What difference can one person make?
In the case of Westport, Connecticut, one person’s vision and dedication have shaped the town's culture and identity for over five decades. That person is Dan Woog, a man whose life's work has been a legacy of advocacy, storytelling, and community-building—transforming Westport into what it is today.
In this compelling episode of What Do I Know?, host Bill Shakos sits down with Dan, who has spent over 55 years as a student, journalist, soccer coach, author, and community advocate. Together, they explore Dan’s journey from a young writer to a pioneering force in Westport’s social fabric.
In This Episode:
A Lifelong Calling to Write: From his first column in high school to his bylines at the Westport News and the publication of 17 books, Dan shares how writing became a channel for documenting and influencing Westport’s evolution.
Building a Digital Legacy: For 15 years, Dan has run 06880 Where Westport Meets the World, a nonprofit blog that’s become a central hub for community stories, featuring over 18,000 articles and 100+ video podcasts.
Championing LGBTQ+ Advocacy: As a trailblazer for Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in Connecticut, Dan reflects on his groundbreaking work in 1993, when he founded the first GSA in the state while also coming out as gay. His advocacy continues in his books and research on the intersection of sexuality, school life, and sports.
Time Machines & Messages in Bottles: With a focus on paying it forward, Dan shares insights into what advice he’d give his younger self—and what guidance he would offer the Westport of 2050.
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