Connections Podcast

A local wine blogger recently decided to stop writing about wine. She explained why during a pair of recent dinners to raise money for African American-owned businesses. Maiah Johnson writes from the perspective of a wine lover, a travel enthusiast, and a Black woman who says she was often viewed with suspicion in upscale settings. She shares her perspective and experiences. Our guest: Maiah Johnson , wine writer Aqua Porter, board member for Yoga 4 A Good Hood

We're joined by our second group of candidates for New York State Supreme Court. There are seven candidates vying for four seats. Our guests discuss their platforms, priorities, and work on the bench: Julie Cianca Judge Vince Dinolfo William Gargan

The United Way of Greater Rochester is heading up a 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge to help people in our community develop a deeper understanding of how racism affects their daily lives. Our guests talk about the challenge and what they hope participants learn. Our guests: Cicely Strickland-Ruiz, COO of the United Way of Greater Rochester Angelica Perez-Delgado, president and CEO of Ibero-American Action League Sasha Mitchell, program administrator for the Racial Equity & Justice Initiative

We talk with the candidates for the 138th Assembly District. Democratic incumbent Harry Bronson and Republican Peter Vazquez are vying for the seat. Bronson, a small business owner, is seeking his sixth term in office. Vazquez is a high school teacher, business owner, and veteran, and this is his fourth attempt at winning the seat. We talk to them about their platforms and a number of issues affecting the district. Our guests: Harry Bronson , Democratic incumbent for the 138th Assembly District

Dr. Ethan Welch is a retired local surgeon who has written a new booked called "Quackonomics! The Cost of Unscientific Health Care in the US." We talk to him about the critical importance of science in medicine and how Americans can better spend their health care dollars. Our guest: Ethan Welch , M.D., author of "Quackonomics! The Cost of Unscientific Health Care in the US"

We're joined by candidates for New York State Supreme Court. There are seven candidates vying for four seats. We talk to the first group today and the second group on Wednesday. Our guests discuss their platforms, priorities, and work on the bench: Justice Daniel Doyle Judge Stephen Lindley Judge Gino Nitti

The holiday season is fast approaching, but gatherings could look different this year due to the coronavirus. Monroe County has released guidance for Halloween, and the CDC is ranking holiday gathering activities based on level of risk. This hour, we talk with local medical professionals about what we know now regarding the virus and how it spreads, what the big questions might be when the holidays arrive, and how to start talking with family and friends about plans and expectations. Our guests:

We preview the annual Rochester Jewish Book Festival , which runs October 25 through November 1. We're joined by Ben Sheehan, author of "OMG WTF Does the Constitution Actually Say?: A Non-Boring Guide to How Our Democracy is Supposed to Work." The book is a humorous look at why Americans don't understand how government works and how to change that. Sheehan shares what he thinks Americans need to know, especially during election season. Our guest: Ben Sheehan , author of "OMG WTF Does the

We're joined by Representative Tom Reed, who is running for reelection in the 23rd Congressional District. The Republican is seeking his sixth term. This year's race is a rematch of the 2018 contest with Democrat Tracy Mitrano. Mitrano joined us on the program last week, and today we talk with Reed, who answers our questions and yours. Our guest: Tom Reed , Republican candidate for the 23rd Congressional District

A group of pastors and faith leaders has published a letter in regards to the recent protest movement led by Free the People Roc. They're planning a Friday event, and they join us to discuss how they see the demands from the protest leaders, as well as the current climate in the Rochester region. Our guests: Rev. Lane Campbell , minister at First Universalist Church of Rochester Pastor Imani Olear , minister at Reformation Lutheran Church Ashley Gantt, co-founder of Free the People Roc Iman Abid