169 Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/169-podcast Connecticut: the land of high rankings and low vibes? Not on our watch. Despite being a top-tier place to live, work, and play, only 21% of Nutmeggers would recommend us to a friend. The 169 Podcast is here to fix that math. From the heart of Hartford to every corner of the state, we’re moving past the "drive-through state" reputation to highlight the people, places, and culture that make Connecticut incredible. Show logo designed by Jamie Meggas. Her website is: https://jmeggas.com/ © 2026 Bobby Sherwood 743c38be-c5ce-59d0-aba3-5cfc26372155 yes en Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:18 -0400 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:01:43 -0400 https://img.transistorcdn.com/11ch737jiirriTfIjS1LBvvmm5G7qNasm9NtYRVivhA/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xZTkz/NTkxNDA5ZjNmYTA2/NzA5YWM5MDQ1ZmRl/YTc3Ni5wbmc.jpg 169 Podcast episodic Bobby Sherwood Connecticut: the land of high rankings and low vibes? Not on our watch. Despite being a top-tier place to live, work, and play, only 21% of Nutmeggers would recommend us to a friend. The 169 Podcast is here to fix that math. From the heart of Hartford to every corner of the state, we’re moving past the "drive-through state" reputation to highlight the people, places, and culture that make Connecticut incredible. Show logo designed by Jamie Meggas. Her website is: https://jmeggas.com/ Connecticut: the land of high rankings and low vibes. Connecticut Bobby Sherwood No No Connecticut: Morgan Nyerick of CT Tourism 10 10 Connecticut: Morgan Nyerick of CT Tourism full 4f32b9c0-2ce8-4d69-9ddd-08ef47dc020b https://share.transistor.fm/s/0756f6e3 How can 73% of Connecticut residents rank the state as a great place to live, but only 21% recommend it to others? And why did WalletHub rank Connecticut the 44th most fun state in the country? 44th?!

Morgan Nyerick, Director of Statewide Marketing and Tourism for the State of Connecticut, and I take issue with these numbers! The Nutmeg State is spectacular year-round, with plenty to see and do--and eat. Hartford, New Haven, and Mystic are great places to start, but as Morgan points out, there are plenty of other gems to explore, including Morris, Chester, East Haddam, and Clinton. And shoutout to Rocky Hill for staking their claim as Connecticut's Food Capital! 


So get out there, explore your state, and show Connecticut some love, Nutmeggers!

For more info about Connecticut Tourism visit https://ctvisit.com/ And to learn more about Connecticut Make It Here, visit https://www.ctmakeithere.com/

]]> How can 73% of Connecticut residents rank the state as a great place to live, but only 21% recommend it to others? And why did WalletHub rank Connecticut the 44th most fun state in the country? 44th?!

Morgan Nyerick, Director of Statewide Marketing and Tourism for the State of Connecticut, and I take issue with these numbers! The Nutmeg State is spectacular year-round, with plenty to see and do--and eat. Hartford, New Haven, and Mystic are great places to start, but as Morgan points out, there are plenty of other gems to explore, including Morris, Chester, East Haddam, and Clinton. And shoutout to Rocky Hill for staking their claim as Connecticut's Food Capital! 


So get out there, explore your state, and show Connecticut some love, Nutmeggers!

For more info about Connecticut Tourism visit https://ctvisit.com/ And to learn more about Connecticut Make It Here, visit https://www.ctmakeithere.com/

]]> Mon, 12 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 3688 How can 73% of Connecticut residents rank the state as a great place to live, but only 21% recommend it to others? And why did WalletHub rank Connecticut the 44th most fun state in the country? 44th?!

Morgan Nyerick, Director of Statewide Marketing and Tourism for the State of Connecticut, and I take issue with these numbers! The Nutmeg State is spectacular year-round, with plenty to see and do--and eat. Hartford, New Haven, and Mystic are great places to start, but as Morgan points out, there are plenty of other gems to explore, including Morris, Chester, East Haddam, and Clinton. And shoutout to Rocky Hill for staking their claim as Connecticut's Food Capital! 


So get out there, explore your state, and show Connecticut some love, Nutmeggers!

For more info about Connecticut Tourism visit https://ctvisit.com/ And to learn more about Connecticut Make It Here, visit https://www.ctmakeithere.com/

]]> Connecticut, Morris, Chester, East Haddam, Clinton, Hartford, New Haven, New London No Hartford: Cynthia Rider of Hartford Stage 9 9 Hartford: Cynthia Rider of Hartford Stage full 7ea6783c-7c20-4fea-8faf-d7b0c110f7a0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7a6ad49e Hartford Stage has been a fixture of downtown Hartford since 1963, and for Connecticut theater buffs, few places are better to catch a show. But what does it take to put a season together?  We sit down with Managing Director Cynthia Rider to discuss their new rendition of Dracula and this season's new slate of shows, what it takes to build a season, producing every show in-house, and the wide range of programs and classes it offers kids and adults. Rider and Artistic Director Melia Bensussen form the first all-female leadership team at Hartford Stage. 


For more info about Hartford Stage, visit https://www.hartfordstage.org/

]]> Hartford Stage has been a fixture of downtown Hartford since 1963, and for Connecticut theater buffs, few places are better to catch a show. But what does it take to put a season together?  We sit down with Managing Director Cynthia Rider to discuss their new rendition of Dracula and this season's new slate of shows, what it takes to build a season, producing every show in-house, and the wide range of programs and classes it offers kids and adults. Rider and Artistic Director Melia Bensussen form the first all-female leadership team at Hartford Stage. 


For more info about Hartford Stage, visit https://www.hartfordstage.org/

]]> Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 3136 Hartford Stage has been a fixture of downtown Hartford since 1963, and for Connecticut theater buffs, few places are better to catch a show. But what does it take to put a season together?  We sit down with Managing Director Cynthia Rider to discuss their new rendition of Dracula and this season's new slate of shows, what it takes to build a season, producing every show in-house, and the wide range of programs and classes it offers kids and adults. Rider and Artistic Director Melia Bensussen form the first all-female leadership team at Hartford Stage. 


For more info about Hartford Stage, visit https://www.hartfordstage.org/

]]> Connecticut No Hartford: Bridget E. Quinn of Hartford Public Library 8 8 Hartford: Bridget E. Quinn of Hartford Public Library full 28a79eec-229c-4407-8e4c-8670e979a8cd https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e0ed499 Think libraries are just about books? Think again. Need help becoming a U.S. citizen? Learning English? Looking for activities for your kids? Homework help? Want to learn how to quilt? Hartford Public Library has you covered. Bridget E. Quinn, President & CEO of Hartford Public Library, joins me to talk about the incredible variety of programs and services available and why libraries continue to be such an important part of the community. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you live in Hartford and don't have a library card, there's no better time to get one! (But you should be going all year round!)

For more info about the Hartford Public Library visit https://www.hplct.org/

]]> Think libraries are just about books? Think again. Need help becoming a U.S. citizen? Learning English? Looking for activities for your kids? Homework help? Want to learn how to quilt? Hartford Public Library has you covered. Bridget E. Quinn, President & CEO of Hartford Public Library, joins me to talk about the incredible variety of programs and services available and why libraries continue to be such an important part of the community. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you live in Hartford and don't have a library card, there's no better time to get one! (But you should be going all year round!)

For more info about the Hartford Public Library visit https://www.hplct.org/

]]> Mon, 21 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 3533 Think libraries are just about books? Think again. Need help becoming a U.S. citizen? Learning English? Looking for activities for your kids? Homework help? Want to learn how to quilt? Hartford Public Library has you covered. Bridget E. Quinn, President & CEO of Hartford Public Library, joins me to talk about the incredible variety of programs and services available and why libraries continue to be such an important part of the community. September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. If you live in Hartford and don't have a library card, there's no better time to get one! (But you should be going all year round!)

For more info about the Hartford Public Library visit https://www.hplct.org/

]]> Hartford, Connecticut, Library, Libraries, Library's No Bethel: Bob Korin and Matthew Troy of the Bethel Film Committee 7 7 Bethel: Bob Korin and Matthew Troy of the Bethel Film Committee full a19aa24b-ddf0-49e9-9639-e137346376e2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5fa5dd8e Why wouldn’t television and movie productions come to Connecticut? From the grit of Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven to the small-town charm of Bethel and the waterfronts of Mystic, New London, and Old Lyme, Connecticut has plenty to offer.  Bob Korin and Matthew Troy are part of the Bethel Film Committee working to attract location managers, production scouts, and directors to the area.  Both have backgrounds in film, and both are volunteer firefighters. We discuss what makes Bethel an ideal filming location, their efforts to bring more productions to Bethel, and their time as firefighters. 

For more info about the Bethel Film Committee visit https://bethel-ct.gov/ and search for Bethel Film Committee. 

You can also email the film committee directly at: film@bethel-ct.gov  

]]> Why wouldn’t television and movie productions come to Connecticut? From the grit of Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven to the small-town charm of Bethel and the waterfronts of Mystic, New London, and Old Lyme, Connecticut has plenty to offer.  Bob Korin and Matthew Troy are part of the Bethel Film Committee working to attract location managers, production scouts, and directors to the area.  Both have backgrounds in film, and both are volunteer firefighters. We discuss what makes Bethel an ideal filming location, their efforts to bring more productions to Bethel, and their time as firefighters. 

For more info about the Bethel Film Committee visit https://bethel-ct.gov/ and search for Bethel Film Committee. 

You can also email the film committee directly at: film@bethel-ct.gov  

]]> Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:30:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 3892 Why wouldn’t television and movie productions come to Connecticut? From the grit of Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven to the small-town charm of Bethel and the waterfronts of Mystic, New London, and Old Lyme, Connecticut has plenty to offer.  Bob Korin and Matthew Troy are part of the Bethel Film Committee working to attract location managers, production scouts, and directors to the area.  Both have backgrounds in film, and both are volunteer firefighters. We discuss what makes Bethel an ideal filming location, their efforts to bring more productions to Bethel, and their time as firefighters. 

For more info about the Bethel Film Committee visit https://bethel-ct.gov/ and search for Bethel Film Committee. 

You can also email the film committee directly at: film@bethel-ct.gov  

]]> Bethel, Connecticut No Durham: Hans Pedersen, longtime town resident 6 6 Durham: Hans Pedersen, longtime town resident full de23b98d-0e50-40ad-a65b-52aecc1f0aef https://share.transistor.fm/s/35b5538d Former owner of his own construction company, volunteer at The Durham Fair, Membership Chairman for the New Haven Racoon Club, DJ, and potential radio personality, Hans Pedersen is many things. But Durham’s biggest supporter may top them all. If you think your city or town is better, Hans is here to tell you one thing: you’re wrong. 

For info about The Durham Fair visit https://www.durhamfair.com/

For info about the New Haven Racoon Club visit https://www.nhraccoonclub.com/

]]> Former owner of his own construction company, volunteer at The Durham Fair, Membership Chairman for the New Haven Racoon Club, DJ, and potential radio personality, Hans Pedersen is many things. But Durham’s biggest supporter may top them all. If you think your city or town is better, Hans is here to tell you one thing: you’re wrong. 

For info about The Durham Fair visit https://www.durhamfair.com/

For info about the New Haven Racoon Club visit https://www.nhraccoonclub.com/

]]> Mon, 31 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 3713 Former owner of his own construction company, volunteer at The Durham Fair, Membership Chairman for the New Haven Racoon Club, DJ, and potential radio personality, Hans Pedersen is many things. But Durham’s biggest supporter may top them all. If you think your city or town is better, Hans is here to tell you one thing: you’re wrong. 

For info about The Durham Fair visit https://www.durhamfair.com/

For info about the New Haven Racoon Club visit https://www.nhraccoonclub.com/

]]> Connecticut No Canton: Kathy Taylor of the Canton Historical Museum 5 5 Canton: Kathy Taylor of the Canton Historical Museum full d04ddba2-c41c-4921-a994-1ba919b47229 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5c692ca9 If you can make it in Canton, you can make it anywhere! Kathy Taylor wears many hats: town historian, President of Make It Canton, and Justice of the Peace. After living and working in communities across Connecticut, she put down roots in Canton. Kathy joins me to talk about what makes the town special—including the historic village of Collinsville—and why it’s a great place to live, work, and play. 

For more information about the Canton Historical Museum go to https://cantonmuseum.org/

For more information about Make It Canton go to https://mainstreetcanton.org/enhancing-canton/make-it-canton/

]]> If you can make it in Canton, you can make it anywhere! Kathy Taylor wears many hats: town historian, President of Make It Canton, and Justice of the Peace. After living and working in communities across Connecticut, she put down roots in Canton. Kathy joins me to talk about what makes the town special—including the historic village of Collinsville—and why it’s a great place to live, work, and play. 

For more information about the Canton Historical Museum go to https://cantonmuseum.org/

For more information about Make It Canton go to https://mainstreetcanton.org/enhancing-canton/make-it-canton/

]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 2566 If you can make it in Canton, you can make it anywhere! Kathy Taylor wears many hats: town historian, President of Make It Canton, and Justice of the Peace. After living and working in communities across Connecticut, she put down roots in Canton. Kathy joins me to talk about what makes the town special—including the historic village of Collinsville—and why it’s a great place to live, work, and play. 

For more information about the Canton Historical Museum go to https://cantonmuseum.org/

For more information about Make It Canton go to https://mainstreetcanton.org/enhancing-canton/make-it-canton/

]]> Connecticut, Canton, Collinsville No Hartford: Mana Zarinejad of The Connecticut Forum 4 4 Hartford: Mana Zarinejad of The Connecticut Forum full 3f2f105c-a9d2-4f57-8331-5042c7535cad https://share.transistor.fm/s/821b1cd9 If you believe that civil discourse is dead, think again. For more than 30 years, The Connecticut Forum has brought people together for thought-provoking conversations with fascinating voices from across the spectrum. Executive Director Mana Zarinejad has been with the Forum since 2024, she joins me to discuss what drew her to the Forum, how its dynamic panel discussions come together, upcoming events, and their excellent Youth Outreach Program. 


For more information about The Connecticut Forum and upcoming events, visit https://www.ctforum.org/

 

]]> If you believe that civil discourse is dead, think again. For more than 30 years, The Connecticut Forum has brought people together for thought-provoking conversations with fascinating voices from across the spectrum. Executive Director Mana Zarinejad has been with the Forum since 2024, she joins me to discuss what drew her to the Forum, how its dynamic panel discussions come together, upcoming events, and their excellent Youth Outreach Program. 


For more information about The Connecticut Forum and upcoming events, visit https://www.ctforum.org/

 

]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 3359 If you believe that civil discourse is dead, think again. For more than 30 years, The Connecticut Forum has brought people together for thought-provoking conversations with fascinating voices from across the spectrum. Executive Director Mana Zarinejad has been with the Forum since 2024, she joins me to discuss what drew her to the Forum, how its dynamic panel discussions come together, upcoming events, and their excellent Youth Outreach Program. 


For more information about The Connecticut Forum and upcoming events, visit https://www.ctforum.org/

 

]]> Hartford, Connecticut No Bristol: Arianna Therriault of Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater 3 3 Bristol: Arianna Therriault of Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater full 9ea28321-0ec4-47aa-b600-a7f8a61db013 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab16af90 Today we visit the Clock City of Bristol and speak with Arianna Therriault. She is the City Arts and Culture Supervisor who has been tasked with developing year-round arts and culture programs including programming for Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater and supporting the work of the City Arts and Culture Commission. We discuss her vision for boosting the arts and culture scene in Bristol, the city officially being designated as a cultural district, and Bristol All Heart.

For more information about Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater go to https://downtownlivect.com/  

]]> Today we visit the Clock City of Bristol and speak with Arianna Therriault. She is the City Arts and Culture Supervisor who has been tasked with developing year-round arts and culture programs including programming for Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater and supporting the work of the City Arts and Culture Commission. We discuss her vision for boosting the arts and culture scene in Bristol, the city officially being designated as a cultural district, and Bristol All Heart.

For more information about Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater go to https://downtownlivect.com/  

]]> Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 2657 Today we visit the Clock City of Bristol and speak with Arianna Therriault. She is the City Arts and Culture Supervisor who has been tasked with developing year-round arts and culture programs including programming for Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater and supporting the work of the City Arts and Culture Commission. We discuss her vision for boosting the arts and culture scene in Bristol, the city officially being designated as a cultural district, and Bristol All Heart.

For more information about Downtown Live at the Rockwell Theater go to https://downtownlivect.com/  

]]> Connecticut No Bantam: Robert Kwalick of Bantam Cinema & Arts Center 2 2 Bantam: Robert Kwalick of Bantam Cinema & Arts Center full 76f4e981-80d4-4739-9d60-2f2ac6a2b67f https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f16fb00 This episode was taped in June. Since then, Robert Kwalick has retired as Executive Director of Bantam Cinema & Arts Center.   In this conversation, he shares the story of how he became executive director, offers insight into Bantam Cinema, and discusses the wide range of programs the organization offers. Bantam Cinema & Arts Center is Connecticut’s oldest continuously operated movie theater. For more info go to https://www.bantamcinema.org/ 

]]> This episode was taped in June. Since then, Robert Kwalick has retired as Executive Director of Bantam Cinema & Arts Center.   In this conversation, he shares the story of how he became executive director, offers insight into Bantam Cinema, and discusses the wide range of programs the organization offers. Bantam Cinema & Arts Center is Connecticut’s oldest continuously operated movie theater. For more info go to https://www.bantamcinema.org/ 

]]> Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:00:00 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 2322 This episode was taped in June. Since then, Robert Kwalick has retired as Executive Director of Bantam Cinema & Arts Center.   In this conversation, he shares the story of how he became executive director, offers insight into Bantam Cinema, and discusses the wide range of programs the organization offers. Bantam Cinema & Arts Center is Connecticut’s oldest continuously operated movie theater. For more info go to https://www.bantamcinema.org/ 

]]> Connecticut, Bantam No Avon: Joel Samberg of Playhouse 44 1 1 Avon: Joel Samberg of Playhouse 44 full 90f055e6-c7d3-497c-a9c2-c3c2f82c263c https://share.transistor.fm/s/061e8849 Joel Samberg is the President of Playhouse 44 and a driving force behind its creation. Playhouse 44 is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, all-volunteer, performing arts group created by and for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences throughout the Farmington Valley. 

For more info about Playhouse 44 go to https://playhouse44.org/ 

]]> Joel Samberg is the President of Playhouse 44 and a driving force behind its creation. Playhouse 44 is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, all-volunteer, performing arts group created by and for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences throughout the Farmington Valley. 

For more info about Playhouse 44 go to https://playhouse44.org/ 

]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:22:02 -0400 Bobby Sherwood Bobby Sherwood 4682 Joel Samberg is the President of Playhouse 44 and a driving force behind its creation. Playhouse 44 is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, all-volunteer, performing arts group created by and for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences throughout the Farmington Valley. 

For more info about Playhouse 44 go to https://playhouse44.org/ 

]]> Connecticut No