Connections Podcast

A local organization called Civic Genius is hosting panels aimed at dismantling polarization. The organizers say the conversations neighbors and elected officials have during their panels can create more common ground on issues that affect the entire country. How do they work? And how effective are they? We discuss those questions with our guests: Howard Konar, founder of Civic Genius Jillian Youngblood, executive director of Civic Genius Steven Kull, founder and president of Voice of the People

Three women have come forward, alleging that Governor Andrew Cuomo subjected them to various forms of sexual harassment. The governor has apologized for what he describes as misunderstandings, but not harassment. Now some Democrats are calling on Cuomo to resign, and protesters demonstrated outside his office yesterday. Our guests discuss what comes next: Lisa Nolan , director of prevention education at Willow Domestic Violence Center Nicole Hushla Re , longtime Western New York-based political

How has the pandemic affected small farms? According to many local farmers and their customers, the past year has highlighted the importance of sourcing local food. The annual “CSA Day” expanded to “CSA Week.” It wrapped up last week. CSA stands for Community-Supported Agriculture. This hour, we discuss how local farms have adapted to COVID-19 restrictions and challenges, and how CSAs have been impacted by the pandemic. Our guests: Ruth Blackwell, owner of Mud Creek Farm Eric Houppert, owner of

Here's something that would surprise many Americans: Rochester is one of the most reliable places to live if you want to avoid extreme weather. No hurricanes. No wildfires. No drought. Fresh water. Yes, snow, but manageable. As parts of the country deal with extreme weather and the effects of climate change, cities like Rochester and Buffalo are poised to become what Buffalo mayor Byron W. Brown called “climate refuges.” This hour, we talk with climate experts about Rochester as a destination

When it comes to racial justice in the United States, historian Bruce Levine argues that there is one historical figure that is often left out of the conversation. His new book aims to be the definitive biography of Congressman Thaddeus Stevens. Stevens is best known as a Radical Republican who thought Abraham Lincoln was moving too slowly on emancipation and civil rights. Levine joins us to set the record straight about a historical figure who he says has been long misunderstood. Our guest:

Research finds that girls with disabilities have significantly lower high school graduation rates and higher unemployment rates than their nondisabled peers. An organization called the Disability EmpowHer Network aims to provide mentoring and guidance to girls with disabilities. The goal is to "empower disabled young women to live to their fullest potential and have the confidence to lead." Our guests share their stories of mentoring and overcoming the various obstacles facing young women with

During a lesson on the civil rights movement and Rosa Parks, a young Latino boy asks, "Where did we sit on the bus?" His teacher couldn't answer the question. That boy is now an adult, and he's performing a one-man show about his experience as a first generation American. Brian Quijada's performance, available through Geva Theatre, is a remarkable and entertaining blend of music, dance, storytelling and truth. We preview his performance and talk about growing up in two cultures. Our guest: Brian

A new vaccination site in Rochester has limited openings for residents of underserved zip codes. State leaders join us to discuss the urgency of getting more people vaccinated in Rochester. They also discuss the Daniel Prude case and state issues. Our guests: Jeremy Cooney , New York State Senator Demond Meeks , New York State Assemblyman Yvette Conyers , DNP, family nurse practitioner and assistant professor of nursing

While President Biden continues to tout the Affordable Care Act as a strong foundation for American health care, a growing number of state lawmakers support a single payer system here. What's the latest? How viable is the system? Why do they disagree with national leaders who prefer to strengthen the existing system? Our guests: Michael Marshall, volunteer with Rochester Poor People's Campaign, Rochester Homeless Union, and Metro Justice Mahima Iyengar, medical student and co-chair of the

What is qualified immunity for police officers? Activists in Rochester have joined a growing chorus – including some members of Congress – calling for an end to qualified immunity. A local panel of legal experts had already planned to host a public discussion on the issue before the announcement this week that no Rochester police officers would face charges over the death of Daniel Prude. The discussion becomes even more timely, as the panel addresses the legal issues related to criminal and