Connections Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

In Rochester, a plan to make home ownership possible Nov 20, 2025

As WXXI's Brian Sharp recently reported, the city’s ongoing mission of providing more housing at truly affordable prices is moving to the JOSANA neighborhood. We discuss the plan for new homes that will sell for $127,000 — far below what most home buyers are seeing on the market. Our guests:

Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News
Scott Benjamin, CEO of Charles Settlement House & Community Place of Greater Rochester
Ryan Brandt, vice president of development for Rochester’s Cornerstone Group, Ltd.
Erik Frisch, deputy commissioner of the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development for the City of Rochester and president of the Rochester Landbank
Glenda Torres, housing navigator for Charles Settlement House

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

Fighting veterans' loneliness epidemic Nov 20, 2025

American veterans often say in surveys that they feel invisible. That goes for how society views them, but it’s also a reflection of a major problem with loneliness and mental health. ROC Veterans is a collaboration of Rochester and Finger Lakes-area organizations that support veterans. We discuss what veterans need and how the group's work is helping to address the loneliness epidemic. In studio:

Zachary Collins, Ph.D., clinical psychologist with Veterans Nature-Based Therapy, part of Monroe County Veterans Service Agency
Luke Moody, U.S. Army veteran and coordinator of the Veterans Coalition for the Finger Lakes
Ashley Smith, chair of Roc Veterans

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

Gov. Hochul frustrates clean energy advocates Nov 19, 2025

Clean energy policy advocates are frustrated with Governor Kathy Hochul, who recently indicated that she’ll scale back clean energy initiatives. Hochul, who faces re-election next year, says that holding costs down is the primary goal. The implication is that clean energy is more expensive. Our guests make the case that the governor is wrong. Our guests:

Suzanne Hunt, vice president of policy for Generate Upcycle
Marguerite Wells, executive director of ACE NY

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

Fallout from fatherless homes Nov 19, 2025

By some measures, Rochester has the highest percentage of fatherless households in the country. We meet mentors who are working on mitigating the effect of absent fathers, and we talk about what kids miss when fathers aren’t involved. In studio:

Louis Curwin, mentor
Mike Hennessy, executive director of Youth For Christ Rochester
Felix Ortiz, mentor

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

"Saving lives by saving trees" Nov 18, 2025

We welcome one of the leading experts in reversing deforestation worldwide. Dr. Kinari Webb is a medical doctor whose work on multiple continents has helped improve the lives of people and the environments in which they live. By making health care affordable for people in rainforest villages, she has helped reduce illegal logging, which was a source of income for some patients. A healthier rainforest, in turn, has made for healthier people. As she explains in her TEDx talk, she's saving lives by saving trees. For the second time, the Seneca Park Zoo Society is bestowing its Conservation Warrior Award; it has selected Dr. Webb as the winner. We discuss the impact that Webb's work has had abroad and on conservationists in western New York. Our guests:

Kinari Webb, M.D., founder of Health In Harmony
Pamela Reed Sanchez, president and CEO of the Seneca Park Zoo Society
Jeff Wyatt, DVM, MPH, professor and chair of comparative medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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 if political parties can’t save us? Nov 18, 2025

Political scientist and author Lauren Hall recently wrote that political parties will not be the salvation that many Americans seek. Instead, she prescribes a kind of coalition against authoritarianism — one that might unite many people who otherwise disagree on a lot of issues. Hall joins us this hour to talk about how to accomplish that, and how to recognize the forces that might prevent such a coalition from forming. In studio:

Lauren Hall, Ph.D., professor of political science and associate dean at RIT, author, and co-host of the "We Made this Political" podcast

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

The Route's Dave Kane and Maureen Rich on speaking through songs Nov 17, 2025

They entertained listeners for years. The Route's Dave Kane and Maureen Rich have retired, and listeners say their popular shows — "Breakfast with the Beatles" and "Road to Joy," respectively — are already missed. The way we access and listen to music is changing. It’s a reminder of how valuable it can be for communities to have people like Kano and Maureen. They join us to tell some stories and to make the case for why calling in to request a song — while more time-consuming — beats having the world’s catalog on your phone. Our guests:

Dave Kane, retired host of "Breakfast with the Beatles" on The Route
Maureen Rich, retired host/producer of "Road to Joy" on WRUR/WITH; musician, lead singer and ukulele player with TugHill Band and Tasty Parker

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Americans are losing their faith Nov 17, 2025

Faith levels in the U.S. are the lowest on record. That's according to a new Gallup poll. The data, as reported by Axios, shows fewer than half of Americans say religion is an important part of their day. The U.S. once ranked highly among wealthy nations for its religiosity. Now, Americans are tied to one of the largest declines in faith levels in the world. What has contributed to the change? And how do local faith leaders view it? We discuss those questions with our guests:

Reverend Colin Pritchard, pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Geneva
Abu Saeed Islam, Ph.D., former president of the Islamic Center of Rochester
Rabbi Peter Stein, senior rabbi at Temple B'rith Kodesh

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Breaking political glass ceilings Nov 14, 2025

A number of local political races resulted in historic wins...and the breaking of what are often known as glass ceilings.

Penfield elected its first Democratic town supervisor, Kevin Berry, in four decades. Berry is also the first LGBTQ+ supervisor for the town. In Perinton, Jenn Townsend will become the first Democrat to lead the town since 1918 — and she's the first woman to hold the position. In Greece, Amorette Miller is the first woman of color to serve on the town board, and the first Democrat in her ward.

All three winners join us to discuss the significance of their victories and what they mean for their communities.

Our guests:

Kevin Berry, Penfield town supervisor-elect
Jenn Townsend, Perinton town supervisor-elect
Amorette Miller, Greece councilwoman-elect for Ward 3

*Note: We also invited Jeff McCann, Greece town supervisor-elect, to join this conversation. He was unavailable to participate, so we've offered him alternate dates.

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Lessons from Ken Burns' new series, "The American Revolution" Nov 14, 2025

A highly anticipated documentary series launches on PBS this weekend.

Ken Burns' "The American Revolution: An Intimate History" is a six-part series about the men and women who fought and lived through the war for America's independence.

This hour, we're joined by filmmaker David Schmidt and local history professors to preview the series and to discuss what we can learn — and what we get wrong — about the Revolutionary War.

Our guests:

David Schmidt, co-director of "The American Revolution”
Michael Jarvis, Ph.D., professor of early American, Atlantic, and digital history and archeology at University of Rochester
Paul B. Moyer, Ph.D., professor of history at SUNY Brockport

Sponsored By

Corporate funding for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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 $10,000 bet on conspiracy theories Nov 13, 2025

Zach Mack is a public radio producer whose father became obsessed with conspiracy theories. And then Zach’s dad made him a bet: $10,000 — $1,000 for each of 10 predictions. His dad said that Obama would be arrested for treason, that Trump would be reinstated as president before the 2024 election. Zach took the bet, hoping it would break his father from his conspiracy theories. Zach’s family, including his dad, agreed to regular interviews throughout 2024, leading up to the bet’s conclusion. Zach turned it all into a podcast series, and now he joins us to discuss what happened — and what he learned about conspiratorial thinking. Our guest:

Zachary Mack, reporter, host and producer

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Democrats make a case for centrism Nov 13, 2025

Move to the middle! That's the plea from many Democrats who feel that the rightward shift by the Republican Party has left a big opening. We discuss the case for steady centrism at a time when bolder ideas are getting attention. Our guests:

John Baynes, Monroe County legislator for District 11
Howard Maffucci, Monroe County legislator for District 10

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

How could free genetic testing change medicine? Nov 12, 2025

If you could find out that you are predisposed to certain health conditions — like cancer or heart disease — would you want to know? As reported by WXXI's Racquel Stephen, a new program at Rochester Regional Health offers no-cost genetic testing for people 18 and older. Our guests this hour discuss how it works and what it could mean for the future of personalized care in medicine. Our guests:

Racquel Stephen, health, equity and community reporter at WXXI News
Heather Bacchetta, MBA, ACRP-CP, director of precision medicine for Rochester Regional Health
Prad Phatak, M.D., medical director of precision medicine for Rochester Regional Health and principal investigator for GenoWell

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

How Gen Z women are shaping U.S. politics Nov 12, 2025

Gen Z women are the most liberal group in America. That's according to the nonprofit newsroom, The 19th. Polls show young women are fueling the Democratic advantage in the U.S. It played out in real time during last week's elections. In recent episodes of this program, we've discussed how an increasing number of young men are moving to the political right. This hour, we discuss why young women are moving to the political left and how they helped fuel recent Democratic victories. In studio:

Nicole Hushla Re, political consultant and chief of staff in the New York State Legislature
Nia Robinson, district office manager in the New York State Legislature

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Shortage in firefighters puts public safety at risk Nov 11, 2025

Volunteering is at its lowest level in decades in the United States. In some communities, this marks a possible crisis: rural hospitals are struggling and could close, and emergency relief dollars are harder to come by. Volunteer firefighting is a lifeline for many small towns. We check in on the efforts to increase volunteerism — especially where it's needed most. Our guests:

Bill DiFabio, 3rd assistant chief of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department
Matt Kelly, EMS captain of the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and EMT for Yates County Ambulance
Rebecca Case, firefighter/EMT with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and junior at Keuka College
Alvin Leid, firefighter with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department
Lily Stewart, firefighter/EMT with the Branchport Keuka Park Fire Department and sophomore at Keuka College

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Muslims celebrate Zohran Mamdani's historic win Nov 11, 2025

The former president of the Islamic Center of Rochester says New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's victory is a seismic event for the Muslim community. Some of the ads late in the campaign depicted Mamdani as anti-American, and one ad declared that electing Mamdani would bring the next 9/11. We discuss the significance of Mamdani's victory and the themes that surfaced in the campaign. Our guest:

Sareer A. Fazili, past president of the Islamic Center of Rochester and the Monroe County Bar Association, and practicing lawyer

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Nightlife without alcohol: Rochester welcomes new "third places" Nov 10, 2025

The number of American adults consuming alcohol fell recently to 54% — the lowest number Gallup has ever recorded since it began tracking alcohol consumption in 1939. Driving the shift away from alcohol is the 18-34 group. As a result, more restaurants and bars are offering alcohol-free drink options. And there are more "third places" that feature menus without alcohol. In a recent piece for CITY Magazine, arts reporter Patrick Hosken wrote about how third places are emerging in Rochester. We discuss the ongoing shift in the local scene with our guests:

Patrick Hosken, arts reporter for CITY Magazine
Bob Hartman, co-owner of AltBar
Shelley Elkovich, founder and "Flavor Maven" of For Bitter For Worse

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

“I read online…”: doctors respond to medical myths Nov 10, 2025

A new survey finds that more than six in ten American physicians reported that their patients have been influenced by misinformation or disinformation in the past year. The problem is particularly acute in rural health care settings, according to the Physicians Foundation. The Rochester Academy of Medicine is launching a new series of public presentations called "Demystifying Misinformation." We talk to some of the people involved in crafting a program meant to provide clarity and understanding. In studio:

Daniel Taramasco, M.D., hospitalist with Rochester Regional Health
Laura Whitebell, Ph.D., associate professor of writing 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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Actress Mimi Kennedy reflects on her Rochester roots Nov 07, 2025

You may know her from her work on the CBS sitcom "Mom" and films like "Midnight in Paris," but you may not know that actress Mimi Kennedy got her start in Rochester. Kennedy is a Rochester native who performed with the Rochester Community Players (RCP) in Agatha Christie’s “Spider’s Web" when she was 12 years old. She'll be back in her hometown this weekend for an event marking 100 years of the RCP, but first, she joins us to discuss her path from home to Hollywood. Our guests:

Mimi Kennedy, actor, author, and activist
Karen Olson, historian for the Rochester Community Players
Michael Krickmire, president of the Rochester Community Players

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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 happened to environmental justice in the White House? Nov 07, 2025

The Trump administration ended the White House Department of Environmental Justice, which was launched under the Biden administration. The new administration said that the concept of “environmental justice” falls under the umbrella of DEI initiatives, which it seeks to abolish. The former chief environmental justice officer for the Biden White House is in Rochester on Friday. We’re joined by Jalonne White-Newsome to discuss her views on what environmental justice is — and is not — and why she still thinks it matters. In studio:

Jalonne White-Newsome, Ph.D., former federal chief environmental justice officer for the Biden White House, associate professor at the University of Michigan School of Environment and Sustainability, and CEO and founder of Empowering A Green Environment and Economy, LLC
Katrina Korfmacher, Ph.D., faculty member in the UR Institute for Human Health and Environment

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Can books compete with the Internet? Nov 06, 2025

Research shows young people are reading less — both in their English classes and for pleasure. According to a study from the University of Florida and University College London, daily reading for pleasure among kids is down 40% over the last 20 years. Experts point to an increase in screen time, overscheduling, and poor literacy education as some of the reasons. So how can we get kids interested in reading again? We discuss it with our guests, and we preview the upcoming Rochester Children and Teens Book Festival. Our guests:

Pamela Bailie, co-owner of Hipocampo Children's Books
Julie Berry, New York Times best-selling author and owner of Author's Note
Kathleen Blasi, author of children's books
Sarah Bonczyk, owner of Lift Bridge Book Shop

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Machine learning meets the campaign trail Nov 06, 2025

AI political videos are already here — as Pittsford residents saw over the last month. An anti-Democrats ad featured AI "actors” warning against losing the character of Pittsford if Democrats won the election. So why not use real people? And how common will AI “actors” be in the future? What should be done about it?

Jeffrey Allan, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Responsible Technology at Nazareth University
Timothy Kneeland, Ph.D., professor and director of history, politics, and law at Nazareth University
Kevin Spencer Beckford, managing partner of Finding Your Cup, LLC; operations executive; speaker; business turnaround strategist; and AI humanist

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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 does it take to become a scientist? Nov 05, 2025

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 Planetary Science Department at UC Berkeley
Matthew Signor, Ph.D. candidate in experimental physics at the University of Rochester
Ethan Smith, Ph.D. candidate in physics 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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

Election results: a big night for Democrats Nov 05, 2025

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 News
Stephen DeVay, chair of the Monroe County Democratic Committee

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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.

---

Connectionsairs 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.

AI, propaganda, and the future of democracy Nov 04, 2025

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 what can be done to stop it. In studio:

Bret Schafer, senior fellow at the Alliance for Securing Democracy

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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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Connectionsairs 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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Avoiding end-of-life scams and pitfalls Nov 04, 2025

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 goal is to assist older adults in making better plans when it comes to handling money, estate plans, health care decisions, and more. We explore all the thorny topics with our guests:

Assemblymember Sarah Clark, District 136
Anna Stetzel, director of training and education at Lifespan

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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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Connectionsairs 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 indie films to genre films — what's attracting audiences this fall? Nov 03, 2025

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, we sit down with the team from the Anomaly Film Festival to preview this year's celebration of genre films. Our guests for part one:

Devin Lawrence, writer/director of "The Disinvited"
Matthew Mourgides, producer of "The Disinvited"
Scott Pukos, director of communications for The Little Theatre

Our guests for part two:

Magnus Champlin, artist and organizer for the Anomaly Film Festival
Adam Lubitow, director of programming for Anomaly Film Festival and programmer for The Little Theatre
Meghan Murphy, co-founder and social media manager for the Anomaly Film Festival

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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CITY explores what’s hot in local food and bev Nov 03, 2025

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 Lagares. multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine
Jacob Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine
Vas, core member of Roc Food Not Bombs
Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News and contributor to CITY Magazine
Maiah Johnson Dunn, contributor to CITY Magazine, wine writer and educator, and beverage education manager at New York Kitchen

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Connectionsairs 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.

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Rochester teachers demand faster, permanent fix to their paycheck system Oct 31, 2025

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 president of Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals
Angelo Palmerini, president of BENTE Local 2419
Adam Urbanski, president of the Rochester Teachers Association

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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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Connectionsairs 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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Young Republicans react to racist group chats Oct 31, 2025

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 Rochester College Republicans, and parliamentarian of the New York State Federation of College Republicans
Jack Shea, executive director of the New York State Federation of College Republicans

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The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is rolling into Rochester. What does it have to offer? Oct 30, 2025

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 Federation of Greater Rochester
Rabbi Peter Stein, senior rabbi at Temple B'rith Kodesh

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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It’s here to stay, so how do we play nice with AI? Oct 30, 2025

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 Irwin, founder of Max.io and Flower City AI

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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SNAP cuts loom for millions Oct 29, 2025

“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 and chief impact officer at Foodlink, and member of Rochester City Council
Debbie Evans, founder, president, and executive director of the Irondequoit Community Cupboard

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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New York State sued for E.I. failures Oct 29, 2025

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 Early Illinois

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Investigative journalist David Cay Johnston on Trump’s legal targets Oct 28, 2025

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 author

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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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Does hurting universities hurt America? Oct 28, 2025

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 technology, artificial intelligence and automation.” We discuss how Zupan sees the future of work and universities’ role in that equation. Our guest:

Mark Zupan, president of Alfred 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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Open Door Mission draws lines Oct 27, 2025

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 programs at Open Door Mission

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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In the age of Ozempic, who gets it and who pays? Oct 27, 2025

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 don't require prescriptions. In many cases, they can also be cost prohibitive: Ozempic, for example, can cost up to $1,000 per month without insurance. This hour, we explore the latest with these medications: what they treat, how they work, and who should be able to access them. Our guests:

Zachary Burns, D.O., assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center and associate director of Moving Medicine Forward
Erica Davis, patient who uses weight loss medication, theater professional, educator, and mother
Molly Ranney, MS, RD, CDN, CSOWM, lead dietitian for the Bariatric Center at Highland Hospital
Kaci Schiavone, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, Bariatric/GI at the University of Rochester Medical Center

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Envisioning the forthcoming High Falls State Park Oct 24, 2025

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 Development
Carl Flora, associate architect for New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, and lead architect for High Falls State Park
Stephanie Hyde, engagement planner at Highland Planning
Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Candidates for Pittsford town supervisor Oct 24, 2025

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 appear on the Monroe County Candidates list.
This hour was pre-recorded due to a schedule conflict.

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Louis Sabo, candidate for Rochester mayor Oct 23, 2025

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.

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Candidates for Penfield town supervisor race Oct 23, 2025

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 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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Candidates for Monroe County Legislature Oct 23, 2025

What are the issues top of mind for people in Monroe County? We explore the question with candidates for Monroe County Legislature in the first half of this hour. Voters in Districts 3 (Chili) and 12 (Riga, Wheatland, and Henrietta) will make their choices at the polls this election season. The Democratic candidates* on the ballot join us to discuss their backgrounds and priorities for office.

Marvin Stepherson, candidate for Monroe County Legislature, District 3
Nazish Jeffery, candidate for Monroe County Legislature, District 12

*Note: Stepherson's opponent in Monroe County Legislature District 3, Republican Scott Hand, did not respond to multiple invitations to join the program. The two additional candidates in the District 12 race are Republican Leslie Schildt and Westside First candidate Deborah Campanella. Schildt and Campanella are unavailable to participate.

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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Malik Evans, incumbent candidate for Rochester mayor Oct 22, 2025

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans is seeking another term. He joins us to discuss his re-election campaign and his priorities for the city. He also answers our questions and yours about public safety, housing, education, and more. In studio:

Malik Evans, incumbent candidate for Rochester mayor

*Note: Evans' opponent, Louis Sabo, is scheduled to be on "Connections" on Thursday, October 23, from 1:00-2:00.

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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Connectionsairs 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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Candidates for Irondequoit town supervisor Oct 22, 2025

We continue our series of conversations with candidates running for town leadership positions. This hour, we talk with the candidates on the ballot for Irondequoit town supervisor: Anthony Costanza and John Perticone. The race has been roiled by allegations of official misconduct against Constanza, the Republican candidate. Constanza has denied any wrongdoing. We talk with the candidates about their priorities for office and the most pressing issues in their town. Our guests:

Anthony Costanza, candidate for Irondequoit town supervisor
John Perticone, candidate for Irondequoit town supervisor

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Russian dissident, released in the 2024 prisoner swap, visits Rochester Oct 21, 2025

Vladimir Kara-Murza is visiting Rochester to talk about his work as a Russian dissident. Kara-Murza was a protege of Boris Nemtsov, a leading Russian opposition leader who was assassinated in 2015. He was imprisoned in April of 2022 for criticizing the invasion of Ukraine and then was released in August of 2024 during the prisoner swap arranged by the Biden administration. Kara-Murza now works in exile for Open Russia. Our guests:

Vladimir Kara-Murza, Russian dissident, journalist, and author
Dmitry Bykov, inaugural Scholar in Exile in the Humanities Center at the University of Rochester
Randall Stone, 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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Connectionsairs 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.

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The dangers of over-bidding on a house Oct 21, 2025

An RIT professor has compiled research on what happens when buying a house requires large overbids. He refers to the "winner's curse" and finds that overbidding tends to lead to bad future outcomes. The Greater Rochester market has seen an explosion of overbids in the past several years. We discuss what the data says — and what realtors are seeing on the market today. In studio:

Soon Hyeok (Steve) Choi, Ph.D., assistant professor of real estate finance in the Saunders College of Business at RIT
Tysharda Johnson-Thomas, real estate broker, author, and motivational speaker
Don Simonetti Jr., president of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors

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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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Connectionsairs 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.

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Candidates for Perinton town supervisor Oct 20, 2025

We sit down with the candidates for Perinton town supervisor: Democrat Jenn Townsend and Republican Ciaran Hanna. It's our first in a series of conversations about local races for town supervisor positions. We discuss the issues facing Perinton — many of which are relevant to towns across the area. Our guests*:

Jenn Townsend, candidate for Perinton town supervisor
Ciaran Hanna, candidate for Perinton town supervisor

*Note: Candidates are listed in the order in which they appear on the Monroe County Certification of Candidates list.

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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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Connectionsairs 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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Conservative and Green Party candidates for Rochester City Council Oct 20, 2025

Voters in the city of Rochester will see nine candidates on the ballot for Rochester City Council in the general election. We spoke with seven of the candidates in advance of the Democratic primary. This hour, we hear from the Conservative Party candidate, Marcus C. Williams, and the Green Party candidate, Dave Sutliff-Atias. We talk with them about their platforms, experience, and priorities for Rochester. In studio*:

Marcus C. Williams, candidate for Rochester City Council
Dave Sutliff-Atias, candidate for Rochester City Council

*Note: Candidates are listed in the order in which they appear on the Monroe County Certification of Candidates list.

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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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Connectionsairs 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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Veterans on local war memorials Oct 17, 2025

During the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on 10/17/25, our guests discuss the state of local war memorials and why they want the community to be more involved in honoring veterans.

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