Tolkien Reading Day is held on March 25th each year.

Libraries here in Connecticut and across the globe mark this day by paying homage to the works of J.R.R Tolkien. They host “second breakfasts,” offer presentations on Hobbit lore, and encourage visitors to read their favorite passages aloud.

This hour, we explore why Tolkien's characters and fantastical world building continues to resonate with readers today.

GUESTS:
David Thorn Wenzel, Illustrator and children's book artist best known for his graphic novel adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit
Michael Whelan: Illustrator specializing in fantasy and science fiction, winner of 15 Hugo Awards
Kate Noonan: Senior Reference Librarian, South Windsor Public Library

Tolkien Reading Day is held on March 25th each year.
Libraries here in Connecticut and across the globe mark this day by paying homage to the works of J.R.R Tolkien. They host &ldquo;second breakfasts,&rdquo; offer presentations on Hobbit lore, and encourage visitors to read their favorite passages aloud.
This hour, we explore why Tolkien's characters and fantastical world building continues to resonate with readers today.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://davidwenzel.com/" data-cms-ai="0">David Thorn Wenzel</a>, Illustrator and children's book artist best known for his graphic novel adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit</li>
<li><a href="https://www.michaelwhelan.com/" data-cms-ai="0">Michael Whelan</a>: Illustrator specializing in fantasy and science fiction, winner of 15 Hugo Awards</li>
<li>Kate Noonan: Senior Reference Librarian,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.southwindsorlibrary.org/" data-cms-ai="0">South Windsor Public Library</a></li>
</ul>

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.

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> 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.

Where We Live is a call-in talk show about who we are in Connecticut and our place in the world.

Where We Live

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> 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.

Why J.R.R Tolkien’s imaginative worlds live on

For Muslims, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It’s marked by fasting, prayer and renewing one’s devotion to the faith. Here in Connecticut, institutions around the state are marking this holy time with a variety of celebrations.

But throughout the world, Islamophobia is on the rise. Earlier this month in Waterbury, two young girls celebrating Ramadan were attacked by fellow students. During the attack, their hijabs were ripped off.

Today, we hear what can be done to better support the Islamic community, and dive deeper into this holy time.

GUESTS:
Chaplain Aida Mansoor: Director of Field Education at Hartford International University
Chad Moir: CEO of March Inc
Saba Shahid:Author, entrepreneur and pilot
Dia Fortenberry: Assistant Athletic Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Wesleyan University

For Muslims, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It&rsquo;s marked by fasting, prayer and renewing one&rsquo;s devotion to the faith. Here in Connecticut, institutions around the state are marking this holy time with a variety of celebrations.
But throughout the world, <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2024/03/un-experts-warn-islamophobia-rising-alarming-levels">Islamophobia is on the rise.</a> Earlier this month in Waterbury, <a href="https://www.ctinsider.com/waterbury/article/waterbury-muslim-students-school-fight-hate-crime-20216367.php">two young girls celebrating Ramadan were attacked by fellow students. During the attack, their hijabs were ripped off.</a>
Today, we hear what can be done to better support the Islamic community, and dive deeper into this holy time.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>Chaplain Aida Mansoor: Director of Field Education at <a href="https://www.hartfordinternational.edu/faculty/aida-mansoor">Hartford International University</a></li>
<li>Chad Moir: CEO of <a href="https://www.marchinc.org/">March Inc</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2024-09-17/local-author-and-pilot-talks-on-diversity-in-aviation-and-her-path-to-flight">Saba Shahid:</a> Author, entrepreneur and pilot</li>
<li>Dia Fortenberry: Assistant Athletic Director of <a href="https://athletics.wesleyan.edu/staff-directory/dia-fortenberry/233">Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Engagement at Wesleyan University</a></li>
</ul>

Ramadan: It's not just about fasting

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This hour, we’re exploring the history of tap dance in America.

Tap was first developed as a fusion of footwork styles with roots in Africa and Ireland. Over the decades, tap legends like Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Eleanor Powell, and Gregory Hines popularized the artform and brought it to the national stage.

Local dancers, choreographers, and teachers join us to discuss how they are keeping the rich legacy of tap dance alive in their work today.

GUESTS:


Kevin Ramsey: Chair of the Theater Division, University of Hartford


Ralph Perkins: Associate Professor of Dance and Music Theater, University of Hartford 


Katie Cavenagh: founder of the Connecticut Tap Collaborative


Jillian McNamara: founder of the American Dance Collaborative

Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

This episode originally aired on December 2, 2024.

This hour, we&rsquo;re exploring the history of tap dance in America.
Tap was first developed as a fusion of footwork styles with roots in Africa and Ireland. Over the decades, tap legends like Bill &ldquo;Bojangles&rdquo; Robinson, Eleanor Powell, and Gregory Hines popularized the artform and brought it to the national stage.
Local dancers, choreographers, and teachers join us to discuss how they are keeping the rich legacy of tap dance alive in their work today.
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.hartford.edu/directory/hartt/ramsey-kevin.aspx">Kevin Ramsey</a>: Chair of the Theater Division, University of Hartford
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.hartford.edu/directory/hartt/perkins-ralph.aspx">Ralph Perkins</a>: Associate Professor of Dance and Music Theater, University of Hartford&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Katie Cavenagh: founder of the <a href="https://tapdancectc.wixsite.com/thectc">Connecticut Tap Collaborative</a>
</li>
<li>
Jillian McNamara: founder of the <a href="https://www.americandancecollaborative.com/page1">American Dance Collaborative</a>
</li>
</ul>
Where We Live is available as a podcast on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/the-wheelhouse/id1123069986">Apple Podcasts,</a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0rdTqFfVu8e6TKMa5lWXsI">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cub21ueWNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2QvcGxheWxpc3QvYWMwYmU5NjktZDdkZi00NjBjLWE2NmMtYTZmOTAwZTFlYmQxLzI1M2YwNjY4LTA0NjMtNGFiNC04ZWIzLWE5ZmIwMDRjOTdlNy8wOTUwNDBkZS1hZjMyLTQ1Y2UtOTkwZi1hOWZiMDA0Yzk3ZjUvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M">Google Podcasts</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/dd73c297-450d-4ea5-bb0b-64131d617ee0/the-wheelhouse">Amazon Music</a>, <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Government/The-Wheelhouse-p1207903/?topicId=264709829">TuneIn</a>, <a href="https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-wheelhouse-connecticut-public-radio-mxksbjc_iJI/">Listen Notes</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.
This episode originally aired on <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2024-12-02/a-look-at-the-history-of-tap-dance-in-america">December 2, 2024.</a>

A look at the history of tap dance in America

Daylight Saving Time: it’s just losing one hour of sleep right? How bad can that be?

But experts say, it goes beyond losing one hour of sleep. The practice of advancing clocks to make better use of daylight, can have long term disruptions to our circadian rhythm. That’s according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

Today, we explore just how disruptive Daylight Saving Time can be to our sleep, our health and our behavior, and hear about some efforts to change it.

Would you like to see Daylight Saving Time abolished?

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/daylight-saving-time-energy-money-d11f71db">Daylight Saving Time:</a> it&rsquo;s just losing one hour of sleep right? How bad can that be?
But experts say, it goes beyond losing one hour of sleep. The practice of advancing clocks to make better use of daylight, can have long term disruptions to our circadian rhythm. That&rsquo;s according to the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7954020/">American Academy of Sleep Medicine.</a>
Today, we explore just how disruptive <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/03/09/nx-s1-5320160/time-change-daylight-saving-spring-health">Daylight Saving Time can be to our sleep, our health and our behavior, and hear about some efforts to change it.</a>
Would you like to see <a href="https://www.almanac.com/states-object-changing-clocks-daylight-saving-time">Daylight Saving Time abolished?</a>

Why J.R.R Tolkien’s imaginative worlds live on

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