BRATTLEBORO — "Here We Are: Brattleboro's Community Talk Show" recently celebrated the airing of its 200th episode on Brattleboro Community Television (BCTV).
Host Wendy O'Connell started her show in August 2017 with the aim of connecting the community through the simple act of conversation. The 200th episode features poet and songwriter Wyn Cooper, who has co-created award-winning songs for TV series and individual artists, including(1) lyrics for Sheryl Crow's hit "All I Wanna Do." The episode is currently airing on Comcast Channel 1078 and available on brattleborotv.org.
O'Connell, a longtime resident of the area, said, "I'm continually amazed by the diversity of background and talents in this area. I find it fascinating to hear how my guests arrived here - stories that sometimes go back generations - and learn about their childhoods, their experiences, what they are doing today, and their plans and visions for the future. I think every community could benefit from a show like this."
Over the last six years, O'Connell has talked with local folks of all ages, circumstances, vocations, and interests - from tattoo artists, circus performers, and chimney sweeps to social justice advocates, town officials, and asylum seekers. Notable guests have included the late Curtis Tuff, owner of the famous Curtis's Bar-B-Q, writer Ann Braden, filmmaker Ken Burns, actor and activist Shoshana Rihn, and humorist Tom Bodett.
In March, O'Connell received a major endorsement when her episode featuring Echo Mars of the local band "Thus Love" received a shoutout in an interview at the music festival SXSW (South by Southwest). In 2020, "Here We Are" was awarded in the category Profile Talk Show by the Alliance for Community Media - Northeast Region.
"Here We Are" is picked up by other public access stations throughout the state and nationwide. New episodes air on BCTV every other week and all shows are archived and available for streaming at brattleborotv.org/here-we-are.
This The Arts item was submitted to The Commons.