Connections Podcast

We continue our series of conversations about the impact of the coronavirus. This hour, we talk to local small business owners about their concerns. Some have temporarily shut down their operations, others are cancelling their events and weighing their options. They’re expressing frustrations and fear about economic pain and the path going forward. We talk with them about the difficult decisions they have to make, and what they’d like to see in terms of policies and relief from different levels

Local musicians from underrepresented communities say it can be difficult to make their mark on Rochester’s music scene, particularly because there are so many cover bands in town. They argue that original music doesn’t get the love and attention it deserves, especially if it comes from marginalized communities. We discuss the issue from a number of angles with local musicians. Our guests: Charles Emanuel Avis Reese Zahyia Rolle Danielle Ponder *This episode of Connections begins with an update

Weekend Connections is a collection of some of the most noteworthy moments from the week on Connections with Evan Dawson. This episode includes conversations about: A local refugee's experience growing up in Afghanistan under the Taliban; Elitism, with journalist and author Joel Stein; How public schools teach climate change. Connections intern Emmarae Stein assisted with the production of this episode.

With experts recommending social distancing as an effective way to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many people, including the elderly and immunocompromised, might be staying in their homes for extended periods of time. What can we do to prevent loneliness and help them stay connected and included in society? We're joined by experts who answer your questions. Our guests: Dr. Eric Caine , M.D., former chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center Sara

Low-income families are in a particularly vulnerable spot as the coronavirus spreads. If schools close, where can kids get meals? What happens for families that are already deeply struggling? Our guests explore what’s already happening, and what could come next. In studio: Pete Nabozny , policy director at The Children’s Agenda Julia Tedesco , president and CEO of Foodlink

Three local villages made the switch to solar energy in 2019. We talk with leaders from Brockport, Lima, and Sodus Point about their decisions and what switching to solar means for their residents. In studio: Kevin Schulte , CEO of GreenSpark Solar John Wadach , trustee for the Village of Lima and professor of engineering science and physics at MCC Maxine Appleby , trustee and energy commissioner for the Village of Sodus Point Margaret Blackman , mayor of the Village of Brockport

Joel Stein is a journalist, author, and political pundit. His new book, "In Defense of Elitism," is a look at why President Trump won the 2016 election. Using wry humor, Stein argues that economic anxiety and racism were not the cause of the 2016 results. He says Americans voted for Trump because he attacked elitism. Stein joins us to discuss his work. Joel Stein, author of “In Defense of Elitism”

Senator Elizabeth Warren’s loss in the presidential primary stings for many voters who have long hoped to see a woman in the White House. There has been heated debate about sexism and misogyny in the campaign, and in the results. Our guests discuss their reaction to another woman’s exit from the race: Jen Lunsford , attorney with Segar & Sciortino, and current candidate for the 135th Assembly District Tianna Mañón , political analyst and media specialist Laurel Elder , professor of political

The coronavirus is already putting workers at risk – of infection, but also of losing their paychecks and their livelihoods. Some workers can stay home and do their jobs. Many can not. What protections are there for workers? What protections should there be? Our guests discuss it: Mike Durand, co-founder of Duet Studio Jon Itkin, strategy director at Article Group Nick Coulter, co-founder of Person Centered Housing Options Jacquie Billings, owner of The Hole in the Wall restaurant and Ration

How well do public schools teach climate change? A new book aims to educate the educators who are doing the work of teaching climate change to students in Kindergarten and beyond. The authors have some serious criticisms of what is, and is not, being taught in most schools. They also examine the inconsistencies and the cultural forces involved in teaching climate change. They’re part of an event focusing on public education in climate change adaptation. In studio: Joseph Henderson , lecturer in