Connections Podcast

"Vaccinated People Are Going to Hug Each Other." That's the title of the latest op-ed from Julia Marcus, epidemiologist and professor at Harvard Medical School. Writing for the Atlantic Monthly, Marcus emphasizes hope when it comes to vaccines bringing an end to the pandemic. She argues that the prevailing message in the U.S. -- that because the vaccines aren't perfect, vaccinated people shouldn't let their guards down, even among other vaccinated people -- creates the misimpression that

Former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson has a lot to say about a number of issues, including a Rochester Police Department officer pepper spraying a nine-year-old girl, and the inauguration of the new president. Johnson has roots in the south and frequently commented on support for former President Trump during his visits back home. He joins us to talk about where the country goes next. Our guest: Bill Johnson, former mayor of the City of Rochester

Monroe County Legislator Ernest Flagler-Mitchell has admitted that he sent a photo of male genitalia to a 19-year-old woman. The woman had come to Flagler-Mitchell seeking guidance after a mass shooting at her house this past summer. Flagler-Mitchell told the Democrat & Chronicle that he intended the picture to go to his wife, not the young woman. Sexual assault prevention experts say that sending unsolicited graphic photos can be a form of assault and are often used to exert power and

We're joined by Ken Rudin, long known as "The Political Junkie" to public radio audiences. Rudin discusses the tumultuous state of U.S. politics, including the challenge for Republicans after the riot at the capitol. We also discuss whether President Biden - who has built much of his career on an ability to compromise and pass legislation - has any desire to work across the aisle in his first year. Our guest: Ken Rudin , "The Political Junkie"

We're joined by New York State Assemblymember Harry Bronson. Bronson gives us an update from Albany, including what he and his colleagues are working on related to nursing home visitations and economic development post-pandemic. Bronson is also the co-sponsor of a bill that, if passed, would ban evictions of commercial businesses with fewer than 50 employees until May 1. Bronson discusses his work, the impact he hopes it will have, and he answers our questions and yours. Our guest: Harry Bronson

We have a conversation about a number of subjects related to autism. Our guests help us understand a new screening process, how to help families navigate pandemic challenges, and how to improve police interactions with people who have autism. Our guests: Dylan Dailor , author and autism self-advocate Susan Hyman , M.D., professor of pediatrics, and division chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong Lisa Latten, health project coordinator for the

Astrophysicist Adam Frank says that science has united us during this very difficult year. Writing for NBCNews.com , Frank argues, "It is no overstatement to say that science saved our lives and our hope for the future. And it did so by overcoming all the denialists who attack its validity, dismiss its honesty and power, and repeatedly call for its funding to be cut." He discusses those ideas, and he joins colleagues to explain how scientists are using "football field-sized lasers to recreate

How are local colleges and universities handling the 2021 spring semester during the pandemic? Nazareth College has shifted the start of its spring semester to February 1 due to the rise in COVID-19 cases after the holidays, while continuing to offer classes online. Monroe Community College resumed on-campus classes on Monday, but nearly 80 percent of its courses are being delivered remotely. The University of Rochester restarts most of its classes on February 1, offering both in-person and

More than 30 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), finding accessible housing remains a challenge for people with disabilities. As WXXI host and reporter April Franklin reports, many of the regulations that fall under the ADA do not apply to residential housing. That leaves the number of accessible and affordable units limited. This hour, we explore the state of accessible housing with our guests: April Franklin , "Weekend Edition" host and reporter for WXXI News

We talk to a leading local allergist about COVID-19 vaccine allergies. He answers questions about what is and what is not an allergic reaction to the vaccine. We also discuss how common or uncommon different reactions are. Our guest: Shahzad Mustafa , M.D., lead physician and chief of allergy, immunology, and rheumatology at Rochester Regional Health