply trying to reach their destination faster. Speeding might be considered the new normal, but it’s still dangerous. Last year, there were over 7,000 speeding-related crashes in the state. Today, Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto joins us to talk about the state of our roads and what we’re seeing on Connecticut roadways. Labor Day is the busiest travel weekend of the year. We hear what you need to know to stay safe on the roads. Plus, updates on rail lines, highway construction and speed cameras. Guests: Garrett Eucalitto: Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Transportation Brianna Gurciullo: transportation reporter at CT Insider Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s back-to-school week for many students in Connecticut. Parents — are you ready for the upcoming school year? The Connecticut State Board of Education is urging all schools to implement cellphone restrictions. We hear how school districts are tackling this and how it will be enforced. Do you want to see a cellphone ban in your school district? Email us at wherewelive@ctpublic.org. Plus, confusion around childhood vaccines continues. The Trump administration has issued an executive order calling for fewer vaccines. We learn what parents need to know. Guests: Dr. Melissa Held: Infectious Diseases physician at Connecticut Children's; professor of pediatric infectious diseases and senior associate dean of medical student education at UConn School of Medicine Theo Peck-Suzuki: education reporter at the Connecticut Mirror Joslyn DeLancey: Vice President of the Connecticut Education Association Rachel Besharat Mann: Assistant Professor of Education Studies at Wesleyan University Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

School is back in session! That means calendars are filling up, and suddenly there’s always somewhere to be and something to do. But what if the problem isn’t that there isn’t enough time — it’s that we’ve become a little too good at filling every minute of it? This hour, we explore what our chronically hurried culture is doing to our minds, bodies, families and children. We’re joined by a psychotherapist, a neuroscientist and a Zen Buddhist monk priest. They teach us how to step off the treadmill – even when life won’t slow down. Guests: Bryan Robinson: Psychotherapist, author of “Chained to the Desk in a Hybrid World: A Guide to Work-Life Balance” Rajita Sinja: Foundations Fund Professor of Psychiatry and Professor in the Child Study Center and of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine Venerable Shim Bo: Zen Buddhist Monk-Priest who serves as the Abbot and Spiritual Director of White Lotus Haven Zen of Connecticut, Inc. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.