Connections with Evan Dawson: Featured Audio

Forever Wild: How to manage record crowds in the Adirondacks

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

The Adirondack Mountains are becoming an increasingly popular destination. We examine how this impacts the forest preserve, which the state Constitution requires to be kept “forever wild.” Guest host Julie Philipp sits down with officials from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club to find out what is being done to manage the influx of visitors and how we can help protect this natural resource. Our guests also talk about hiking safety and the Love Our New York Lands campaign. Our guests:

Katie Petronas, deputy commissioner for natural resources for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Josh Clague, forester and forest preserve and conservation chief for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Cortney Koenig Worrall, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club
Sarah Mastro, outdoor expo chair of the Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club
Mark Brand, forest ranger for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Leigh Ann Henion on her book, 'Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark'

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

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 of the Dark," New York Times bestselling author Leigh Ann Henion examines how forest logging, light pollution, and other human activities harm the diversity and habitats of animals and insects that depend on the darkness to navigate, hunt, and communicate. Henion will be a guest of the Western New York Land Conservancy later this week, but first, she joins guest host Julie Philipp on "Connections" to discuss what humans can do to protect these creatures of the night — and how that protection can, in turn, preserve the health of the environment. Our guests:

Leigh Ann Henion, author of "Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark" and "Phenomenal: A Hesitant Adventurer’s Search for Wonder in the Natural World"
Marisa Riggi, executive director of the Western New York Land Conservancy
Wayne Gall, Ph.D., retired entomologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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The publishing puzzle: Local authors on how to reach readers

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

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 host Julie Philipp sits down with local authors to talk about what new writers face when they're trying to get their books in the hands of readers. How do authors go about finding an audience? How can they attract the attention of agents? What about indie and self-publishing? And what does it all mean for readers who are looking for new voices? Our guests discuss it. In studio:

Aries J, author of "Journey to Womanhood: A Poetic Rite of Passage," and founder of Just Write Experience
Tyler Barton, artistic director of Writers & Books

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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State of Monroe County; NYS legislative session wraps; America's 250th

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Guest host Julie Philipp leads our weekly news roundup with WXXI journalists. First, deputy editor Jeremy Moule shares the latest from Monroe County. He reviews County Executive Adam Bello's State of the County and his assessment of the local economy and public safety. Then, Capitol Bureau reporter Samuel King joins us from Albany with a wrap up of the legislative session and a push from lawmakers to pass a one-year moratorium on new data center projects in the state. We explore what it all means for New Yorkers. We end the week with a look at America's story. The upcoming 2026 Arts Connecxions Festival celebrates America's 250th birthday. Our guests discuss how music, poetry, and history lessons shape our understanding of freedom. Our guests:

Jeremy Moule, deputy editor with WXXI News
Samuel King, Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network
Christine L. Ridarsky, historian for Rochester and Monroe County
Eric Townell, artistic director of the Rochester Oratorio Society
X’zaya Ivy, operatic soprano and music teacher

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Keeping fights out of Ontario Beach Park

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

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 Monroe County Legislature President Yversha Roman and representatives from Teen Empowerment to talk about safety concerns and possible solutions, stereotypes, and the realities related to why young people are behaving in dangerous ways. Our guests:

Yversha Roman, president of the Monroe County Legislature, District 26
Shanterra Mitchum, program director at Teen Empowerment
Freemonta Strong, associate program coordinator at Teen Empowerment

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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'Connections on the Road:' Youth mental health

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

"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 multiple perspectives, including the voices of teenagers. Our guests share the challenges they are seeing in the youth mental health space, and we hear how local nonprofit organizations like the Center for Youth are teaming up with Greece Central School District to help. Our guests:

Jada Vazquez, senior at Phoenix Academy and youth judge for Teen Court
Elaine Spaull, executive director of the Center for Youth
Kelly Sperduto, director of community schools for the Greece Central School District
Jimmy Duong, junior at Greece Olympia High School and student representative for the Greece Central School District Board of Education
Shannon Heller, Ed.D., principal of the Greece Community Early Learning Center in the Greece Central School District
Andrea McKenna, assistant director of community schools for the Center for Youth

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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From the classroom to the arena: Rochester students take on robotics challenges

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Rochester City School District (RCSD) students are gearing up for a weekend of competition. The second annual RCSD Flower City Frenzy Robotics Competition will be held on Saturday at East High School. In recent years, NPR has referred to robotics as a sport that builds the next generation of engineers. We talk with the students about the robots they've built, the skills they've learned, and how they hope to transfer their experiences beyond school walls, especially in the age of AI. Our guests:

Sheldon Cox, executive director of career and technical education at the Rochester City School District
Vicki Robertson, First Robotics mentor for the X-Cats at Wilson Magnet High School
Daniel Newland, senior at Padilla High School and member of the electrical/programming team for XQ Robotics
Charimar Colon, sophomore at Padilla High School and member of the mechanical/build team for XQ Robotics
Noor Hussein, senior at Joseph C. Wilson High School and a robot driver/software lead for the X-Cats
Angel Rios, sophomore at Joseph C. Wilson High School and a drive team coach and electrical lead for the X-Cats
Izaya Sandsan, sophomore at East High School and a robot builder and controller for the Crimson Jewels

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Raj Goyle, candidate for New York State comptroller

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

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 York's chief financial officer. This hour, we talk with Goyle about his background and experience, the often misunderstood role of the comptroller, and the office's role on the daily lives of New Yorkers. Our guest:

Raj Goyle, candidate for New York State comptroller

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Sharing life lessons across generations

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:00:00 -0000

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 citizens so members of different generations can benefit from the other’s experience. We hear from participants about what they’ve learned from each other. Our guests:

Rachel Hucko, middle school music teacher at Allendale Columbia School
Kate Hucko, seventh grader at Allendale Columbia School
Rafaela Agi Maluli, seventh grader at Allendale Columbia School
Sue Covel, resident at St. John's
Marie Kamin, volunteer services coordinator at St. John's
David Watkins, executive director of hospitality at St. John's
Daniel Santiago, job coach at Edison Career and Technology High School

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Why is gun violence declining?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:00 -0000

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 saying that the community cannot afford to become complacent. This hour, a local gun violence prevention counselor talks about what is actually working on the street, and what is not. In studio:

Justin Morris, founder and CEO of Untrapped Ministries

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

In the month of May, the nation recognizes the cultural and historical contributions of people of Asian American descent and individuals from the Pacific Islands by honoring how they have helped shape our society. WXXI commemorates AAPI Heritage Month by spotlighting community members who trace their lineage back to Asia and the Pacific Islands, but now call Rochester home. Three of them sit down with guest host Racquel Stephen to tell how they are doing their part to make the community better. In studio:

Mimi Hwang, cellist, assistant professor of chamber music at Eastman School of Music, and artistic director of the Rochester chapter of the "If Music Be the Food..." concert series
Joanna Ra, co-founder and program director of AGAPE Black Belt Center and president of the Rochester chapter of Asian Pacific American Public Affairs
John Ra, chief master instructor and founder of AGAPE Black Belt Center and former chairman of the Rochester chapter of Asian Pacific American Public Affairs

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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The growth of women in farming

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 28 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

This year has been declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer, but farming remains one of the most male-dominated occupations in the nation. Some argue, though, that women were indeed the first agriculturalists, but over the years, institutional and social barriers like fair wages, the design of farm equipment and childcare have limited their contributions. But despite the inequities, a recent American Farmland Trust report shows that the number of women choosing farming as an occupation is expected to increase. On today's show, guest host Racquel Stephen will talk to three local female farmers to dissect these challenges and to answer the question: “What does the future of agriculture look like?” In studio:

Stephanie Castle, program manager for Senior Northeast Women for the Land Program, American Farmland Trust
Amanda M.S. Grisa, farmer and co-owner of Schenk Homestead Farm
Kyli Stevens, co-owner of Fire Creek Farms

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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As Rochester struggles to address homelessness, the shelter system steps up

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Last year, the Rochester area saw its highest count of homeless individuals since at least 2007. Shelters are often overcrowded, and street homeless are becoming more visible. Guest host Gino Fanelli explores what the shelter system is doing to meet demand, and what resources are still needed. In studio:

Amy D’Amico, housing advocate and founder of Rochester Grants Pass Resistance
Anna Valeria, president of Livingston Impact Advisors
Mercedes Vazquez Simmons, president and founding member of Sister Grace’s homeless shelter La Madonna Della Strada

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Summer movie preview

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Summer movie season is officially here with a lineup of blockbusters, horror titles, and indie gems. The summer season will largely be defined by "The Odyssey" — Christopher Nolan's epic follow-up to his Oscar-winning 2023 film, "Oppenheimer." The father of the summer blockbuster, Steven Spielberg, is also back with "Disclosure Day," a new sci-fi romp. Another seasonal trend? Summer horror. Indie titles ("Backrooms," "Leviticus") from up-and-coming directors who delight in the dark terrors of the human mind vie to become the year's surprise hits. Guest host Scott Pukos breaks it all down this hour with his guests:

Johanna Lester, pop culture critic for CITY Magazine
Adam Lubitow, programmer for The Little Theatre and director of programming for the Anomaly Film Festival
Cielo Ornelas MacFarlane, local cinephile and visual artist
Matt Passantino, film critic and writer for CITY Magazine and member of the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association (GWNYFCA)

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Music as medicine: How the arts can heal

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

"Musick has Charms to sooth a savage Breast,
To soften Rocks, or bend a knotted Oak." (William Congreve)

It is often said that music is healing, but what are some ways that this truism plays out in practice? Jon Batiste recently collaborated with Joanne Loewy of Mount Sinai on a study that advances “social music” as a prescription for better health outcomes. That's just one angle. This hour, guest host Mona Seghatoleslami talks about the benefits of music on healing and health, particularly mental health, in our community and world. We discuss music therapy and expressive arts with Jennifer Philips, a board-certified music therapist and neurologic music therapist, specializing in early intervention, elder care, and neurorehabilitation. She is also chair of the Expressive Arts Department at the Hochstein School. Annika Bentley shares her experiences as a classical choral musician and singer/songwriter, focusing on the upcoming Mount Hope World Singers concerts, "Bright Threads." The program reinterprets historical and cultural examples of music used for healing, and centers on themes of shared humanity and restorative connection. We also talk with Gaelen McCormick, director of the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine Center, who dives into the work that she and her colleagues are doing at the intersections of music and medicine. In studio:

Jennifer R. Phillips, MT-BC, board-certified music therapist and department chair of Expressive Arts and Music FUNdamentals at The Hochstein School
Annika Bentley, artistic director of Mount Hope World Singers
Gaelen McCormick, director of Eastman Performing Arts Medicine at the University of Rochester

This story is reported from WXXI's Inclusion Desk.

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Rochester Cocktail Revival returns

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

When Rochester had its first Cocktail Revival years ago, the organizers aspired to put Rochester on the nation’s cocktail map. The newest edition includes tastings, teachings, and artistic challenges. We explore the growth of the event, even while fewer Americans are drinking alcohol. Our guests:

Leah Stacy, producer of Rochester Cocktail Revival and editor-in-chief of CITY Magazine
Chuck Cerankosky, director of Rochester Cocktail Revival
Patrick Stetzel, co-owner of Ziggy’s
Caroline Pardilla, author of "Margarita Time" and digital content editor of Imbibe Magazine

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Local Islamic leaders on the deadly San Diego mosque shooting

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

A shooting at a mosque in San Diego has rocked the Islamic community. We talk to local Islamic leaders about responding to violence. Our guests:

Sareer Fazili, former president of the Islamic Center of Rochester
Abu Saeed Islam, former president of the Islamic Center of Rochester

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Ukrainian artists create beauty amid tragedy

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

"When war touches an artist’s life directly, how does it change what feels necessary to say or impossible to ignore?" That's a question local Ukrainian-born photographer Elena Dilai asked herself as she watched Russia's war tear her native country apart. She says she and her fellow Ukrainian artists didn't set out to make "war art," but as the fighting touched their families, their language, and their sense of home, they felt compelled to respond creatively. This hour, we sit down with Dilai and two of her colleagues to discuss how artists process war, the conflicting emotions that can come with creating beauty out of catastrophe, and what audiences can learn from art that's rooted in private emotion. In studio:

Elena Dilai, fine art and portrait photographer and owner of Elena Dilai Photography, LLC
Olena Kondrashova, Ukrainian artist and photographer
Olena Prokopovych, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and director of the Political Science Undergraduate Program in History, Politics, and Law at Nazareth University

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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A contentious debate about two old school buildings, part 2

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Rochester City Council voted Tuesday night on what to do with two vacant city school district buildings — specifically, a proposal that would allow for the sale of two buildings to charter schools. Council voted to sell one building and not the other. We sit down with three Council members to discuss their votes. In studio:

Mary Lupien, member of Rochester City Council
Chiara "KeeKee" Smith, member of Rochester City Council
Stanley Martin, member of Rochester City Council

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Local students team up with NASA astronauts

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

We're joined by two local high school students who recently returned from Houston, where they met with NASA astronauts. Sloane Keller and Luke Schulte are students at Fairport High School who participated in the NASA HUNCH program. The initiative pairs NASA mentors with students who research solutions to real-world problems faced by NASA. This hour, we talk with the students and their mentors about their work on a lunar sample container, their trip to Texas, meeting the Artemis II crew, and more. Our guests:

Sloane Keller, sophomore at Fairport High School and participant in the NASA HUNCH program
Luke Schulte, junior at Fairport High School and participant in the NASA HUNCH program
Donna Himmelberg, chemistry teacher and NASA advisor at Fairport High School
Florence Gold, project manager for NASA HUNCH Academy
Gene Gordon, former NASA HUNCH mentor and retired Fairport Central School District Teacher

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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New Yorker cover artist Harry Bliss on his memoir, 'You Can Never Die'

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

In the first few pages of his debut graphic memoir, cartoonist and New Yorker cover artist Harry Bliss writes that his intention with the book is to establish intimacy with his readers. "You Can Never Die" is rooted in his heartbreak over the loss of his dog, Penny. In his exploration of his grief, Bliss revisits emotional moments over the course of his life: growing up in Henrietta, in a family where physical discipline was the norm; a defining moment in middle school, during which he says he learned about empathy; finding stability in art; the loss of his parents; and more. His writing and illustrations capture the joys and sorrows of being human. Bliss will give a talk at Bleak House Books later this month, but first, he joins us on "Connections." Our guest:

Harry Bliss, cartoonist and New Yorker cover artist

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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AI in the arts: Does technology strengthen or silence the creative process?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 18 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Technology enhances many aspects of our lives, but when it comes to the arts, some artists say it can be a threat. Artificial intelligence, in particular, is changing how works are created and how certain disciplines are taught. We discuss it all with local experts in literature, publishing, music, and more.

Michael Solis, executive director of Writers & Books
Peter Conners, publisher and executive director of Boa Editions
Zahyia Rolle, singer, songwriter, and musician

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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What is a "K-shaped economy" and how does it affect you?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 18 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Economist Eric Morris is our guest, talking about the "K-shaped economy." He explains how and why recent economic challenges in this country are not affecting people equally. In studio:

Eric Morris, portfolio manager and staff economist for Alesco Advisors, an ESL company

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Fight over Irondequoit Mall space; school budget votes; celebrating the Rochester Subway

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 15 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

It's our weekly news roundup. The future of the former Irondequoit Mall is up for debate. WXXI's Brian Sharp has the latest with the court fight over development of the space. Then, school districts across the Rochester area are putting their annual budgets up to vote on May 19, but they're doing so against a background of uncertainty. That's according to reporting from WXXI's Noelle Evans. She brings us the latest from local districts. We end the week with a conversation about the Rochester Subway. Yes....you read that correctly. If you're under the age of 70, you didn't have an opportunity to ride the subway, which shut down in 1956. But you can still see one of the cars as it undergoes restoration at the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum. We discuss how the subway shaped Rochester's history and what we can learn from it, and we talk about how you can get involved with upcoming events celebrating the subway system.

Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News
Noelle E. C. Evans, education reporter/producer for WXXI News
Otto M. Vondrak, marketing manager for the Rochester Subway Gala

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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'15 minutes saved my life.' How changes in stroke care are transforming lives

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Time is of the essence when it comes to treating a stroke. A local man learned that earlier this year when he had a stroke in his home. Josh Graves says his life was saved thanks to the University of Rochester Medical Center's Mobile Stroke Unit. On Friday, URMC is lifting the curtain on a new mobile unit. Leaders say it will help improve the region's rapid stroke response capabilities, leading to even better outcomes for patients. We talk with clinicians about how stroke care is changing, and we hear from Graves, who shares his remarkable story. In studio:

Adam Kelly, M.D., professor of neurology at the University of Rochester Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center, associate chair for teleneurology and regional programs, and director of the University of Rochester Medicine Telestroke Program
Tarun Bhalla, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurosurgery at the University of Rochester Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Center
Josh Graves, stroke survivor

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Challenging the legitimacy of standardized testing

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

A group of Rochester teachers and retired educators is preparing to host an event with a mission: to rally the public against standardized testing. They describe the exams as “high stakes” and will make the case for different ways to assess students. We discuss how they would change student assessment. In studio:

Dan Drmacich, coordinator of the Rochester Coalition for Public Education, retired principal of School without Walls, consultant for the NYS Performance Standards Consortium, and member of the RASE Education Committee
Ed Donnelly, member of the Rochester Coalition for Public Education, retired special education, elementary and high school teacher with the Hilton Central School District, and member of the Rochester International Academy Advisory Council

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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'I don't call it out because I still need you to be my doctor.' Local woman explains ableism in healthcare

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 13 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

A local woman says she learned early on that being understood in a doctor’s office isn’t guaranteed. Jeiri Flores has cerebral palsy, and as she told WXXI's Noelle Evans in a recent episode of the Move to Include Podcast, her healthcare experience has meant constantly navigating Medicaid limits, confusing private insurance, and providers who don’t have experience with disabled bodies. This hour, we bring you the full podcast episode, where Flores shares her story and her experience advocating for her needs. In studio:

Noelle E. C. Evans, host of the Move to Include Podcast and education reporter/producer for WXXI News
Sarah Murphy Abbamonte, project manager for Move to Include

This story is reported from WXXI's Inclusion Desk.

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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What could a possible American invasion mean for Cuba?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

A recent U.S. congressional delegation returned from a trip to Cuba, offering a warning. The Democrats on the delegation said that U.S. sanctions are crippling Cuban energy and the economy. They warned that an American invasion could cause more suffering. But some Cuban Americans are rooting for regime change. We discuss how the Cuban diaspora views the possible conflict to come. In studio:

Jason Barber, site manager for the International Plaza, Ibero-American Development Corporation
Luis Martínez, management consultant and former candidate for NYS Senate

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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New program encourages forgoing phones to help forge friendships

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Scroll less, connect more." That's advice from Compeer Rochester. The nonprofit launched a new program to help volunteers and community members spend less time on screens, build real-life friendships, and reduce social isolation. We talk with the organizers of the program and people who have benefited from it. In studio:

Sara Passamonte, CEO of Compeer Rochester
Jerry Grimshaw, youth engagement specialist at Compeer Rochester
Stefan Hurd, youth and family engagement specialist at Compeer Rochester
Adam Bellave, volunteer with the "Scroll Less, Connect More" program at Compeer Rochester
Dan Ofsowitz, participant in the "Scroll Less, Connect More" program at Compeer Rochester

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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The risks of overstretching the American military

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

With the U.S. military stretched thin around the world, some international observers are concerned that American adversaries will try to take advantage. That could mean Russia targeting NATO or China targeting Taiwan. We discuss the current situation and the risks that could be ahead. In studio:

Randy Stone, Ph.D., professor of political science and director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Let’s talk about (not having) sex

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 11 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Sex therapist Eleni Economides hears it all the time: Clients aren’t having sex. Some want to have more; some dread sex. The struggles are real, and she takes us through what the audience can learn about libido, desire, and healthy relationships. In studio:

Eleni Economides, licensed marriage and family therapist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and sex and intimacy coach for women

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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The journalist who saw the AI threat coming

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

Back in 2014, James Barrat got mixed reviews for his book, "Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era." He was one of the first guests on "Connections," and he posed a scenario that might have seemed far-fetched at the time: What if AI surpasses human intelligence in the next decade? Twelve years later, Barrat looks prescient, and he’s working on his next book. We welcome him back to discuss how long he thinks the human era can still persist. Our guest:

James Barrat, documentary filmmaker and author of "Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era"

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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NYS budget holdup; possible Peace Village foreclosure; Rochester Bike Week

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

It’s our weekly news roundup.

The New York State budget is now more than five weeks late. What is the holdup? Jon Campbell of the New York Public News Network joins us with the latest from Albany — and why some lawmakers are questioning the budget process.

Then, the city of Rochester has moved to foreclose on land sanctioned for a homeless encampment. WXXI's Gino Fanelli explains what's new and what's next for Peace Village. We end the week with what you can expect from Rochester Bike Week.

The annual celebration encourages people of all ages to get out and ride, while also highlighting issues related to bike infrastructure. We talk about how to make cycling safer and more accessible, and we preview Bike Week events.

Our guests:

Jon Campbell, Albany correspondent for WNYC, Gothamist, and the New York Public News Network
Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News
Jesse Peers, cycling manager for Reconnect Rochester
Daniel Breslawski, co-founder of Keeping it Classy Cycle Club
Adrian Martin, cyclist and dad

Vision Zero plan explores automated traffic enforcement

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

The city of Rochester is exploring the return of traffic cameras. It’s part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities. This month, the public is invited to give feedback on the subject. We explore the pluses and minuses with our guests:

Mitch Gruber, co-chair of the ROC Vision Zero Committee and member of Rochester City Council
David Riley, principal transportation specialist for the city of Rochester
Luis Burgos, resident of North Clinton Avenue, among many other community roles
Cody Donahue, co-executive director of Reconnect Rochester
Erick Stephens, parent engagement specialist for the Healthi Kids initiative at Common Ground Health and proud Charlotte resident

Rochester ranks high for allergies. What should we know about triggers and treatment?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Rochester was recently ranked the fifth worst American city for allergies. We sit down with members of the Golisano Children's Hospital Pediatric Allergy team to discuss how families can prepare for allergy season. They explain triggers, treatments, and how allergies affect children and schools. In studio:

Jessica Stern, M.D., associate professor of allergy and immunology in the Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology; and the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at University of Rochester Medicine
Katherine L. Tuttle, M.D., clinical director of the Department of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, associate program director of the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship, and assistant professor of pediatrics and medicine at University of Rochester Medicine

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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RCSD superintendent and board leaders address key issues for schools

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 07 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

We welcome Rochester City School District Superintendent Eric Jay Rosser, Board President Camille Simmons, and Board Vice President Amy Maloy to discuss the district's proposed budget. They also weigh in on what has become a contentious debate over two vacant RCSD school buildings and a proposal to sell them to charter schools. They answer our questions and yours about those subjects and other key issues facing the district. In studio:

Eric Jay Rosser, Ph.D., superintendent of the Rochester City School District
Camille Simmons, president of the Rochester Board of Education
Amy Maloy, vice president of the Rochester Board of Education

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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CITY Magazine brings you 'every festival under the sun...in Rochester'

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 06 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Rochester is often touted as a "festival city," and in this month's conversation with the team at CITY Magazine, we bring you the "Festival Guide." From music, to food, to arts and culture, there's no shortage of festivals to frequent this season. We also bring you an inside look at a Rochester staple — Zwiegle's — and an exclusive interview with CITY's advice columnist. Our guests:

Leah Stacy, editor-in-chief of CITY Magazine
Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine
Jacob Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine
Julie Camardo, CEO and fifth generation family member of Zweigle's
Jason Barber, site manager for the International Plaza, Ibero-American Development Corporation
Vanessa J. Cheeks, writer and journalist

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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A contentious debate about two old school buildings

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 06 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

The city of Rochester has to decide what to do with two vacant school buildings. One proposal involves selling them to local charter schools. But that proposal appears to be one vote short on city council. We examine an issue that has become, at times, contentious. In studio:

Michael Patterson, member of Rochester City Council
Paul Miller, Ed.D., chief academic officer for EDceptional
Sheri Webber, Ed.D., principal of Young Women’s College Prep Charter School of Rochester
Deniz Yaman, founding principal of RocSci High School

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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'Listen to Your Mother' returns with stories of love, loss, and lessons

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

An annual event is back, and it calls on all of us to consider our mothers: biological mothers; adoptive mothers; mother figures; and more. “Listen to Your Mother” is a nationwide storytelling production that shines a light on the influence of maternal figures. The local performance is set for May 9. We preview the event with our guests, and we invite you to share your own stories. In studio:

Erin Waller, executive producer of "Listen to Your Mother"
Fonda Abdoch, author and cast member of "Listen to Your Mother"
Emily Benson, cast member of "Listen to Your Mother"
Amanda Kernahan, cast member of "Listen to Your Mother"
Leah McGuire, cast member of "Listen to Your Mother"
Kyle Semmel, author and cast member of "Listen to Your Mother"
Meagan Zdep, cast member of "Listen to Your Mother"

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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The king comes to the United States

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

A popular protest slogan against President Trump is “no kings.” Last week, King Charles visited the U.S. and was feted at a lavish state dinner. Later, the White House social accounts shared a picture of Trump and Charles with the caption, “Two kings.” So how should we put this visit in context? Does the monarchy still matter? In studio:

Colin Coffey, dual U.S./U.K. citizen and local business owner
Peter Linebaugh, author and scholar

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Preparing for a 'heavy' tick season; treating 'chemo brain;' Garth Fagan Dance celebrates 55 years

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:00:00 -0000

It’s our weekly news roundup:

First, experts say this year's tick season is expected to be "early and heavy." That's according to reporting from our New York Public News Network colleague Catherine Wheeler of North Country Public Radio. We discuss what scientists are already seeing with tick activity, and we talk to a local clinician about how to protect ourselves from tick-borne diseases.

Then, new research shows there are ways to mitigate a condition often referred to as "chemo brain." WXXI's Racquel Stephen explains the latest with treating this particular type of brain fog.

We end the week with Garth Fagan Dance. The internationally acclaimed company turns 55 this year, and there's much to celebrate. But as our guest will tell us, there's still much work to be done. The company — like many other arts organizations — is navigating the effects of the federal government's DEI policies. We discuss how Garth Fagan Dance is addressing challenges, honoring its history, and setting its sights on the future — all while creating new art.

Our guests:

Catherine Wheeler, St. Lawrence Valley reporter for North Country Public Radio
Sarah Collins-McGowan, M.D., pediatrician at Golisano Children’s Hospital at UR Medicine
Racquel Stephen, health, equity, and community reporter and producer for WXXI News
Natalie Rogers-Cropper, executive director of Garth Fagan Dance

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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250 years later, is judicial independence crumbling?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 01 May 2026 17:00:00 -0000

A group of retired judges is emphasizing the importance of judicial independence as America approaches its 250th birthday. They say that criticism of judges is nothing new, but true judicial independence must be protected. They discuss how to do that.

Our guests:

Hon. John Ark, retired New York State Supreme Court justice
Hon. Richard A. Dollinger, retired New York Court of Claims judge
Hon. Patricia D. Marks, retired Monroe County Court judge
Hon. Joseph Valentino, retired New York State Supreme Court justice

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Fewer drinkers, fewer Canadian tourists equal trouble for the Finger Lakes wine industry

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Wineries across the region are reacting to unexpected challenges. From a decline in alcohol consumption to a recent drop in Canadian tourism, many companies are finding they need to shift their strategies for attracting and maintaining customers. This hour, we talk with representatives from three local wineries about the state of their industry and creative solutions for mitigating revenue loss. Our guests:

Brian Durnin, vice president of hospitality and entertainment at Point of the Bluff Vineyards
Matt Cassavaugh, winemaker at 20 Deep Winery
Chad Hendrickson, vice president of sales for Keuka Spring Vineyards

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, running for reelection

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0000

We're joined by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli is seeking reelection and will face challenger Drew Warshaw in the June Democratic primary. This hour, we talk with DiNapoli about his work in the position – one he has held since 2007 – and his priorities, if reelected. We also explore how this often overlooked and misunderstood office affects aspects of your daily life. Our guest:

Tom DiNapoli, New York State comptroller

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Spring planting questions? We have the answers.

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

Spring has (sort of) sprung! Fluctuating temperatures and unseasonably cold and wet weather have created challenges for people making plans for their lawns and gardens. As we head into the heart of planting season, our guest helps us understand everything we need to know to help our flowers and plants survive and thrive. Our guest:

Petra Page-Mann, co-founder, friend, and neighbor of Fruition Seeds
Evan Hoyt, grower, amateur seed grower, and researcher at the University of Vermont

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.
Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

What's new and what's next at the YMCA of Greater Rochester?

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0000

We sit down with the leaders of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. It has been nearly two years since we last spoke with President and CEO Ernie Lamour and Chief Experience Officer Pam Cowan. Since then, the nonprofit has enacted a new strategic plan that emphasizes community partnerships. From a food pantry and clothing closet, to DMV and tax prep services, to a nationwide basketball tournament, our guests explain the Y's role in meeting the needs of the rural, urban, and suburban areas it serves. In studio:

Ernie Lamour, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester
Pam Cowan, chief experience officer for the YMCA of Greater Rochester

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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How 'bike boulevards' have changed cycling in one local town

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

A local town has taken steps to make its community safer for bicyclists of all ages. As reported by WXXI’s Jeremy Moule, Henrietta has installed “bike boulevards.” The alternate routes parallel roads with heavy traffic, making them more comfortable for cyclists. The boulevards came to fruition after bike safety advocates pushed for the change. This hour, our guests explain the project, the impact it has had, and what other towns can learn from Henrietta’s work. Our guests:

Jeremy Moule, deputy editor for WXXI News
Millie Sefranek, member of the Henrietta Town Board
Christine Merrill, bicycle safety advocate

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

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Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

A vision for revitalizing the High Falls District

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

What will it take to breathe new life into High Falls? Members of the High Falls Business Improvement District (BID) have been working on a number of projects aimed at boosting the health of the neighborhood. We talk with BID members and business owners about their vision for revitalizing High Falls. Our guests:

John August, president of the High Fall Business Improvement District
Fina Burroni, owner of High Falls Bistro
Rick Caesar, owner and manager of Nightcap Blues Nightclub
Todd Clicquennoi, principal of Metro Falls Real Estate, Inc. and member of the High Falls Business Improvement District

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

---

Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Amy Goodman, host of 'Democracy Now!'

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0000

We’re joined by “Democracy Now!" host and executive producer Amy Goodman. She will be in Rochester later this week for an event at MCC. The Little Theatre will also screen “Steal this Story, Please!" — a documentary about her career dedicated to “truth-telling, resistance, and journalism.” We talk with Goodman about her work and the state of journalism in 2026. Our guest:

Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of "Democracy Now!"

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

---

Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

ICE detains local advocate; erosion of the Chimney Bluffs; plant trees!

wxxi.online@gmail.com (WXXI Public Broadcasting Council) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 18:00:00 -0000

It's our weekly news roundup. We begin with the latest on a local farmworker rights advocate who has been detained by ICE and faces deportation to her native Mexico. WXXI's Brian Sharp and Veronica Volk explain. Then, a conversation about climate and change. As Veronica Volk reports, erosion at the Chimney Bluffs in Wayne County is expected, but the formations have seen a remarkable amount of change in recent years. We discuss what the instability means — both for the bluffs and for similar local landscapes. We end the week with a question: can planting trees truly save the planet? A variety of programs in the last number of years have called on Americans to plant trees. We explore what the science says and how the local chapter of the Sierra Club is helping people in our region contribute to New York state's goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.

Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News
Veronica Volk, executive producer and director of podcast strategy for WXXI Public Media
John Kastner, board member and event chair for the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club
Daryl Odhner, Monroe County master gardener and board member for the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club

This conversation is part of WXXI's celebration of Earth Month. To learn more, please click here.

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Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.

---

Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.

Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.

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Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.