Audacious with Chion Wolf will highlight the uncommon experiences of everyday people – asking the hardest, most uncomfortable questions. With curiosity and compassion, Connecticut Public producer and host Chion Wolf digs deeper, encouraging listeners to ask hard questions in their own lives. Find out more at https://www.ctpublic.org/audacious
…
continue reading
Hosted by Chion Wolf, hear true, personal stories told from the stage at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut!
…
continue reading
Producer & host Chion Wolf introduces you to Connecticut residents - and visitors - who are on the LGBTQIAP+ spectrum. You’ll hear stories about their work, their lives, their love, and their passions.
…
continue reading

1
Common objects, uncommon phobias: Grass, reflections, and buttons
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09What if it wasn’t spiders, heights, or flying… but grass, buttons, or your own reflection that made your hands clammy and your heart race? Meet Bettina, a romantic comedy author who avoids lawns at all costs; Marcos, who dreads reflections and shaves in the shower to escape the mirror; and Mark, who hasn’t worn a shirt with buttons since he was a k…
…
continue reading

1
After the fire: Stories of what the flames couldn’t destroy
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Meet people whose lives were upended by fire - and transformed by resilience. From the recent Los Angeles fires, we hear from Casey Colvin, who searched for days to find his beloved dog, Oreo, and 10-year-old Grayson Roberts, who lost his home, his Braille materials, and his drum kits - but not his spirit. We also talk to RoseMarie Wallace, who ref…
…
continue reading

1
Why the warm-up comic is the most underrated job in show biz
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Before a sitcom rolls tape, someone has to turn a roomful of strangers into a laughing, clapping, totally-on-board studio audience. That someone? A warm-up comedian. Meet Mark Sweet, who’s spent nearly 40 years getting audiences hyped for shows like Cheers, Roseanne, and The Big Bang Theory. And Joyelle Nicole Johnson shares how warming up the crow…
…
continue reading

1
Intersex advocacy and the fight for bodily autonomy with Pidgeon Pagonis
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09UPDATE: This episode originally aired June 28, 2024. Since its airing, Chion Wolf and the Audacious team were awarded a Gracie Award in the Portrait/Biography category for this episode. "The Gracie Awards recognize exemplary programming created by women, for women and about women in all facets of media and entertainment. They also acknowledge the i…
…
continue reading
What do you regret? Explore the human experience of looking back with Daniel H. Pink, author of The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. Poet David Whyte offers his take on regret, drawing from Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. We’ll also reconnect with “Tracy” from Maryland and Storm…
…
continue reading

1
Forget meet-cutes: How lasting love can blossom in unexpected places
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Forget the typical meet-cute; this episode features individuals whose paths crossed in extraordinarily unique circumstances. Alex and Sue Tatham met each other on the globally televised dating show "Blind Date" in the UK, leading to a wedding watched by millions. Heather and Tony are Disney enthusiasts who found love across continents thanks to a d…
…
continue reading

1
What horses teach us about being human
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Explore the extraordinary impact of horses on our lives. From the unique community of Pony Play and the athleticism of hobby-horsing to the therapeutic power of horses, and a neuroscientist's exploration of life after death, this episode dives deep into how horses shape our lives. Suggested episodes: We The Dog Wings, pouches, and snouts: The world…
…
continue reading

1
New Ways to See, New Ways to Move: The Tech That’s Changing Disability
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Technology is rapidly reshaping the world, but for people with disabilities, it’s doing something even more profound - it’s redefining what’s possible. Explore how cutting-edge assistive technologies are breaking barriers, restoring independence, and revolutionizing the way people navigate the world. Sam Seavey, creator of “The Blind Life” YouTube …
…
continue reading

1
Awe yeah! Exploring the magic of mind-blowing moments
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09What makes your jaw drop? A celestial event? A powerful piece of music? In this episode, explore awe in its many forms, from a total solar eclipse to the psychology of wonder. Psychologist Dacher Keltner breaks down the science of awe, cellist Yumi Kendall shares how music transports us, and Audacious listeners share their most treasured moments of…
…
continue reading

1
How delusional infestation makes you feel bugs that aren’t there
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Imagine feeling an unbearable itch, convinced that tiny insects are crawling under your skin. But no doctor believes you. You try to prove it, collecting samples, documenting everything. But under a microscope? Nothing is there. That was Paula Cox’s experience with delusional infestation, a rare disorder where people are absolutely certain they’re …
…
continue reading

1
Meet Prince & Elvis tribute artists who are finding fame, fans, and their own voice
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09What’s it like to live in the shadow of legends and still shine? Meet Marshall Charloff, a Prince tribute artist with a personal connection to the artist himself. And Rick Torres, an Elvis impersonator whose two decades as the King has brought him to some surprising places. From the joy and empowerment of embodying their heroes to navigating the ch…
…
continue reading

1
Shocking protests: A look at the impact of bold action
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09In 2022, Just Stop Oil protestors threw tomato soup on a Van Gogh painting in London. The world collectively gasped, but some UK lawmakers responded by supporting fewer investments in new oil projects. On this episode, meet one of those soup-throwers, and hear from two other people who have been part of creative protests: a spokesperson from an ant…
…
continue reading

1
From wingsuit BASE jumping to record-breaking South Pole expeditions with Ellen Brennan Frat and Liv Arnesen
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09What drives someone to ski solo across Antarctica or leap off cliffs in a wingsuit? Meet Liv Arnesen, the first woman to ski alone and unsupported to the South Pole, and Ellen Brennan Frat, the ‘Fastest Flying Woman in the World.’ From battling -30°F winds to soaring at 100 mph, these women share their extraordinary journeys of courage, resilience,…
…
continue reading

1
Mentalist Dr. Kruti Parekh on mind reading and tapping into intuition
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09Ever had someone finish your sentence before you even opened your mouth? Now imagine they knew what you were going to say before you did. That’s what it’s like to experience Dr. Kruti Parekh in action. Through a mix of psychology, intuition, and age-old wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic traditions, Dr. Parekh believes we all have the potentia…
…
continue reading

1
MasterChef winner Christine Ha and poet Edward Hirsch on turning blindness into brilliance
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09What can you gain when you lose your vision? Christine Ha was in her early 20s when she began losing her sight. Instead of giving up on her dreams, she taught herself how to cook - so well, in fact, that she became the first and only person who is blind to win MasterChef. Now, she’s a celebrated chef and author who’s proving that great cooking is a…
…
continue reading

1
BONUS: MasterChef's Christine Ha answers questions from Ashley Cook
4:45
4:45
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
4:45We just aired an episode about blindness featuring the poet Edward Hirsch, and chef, Christine Ha. If you're a fan of Gordon Ramsay's cooking competition show, MasterChef, then you know exactly who Christine Ha is. But if you don't, she's the first - and only - person with blindness to win it! Now you'll hear so much more of our conversation in our…
…
continue reading

1
Nothing goes as planned: A first-time offender’s prison story from arrest to release
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09It all began with a single Reddit post: A Connecticut man, overwhelmed and uncertain, sought advice about what to expect as a first-time, non-violent offender facing prison. He invited us to chronicle his life before, during, and after incarceration, pulling back the curtain on a world most of us only glimpse in movies or headlines. Discover how hi…
…
continue reading

1
Snakes in their mouths and venom in their veins: Why two snake pioneers do what they do
49:08
49:08
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:08Delve into the extraordinary lives of two men whose worlds are centered on venomous snakes. Jackie Bibby, a record-setting daredevil, set multiple world records, including the astonishing feat of holding 13 live rattlesnakes in his mouth. And Tim Friede has spent nearly two decades intentionally subjecting himself to hundreds of bites from some of …
…
continue reading

1
Life advice, one Audacious guest at a time
49:09
49:09
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:09For the past two years, at the end of every interview, I asked every guest to tell me their favorite piece of life advice. We took dozens of our favorite clips and brought them together in this very special episode. And we also hear from Connecticut Public employees! Email your favorite piece of advice: [email protected] For a full transcript …
…
continue reading

1
Spectrosexuality: When a spirit is your spouse
49:08
49:08
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:08On past episodes of our Audacious Love series, we’ve talked with people who’ve been married for over 50 years, people who’ve fallen in love with synthetic companions, people who’ve fallen in love with objects, and today, you’ll meet four people who are married to spirits, ancestors, or gods. Listen to our past Audacious Love episodes: Married Over …
…
continue reading

1
"Negativity be gone!": Artists igniting joy on social media
48:59
48:59
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
48:59We hear a lot about the harm of social media. But what about the good? Meet two artists who started off on social media by showing their artwork… But once they revealed the hope and kindness and positivity in their hearts? The views, shares and likes piled up in ways they never expected. Hear how they both are grappling with the newfound pressure o…
…
continue reading

1
The weight of family secrets: Finding freedom in the truth
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Family secrets are often kept to protect, but hiding the truth can sometimes cause more harm than good. When Michael Hainey’s father died, the explanation he was given never quite added up. Decades later, uncovering the real story changed his life, and inspired him to write a memoir. Melissa Daniels faced a different kind of revelation: the man she…
…
continue reading

1
When every face you see is distorted: Living with PMO
49:01
49:01
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:01Imagine waking up one morning and seeing every face around you as demonic - twisted, distorted, and unrecognizable. Are you hallucinating? Would you think people were possessed? Should you call 911? Now, what if it’s not demons you’re seeing, but constantly shifting facial features on everyone, including yourself? And what if this has been your rea…
…
continue reading

1
Salaar Stateside! Following a Pakistani high school student’s year in the US
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Imagine you’re 16 years old, living in Lahore, Pakistan, and preparing for the adventure of a lifetime: A high school exchange year in Rockville, Maryland. Just as you’re getting ready to leave, a public radio show in Connecticut asks to document your journey! This is the story of Salaar Muhammad - before, during, and after his transformative year …
…
continue reading

1
Audacious Live! Show & Tell in Stamford
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Remember the joy of “Show and Tell” at school? Now why should only the kids have all the fun? Listeners to Audacious (and staff members of Connecticut Public!) gathered at Third Place by Half Full Brewery on March 13th, 2024, for an opportunity to share their story! Special thanks to PJ Kennedy of HeyStamford.com for sharing our event, and for keep…
…
continue reading

1
Cart Talk: Conversations with Trader Joe's and Costco Aficionados
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00We all know people who love Costco or Trader Joe’s. But what compels someone to devote their time and travel to visiting as many stores as possible, to wrap so much of their identity around these massive shopping chains? Meet three people whose lives brighten the moment they put their hands on a Trader Joe’s or Costco grocery cart. For a transcript…
…
continue reading

1
Who decides? Ethicists help doctors and patients answer big, nuanced questions
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Brains are weird. Bodies are weird. People are weird! Brains, bodies, and people together in a psychological or medical setting? Man, it can get REAL weird. Ethical conundrums abound, like navigating boundaries, bias in treatment, managing power dynamics… And that's just the tip of the iceberg! So who's in charge of figuring out the ethics behind a…
…
continue reading

1
Animal psychics reveal what our pets really think
48:58
48:58
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
48:58Sometimes it’s like you and your pet are perfectly in sync, reading each other’s minds… and other times, you’re staring at them thinking, “Seriously? Why do you keep licking the couch?” But what if you could actually read your pet’s mind? Would you treat them differently… or would you just confirm that dogs think every meal is their last, and that …
…
continue reading

1
Breaking ancestral chains: Healing as children of incest
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Incest is one of the most challenging topics to discuss, yet our guests are opening up about the truth behind their origin stories. Meet Steve Edsel, who always knew he was adopted. But when he set out to uncover the identities of his birth parents, he stumbled upon painful truths. Now, he and his wife work with an organization dedicated to support…
…
continue reading

1
Jackpot! A lottery winner and a savvy lawyer talk about life after luck
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00We’ve all imagined holding a winning lottery ticket, but what happens next? Hear from a man known as The Lottery Lawyer, who shares the most common mistakes people make when trying to claim their winnings. Plus, a man who scored a $28 million Powerball jackpot at just 21 years old reveals what life was like after the win—the highs, the surprises, a…
…
continue reading

1
What it's like to win a Nobel Prize with Andrea Ghez and Martin Chalfie
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00It’s 2 a.m.; the phone rings. The caller ID says Stockholm, Sweden. The voice on the other end of the line says, “Congratulations! You’ve just been awarded a Nobel Prize!” What goes through your mind in a moment like that ? Meet two people who received that life-altering call. Discover not only the incredible doors it opened for them, but the unexp…
…
continue reading
Oh my gourd, do we want you to meet a man who set a world record for riding his giant pumpkin down the Missouri River! And hold your breath as you hear from two women who won an underwater pumpkin carving contest! And since it’s officially decorative gourd season, meet the author of that McSweeney's essay whose enthusiastic profanity somehow brings…
…
continue reading

1
When you don't look your age: Life with progeria and cutis laxa
48:59
48:59
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
48:59The moment we meet someone – especially for the first time – we're sizing them up. We notice perceived gender, race, and one of the big ones: age. But what happens when you look much older than you actually are? Cécile Gueye is one of only 500 people in the world known to have Cutis Laxa. That's a condition where her skin lacks elasticity. Although…
…
continue reading

1
Outside the ballot box: Unconventional presidential candidates Paperboy Love Prince and Literally Anybody Else
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Tired of seeing the same ol’ politicians in headlines week after week? Maybe you’re exhausted by the same ol’ talking points and posturing. In this episode, we introduce you to two candidates running for president in truly unconventional ways. First, there's Literally Anybody Else (or Mr. Else, if you prefer), formerly known as Dustin Ebey. He lega…
…
continue reading

1
Adam Pearson and Crystal Marshall are changing the faces of acting
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00The entertainment industry includes all kinds of people, but let’s be honest: There is a Hollywood type. So where does that leave actors who don’t fit the mold? Actor Adam Pearson has neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to grow on his face and upper body. His latest movie is called A Different Man and it’s centered around the power of his condit…
…
continue reading

1
When wild animals become family: Thumbelina the squirrel and Walnut the crane
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Would you leave your family, friends, home, and job to move over a thousand miles away to take care of a pet squirrel? Meet two people who did just that for 8 year-old Thumbelina. Then, meet a birdkeeper at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute who was chosen by an endangered crane to be her life partner for almost 20 years. Suggested epis…
…
continue reading

1
The urge to steal: Kleptomania and compulsive theft
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Some people help others overcome their urge to steal through research and understanding, while others draw from personal experience. Meet a Yale psychiatry professor specializing in impulse control disorders like kleptomania. We'll also hear from a therapist and a coach who were once addicted to stealing themselves and are now dedicated to helping …
…
continue reading

1
More than a bodyguard: Will Geddes on the art of protection
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Elite bodyguard and security expert Will Geddes talks about how his childhood prepared him for a 30-year career protecting some of the most high-profile clients in the world. Will shares surprising stories from the field, and reflections on what it's like when your one job is to make sure your client gets in and out - unharmed. Plus, get practical …
…
continue reading

1
Birdwatching legend Peter Kaestner's journey to 10,000 birds
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00You know how sometimes you look outside, see a bird, and think, “Oh, hey! A cardinal! A blue jay! A robin!“ Happens all the time. Now imagine what your life would be like if you traveled the world as part of a lifelong quest to become the first person to see 10,000 bird species. Get to know Peter Kaestner. He shares the surprising story of how he c…
…
continue reading

1
Extreme ironing, cheese rolling, and shin kicking: The world of weird sports
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Missing the Olympics? Well, listen to our show about weird sports! Including extreme ironing, where people press their clothes at the top of volcanoes, in caves, even while hanging upside down in trees! And there's cheese rolling, where people chase a cheese wheel which is barrelling down a steep hill. And then there's the oh, so British sport of s…
…
continue reading

1
Trauma stays in our bodies. Luis Mojica offers ways to release it.
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Did you know that food can trigger a trauma response? Somatic educators like Luis Mojica help people feel more connected to their bodies through food, music, and slowing down to feel it all. Hear how he helps people unlock their pain, and how his life as an intersex person informs his understanding of all the ways a body can communicate. GUESTS: Lu…
…
continue reading

1
Faking it: Munchausen syndrome and the compulsion to be ill
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Most of us have faked being sick at some point, whether to escape a commitment or gain a little sympathy. But for some, this behavior becomes a compulsion, driven by underlying mental health or personality disorders. Meet a woman who has written a book about her journey to overcome Munchausen Syndrome, also known as Factitious Disorder. And a docto…
…
continue reading

1
Banjo Man, 'Woo Woo' Wickers and UConn Huskies superfans share their love of the game
48:59
48:59
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
48:59Chicago Cubs superfan, Ronnie “Woo Woo“ Wickers says, “It’s not a ballgame if they don’t see me or hear me!” That sentiment applies to all of our guests on this show! Including Ronnie, 49ers fan, Banjo Man, and Bob Labonne, who is a massive fan of the UConn Huskies women's basketball team! GUESTS: Stacy Samuels aka Banjo Man: a 73-year-old fan of t…
…
continue reading

1
How do they remember that? Meet two world-class memory champions
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00With everything being stored in our phone, there seems to be fewer and fewer reasons to store anything in our brain. But what if your imagination was much more powerful and vast than you think? And with a few simple techniques, you could remember an astonishing amount of information? Two people who have won international memory competitions and set…
…
continue reading

1
When actors teach: Embodying the lives of an enslaved woman and a medical patient
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00There are many ways to teach, but few are as impactful as embodying a character as an actor. How does taking on such roles shape a person's life? In this episode, we delve into the experiences of two unique educators. Discover what it was like for Azie Dungey, a Black actress, to portray an enslaved woman at George and Martha Washington's estate in…
…
continue reading

1
Audacious Paloozas: Lovers of pogo sticks, origami, lighters, and John Philip Sousa share their passions
48:59
48:59
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
48:59You know the Chicago-based music festival, Lollapalooza? Well, this episode of Audacious features NO ONE from Lollapalooza! But it does feature people who love something so much that they made a palooza out of it! Hear about the communal beauty and allure of pogo sticks, origami, lighters, and John Philip Sousa marches. GUESTS: Nick McClintock: Cre…
…
continue reading

1
Intersex advocacy and the fight for bodily autonomy with Pidgeon Pagonis
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Growing up, Pidgeon Pagonis was told a lot about their medical history: They were born with cancerous ovaries, so the doctors removed them to save their life. Except that wasn't true. In reality, they were born intersex. And those were not cancerous ovaries, they were undescended testes. And that was just the beginning of many truths coming out. He…
…
continue reading

1
For the love of farts! From animal biology to musical mastery
49:00
49:00
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:00Enjoy our ode to farts! Meet researchers who made a New York Times bestselling book series about the various ways that animals fart; A man who is internationally known for being a hand farter, (also called a “manualist“); And another person who was born without an anus and went on to make a living off of his ability to fart extensively on-command! …
…
continue reading

1
Behind the mic: Gayle King, Ziwe, and Mehdi Hasan on the art of the interview
48:58
48:58
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
48:58Back in the day — with your Walter Cronkites and David Brinkleys — it felt kind of inappropriate for an interviewer to bring their full selves to the conversation. It was all about the guest, after all, so why bother bringing their own distinctive flairs? But now, people tune in as much for the interviewer as the one being interviewed. And because …
…
continue reading

1
Jayson Greene reflects on grief and parenthood nine years after his daughter's death
49:02
49:02
Nghe Sau
Nghe Sau
Danh sách
Thích
Đã thích
49:02Jayson Greene’s daughter, Greta, died in 2015 when she was two years old. She was sitting on a bench with her grandma on the Upper West Side of Manhattan when a brick fell from a building and struck her in the head. Now, nine years later, how would Jayson describe Greta’s presence in his life? Hear his reflections on life after unimaginable tragedy…
…
continue reading