Family: My wife.

Pets: We have a cat.

How did you meet your wife? I was helping someone — an AIDS patient who was too depressed to maintain herself any more, so I dragged her to the hospital for her own good — and my future wife was the person administering treatment to said patient.

Work: I am self-employed. I work at senior centers and assisted living communities, libraries, and other such venues across western Connecticut, giving lectures on historic subjects. I have about 250 presentations, and I’m constantly creating new content. I also have a practice in psychotherapy in Milford and Monroe. I see clients on the weekends, and during the week at their homes.

What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be happy in a family life because I was distinctly not in a happy family life. That became my primary goal in life: to never live the way my parents were living.

Favorite authors? Thomas Sowell and Thomas Jefferson.

What was the most recent book you’ve read? Tripoli Pirates by Brian Kilmeade.

If you could spend the day with one person, living or deceased, who would you choose and why? Thomas Jefferson. He, particularly among his contemporaries, was so well learned — although personally conflicted — that it would be an inspiration to have insights from him.

Do you have a favorite podcast? I follow a friend who is launching a new career, and she has a podcast called “Chatting with My Cat.” She was the one who introduced me to social media. I follow her just to see what she’s going to come up with more than anything else.

What do you enjoy watching? I watch a lot of historical videos and I find it fascinating, the stuff that’s on social media. Sometimes it’s cringing, and sometimes it’s extraordinarily well done. One just has to have the discipline to be able to scroll until you find something worthwhile of your time — just like anything else that has that level of freedom. It’s like the Wild West. It brings out the worst and it brings out the best.

Favorite music? I like Led Zeppelin and classical music. I love Vivaldi.

What is something you cannot live without? My peace.

What is your proudest accomplishment? Surviving.

Favorite season? Fall.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given? You might as well do what you think is right and not worry about the criticism, because you’re going to be criticized anyway.

What is your favorite thing about Newtown? It’s got a good vibe. I like the historic district. I like any town that’s maintained a level of self pride. I think the people of Newtown have a sense of self pride.

Do you have a personal credo? I want to apply my God-given skills to make a difference in this world.