Connections Podcast

Why is the stock market booming when the economy is crashing? Our guests explore the seeming disconnect between Wall Street and Main Street. We also look at what's working, and maybe what's not, when it comes to helping people who are out of work. And we discuss the price gouging that can happen during a crisis. Our guests: Amit Batabyal , Arthur J. Gosnell Professor of Economics at RIT Kent Gardner , chief economist with the Center for Governmental Research

What should professional sports do during the pandemic? Major League Baseball is close to a plan that would include home games with minimal fans in attendance, and divisions based on geographic proximity. The season would start in July. Professional football has discussed a season in which the players stay in hotels and don't see anyone outside of league employees. Basketball stars like LeBron James are saying they think they can finish the current season, even without fans. How much should we

We’re joined by doctors and nurses who are treating patients diagnosed with COVID-19. These remarkable individuals share what they’ve learned about what the disease, and what it’s like being on the front lines each day. Our guests: Dr. Paritosh Prasad , M.D., associate professor of medicine, and chief of highly infectious diseases and surgical intensive care at the University of Rochester Medical Center Ann Shanders, nurse at Rochester General Hospital Sheri Tooley, respiratory therapist at

Families across the country are thinking ahead to the summer months, and many have questions about summer camps for kids. Will programs be available? If camps open, how will they operate during the pandemic? Camp directors have difficult decisions to make. This hour, we talk to the leaders of local camps about how they are gearing up for the summer of 2020. Our guests: John Quinlivan, executive director of Camp Stella Maris Mike Stevens, chief strategy officer for YMCA of Greater Rochester Gary

Pittsford Town Board member Stephanie Townsend is speaking out about the need for scientific literacy. She says the pandemic has underscored the erosion of this kind of literacy, and "understanding the scope, limits, and process of science is critical to an informed citizenry and electorate. No one study 'proves' anything." This hour, we discuss scientific literacy in America and how improving it could impact responses to the pandemic. Our guests: Stephanie Townsend , director of research and

Can lifestyle medicine, including a plant-based diet, protect you from the worst consequences of having COVID-19? That's a pretty significant promise to make. Practitioners of lifestyle medicine have pointed to the health benefits of plant-based eating, while pointing to the growing evidence of who is most seriously impacted by the coronavirus. Our guest explores the possible benefits in short, medium, and long-term lifestyle change: Dr. Ted Barnett , M.D., founder and CEO of Rochester Lifestyle

Can restaurants truly "reopen" during a pandemic? Would you go out to eat? In the next phase of reopening, restaurant owners assume they will have to limit seating capacity and have the staff wear masks. As a result, the already-thin margins will be stretched to the limit. Some restaurant managers say it will be more profitable to remain closed to sit-down service, while offering takeout only. Others want to offer seating, even in limited capacity. What will the public support? Our guests

A number of local artists have said they've seen changes and setbacks in their work as a result of the pandemic. This hour, we talk with members of Rochester's arts community about how they are adapting during the crisis, and how a possible reopening will impact their work. This episode will primarily feature visual artists. It's one in a series of similar conversations we'll have on the program. Our guests: Shawn Dunwoody , local artist Jess Kamens , creator of the Quarantine Porch Portrait

We've had many conversations with progressives about the direction they want Democrats to go in 2020. Today, we talk to conservatives about their views on a range of issues: President Trump's overall performance; his handling of the pandemic; conservatism as an ideological movement, and more. Our guests: Don Riley, former vice president of Mark IV Enterprises Anna Garvey, former member of the University of Rochester Young Republicans Tim Schieffen, small business owner

Local medical professionals say the number of telepsychiatry visits has increased significantly during the pandemic. This hour, we discuss the value of telepsychiatry and mental health support offered through virtual platforms, both during the pandemic and beyond. Our guests: Michael Hasselberg , Ph.D., chief of technology and innovation in the URMC Department of Psychiatry Laura Jowly, outpatient behavioral health manager at Clifton Springs Hospital and Clinic Vicki Spurr, family program