Connections Podcast

By Evan DawsonNews

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Connections Podcast episodes

October 16Alissa Ellman, candidate for New York's 24th Congressional District
We're joined by Alissa Ellman. The Democrat is challenging Republican incumbent Claudia Tenney in the 24th Congressional District. Ellman discusses her background and experience and explains how she differs from her opponent.
Our guest:
Alissa Ellman (D, WF), candidate for New York's 24th Congressional District
*Note: Rep. Tenney did not respond to our invitations to join the program.
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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.
25 min
October 16Harry Bronson, candidate for NYS Assembly District 138ict
We sit down with Harry Bronson. The Democrat is running for re-election in the 138th Assembly District. The Assemblymember discusses his priorities for the district, while answering our questions and yours.
Our guest:
Harry Bronson (D, WF), candidate for New York State Assembly District 138
*Note: Bronson's opponent, Republican challenger Tracy DiFlorio, did not respond to our invitation to participate in a discussion.
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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.
27 min
October 15NY gubernatorial debate; Peace Village moves forward; 'Bea Arthur: The Documentary'
It's our weekly news roundup.
We begin this week's episode with a look at New York's gubernatorial race. In a televised debate Tuesday night, Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman sparred over affordability issues and immigration. NYPNN correspondent Jon Campbell shares his takeaways.
Then, plans to revive Rochester’s only sanctioned homeless encampment have been approved. As reported by WXXI’s Gino Fanelli, Peace Village will be reestablished with prefabricated pallet shelters. He explains the latest.
Then, calling all fans of “Maude” and “The Golden Girls.” A new documentary about Bea Arthur will be screened at The Little Theatre later this month. “Bea Arthur: The Documentary – ‘I’ve Done Everything Except Porn’” is a love letter to the star. Filmmaker Dan Watt was Arthur's close friend. He and The Little's Scott Pukos join us for a preview.
Our guests:
Jon Campbell, Albany correspondent for WNYC, Gothamist, and the New York Public News Network
Gino Fanelli, investigations/City Hall reporter for WXXI News
Dan Watt, Emmy-winning producer and director
Scott Pukos, director of communications for The Little Theatre
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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.
51 min
October 14A tale of two (climate) migrations
The phrase "climate migration" most often refers to people relocating due to concerns about their homes becoming unlivable as a result of climate change. But according to American University professor Claire Brunel, Ph.D., it can also refer to firms and factories making cross-border moves due to climate regulation.
According to Brunel's research, fears of companies fleeing are largely unfounded. It's when those industries stay put — and don't adapt to green technology — that they push people out.
What are some examples? How can we ensure green tech can be available where it's needed most? And what does all of this mean for Rust Belt cities like Rochester?
Brunel is in Rochester as a guest of the World Affairs Council. She joins us to discuss those questions and more.
Our guest:
Claire Brunel, Ph.D., associate professor at American 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.
---
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.
52 min
October 13Joe Morelle, candidate for New York's 25th Congressional District
Rep. Joe Morelle is our guest.
The Democratic incumbent is running for re-election in New York's 25th Congressional District. He joins us to discuss a range of issues, including election protection, inflation, jobs, AI, and more. We ask him your questions throughout the hour as we continue our coverage of the 2026 general election.
In studio:
Joe Morelle (D, WF), candidate for New York's 25th Congressional District
*Note: The Republican challenger in this race, Virginia McIntyre, will be a guest on "Connections" on Oct. 19, 2026.
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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.
52 min
October 09How new tech and treatments are helping breast cancer patients survive and thrive
"It's not a death sentence like in years past." That's according to a local woman living with metastatic breast cancer. She's sharing her story with the hope of helping others thrive as they navigate a diagnosis. Advancements in screening and treatment for breast cancer have improved outcomes for patients, and as the technology continues to evolve, one question has become of particular focus: Can AI help save lives? This hour, we sit down with experts in breast cancer care who explain how technology can help people survive and live longer. We also hear from advocates about community resources and proposed state legislation that they say could be instrumental in supporting patients navigating the disease. In studio:
Karen Hill, metastatic breast cancer thriver
Avice O'Connell, M.D., longtime local radiologist
Ruth O'Regan, M.D., executive vice dean and chief academic officer at the University of Rochester, and breast cancer oncologist at the Pluta Cancer Center
Christina Thompson, executive director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester
"Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more.
---
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.
---
Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
52 min
October 08Measles spreads across the state; ICE detention facility set to expand; ImageOut returns
What do you need to know about the spread of measles in New York? On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency due to the increase in cases.
In the first segment of the return of our weekly news roundup, we're joined by Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown. She explains the latest with the outbreak, how the disease spreads, and what you need to know about protecting yourself.
Then, we turn our attention to immigration issues. As reported by WXXI's Brian Sharp and Jose Sandoval, plans to expand an ICE detention facility in Batavia now include a soft-sided or tent project that would house women. Sharp discusses the updates and provides a look at broader immigration updates in the region.
Then, ImageOut is back. The annual LGBTQ+ film festival runs October 8 through 18. We preview two of the films with filmmakers and a festival organizer.
Our guests:
Marielena Vélez de Brown, M.D., MPH, commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health
Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News
Peter C. Bisuito, professional entertainer and director, writer, and star of "I Remember"
Gillian Griffin, documentary programming lead for ImageOut
Karl Hillbrick, producer of "Our Colors Never Fade" and founder of Infilmpact
Jim McSherry, director of "Our Colors Never Fade"
Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more.
---
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.
---
Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
51 min
October 07Data center debate comes to Western New York
Rural communities in Western New York are debating proposed data centers. One site is located on Seneca Lake, in a facility currently being used for cryptomining. Opponents are concerned about noise, pollution, and the rapid move toward artificial intelligence. Local governments want to keep debates grounded in facts. Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order putting a moratorium on new hyperscale data center development for one year. What do you need to know about this issue, which has generated heated discussions across the state? We discuss what’s on the table. Our guests:
Steve Griffin, CEO of Finger Lakes Economic Development Center
Jason Leifer, Dryden town supervisor
Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian
Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more.
---
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.
---
Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
52 min
October 06Jeremy Cooney and Orlando Rivera, candidates for NYS Senate District 56
We welcome the candidates for New York State Senate District 56.
Democratic incumbent Jeremy Cooney and Republican challenger Orlando Rivera join us in the studio to discuss their platforms, priorities for office, and how they plan to address a range of issues affecting the district.
Jeremy Cooney (D, WF), candidate for New York State Senate District 56
Orlando Rivera (R, C), candidate for New York State Senate District 56
*Notes:
Candidates are listed in the order in which they appear on the Monroe County Board of Elections Certification of Candidates list.
Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more.
---
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.
---
Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
52 min
October 05An astrobiologist doubts AI’s capacity to think
Adam Frank has spent his career examining the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Now he turns his gaze to the question of just how intelligent AI can be.
Frank thinks most of the conversation about AI is misguided, and that it should be thought of as a software product before anything else. This hour, we examine his fresh insight into what has become a heated public conversation.
In studio:
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
---
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.
---
Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
51 min

About Connections Podcast

From the publisher's feed

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…