Connections Podcast

NPR recently reported that clinical anxiety affects a small, but growing number of children and teens. One source of anxiety is climate change. This hour, we sit down with a pediatrician and a clinical psychiatrist to discuss how to have conversations about climate change with young people. We also hear from a local parent and climate change activist who shares her techniques and experience with this issue. In studio: Dr. Michael Scharf , M.D., associate professor of clinical psychiatry and

The New York Times took some heat for its recent presidential endorsement process. Critics say it played out like an online reality show; others argued that the endorsement was puffed up into an inflated sense of self-importance. The Times responded that its editorial board wanted to take the process seriously, and with transparency. We ask our guests how they’ve come to view newspaper endorsements, and whether they choose to offer them. (CITY News does not, for example.) In studio: David

At midnight on Monday, Wegmans enacted its ban on most single-use plastic bags. That means customers can now use reusable bags or pay five cents for each paper bag. Community members are reacting to the change, with some complaining about what they call an inconvenience and added expense, while others are lauding the company for going more green. The move comes in advance of a state ban on plastic bags that begins March 1. This hour, we discuss the impact of the change on customers and the

A 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit Puerto Rico on Saturday. It's the latest in a series of earthquakes and aftershocks that have shaken the island over the past several weeks. Puerto Ricans in Rochester are coming together to offer relief and support. Our guests discuss their efforts and the broader response from the mainland. In studio: Glory Harris, director of stability, education, and employment services at Ibero American Action League Miguel Meléndez, chief community engagement officer for

We have a conversation about former vice president Joe Biden' candidacy. He remains at or near the top of national polling, with voting set to begin next week. Biden is often described by voters as a safe choice. We’ve tried to bring together a panel of enthusiastic Biden supporters to make the case that the “safe” choice is the best choice. Our guests: Sandy Frankel, former Brighton town supervisor Devin McAndrew-Greiner, grad student and Biden supporter

What do you think about the so-called Megxit news? Earlier this month, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their plans to step back from royal duties and work toward living financially independent from the family. The couple cited the British tabloids’ treatment of Markle as one of the main reasons the two are seeking distance from the royals. This hour, we’re joined by local Brits who weigh in on the news and its possible impact. They discuss shifts in the modern monarchy, questions

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: How so-called rust-belt cities like Rochester can use their histories to fuel revitalization; The state of early intervention services in Monroe County, and how they benefit families; The value of respite programs for caregivers and people with disabilities. Several of these stories are reported from WXXI’s Inclusion Desk . This

We wrap up our annual Dialogue on Disability Week with a conversation about sports, media, and inclusion. Special Olympics New York is celebrating 50 years. We’re joined by an athlete who has been part of the program for 40 years, as well as RIT photojournalism students who have covered athletes’ stories . We discuss how sports can help people discover new abilities and strengths, and how effective media coverage can help create a more inclusive society. In studio: Patty VanSavage, athlete and

How can so-called rust belt cities take advantage of the digital economy to revitalize their urban centers? It’s a question planner and developer Jennifer Vey at the Brookings Institution has explored in depth. Her work in transformative placemaking focuses on inclusion, innovation, and job creation. She’ll be in Rochester next week as a guest of the Community Design Center for its 2020 Reshaping Rochester Series , but first, she joins us on Connections. Our guests: Jennifer Vey , senior fellow

As part of Dialogue on Disability Week, we continue our series of conversations about inclusion and disability rights. This hour, we discuss the value of respite programs for caregivers and people with disabilities. Respite programs provide a variety of short-term, temporary services that allow family members to take a break from the day-to-day schedule. Research shows respite programs can improve family stability, but many people who participate in them – or would like to – say the system is