Connections Podcast

Millions of American adults have not gotten vaccinated against COVID-19…by choice. We meet people who have been on the fence about the vaccines, and we welcome expert medical analysis to address individual concerns. Data finds that the vaccines are working in clear, powerful fashion: the six most vaccinated states in the country combined for a total of six COVID deaths on Wednesday. This hour there will be no shaming, no mocking, no condescending. Just a conversation about how some Americans are

Would you describe yourself as "weird"? In her new book, "Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World," the Atlantic's Olga Khazan works to reclaim the word by emphasizing how being different can be a person's greatest strength. We talk to Khazan about why being an outsider is an asset. Our guest: Olga Khazan , journalist, and author of "Weird: The Power of Being an Outsider in an Insider World"

A group based in the Finger Lakes is organizing opposition to a Bitcoin mining operation. Crypto currency has made significant gains in the last six months and is more popular than ever. But to obtain certain forms of currency like Bitcoin, mathematical experts have to perform complex computer equations. We discuss how it works, why they there is opposition, and why crypto has been so hot. Our guests: Vinny Aliperti, owner of Billsboro Winery on Seneca Lake Yvonne Taylor, co-founder and vice

What do you wear to the reopening of society? It’s a question explored by writer Amanda Mull in a new piece for the Atlantic Monthly entitled “Burn All the Leggings”. She argues for a return to “shopping for cute new dresses” rather than elastic waistbands. She also writes about how previous pandemics have paved the way for fashion trends: how the bubonic plague in the 1300s gave rise to the Italian fashion industry or how the Spanish Flu pandemic led to the fashion choices of the roaring ‘20s.

House Republicans are expecting to oust Wyoming representative Liz Cheney from her ranking as number three in GOP leadership. As reported by NPR, the move could cause a major rift in the party over how far it should take its loyalty to former President Donald Trump. Cheney has been critical of Trump and has called out his misinformation about the 2020 election. What could it mean for the future of the party? Last week, we talked with members of the Working Families Party about their desire to

New York State announced new capacity guidelines for event venues last week. According to the state, "Congregate commercial and social events...such as those that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can

How can Rochester achieve an inclusive recovery following the pandemic? ACT Rochester will explore that question at an upcoming event. We preview that program and talk with national representatives from the Urban Institute and the Brookings Institute about their recommendations for Rochester. Our guests: Ann Johnson , executive director of ACT Rochester Simeon Banister , vice president of community programs at the Rochester Community Foundation Tina Stacy , principal research associate for the

A grade-school math problem went viral last month when math teachers around the world couldn't agree on how to find the answer. The equation was short, and seemingly called for the old formula of PEMDAS. So why was it so confusing? And if math teachers can't agree, can the rest of us assume we've learned enough math to practically apply it? We have some fun with math and explore how we do, and don't, use what we were taught in school. Our guests: Amanda Tucker , assistant professor in the

Has there been a leftward shift in politics at the state and national level? It's a question we explore with members of the Working Families Party. We talk about the party's legislative priorities and how they view progressivism on multiple levels. Our guests: Sochie Nnaemeka , director of the New York Working Families Party Stevie Vargas , education organizer and chair of the Rochester Chapter of the Working Families Party Emma Leigh, chapter member of the Working Families Party

One of the highest rated restaurants in the world, Eleven Madison Park in New York City, is removing all animal products from its menu. Eleven Madison's chef says the current food system is not sustainable, and his focus will be on a world-class menu that is entirely vegan. Is this a one-off, or a harbinger of more change? Even fast food restaurants now offer meatless burgers. New York Times columnist Ezra Klein argues that vegan and vegetarian options are still harder to find and often not very