Shows / Connections Podcast
Connections Podcast
Evan Dawson talks about what matters to you on Connections. Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections. For transcripts, please email our Move to Include team with a link to the episode.
Episodes
- Connections Podcast
Genesee River Watch: Keeping tabs on this natural resource
If you have been downtown lately, you’ve seen all the changes underway along Rochester’s riverfront. New and improved parks, public gathering spots, trails…
- Connections Podcast
Local brewers celebrate, despite challenging times
Brewers from around the state are gathering at the Rochester Public Market on Friday night for the Flour City Brewers Fest, an annual celebration of craft…
- Connections Podcast
What will help families most when it comes to affording basic necessities?
Which expense is most difficult for your family to afford? That question was raised during a recent public hearing hosted by New York State's Child Poverty…
- Connections Podcast
Understanding patterns of abusers
Ohio Congressman Max Miller has denied allegations that he abused his ex-wife and their young daughter. Evidence that he has tried to marshal in his own…
- Connections Podcast
'Our work...must be brave:' Fashion Week Rochester and supporting local youth in crisis
Fashion Week Rochester is back this fall, and it's being reimagined a bit this year. What hasn't changed is its mission: the event has always been about…
- Connections Podcast
'Connections on the Road:' How to create healthier neighborhoods for everyone
We welcome a live audience as we bring the show to Ibero-American Action League's Community Resource Center, located in the El Camino neighborhood of…
- Connections Podcast
TikTok star and best-selling author Jonathan Graziano and his dog, Milton
This hour, we welcome a human guest and his canine co-panelist. You may know TikTok star Jonathan Graziano for his "Bones or No Bones" videos with his late…
- Connections Podcast
Understanding cuts to SNAP and more
Thousands of people in the Rochester region are losing SNAP benefits due to new federal guidelines. According to reporting by WXXI's Noelle Evans, the Monroe…
- Connections Podcast
Community leaders address weekend violence in Rochester
What should local leaders do to prevent violence in the community? Zahnia Barr, 14, and Shakara Green, 35, were killed last weekend in two separate incidents…
- Connections Podcast
CITY Magazine's 2026 'Rochester Ten'
"They always come back home." That's how CITY Magazine editor-in-chief Leah Stacy describes CITY's 2026 "Rochester Ten" cohort. The annual list celebrates…
- Connections Podcast
Former public health director helps launch new healthcare model in Rochester
Dr. Michael Mendoza is the senior medical director for the new Town Square Health Rochester office. The practice caters to seniors and recently began accepting…
- Connections Podcast
Nazareth University's new president on the state of higher education
We sit down Maureen Finney, the new president of Nazareth University. As reported by WXXI’s Noelle Evans, Finney takes the helm of the institution at a time…
- Connections Podcast
Veterans on the U.S.-Iran war and what is owed to American service members
With the U.S.-Iran ceasefire falling apart — and as the war expands — what is owned to American service members and their families in terms of communication…
- Connections Podcast
Puerto Rican Festival aims to reach younger Latinos, bridge generational gaps
Rochester's Puerto Rican Festival is back. The 56th annual celebration runs Thursday through Saturday, and organizers say they expect it to bring thousands of…
- Connections Podcast
Sen. Samra Brouk on the 2026-2027 NYS budget; the state of Black maternal health
We’re joined by Senator Samra Brouk. It’s the latest in our series of conversations about New York’s 2026-2027 budget. The senator discusses a number of budget…
- Connections Podcast
Bluegrass Ambassadors: How one band is bridging cultural divides through music
"Diplomacy isn't just for diplomats." That's according to the bluegrass band, the Henhouse Prowlers. The band has traveled to more than two dozen nations…
- Connections Podcast
Nancy Spielberg and the Jewish Film Festival; teens with the Rochester Teen Film Festival
Filmmaker Nancy Spielberg is our guest in the first segment of this hour on local film festivals. The noted producer will be in Rochester on Tuesday for a…
- Connections Podcast
Getting close to nature — in the city
The city of Rochester is celebrating the opening of its first nature center, located in a historic building in Maplewood Park. The idea is to bring children…
- Connections Podcast
Assemblymember Sarah Clark on the 2026-2027 NYS budget
We continue our series of conversations with local state lawmakers about New York's 2026-2027 budget. Our guest this hour is Assemblymember Sarah Clark. Her…
- Connections Podcast
Getting a job – and keeping a job – is not what it used to be
Unexpected job loss. Chaos in the workforce. Changing rules. The work environment for teens and 20-somethings looks a lot different than it did for previous…
- Connections Podcast
Assemblymember Josh Jensen on the 2026-2027 NYS budget
The new state budget was nearly two months late when it was passed, and New York lawmakers are sharing their perspectives on the process, what's included, and…
- Connections Podcast
Why do conspiracy theories spread so quickly?
When we recently learned that Senator Lindsey Graham had died and that Senator Mitch McConnell was having health problems, conspiracy theories flourished…
- Connections Podcast
A new book tells the story of immigration, assimilation, and the personal stories of American Jews
"The Settlement Cook Book" was published in 1901 and quickly became a kind of guidebook for Jews who had come to America. In her new book, "Recipes for the…
- Connections Podcast
Assemblymember Andrea Bailey on the 2026-2027 NYS budget
We continue our series of conversations about the New York State budget with Assemblymember Andrea Bailey. She joins us in the studio to discuss the size of…
- Connections Podcast
What is patriotism in 2026?
What does American patriotism look like in 2026? According to a recent Gallup poll, patriotism hit a 25-year record low this year, with one-third of…
- Connections Podcast
Is Congress too old?
Is Congress too old? Some are asking that following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the health questions surrounding Sen. Mitch McConnell. The average…
- Connections Podcast
Assemblymember Jen Lunsford on the 2026-2027 NYS budget
We kick off our series of conversations about the New York State budget with Assemblymember Jen Lunsford. She shares her takeaways regarding auto insurance…
- Connections Podcast
Rochester native Barry Walters launches his book on LGBTQ music
"Mighty Real: A history of LGBTQ music, 1969-2000" is the culmination of Barry Walters’ forty years of writing for the Village Voice, Spin and Rolling Stone…
- Connections Podcast
Talking to young people about cannabis
The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) recently released its Listen and Learn Report, a comprehensive look at how young people across New York…
- Connections Podcast
Animal shelters and rescue groups face growing challenges
According to the founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting animal welfare organizations, the nation’s animal shelters are in…
- Connections Podcast
When good fences are not enough, how to deal with your challenging neighbors
We discuss how neighborhood conflicts tend to increase during the summer, when the windows are open and people are outside, and how to handle the most common…
- Connections Podcast
Finger Lakes Opera tackles the human cost of war
We explore a unique partnership between Finger Lakes Opera and the Veterans Outreach Center. The organizations are teaming up to present "Glory Denied," an…
- Connections Podcast
Indigenous perspectives on the American Revolution
As the country acknowledges America's 250th birthday, scholars are re-examining different facets of U.S. history. SUNY Geneseo is gearing up for a discussion…
- Connections Podcast
Trump administration loses its bid to revoke birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court of the United States has upheld the legal concept of birthright citizenship. But it was not a unanimous decision. We sit down with legal…
- Connections Podcast
What does the Rochester City Mark say about the Flower/Flour City?
It's everywhere: from big city signs to the side of recycling bins to tattooed on people's bodies. The City Mark is one of Rochester's most recognizable…
- Connections Podcast
The effort to diversify nonprofit boards of directors
Who gets a seat at the table when the decisions that shape our communities are made? Many of those decisions happen in a place most of us rarely think about…
- Connections Podcast
Who are the greatest living American songwriters?
Recently, the New York Times and its music critics caused a bit of a dustup with its "30 Greatest Living American Songwriters" list. Tough assignment — and no…
- Connections Podcast
'The Extraordinary Caterpillar'
Before they become butterflies or moths, caterpillars play a critical role in supporting biodiversity within our ecosystem. These creatures are a food source…
- Connections Podcast
Reclaiming the 'hood'
This year marks the second season for the Hood 2 Hood Basketball Tournament. Every Sunday for the duration of the summer, neighborhood teams will meet at…
- Connections Podcast
Shootings in Rochester drop, but illegal guns remain an issue
Shootings in Rochester have dropped significantly in recent years. According to reportingfrom WXXI's Gino Fanelli, in the first six months of this year, there…
- Connections Podcast
What does it mean to be inclusively playful?
What is the value of play? WXXI education reporter Noelle Evans guest hosts this episode. Her guests are experts in play, and they say it's powerful: it can…
- Connections Podcast
Freedom Walk examines Rochester's role on the Underground Railroad
Rochester was a noted stop on the Underground Railroad, and now, you can be part of an event retracing a route from Maryland to Canada. #FreedomWalk2026 is…
- Connections Podcast
Danielle Ponder on her new song, 'Power'
International music star and Rochester native Danielle Ponder is back in town. She'll headline the Rochester Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, where she'll…
- Connections Podcast
'Superteams' explores how to reduce burnout and increase team performance
What do the best teams do differently? It's a question that's at the heart of a new book by social psychologist Ron Friedman. In "Superteams," Friedman…
- Connections Podcast
Iranian Americans react to the deal
With the Trump administration trumpeting the end of the war in Iran, we sit down with local Iranian Americans. Our panelists did not all agree on whether to…
- Connections Podcast
Behind the scenes of 'Antiques Roadshow'
"Antiques Roadshow" is coming to the Rochester area! The popular PBS series will visit Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford on Wednesday.* Three…
- Connections Podcast
'Funny Stuff: How Comedy Shaped American History'
What are the some of the most culturally significant pieces of comedy in American history? A Marx Brothers film? A Carol Burnett sketch? An infamous puffy…
- Connections Podcast
What's the big deal about microplastics?
Microplastics are everywhere – in our water, in our food, and in our bodies. And while they are often the subject of headlines and new stories, researchers say…
- Connections Podcast
Previewing the 2026 Rochester International Jazz Festival
It's Jazz Fest season! The Route's Hannah Maier is in the host chair this hour for a preview of the 2026 Rochester International Jazz Festival. This year's…
- Connections Podcast
Candidates in the Democratic primary for New York Senate District 54
The June primary is just over two weeks away. Democrats in the 54th Senate District will see two names on the ballot when they head to the polls: Scott Comegys…
- Connections Podcast
Forever Wild: How to manage record crowds in the Adirondacks
The Adirondack Mountains are becoming an increasingly popular destination. We examine how this impacts the forest preserve, which the state Constitution…
- Connections Podcast
Leigh Ann Henion on her book, 'Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark'
While we sleep, the creatures of the nocturnal world work their magic. In her book, "Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels…
- Connections Podcast
The publishing puzzle: Local authors on how to reach readers
How difficult is it to publish a book? It's a nuanced question, especially when there are different avenues for aspiring writers to explore. This hour, guest…
- Connections Podcast
State of Monroe County; NYS legislative session wraps; America's 250th
Guest host Julie Philipp leads our weekly news roundup with WXXI journalists. First, deputy editor Jeremy Moule shares the latest from Monroe County. He…
- Connections Podcast
Keeping fights out of Ontario Beach Park
Recent fights among teenagers at Ontario Beach Park and the Lilac Festival have local leaders looking for answers. Guest host Julie Philipp sits down with…
- Connections Podcast
'Connections on the Road:' Youth mental health
"Connections" goes on the road this hour. A live audience joins us from the Early Learning Center in Greece, where we discuss youth mental health. We bring you…
- Connections Podcast
From the classroom to the arena: Rochester students take on robotics challenges
Rochester City School District (RCSD) students are gearing up for a weekend of competition. The second annual RCSD Flower City Frenzy Robotics Competition will…
- Connections Podcast
Raj Goyle, candidate for New York State comptroller
We continue our coverage of the Democratic primary for New York State comptroller. Raj Goyle is a former Kansas legislator. He is now seeking to serve as New…
- Connections Podcast
Sharing life lessons across generations
What can young people learn from the wisdom of seniors? And what can older adults learn from students? Two local programs are pairing young people with senior…
- Connections Podcast
Why is gun violence declining?
In Rochester, gun violence is on a downward trend. Those who work in gun violence prevention are concerned about the dangers of forgetting. That’s their way of…