Connections Podcast

The Biden administration has launched the biggest anti-poverty program in more than half a century in this country. The money started rolling out last Thursday: checks to households in every state, aimed at helping more than 60 million children. Who gets the money, and how far will it go? Our guests break down what we need to know about this ambitious plan. Our guests: Pete Nabozny , director of policy for The Children's Agenda Yversha Roman , director of CASH (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope

We remember the life and legacy of John Vito, who passed away on July 7. Vito was the owner of O'Bagelo's and Baked & Carved restaurants. Both establishments were well known and well loved in the community. Kidney failure set Vito on a different path, and after he received a kidney transplant, he dedicated his time to writing cookbooks and recipes, creating nutrition plans, and producing a video series aimed at helping people living with chronic kidney disease. This hour, we remember John

Late last month, the Supreme Court ruled that NCAA Division I football and men's basketball programs could provide new educational incentives to athletes. Writing for the Atlantic, Angel Pérez reports that the decision will help compensate athletes in commercially lucrative sports, especially those who come from low-income backgrounds. But, Pérez also writes that the move could widen the inequality gap, with universities offering new benefits to wealthy students. Our guests discuss the decision

The new documentary “Summer of Soul” is generating a lot of buzz. It’s part doc, part music, part historical record about the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969. The footage was largely forgotten until now. Our guests discuss the film, the music in the context of a time of unrest, and more. It’s screening at the Little Theatre through this weekend. Our guests: Doug Curry , host of Blacks & Blues on WRUR Scott Wallace, host of Rejuvenation on WRUR Bill Seery, director of preservation services

The surge in summer travel has dramatically increased the cost of going on vacation for most people. We examine the trends, and we look for alternatives that aren't quite so expensive for travelers. Our guests: Arian Horbovetz , creator of The Urban Phoenix Richard Trayford, co-owner of Letchworth Farm Bed and Breakfast Nicole Manapol, director of Letchworth Gateway Villages

The Pentagon declassified a series of videos that show UAP -- unexplained aerial phenomena. That does not mean the videos show evidence of alien aircraft; in fact, such videos tend to be debunked with a little bit of analysis. But the federal government has compiled a report on the videos and public speculation is blossoming. So why don't the experts agree that we are finally seeing our technologically civilized friends? They explain, and they talk about what the search for civilized life

With the U.S. Supreme Court taking up a case challenging abortion rights, the entire landscape of abortion access could change in this country. Our guests discuss their differing views on what is likely to happen if the Court changes the legal standing of abortion. They also discuss their concerns from a number of different perspectives. Our guests: Michele Sterlace-Accorsi, executive director at Feminists Choosing Life NY Christen Civiletto , attorney at SUNY Buffalo Law School Rabbi Peter

In a recent piece for the New York Times, Dani Blum writes about the "double closet". In this case, Blum refers to the kind of discrimination bisexual people can face from those who are heterosexual and from people in the LGBTQ community. She writes that they can be discouraged from coming out due to biphobia. Research shows that the stigma has contributed to higher rates of depression and anxiety among bisexual people when compared to those who are straight or gay. This hour, our guests discuss

Parents from the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) are gearing up for a new school year. They say more parent voices are needed in the school system, especially after the pandemic year. This hour, we talk to PLTI members about why they believe their model can help parents become effective advocates and leaders, and we discuss what they would like to see in terms of parent leadership in local schools. Our guests: Luva Alvarez, site and alumni coordinator for the PLTI program Toyin

What should Democrats learn from the recent election results? In Rochester, activists became candidates, and they won seats on City Council. They used the refrain, "From the streets to the seats." But in New York City, Democrats chose a former police officer, and the most unabashedly opposed to stronger police reforms, for their next mayor. Our guests discuss it: James Patterson , former law enforcement officer and winner of the Democratic primary for Rochester City School Board Kim Smith ,