Connections Podcast

The Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club has postponed its Earth Day Environmental Forum, but its members are pushing forward with their work. We’re joined by several of the forum’s presenters who discuss how climate change impacts at-risk communities, specifically in terms of health. It’s a conversation about environmental justice with our guests: Peter Debes, vice chair of the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club Kim Smith , community organizer, and candidate for NYS Senate, 61st

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a number of challenges for institutions of higher education. Students are learning remotely, and faculty are doing their best to provide virtual lessons. Some colleges and universities are also facing unexpected financial issues. The University of Rochester, for example, has announced that it is taking financial belt tightening measures. This hour, we talk with the leaders of local colleges and universities about their concerns, their priorities, and how they

Rochester City School District Superintendent Terry Dade joins us to discuss the cuts that he says are necessary. We talk teaching positions, buildings, social and emotional support, East High, and more. The superintendent says it has been a devastating process, but he will make the hard decisions that must be made. Our guest: Terry Dade , Rochester City School District Superintendent

The pandemic could permanently change youth sports in America. And according to CITY Newspaper editor Dave Andreatta, that might not be a bad thing. Andreatta writes that the quarantine has led many parents to realize just how out of control the youth sports schedules have become. Now that the kids can't play on travel teams, they're able to just... play, at home or in the yard. So when the pandemic ends, should the manic youth sports schedule end with it? Can we throttle back? Our guests weigh

Should parks across the nation be shut down to help stop the spread of COVID-19? In a piece for the Atlantic Monthly, UNC professor Zeynep Tufekci makes a case for keeping them open. While some parks have experienced overcrowding and minimal social distancing between users, Tufekci says with rationing and policies that promote physical distancing, parks and open green spaces will be good for the immune system and the mind. This hour, we discuss the state of local parks and trails with area

Has the coronavirus pandemic impacted your marriage, relationship, or dating life? We've heard from a number of people who say this temporary "new normal" has caused some changes in their love lives. Our guests share their perspectives: Sejal Shah , writer, writing teacher, and author of "This Is One Way to Dance" Raj Singaravelu, middle school history teacher at The Harley School Nicole Rahn , Rochester native Dennis O'Brien , Rochester native

Will the pandemic convince more Americans to live in the countryside, away from denser cities where the virus has spread more quickly? In the past week there has been a lot of discussion about COVID-19 and population density. New research finds that the disease is spreading through rural areas with significant speed, but of course the biggest caseloads are in cities like New York. So will this change the movement toward cities? Our guests weigh in: David Riley , planner and senior research

Tara Reade, a former staff member for then-Senator Joe Biden, has filed a police report alleging that Biden sexually assaulted her in 1993. Biden denies the allegation. Some progressives are challenging Biden to exit the presidential campaign; others are pushing back, challenging the veracity of Reade's account. Our guests weigh in: Mary Whittier , interim CEO of RESOLVE of Greater Rochester Jerri Lynn Sparks, author and advocate for survivors of domestic violence Stevie Vargas , community

WXXI has launched a new digital series for kids called "I Can Be What?!" With two-and-a-half million students across the state learning from home during the pandemic, the series is the latest programming initiative in WXXI's efforts to educate young people. "I Can Be What?!" explores STEAM career opportunities -- from dance to zoo keeping to welding -- and gives viewers a sneak peek into what it's like to work in those friends. This hour, we talk to the team behind the series. Our guests: Erin

Retired New York State Assemblyman Rolland Kidder wrote a powerful op-ed , describing his feelings about possibly getting COVID-19. Kidder writes that he's nearly 80 years old, and should not be placed on a ventilator if it could go to a younger patient. Kidder writes that he's had a good life, and is prepared for the possibility that a ventilator might not be available when he needs one. It's a powerful piece that evokes personal responsibility, ethics, and preparation. He joins us to talk