Connections Podcast

A number of state lawmakers are pushing for stronger gun control laws. At the end of the session in June, Democrats rallied in favor of a new legislative package. It includes laws that would require people seeking to purchase a gun to clear a mental health evaluation and pass a drug test, with both being certified by a doctor. A second law would require potential gun owners to take a five-hour gun safety course, complete a live firing test, apply for a hunting license, and show proof that they

CITY Magazine reporter Gino Fanelli recently paid $65 for a T-shirt at a local CBD store. An eighth of an ounce of marijuana came as a complementary "gift" with the purchase. As Fanelli reports, it's one way retailers are working around state law, which prevents retail sales of the plant. The law does allow adults to transfer or give up to three ounces of marijuana to each other without compensation. This hour, we examine cannabis law and the future of the recreational market with our guests:

When – if ever – should the classics be modernized? In a recent piece for the Atlantic Monthly, David Sims argues that the new Cinderella film available on Amazon Prime is “a mess”. Sims writes, “Like the worst modernizations, Cinderella feels like the result of out-of-touch executives trying to identify the hip new thing.” Is Sims being overly critical? What are the characteristics of a successful adaptation? We discuss these questions and more with our guests: Amanda Chestnut , artist and

The academic year begins this week, and for many students in the region, it will be the first time they will be back in the classroom full time. Experts say returning to full-time school will be a big adjustment for some students. This hour, we discuss how educators and caregivers can be prepared to assist students who may have behavioral or mental health needs. Our guests: Melissa Heatly, Ph.D. , professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rochester Medical Center Leah Hill,

We're joined by local music teachers who share how their work has changed during the pandemic. From voice lessons, to teaching students to play instruments, to music theory, teachers have faced challenges. We hear how they've adapted. Our guests: Rachel Dobbs , music educator at the George Mather Forbes School #4 in the Rochester City School District Lisa Miller, chair of the Music Department, and vocal director for grades 5-12 at the Sodus Central School District

College students are back on campus for another academic year in the pandemic. We talk with representatives from three local colleges about how they are handling pandemic safety. Our guests: Beth Paul , president of Nazareth College Andrea C. Wade , provost and vice president of academic services at MCC Heidi Macpherson , president of SUNY Brockport

What are your favorite podcasts this year? We talk about the most interesting and popular podcasts of 2021. Our guests share their picks, and we invite you to weigh in with your favorites as well. Our guests: Veronica Volk , producer and editor for news, arts, and life at WXXI News Beth Larter , school librarian in Gates Chili

Was the messy evacuation from Afghanistan inevitable? Or could we have pulled all of our Afghan allies out in time? Todd Moss was deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. He's a Pittsford graduate who has worked in foreign affairs for most of his career. We discuss how bureaucracy cost our allies, and what lessons the foreign policy establishment can learn going forward. Our guest: Todd Moss , former Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that can lead to chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more. Researchers say it can sometimes be reversed with lifestyle changes. We talk about metabolic syndrome with the experts and a patient. Our guests: Lynda Powell , Charles J. and Margaret Roberts Professor of Preventive Medicine, and chairperson of the Department of Preventive Medicine at Rush Medical College in Chicago Barbara Lohse , professor of health sciences and head of

We're joined by U.S. military veterans who discuss their views on U.S. counter-terrorism efforts and the war in Afghanistan. Our guests: Lyle Rubin , SIGINT marine officer who served in Afghanistan in 2010 Daniel Caster, CIA, retired Laura Stradley , executive director of the Veterans Outreach Center , and veteran of eight years in the U.S. Army