Connections Podcast

Local author Alex Sanchez has a new graphic novel for young adults. "You Brought Me the Ocean" is the story of a teenager struggling to come out as gay...and as a superhero. The book was published by DC Comics and is part of the DC universe. We talk with Sanchez about the book, what he hopes readers take from the story, and about broader issues affecting the LGBTQ community. Our guest: Alex Sanchez , author of "You Brought Me the Ocean"

We continue our series of conversations about how to discuss race and racism. Companies across the country are grappling with how to have those conversations internally. Some have coordinated dialogue circles, town halls, and listening sessions, where employees share their experiences with racism, white privilege, and discrimination. WXXI staff members recently participated in listening sessions. We've invited members from one of the breakout groups on Connections to share what they discussed,

As of earlier this month, Monroe County has seen an increase in opioid overdoses -- both fatal and non-fatal --compared to this time last year. The work of first responders who arrive at the scene can be the difference between life and death. A new documentary called "Opioids from Inside: First Responders" explores the epidemic from the perspective of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who are on the front lines. The film airs on WXXI-TV on Tuesday, but first, we get a preview with the men and

We’re joined by Eddie Moore, Jr., a speaker and educator who provides diversity and cultural competency trainings around the world. One of his key programs is the White Privilege Conference, which brings together people from different backgrounds to discuss issues of privilege, including race, gender, sexuality, and more. Moore joins us this hour to talk about his teaching methods, and his 21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge. Our guest: Eddie Moore, Jr. , Ph.D., speaker, educator, and

24 years ago this summer, the Rochester Red Wings played their last regular season game at Silver Stadium. The ball park on Norton Street had been the Red Wings’ home for nearly 70 years. On Sunday – Father’s Day – WXXI-TV will re-air the broadcast of that last game. It's called "Last at Bat: A Silver Stadium Farewell." This hour on Connections, our guests discuss the impact of Silver Stadium and the Wings, and how baseball has been affected by the pandemic. Our guests: Naomi Silver , president

We're joined by two of the three candidates running in the Democratic primary for the 61st Senate District seat. We hear from Kim Smith and Jacqui Berger about why they are running and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Our guests: Jacqui Berger Kim Smith *Note: Joan Seamans, the third candidate in the race, was invited to join this discussion, but declined.

We talk with Ann Lewis, who is running for the 137th District Assembly seat. Long-time Assembly member David Gantt is retiring, and there are four candidates running in the primary. We've heard from the three other Democrats, and in this segment of the program, we offer Ann Lewis equal time to discuss her platform and priorities. Our guest: Ann Lewis

The Rochester Fringe Festival revealed its modified 2020 schedule. Festival producer Erica Fee has been in contact with many people in the arts community, and there has been some debate and confusion about safety. We discuss the decision-making process in a major festival during a pandemic, and we explore the questions that some in the arts community are expressing. Our guest: Erica Fee, producer of the Rochester Fringe Festival

Republican Chris Jacobs is running against Democrat Nate McMurray in the special election for New York’s 27th Congressional district. That seat had been held by Chris Collins, who resigned his seat after pleading guilty to a variety of charges related to insider trading and corruption. WXXI was not able to schedule a televised debate between the candidates, so we’re offering radio time. McMurray has agreed to join us to discuss the issues. Our guest: Nate McMurray

The Democratic primary is less than one week away, and voters in the 25th Congressional District will have a choice between two candidates in that race: current Congressman Joe Morelle, and Brighton Town Board member Robin Wilt. This is Wilt's second run for Congress; Morelle won the seat in 2018 after the passing for long-time Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. This hour, we talk with Wilt about her platform and priorities for the district. Our guest: Robin Wilt *Note: Congressman Morelle was