Tune in to the Pulse of the Region, brought to you by the MetroHartford Alliance.
Join us each week for discussions with industry leaders, subject matter experts, and community influencers to get a deeper look at what’s happening in our own back yard. From healthcare to economic development, local entertainment to housing, we dive into issues that matter to Hartford and beyond!
Pulse of the Region is recorded at The Swift Factory and produced in partnership with the North End Partnership.
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North Hartford Partnership Revisited
(6/5/26) On this week’s bonus episode of Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Brenda Watson, Executive Director of the North Hartford Partnership, and Patrick McKenna, the Partnership’s Director of Sustainability & Real Estate.
Brenda and Patrick share updates on major initiatives underway at the North Hartford Partnership, including the new Climate Resiliency Hub, expanded sustainability projects, and the launch of Grounds for Change—a social‑enterprise coffee shop at The Swift Factory. They also discuss the Partnership’s recent purchase of three multifamily homes that are being renovated to reduce environmental impact and lower rental costs for residents.
The group also offers a preview of what to expect at the upcoming Sustainable Homes & Careers Expo on June 13 at the Connecticut Convention Center.
Connecticut Foodshare and Bank of America’s Partnership
(6/4/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jason Jakubowski, President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, and Joe Gianni, President of Bank of America Greater Hartford.
Jason shares a closer look at food insecurity across Connecticut and why summer can be especially challenging as children lose access to school meals and volunteer availability declines. We also explore Bank of America’s long-standing partnership with Connecticut Foodshare, including both financial support and hands-on employee volunteerism. Plus, learn how you can get involved and support Connecticut Foodshare year-round—from volunteering at local pantries to helping with mobile food programs across the state.
A Preview of Hartford Taste
(5/28/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Jeannette Dardenne, Owner and Creator of Opportunity at INgroup Creative; Jason Jakubowski, President and CEO at Connecticut Foodshare; and Matt Bannister, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Sponsorships at PeoplesBank.
Jeannette, Jason, and Matt share a preview of what to expect at Hartford Taste—from food and music to art and community experiences designed to bring more people downtown and support local businesses. They also break down how advance ticketing works and explain how ticket sales directly support Connecticut Foodshare’s mission.
America 250 With the City of Hartford
(5/21/26) 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.
Building the Workforce Pipeline Through Internships
(5/15/26) 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.
Contact Lauren Zevetchin, HYPE’s Executive Director at lzevetchin@metrohartford.com for ticket bundles.
Imposter Syndrome with Andi Campbell
(4/30/26) 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.
Economic Outlook with KeyBank
(4/23/26) 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.
Behind the Curtain at Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford
(4/16/26) 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.
CREC Celebrates 60 Years
(4/9/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we're exploring the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) and how they're celebrating 60 years of providing high-quality, integrated education for all students. We're joined by Executive Director Desi Nesmith and Superintendent of CREC Schools, Sasha Douglas.
Women-Owned Businesses in Hartford
(4/1/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we're welcoming two women-owned businesses operating here in our capital city. Emily Walsh, Co-Owner of the first and only btone FITNESS in Connecticut, Emily Munoz, btone FITNESS instructor, and Chantell Boissiere Kelly, Owner, Capital Ice Cream. We discuss how these unique businesses have grown from their initial inception and how both entrepreneurs are creating community-driven spaces.