Pulse of the Region
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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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Women’s Health in Connecticut
(9/3/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Tiffany Morrissey, Executive Director of the Connecticut Health Council (CHC), and Paula Greenberg, President and CEO of Women’s Health Connecticut.
Tiffany and Paula discuss CHC’s annual summit, The Changing Landscape of Women’s Health, taking place September 16 at the 1635 Club at Hartford Athletic. Women’s Health Connecticut is serving as a Presenting Partner of the event along with Deloitte.
The conversation explores why women’s health was chosen as the focus of this year’s summit, highlights leading services and innovations available to women across Connecticut, and examines how healthcare has become a major economic driver in the state.
Beyond a Library: Hartford Public Library
This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Hartford Public Library (HPL) President and CEO Bridget Quinn, Hartford History Center and Digital Library Lab Manager Leon Ha, and HPL Studios Manager Aaron Hillard.
Bridget, Leon, and Aaron provide an overview of Hartford Public Library and discuss how HPL serves as much more than a traditional library. They also highlight innovative spaces within the recently renovated Downtown Library, including the Digital Library Lab and HPL Studios.
A Look at Real Art Ways
(8/20/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Will Wilkins, Executive Director, and Winnie Wong, Director of Marketing and Communications at Real Art Ways.
Will and Winnie discuss Real Art Ways’ role as a cultural anchor in Hartford’s Parkville neighborhood, reflect on its 50-year history, and share updates on the organization’s expansion project, set for completion in mid-2027.
A Preview of Hartford Stage’s Upcoming Season!
This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Melia Bensussen, Artistic Director of Hartford Stage. Melia shares a preview of the 2026/2027 lineup of plays and discusses how theatre serves as both an economic driver and a powerful way to bring people together, regardless of background.
AI Transformations in the Workplace
(7/16/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by BJ Kito, President and CSO of Rebellion Group, and Grant Flannery, Head of Strategy.
BJ and Grant explore how AI is transforming the workplace, from using tools to better understand customers more efficiently to applying strong judgment in asking the right questions and expanding what AI can do. They also discuss the AI tools currently in development at Rebellion Group, which combine behavioral intelligence with organizational knowledge, and share their perspective on what the future of business and marketing could look like as these technologies take shape.
A Preview of TheaterWorks Hartford’s 26/27 Season
(7/9/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Rob Ruggiero, Artistic Director at TheaterWorks Hartford. Rob reflects on the success of the 25/26 Season as it comes to a close—a milestone year that marked TheaterWorks’ 40th anniversary. He also offers a preview of the 26/27 Season, which opens October 8 and features a diverse lineup of stories centered on family dynamics.
HYPE Celebrates 20 Years
(7/2/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) Executive Director Lauren Zevetchin hosts a reunion of HYPE leaders from across the past 20 years—founder Julie Daly Meehan, former Executive Director Kim Bishop (2016-2018), 2015 Chair Adam McLaughlin, and current Ambassador Saskia Butler.
Tune in as the group revisits HYPE’s evolution and shares exciting details about the 20th Anniversary Celebration coming up on July 16 on Pratt Street.
Hartford’s Growing Film Industry
(6/25/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we discuss Hartford's thriving arts scene with Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam and TJ Noel-Sullivan, Founder and Director/Producer of the Hartford Film Company. We dive into what the state's burgeoning film industry looks like today, its workforce development potential as the ecosystem continues to disperse across the country, and ways to watch CT-made films during the Long Weekend celebration happening in Hartford on July 1-5.
The Economic Impact of Travelers Championship
(6/18/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we are joined by Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers; Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship; Robin Kulasekararaj, Portfolio Head of the Insurance Business Unit at Cognizant; and David Griggs, President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance.
Andy and Nathan return to discuss the Travelers Championship, joined by Robin and David for a deeper look at the tournament’s economic impact. Robin highlights why Cognizant, a Founding Partner for Travelers Championship, continues to invest in the event every year, while the group explores how the tournament’s growing scale elevates both the Hartford region and the state of Connecticut on a national stage. They also discuss how the region can continue leveraging major events like the Travelers Championship to drive economic growth and vibrancy.
A Preview of Travelers Championship 2026
(6/11/26) This week on Pulse of the Region, we’re joined by Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers, and Nathan Grube, Tournament Director of the Travelers Championship.
Andy and Nathan take us inside what to expect at this year’s Travelers Championship, returning June 22–28 to TPC River Highlands in Cromwell. They share updates that will elevate the fan experience—including a redesigned wayfinder map to help visitors navigate the course with ease—and reflect on how the tournament has grown into a signature PGA Tour event. We also explore how the Travelers Championship has become a powerful showcase for Connecticut’s talent, hospitality, and community spirit, drawing national attention to the region.