How astronaut Leland Melvin is using the lessons he learned in space back here at home

This week on Disrupted, we hear from two Black Americans who helped pave the way for the next generation of NASA astronauts and administrators. We’ll speak to NASA director Greg Robinson about the revolutionary James Webb space telescope. And a conversation with Astronaut Leland Melvin, which recen…

The forgotten and the powerful: A look at First Ladies and their influence

The First Lady of the United States is not an elected position. But even so, the office plays an important role in our government. This week on Disrupted, an Art Historian talks about the powerful First Ladies of American history who don't get the recognition they deserve. Also, how gender quotas a…

For U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, community engagement is critical

Vanessa Roberts Avery became the U.S. Attorney for the district of Connecticut just two months ago. But she’s already changing the way her office connects with the public. This week, we talk with Avery about what it's like being the first African American woman in the role and her goals for her ten…

After a landmark court ruling, major sportsbooks are hitting the jackpot

For decades, the American sports betting industry was only accessible via seedy back rooms and offshore banking accounts. But after a 2018 supreme court ruling, betting on your favorite team is as easy as pressing a button on your phone. This hour, an exploration of the bustling legal world of spo…

Barriers to the beach: access to coastal New England past and present

As summer heats up, people across New England are flocking to the beach. But there’s been a long battle in CT, for access to the shoreline. This week on Disrupted, we look back at an episode about the history of exclusion on the Long Island sound. And we hear from descendants of the historically Bl…

How the climate crisis is affecting Connecticut’s future

In a year dominated by gun control debates and the midterm elections, the climate crisis has taken a back seat. But we’re seeing its impact across the country and here in Connecticut. This week, we look at the ways climate change has impacted our state, from an explosion of ticks to flooding on our…

After another year with COVID and gun violence, teachers are struggling

This week, we talk about how teachers, parents, and students are holding up after a year of violence, COVID-19 and mental health struggles. And later, we'll hear from a political scientist who’s leading a new research center at UCONN, looking at solutions to gun violence. GUESTS: Fran Rabinowitz: …

The podcasting market is bigger than ever. Where does it go from here?

Podcasting used to be a niche hobby for internet bloggers. Now, companies like Spotify, Amazon and Sirius XM dominate the industry. This week, we look at the rapid growth and commercialization of podcasting and how it’s shaping our culture. We’ll hear about a podcast studio that centers its work o…

Reality TV might seem vain, but it also reveals what we really believe

Reality TV shows rank among some of the most popular in America. And often people don’t even realize they’re favorite program is reality TV. This week, the hidden ways we shape reality TV and it shapes us. GUESTS: Danielle J. Lindemann : Associate Professor of Sociology at Lehigh University. She i…

Theologian Candice Marie Benbow on creating her own relationship with God

Organized religion plays an important in many Americans lives. But the Christian church isn't always a welcoming place. This week, one woman’s journey of connecting with God in and outside the confines of organized religion. And how she's on a mission to make faith more accessible to everyone. GUE…