The Lisa Wexler Show

Senator Richard Blumenthal joins Lisa Wexler to discuss his leadership in pushing the FDA to reverse its authorization of flavored vape products, his efforts to stop online gambling platforms from targeting minors, and how policymakers can take on powerful industries to enforce safeguards and prevent addiction.

Jack Pavia, a May 2026 graduate of American University, joins Lisa Wexler to discuss his campaign for Connecticut’s 142nd House of Representatives District, his priorities for the community, and what he hopes to bring to the role if elected.

Author Jan Cress Dondi joins Lisa Wexler to discuss her bestselling book The Navigator’s Letter, the true story of two WWII airmen, a doomed B-24 mission over Ludwigshafen, and the woman whose letters preserved their legacy. Dondi shares how a discovery of wartime correspondence uncovered a powerful story of friendship, sacrifice, and remembrance, bringing to life the human side of war through deeply personal voices and long-lost connections.

Jonathan Steinberg, State Representative serving Westport, joins Lisa Wexler to discuss Connecticut’s new solar legislation aimed at positioning the state as a leader in renewable energy. He explains how expanded energy storage will reshape the program, what incentives are available for homeowners and developers, how the role of PURA is evolving, and what to know about solar panel efficiency and long-term degradation.

Lisa Wexler breaks down Connecticut’s sexual harassment statute and answers a caller’s questions about choosing the right attorney for a young man facing a misdemeanor charge, including the most important questions to ask during a lawyer consultation.

Susan Bysiewicz joins Lisa Wexler to discuss the recent Democratic convention that triggered a primary challenge to Ned Lamont. She highlights the governor’s key accomplishments during his current term, outlines priorities for the next legislative session, and responds to challenger Josh Elliott’s central campaign proposal to implement a tax on the state’s wealthiest residents.

Representative Corey P. Paris joins Lisa Wexler to discuss legislation that will reform the Department of Children and Families. The bill focuses on increasing oversight and transparency within the agency while expanding support for kinship caregivers through enhanced grants. The conversation explores how these changes could improve accountability and better serve children and families across Connecticut.

Freelance pop culture and political writer Kat Rosenfield joins Lisa Wexler to discuss her recent article in The Free Press, “I Don’t Want to Put Another Black Man in Jail.” Rosenfield explores the concept of “suicidal empathy” and its potential role in shaping public attitudes toward crime, accountability, and justice, following a recent New York City murder that she argues may have been preventable. The conversation examines the balance between compassion and public safety, and asks whether cultural shifts in empathy are influencing real-world consequences.

Matt Field joins Lisa Wexler to discuss the meaning and history of the term “Nakba,” a topic he recently explored in his blog, THAT JEW. Field shares his perspective on the word’s relevance today, the complexities of Jewish history and identity, and what he describes as the “inconvenient truth” about the Jewish people.