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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.

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All Episodes

51:20

What does it take to become a scientist?

Connections Podcast ·

2025/11/05

Astrophysicist Adam Frank is known as one of the best science communicators in the country. He joins us with some of his students, who are learning what it takes to become a scientist. They talk about the scientific method and why they think everyone can benefit from learning about it. Our guests:Adam Frank, Ph.D., author and Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester Kyla de Villa, Ph.D. candidate in the Earth and

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50:47

Election results: a big night for Democrats

Connections Podcast ·

2025/11/05

Running a slate of moderate candidates in the Monroe County suburbs and rural areas, Democrats won in places where they previously hadn’t won in decades or even longer. It reflects a big night for the party in other states as well. Our WXXI News team breaks down the results and discusses what they mean. Our guests: Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News Jeremy Moule, deputy editor for WXXI News Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI

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51:05

AI, propaganda, and the future of democracy

Connections Podcast ·

2025/11/04

Authoritarian governments are harnessing artificial intelligence to undermine democracies. That's according to Bret Schafer, head of the Alliance for Securing Democracy’s information manipulation team. Schafer studies how state and non-state actors use AI to create and spread propaganda, and how those efforts affect public opinion. He's in Rochester as a guest of the World Affairs Council, but first, he joins us on "Connections" to discuss how to recognize AI-generated disinformation and

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51:18

Avoiding end-of-life scams and pitfalls

Connections Podcast ·

2025/11/04

Have you thought about planning for your future — especially when it comes to aging? While 63% of adults say they have had conversations with loved ones about end-of-life issues, fewer than half have translated those thoughts into actions or even plan to make those preparations. That's according to a 2024 survey from AARP. Too often, older adults feel unprepared for these issues until there’s a crisis. Assemblymember Sarah Clark is helping to lead the upcoming Empowered Aging Forum. The

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51:07

From indie films to genre films — what's attracting...

Connections Podcast ·

2025/11/03

Recently on this program, we discussed what can save moviegoing, as studios and theaters struggle to attract audiences. In the first segment of this hour, we discuss what all of that means at the independent level. Rochester natives Devin Lawrence and Matthew Mourgides will screen their new film, "The Disinvited," at the Little Theatre on November 11. They join us to discuss the challenges — and benefits — of independent filmmaking in the current environment. Then in our second half hour,

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51:22

CITY explores what’s hot in local food and bev

Connections Podcast ·

2025/11/03

Wondering what's hot in the food and beverage scene in Rochester and the Finger Lakes? The team at CITY Magazine has you covered. The November issue explores the latest from downtown bars and restaurants and the Finger Lakes wine scene, a grassroots movement to feed the hungry, and...cabbage and donuts (don't worry; those are two separate stories). The CITY team joins us for the hour. Our guests:Leah Stacy, editor of CITY Magazine Patrick Hosken, arts reporter for CITY Magazine Roberto

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51:19

Rochester teachers demand faster, permanent fix to...

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/31

For months, Rochester teachers have had to wonder whether their next paycheck would be the full amount — or if it would contain mistakes. They say the district's new system has been a disaster. According to members of the teachers union, some teachers have had to sell plasma to pay their bills because their checks have been so small. They say that teachers are struggling to pay their rent. We talk about the issues with the system and what can be done about it. In studio:Doriy Jackson, vice

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51:16

Young Republicans react to racist group chats

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/31

Local college Republicans are reacting to a highly publicized national group chat. Politico broke the story about a text thread that included numerous leaders of Young Republican groups in multiple states; the thread featured hundreds of racist and bigoted comments. Vice President JD Vance has downplayed the significance of the chat. Our guests talk about what it means within the culture of young conservative politics. Our guests: Austin DeLorme, vice president of the University of

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51:29

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is rolling into...

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/30

How can we help students learn empathy? The new Mobile Museum of Tolerance is a traveling classroom that uses immersive technology to help students confront hate. It will make its debut during an event next week, where organizers of a “state of hate” survey will share what they learned. We discuss how people in the region are experiencing hate, bias, and antisemitism, and what we can do to counter it. In studio:Monica Gebell, executive director of the Levine Center to End Hate at Jewish

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50:56

It’s here to stay, so how do we play nice with AI?

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/30

What questions do you have about the future of AI and how it could affect your life? An upcoming conference explores AI from a number of angles – from how it could impact jobs to what it can mean for the future of health care. As we’ve learned throughout different conversations on this program, what we think of AI can be nuanced. This hour, the founder of the upcoming Flower City AI conference helps us explore some of the good, the bad, and the ugly of artificial intelligence. Our guest:Max

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51:37

SNAP cuts loom for millions

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/29

“The well has run dry,” says the USDA. If the government shutdown continues into November 1, some 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP will not receive their benefits. As reported by WXXI's Jeremy Moule, that number includes more than 104,000 people in Monroe County. This hour, we discuss the future of food assistance payments — from possible short-term relief, to new work requirements, and more. In studio:Julia Tedesco, president and CEO of Foodlink Mitch Gruber, senior vice president

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50:42

New York State sued for E.I. failures

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/29

New York State is being sued for failing to fully support early intervention services for children. The lawsuit is new, but the issue is not. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has been saying for years that the state is falling short in this area. We talk about what the lawsuit might accomplish, and how many kids are being affected. Our guests: Brigit Hurley, chief program officer at The Children's Agenda Rachel Bonsignore, director of Liftoff WNY Zareen Kamal, policy specialist at Start

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51:26

Investigative journalist David Cay Johnston on...

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter David Cay Johnston says the judge in the James Comey trial should not throw the case. Comey says it’s clearly vindictive and the judge can dismiss it. Johnston agrees with the first part… but he says the judge should do something else entirely. We discuss the legal targeting of President Trump’s enemies, the way journalists are covering these stories, and more. In studio:David Cay Johnston, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and

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51:01

Does hurting universities hurt America?

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Alfred University President Mark Zupan says it’s a mistake to attack higher education. He writes, “A century ago, it would have been folly to invest in an outdated agricultural economy at the expense of the then-roaring manufacturing sector. It’s just as foolhardy today to attempt to resuscitate a manufacturing sector that’s been in decline for half a century when knowledge-based services power today’s global economy and the labor market is undergoing dramatic changes brought on by advanced

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51:39

Open Door Mission draws lines

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/27

For much of the past year, the Open Door Mission has been operating at nearly double capacity. The mission serves the local homeless population, and its leadership is looking for new ways of doing things. That includes a partnership with another local shelter. It also includes setting boundaries on what it can and cannot do for people in need. We discuss it all with the mission's executive director. In studio:Anna Valeria, chief executive officer of Open Door Mission Kaylin Searight, VP of

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51:21

In the age of Ozempic, who gets it and who pays?

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/27

Millions of adults take popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro to treat chronic conditions and/or lose weight. The GLP-1 medications have made headlines for their effectiveness, and new studies have shown that some of them can also curb alcohol and drug consumption and lower the risk of a heart attack. But not everyone has equal access to the medications. While some patients are able to obtain them through their health care providers, others have turned to online platforms that

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51:19

Envisioning the forthcoming High Falls State Park

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/24

As WXXI's Brian Sharp reports, the vision for a new state park in downtown Rochester is gaining focus. The state recently released renderings of the planned High Falls State Park. Construction will begin late next year. The 40-acre space will include restored green space, playgrounds and seating areas, overlooks, and more. This hour, our guests discuss the plans for the new park. In studio:Vincent Esposito, senior vice president for regional economic development at Empire State

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51:16

Candidates for Pittsford town supervisor

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/24

We conclude our conversations leading up to the general election with the candidates for Pittsford town supervisor. Democrat Cathy Koshykar is challenging Republican incumbent Bill Smith. We talk with them about their priorities for the town, as well as a number of issues, including housing, development, and more. Our guests: Cathy Koshykar, candidate for Pittsford town supervisor Bill Smith, candidate for Pittsford town supervisor *Notes: Candidates are listed in the order in which they

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51:20

Louis Sabo, candidate for Rochester mayor

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/23

We talk with the Conservative Party candidate for Rochester mayor: Louis Sabo. Sabo is a small business owner who says he wants to bring change to leadership to help families, neighborhoods, and businesses thrive. He answers our questions and yours about public safety, housing, education, and more. In studio:Louis Sabo, candidate for Rochester mayor--Listen to our interview with incumbent Mayor Malik Evans ahead of election day.---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our

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25:44

Candidates for Penfield town supervisor race

Connections Podcast ·

2025/10/23

We sit down with Kevin Berry*, the Democratic candidate for Penfield town supervisor. The current town council member discusses his platform and priorities for Penfield and answers our questions and yours about a range of issues. Our guest:Kevin Berry, candidate for Penfield town supervisor*Note: Kevin Berry's opponent in the Penfield town supervisor race is Republican Jeffrey Leenhouts. He did not respond to multiple invitations to join the program.--Connections is supported by listeners

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