Connections Podcast

A team of journalists, chefs, and food lovers have united to launch a new online publication called RochesterFoodNet . It's intended to be a source for all things food: reviews, photos, blogs, videos, and podcasts. We welcome guests from the new project to discuss their work, their goals, and the food scene in Rochester. In studio: Adam Wilcox Karin Cross-Smith Chris Clemens Vince Press

CITY Newspaper has announced its 2019 "Rochester 10" . It's an annual list of people making significant contributions to the community, who don't receive significant media coverage. We sit down with several of the Rochester 10 to discuss the recognition and their work. Our guests: J. Simmons , actor Jenn Beideman , advocacy manager for Common Ground Health Leslie Danks Burke , founder of the Trailblazers PAC

As 2019 draws to a close, we sit down with local climate activists to discuss the year in climate. How would they “grade” climate action in 2019? We discuss progress or lack of progress made in different fields, the impact certain changes will have on our long-term climate future, and what types of action we’ll need to see in 2020 to create sustainable change. In studio: Abby McHugh-Grifa, executive director of the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition Kate Kressmann Kehoe, volunteer with

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 the University of Rochester campus is moving forward after the events of last year, with UR President Sarah Mangelsdorf; The stigma surrounding HIV; Cryptocurrency in 2019; Food waste and food sustainability efforts at the University of Rochester.

It's all things Star Wars ! Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker opened in theaters Thursday night, and we're joined by fans of the franchise to discuss their expectations for the newest and final film in the saga (don't worry, there won't be spoilers!). We talk about a range of issues, including how to balance critical and artistic choices while keeping fans' interests in mind, the use of archival footage to bring back characters played by deceased actors, and our guests' thoughts on what it would

After hearing hours of feedback from teachers, students, parents, and other community members Thursday night, members of the Rochester City School Board voted on Superintendent Terry Dade's proposed staff cuts. Those recommendations would have initially impacted more than 150 teachers, but a last-minute change reduced the number of proposed lay-offs to 109 positions. More then 90 people signed up to speak about the impact of those possible mid-year cuts. The testimonies ranged from emotional

It's one of our favorite annual traditions: a look at the way language is changing. The various dictionaries have officially added hundreds of new words this year. We like to take that list of words and offer a quiz to our guests and to our listeners. Do you think you can explain the meaning of the new words and phrases in the dictionary? Give it a try – we think it will be a short, inspo sesh. We also talk about trends in language, how we communicate with one another, and why some communication

How much do you understand about HIV – about what the virus is and how it’s transmitted? While the number of new HIV cases in New York State continues to fall, stigma against the virus is growing among younger generations. That’s according to a new survey from the pharmaceutical company, Merck. It found that more than a quarter of HIV-negative millennials surveyed have avoided hugging, talking to, or being friends with someone with HIV. People in HIV education and treatment say that’s not

The Seneca Park Zoo Society's 2019 Environmental Innovation Awards had at least one common theme: food sustainability. Human beings waste a tremendous amount of food, and food production contributes to climate change. So how can we do it better? Our guests discuss their work, and why it might inspire others to do the same. Gael Orr, communications manager for Once Again Nut Butter Cam Schauf , director of campus dining services for the University of Rochester, and co-chair of the University

Is Bitcoin dying? Depends on whom you ask. Some analysts say yes: the first major cryptocurrency has lost half its value since July. Others say no: in the past year, Bitcoin’s value has essentially doubled, despite some volatile swings. But most Americans still don’t own or use cryptocurrency. So where is it going? Our guests debate it: Mike Komaransky , head of Grapefruit Trading , and long-time Bitcoin supporter George Conboy , chairman of Brighton Securities Gary Palmer, Jr. , founder of