The Wheelhouse

Connecticut Public Radio

If you’re a news junkie — or maybe just news curious, we’ve got your weekly dose of Connecticut politics, tackling everything from tax cuts to human composting. Amplifying important local and national voices, The Wheelhouse walks listeners through the most important political stories of the week. You’ll hear from well-known political reporters, academics, and local journalists across Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns.

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Our Editor's Take

The podcast The Wheelhouse started in 2013 as a Connecticut Public Radio show. It was a companion to Where We Live, the morning talk show. But soon enough, it became popular on its own. The political journalist roundtable explored topics like budget cuts and lawmaking in Connecticut. It helped its listeners make sense of local politics and shared ways to become more involved. In 2021, the show announced it was ending. But thanks to public demand, it saw a new life in 2023 with a new host-Frankie Graziano.

Graziano is an experienced broadcaster on Connecticut Public Radio. He started on the sports team in 2012 and moved to news in 2016. There, he reported on local elections and other political issues. He was meeting lawmakers outside their offices, asking them tough and necessary questions. During his time in the newsroom, he also reported on the most critical stories in the state. He followed the account of evacuees moving to Connecticut as a result of Hurricane Maria. Graziano was also the one to reveal the new police reform in the region right after George Floyd's murder.

As the host of The Wheelhouse, Graziano explores how politics impact everyone in the state. His mission is to make these important issues more accessible to everyone. The newer version of the podcast sticks to the familiar roundtable format. Each week, the show hosts local and national experts to discuss several news stories. They talk about everything from zoning reform and gun control to food waste and recycling. Topics are not only about local politics and state lawmakers. The show explores anything that affects Connecticut locals. This includes stories that relate to general elections. But they also discuss Supreme Court rulings, the White House, and beyond.

Graziano's hosting style is approachable and easygoing. This makes The Wheelhouse a politics podcast that is accessible to all.

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The Wheelhouse Podcast Trailer

The Wheelhouse Podcast Trailer

Connecticut Public's weekly politics show is returning with new host, Frankie Graziano. If politics are in your Wheelhouse, or you wish you could keep up, we got you. We'll drop a new episode every Wednesday with perspectives on local and national issues. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episodes

What Donald Trump’s win means for reproductive care

What Donald Trump’s win means for reproductive care

Prior to Election Day, advocates were worried about a national abortion ban and further local restrictions on reproductive care. And then, Donald Trump was elected president, with Republicans alongside him taking over the U.S. Congress. Reporters covering reproductive rights are analyzing what comes next under Trump, someone who’s taken credit for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Today on the Wheelhouse, what happens when the federal government begins to prioritize certain state laws over a patient’s right to receive medical care? We’ll also examine local efforts to combat potential restrictions on reproductive care, including the launching of a 24/7 service called the Connecticut Abortion Legal Hotline. GUESTS: William Tong (D): Attorney General, State of ConnecticutShefali Luthra: Reproductive health reporter, The 19thRachel Rebouché: Professor of Law, Temple UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Irshad Manji’s tips for celebrating with civility during polarizing times

Irshad Manji’s tips for celebrating with civility during polarizing times

When stressful conversations about politics are “on the table” this holiday season, how can we stay engaged with family members who have totally different views from our own? This week on The Wheelhouse, Professor Irshad Manji talks with us about how people can apply her "Five Skills of Moral Courage" to build trust and respect with people we want to have positive relationships with, regardless of politics. Irshad Manji is the founder of Moral Courage College and author of three books: Allah, Liberty and Love and The Trouble with Islam Today, and her latest book is Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times. GUEST: Irshad Manji: Professor and founder of Moral Courage College and author of Don’t Label Me: An Incredible Conversation for Divided Times. This episode was produced by Frankie Graziano, Chloe Wynne and Robyn Doyon-AitkenThe Wheelhouse 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.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump gained ground across the U.S., including in blue Connecticut

Trump gained ground across the U.S., including in blue Connecticut

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election marked a better showing for the former president than the last time he ran back in 2020. So far in Connecticut–even though he didn’t capture the state’s seven electoral votes–Trump has collected 21,253 more votes than he did four years ago. That’s according to the Connecticut Secretary of the State’s office. Today on the Wheelhouse, a panel of experts analyze Trump’s gains in Connecticut. GUESTS: Jim Haddadin: Investigative editor, Connecticut Public’s The Accountability ProjectMaysoon Khan: Investigative reporter, Connecticut Public’s The Accountability ProjectEbong Udoma: Senior reporter, WSHUJohn Moritz: State reporter, Hearst Connecticut MediaAlex Putterman: Reporter, Hearst Connecticut MediaSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humanizing national gun policy in the wake of the 2024 elections

Humanizing national gun policy in the wake of the 2024 elections

Last year, 46,728 people were killed in firearm deaths. For parents and families grieving children lost to the Sandy Hook School shooting, there’s no escaping the trauma associated with that loss, and the rhetoric surrounding gun violence. Today on the Wheelhouse, how the national gun policy discourse affects survivors of gun violence. It’s a timely conversation, given the recent election of Donald Trump as president. Recently on The Wheelhouse, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) questioned whether Trump could put aside his relationship with the NRA to enact meaningful legislation protecting Americans from gun violence. Also featured in the conversation will be Connecticut Public senior health reporter Sujata Srinivasan, who’s covering how gun violence is a public health epidemic. GUESTS: Francine Wheeler: Founder, Ben’s LighthouseNelba Marquez-Greene: Activist in residence, Yale School of Public HealthSujata Srinivasan: Senior health reporter, Connecticut PublicSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2024...The Morning After…

Election 2024...The Morning After…

The polls have closed and votes are still being counted. As the 2024 elections come and go, a powerhouse panel of experts will be there for Connecticut residents to take stock in what’s left to determine our political future. Today on the Wheelhouse, analysis of what we know so far. Plus, hear from some winners in races that were already decided. GUESTS: Mark Pazniokas, Capitol bureau chief and a co-founder, CT MirrorSusan Raff, Chief political reporter, WFSB Eyewitness News Ch. 3Bilal Sekou: Hillyer College Associate Professor of Political Science, University of HartfordSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wheelhouse: CT Election Night 2024

The Wheelhouse: CT Election Night 2024

You voted — and now it’s time to find out. Throughout 2024, the Wheelhouse team has asked Connecticut residents about the issues, interviewed candidates for Congress, unpacked the assassination attempts on Donald Trump, and watched as Democrats coalesced around Vice President Kamala Harris. Now, it’s time to clock in on election night…and find out where state residents really stand. Tonight, The Wheelhouse will dive into what we know and what comes next as the polls close. GUESTS: Leah Wright Rigueur: Author and SNF Agora Institute associate professor of history, Johns Hopkins UniversityMercy Quaye: Founder and President at The Narrative Project; Columnist for CT Mirror and Editor of CT Mirror's Community Editorial BoardCharles Venator-Santiago: Associate professor of political science and El Instituto, University of ConnecticutJonathan Wharton: Associate professor of political science and urban affairs, Southern Connecticut State UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2024: Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District

Election 2024: Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District

In one week, voters across America will go to the polls. But before they do, voters in Connecticut’s 2nd congressional district will get to hear from two candidates running for a congressional seat. This hour, we talk with Congressman Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) and challenger Mike France, a Republican. And after that, our panel of guests share their insights on what the candidates had to say. GUESTS: Rep. Joe Courtney , (D-Conn.)Mike France, Candidate for Connecticut’s 2nd congressional districtCharles Venator Santiago, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and El Instituto, University of ConnecticutPaul Choiniere, Retired editorial page editor, The DaySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2024: Connecticut's 4th Congressional District

Election 2024: Connecticut's 4th Congressional District

The race for Connecticut’s 4th congressional district is underway. This hour, we ask candidates Jim Himes (D-Conn.)–and two challengers, Republican Michael Goldstein and Independent Benjamin Wesley–where they stand on the issues. For the next few weeks, The Wheelhouse will feature a series of candidate interviews. We’ll be talking with Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers, in Connecticut's congressional districts. Each candidate will have an equal amount of time to talk one-on-one with host Frankie Graziano, followed by some analysis from our guest panelists. GUESTS: Rep. Jim Himes , (D-Conn.)Michael Goldstein, Candidate for Connecticut’s 4th congressional districtBenjamin Wesley, Candidate for Connecticut’s 4th congressional districtAndy Blye, Reporter, Greenwich TimeEbong Udoma, Senior political reporter, WSHUSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2024: Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District

Election 2024: Connecticut’s 5th Congressional District

This hour, we talk with the candidates for Connecticut’s fifth congressional district: Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and challenger George Logan. And later, our panel of guests share their insights on what the candidates had to say. GUESTS: Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, (D-Conn.)George Logan, Republican candidate for Connecticut’s 5th congressional districtLivi Stanford, Reporter for Republican-AmericanLisa Hagen, Federal policy reporter for CT Mirror and CT PublicSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A look at the controversial Electoral College

A look at the controversial Electoral College

Every four years, we’re reminded of the power of the Electoral College. But according to a recent poll by Pew Research Center, more than 6 out of 10 Americans would prefer to see the winner of the presidential election be the person who wins the most votes nationally. This hour, we take a granular look at the Electoral College. We’ll ask questions like why do we have it? And why is it so difficult to get rid of? Plus, in Connecticut, no-excuse absentee voting is on the ballot. We’ll unpack what this means for voters across the state. GUESTS: Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University. He hosts the podcast “Amarica’s Constitution” and wrote the book “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840”Geoffrey Skelley, Senior Elections Analyst at FiveThirtyEightJohn Moritz, State Reporter, CT Insider/Hearst Connecticut MediaSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2024: Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District

Election 2024: Connecticut’s 3rd Congressional District

The race for Connecticut’s third congressional district is underway. This hour, we ask candidates Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and challenger, Michael Massey, a Republican, where they stand on the issues. For the next few weeks, The Wheelhouse will feature a series of candidate interviews. We’ll be talking with Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers, in Connecticut's congressional districts. Each candidate will have an equal amount of time to talk one-on-one with host Frankie Graziano, followed by some analysis from our guest panelists. GUESTS: Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D-Conn.)Michael Massey, Candidate for Connecticut’s 3rd congressional districtBilal Sekou: Hillyer College Associate Professor of Political Science, University of HartfordMercy Quaye: Founder and President at The Narrative Project; Columnist for CT Mirror and Editor of CT Mirror's Community Editorial BoardSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election 2024: Connecticut's 1st Congressional District

Election 2024: Connecticut's 1st Congressional District

We’re kicking off a series of candidate interviews today on The Wheelhouse. For the next few weeks, we'll be talking with Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers, in Connecticut's congressional districts. Each candidate will have an equal amount of time to talk one-on-one with host Frankie Graziano, followed by some analysis from our guest panelists. This hour, we ask candidates for Connecticut’s 1st congressional district where they stand on the issues: Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) and challenger, Republican Jim Griffin. GUESTS: Rep. John Larson, (D-Conn.)Jim Griffin, seeking election for Connecticut’s 1st congressional districtMark Pazniokas, Capitol bureau chief and a co-founder of CT MirrorSusan Raff, Chief political reporter, WFSB Eyewitness News Ch. 3Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How politicians are utilizing anti-immigrant rhetoric on the campaign trail

How politicians are utilizing anti-immigrant rhetoric on the campaign trail

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Debate between vice president Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump highlighted how immigration is being sensationalized to score votes. Trump says that “dangerous” migrants are contributing to an overall spike in crime in the United States. But, the FBI reports that violent crime has decreased. He also says that 21 million people have recently entered the country illegally, despite federal law enforcement reporting a smaller number. Today on the Wheelhouse, the use of immigration misinformation on the campaign trail. Also, an increase in public benefits charges has many Connecticut residents complaining about their electric bills. We’ll discuss what state politicians are saying about the rate increases. GUESTS: Charles Venator-Santiago, Associate professor of political science and El Instituto, University of ConnecticutMaria Sacchetti, reporter covering immigrant communities, The Washington PostDan Haar, Senior editor and columnist, Hearst Connecticut Media GroupSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Substance vs. Spectacle: A look at presidential debates

Substance vs. Spectacle: A look at presidential debates

In advance of the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, there were negotiations over live microphones and arguments over who could attend. There was even a debate over what network it should be put on. Historically, debates offer an opportunity for political candidates to provide substantive details about their platforms. But in 2024, more attention is paid to spectacle. Now that the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is over, is it time to focus on the importance of debates and the substance intended to be offered to the American people? Today on The Wheelhouse, the evolution of public political discourse. GUESTS: Dr. Bilal Sekou, Associate professor of politics and government, University of HartfordJonathan Wharton, Associate professor of political science and urban affairs, Southern Connecticut State UniversityJulian E. Zelizer, Professor of history and public affairs, Princeton UniversityKathryn Cramer Brownell, Associate professor of history, Purdue UniversitySupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How election officials are preparing for November

How election officials are preparing for November

Public safety and the sanctity of the ballot are top of mind for election officials during the lead up to November. This hour, we take a look at how some officials are preparing during an especially fraught election year. GUESTS: Rachael Cobb, Associate Professor of Political Science & Legal Studies, Suffolk University Tina Barton, Senior Elections Expert, The Elections GroupSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anti-vaccine rhetoric has hit the campaign trail

Anti-vaccine rhetoric has hit the campaign trail

During a recent speech given by former President Donald Trump, he promised that, if elected, he would cut federal funding for any schools with a vaccine or mask mandate. His promises highlight the continued politicization of CDC-recommended public health best-practices. This hour, we look at anti-vaccine rhetoric and how it impacts communities in Connecticut and beyond.Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What to know about the Democratic National Convention

What to know about the Democratic National Convention

After a whirlwind few weeks, Democrats are gathering in Chicago to formally nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as their presidential candidate. This week on The Wheelhouse, Colin McEnroe guest-hosts a special check-in on how the Democratic National Convention is going. GUESTS: Dan Haar, columnist and senior editor, Hearst Connecticut Media GroupLeah Wright Rigueur, Associate Professor of History, John Hopkins UniversityMark Pazniokas, Capitol Bureau Chief and co-founder of CT MirrorSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Project 2025: Separating fact from fiction

Project 2025: Separating fact from fiction

We asked our listeners what issues are on their minds, and they answered the call! The week on The Wheelhouse, what exactly is Project 2025? And why is Donald Trump distancing himself from it?Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politics across the generations: what mark are people your age leaving on politics?

Politics across the generations: what mark are people your age leaving on politics?

Today on The Wheelhouse, we’re exploring politics and generational theory. That’s the belief that every generation has a unique set of shared beliefs. As voters across all age groups get ready to head to the polls in November, what politicians and historical events have shaped the way they will cast their votes? Pictured above are (L-R, top row) Cedar Greve, Randy Weis, Antic Cone, Preston Siroka, and Lisa Sorge. (L-R, bottom row) Shaniya Cone, Samuel Zwick-Lavinsky, Liliana Restrepo, Luanne Sforza, and Valerie Fallon. GUESTS: Sally Friedman, Associate professor of political science, University at AlbanyJean Twenge, Professor of psychology, San Diego State UniversityElena Moore, Reporter, Washington desk, NPRSupport the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ARPA dollars are spent. What will CT schools do now?

The ARPA dollars are spent. What will CT schools do now?

Federal COVID relief dollars have boosted education in recent years. But now, money allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act is going away. What will state governments do now for students and teachers? Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.