Connecticut East This Week Podcast

1st March 2026 - It's our 300th episode! And we talk with Waterford Police Chief Marc Balestracci as he retires after 25 years

It’s our 300^th episode!

And what better way to celebrate than to look back at the 25-year career of Waterford Chief of Police, Marc Balestracci as he steps down and retires.

22nd February 2026 - Talking mattresses with the Mattress Recycling Council of Connecticut

In this podcast episode ...

We sleep on one every night and hope to get a good nights sleep from our mattress.

But what happens to them after they come to the end of their useful life?

You might be surprised to find out.

15th February 2026 - Talking with Persephone Hall about research on employers still valuing higher education applicants in the modern workforce

On this podcast episode ...

American employers still value a higher education applicant when it comes to the job market according to new research from the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

But what does that look like in today’s higher education reality?

8th February 2026 - Civic engagement with - The Common Ground Project with Josiah Schlee

In this podcast episode ...

Do you know how to engage with local government or get in contact with your local legislator.

We talk to the founder of a new project looking to help the public participate more in government matters.

Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.

1st February 2026 - Talking with Democrat Senator Cathy Osten about the 2026 CT legislative session

In this podcast episode ...

The new 2026 legislative session in Connecticut starts on February 4^th and this year is a short session.

So what can we expect from our legislators by way of new laws and proposals?

We talk this week to Democratic State Senator Cathy Osten to find out more.

25th January 2026 - Talking with Heather Somers and Greg Howard about the new Connecticut 2026 legislative session

In this podcast episode ...

Legislators will head back to Hartford on February 4^th for the beginning of the 2026 Connecticut legislative session.

It’s a short session this year with mid term elections as well.

We catch up with two local Republican legislators to get their take on what they will be pushing for.

Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.

18th January 2026 - Talking with Bill Middleton, the new First Selectman of the town of Stonington, CT

In this podcast episode ...

He’s a successful businessman and entrepreneur with a string of local restaurants.

We talk with Bill Middleton, the new First Selectman of the town of Stonington on why he ran for public office.

Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.

11th January 2026 - We talk with the new Mayor of the city of Norwich, Swarnjit Singh

In this podcast episode ...

He came to America almost 20 years ago as an international student to finish his Masters Degree in Computer Science.

In November 2025, he became the new Mayor of the City of Norwich, we talk to Swarnjit Singh about his incredible story.

January 4th 2026 - Talking AI in the film and TV industry with Brian Lurch of One Man Films

In this podcast episode ...

Artificial Intelligence or A.I. is everywhere but depending on how it’s used and where, it is causing concerns and questions to be raised.

Especially on TV and film as to what’s real and what isn’t and how it could reshape entire industries and how we consume content.

We talk to someone in the A.I. media space.

28th December 2025 - Looking back at 50 years of Connecticut's Freedom of Information Act

In this podcast episode ...

Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency.

And this year Connecticut commemorates the 50th anniversary of its Freedom of Information Act.

Plus we take a look at other stories from across the region.