Pulse of the Region

America 250 With the City of Hartford

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Taneisha Duggan from the City of Hartford’s Office of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment, and Shannon Frost, the city's Director of Marketing Operations, Special Events, and Special Projects. Taneisha and Shannon share an inside look at Hartford’s upcoming Long Weekend celebration, taking place July 1–5 in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The multi‑day event highlights film, art, music, culture, and technology—offering something for everyone. The conversation also explores how the Long Weekend is expected to boost the local business community by bringing more people downtown, increasing foot traffic for shops and restaurants, and encouraging visitors to keep coming back to Hartford. ⁠Learn more about Long Weekend⁠ [https://longweekendhartford.com/] Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠The Swift Factory⁠ [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the ⁠North End Partnership⁠ [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Building the Workforce Pipeline Through Internships

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Lauren Zevetchin, Executive Director at Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE); Bruce Soltys, Vice President of Emerging Talent at Travelers; Angela Pannesco, Engineering Development Program Manager at Travelers; and Kaleigh Scarfo, HR Specialist at Nassau. With summer approaching, the Hartford Region is preparing to welcome thousands of interns. Our guests share how Nassau Financial Group and Travelers structure their internship programs and how these initiatives help strengthen the region’s talent pipeline. We also highlight HYPE’s Summer Intern Mixer on June 11, where interns from across the area will have the chance to connect, network, and experience the community. Together, these programs play a vital role in attracting and retaining young professionals in the region. Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Imposter Syndrome with Andi Campbell

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Leadership Advisor, Speaker, and Coach Andi Campbell. Andi also recently founded SELENE, a women's leadership collective for experienced women leaders in Connecticut. In this episode, Andi breaks down the concept of imposter syndrome, a topic she has been researching for her upcoming book set to be released this fall. She explores how imposter feelings often take root early in life, shares practical strategies for managing them, and explains how confronting imposter syndrome can ultimately lead to meaningful personal growth. Visit Andi's website: andi-campbell.com [https://www.andi-campbell.com/] Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Economic Outlook with KeyBank

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by KeyBank's Michael Astorino, Home Lending Leader, CT/MA, and Elona Shape, Retail Leader, CT/MA. Michael and Elona discuss consumer sentiment and the results of KeyBank's financial mobility survey, how economic realities are impacting homebuyers, and tips on how to navigate finances and buying a home in an uncertain economy. Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory [https://www.swiftfactory.org/] and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].

Behind the Curtain at Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford

This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re taking a look behind the curtain with two of Hartford’s most influential creative forces: Melia Bensussen, Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, and Rob Ruggiero, Artistic Director at TheaterWorks Hartford. Melia and Rob will take us inside their upcoming spring productions—Circus Fire at TheaterWorks and Native Gardens at Hartford Stage—revealing the stories, themes, and artistic sparks driving each show. We’ll also explore an unprecedented collaboration between the two theaters as they join creative forces to stage a bold, intimate chamber production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, coming June 5 – July 5, 2026. This is a conversation about artistry, community, and the power of partnership in Hartford’s performing arts scene. Information & Tickets: Circus Fire at TheaterWorks Hartford [https://theaterworkshartford.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/?utm_source=Patrons&utm_campaign=8ffbdb38e8-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_05_05_09_13_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-9719d7e80f-115897302#/events/a0SUg0000015alRMAQ] Information & Tickets: Native Gardens at Hartford Stage [https://www.hartfordstage.org/native-gardens] Information & Tickets: Sweeney Todd [https://www.hartfordstage.org/sweeney-todd] Pulse of the Region is recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Swift Factory ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.swiftfactory.org/]and produced in partnership with the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ North End Partnership⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.northhartfordpartnership.org/].