About this Event
“Where We Live” has been on air for 20 years! That’s 20 years of thoughtful guests, deep conversations, and listener support.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, the Connecticut Public team invites you to a live conversation on November 12, 2026, at Connecticut Public in Hartford.
Join “Where We Live” host Catherine Shen in conversation with the show’s creator and former host John Dankosky and founding producer Catie Talarski as they travel back to the early days and some of the powerful and funny moments on the show.
It wouldn’t be a true “Where We Live” celebration without diving into what makes our state so special. Connecticut Poet Laureate Antoinette Brim-Bell, State Troubadour Charlie Widmer, and Mohegan Nation Tribal Historian Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel join the conversation to explore the arts in Connecticut.
Refreshments will be provided, including a celebratory dessert.
Join us to party like it’s 2006!
Guests
- Catherine Shen: Host of Connecticut Public’s morning talk show and podcast "Where We Live.”
- John Dankosky: CT Mirror's Director of Events and multi-platform consultant for the NPR / PRI program “Science Friday.” Former vice president of news for Connecticut Public, and the inaugural host of “Where We Live.”
- Catie Talarski: Regional Manager for the Northeast for Report for America. Catie is the founding producer of “Where We Live,” and former Executive Producer and Senior Director of Storytelling and Radio Programming at Connecticut Public.
- Antoinette Brim-Bell: Connecticut’s 8th State Poet Laureate and author of three poetry collections. She is also a printmaker and collage artist as well as Professor of English at Capital Community College in Hartford, CT.
- Charlie Widmer: Connecticut State Troubadour, an official state position devoted to music education and community.
- Melissa Tantaquidgeon Zobel: Vice Chair of the Council of Elders and Tribal Historian for the Mohegan nation.
Portions of this event will be recorded and photographed. By registering for and attending this event, you give Connecticut Public authorization to use your image with any reproduction, distribution and broadcast of the event, and for marketing purposes.
About Where We Live
During “Where We Live’s” twenty-year tenure, three terrific hosts have contributed to the growth of our programming, making the show an essential place to hear in-depth conversations beyond the headlines.
In 2025, we launched “Where We Read,” an initiative to celebrate our love of reading and things literary. In its inaugural year, “Where We Read” has become a destination for die-hard book lovers and the literary curious to hear author interviews from across Connecticut Public’s shows and gather in person for book swaps and more.
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Doors Open
Info: Light refreshments and Guest Arrivals
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:45 PM
Cat, John and Catie Reflect on 20 Years of "Where We Live"
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:45 PM
A Panel Discussion
Info: Arts & Culture in Connecticut
🕑: 07:45 PM - 08:00 PM
Q & A Session
Info: Have a question? Here' s your chance to ask it!
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Event Conclusion
Event venue & nearby stays
Connecticut Public, 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.