Connections Podcast

Community members from different faith-based groups are teaming up for an interfaith Thanksgiving service . The goal is to create partnerships going forward. The theme is "planting seeds for a peaceful election year." The event's organizers join us to discuss the value of interfaith gatherings. In studio: Rev. Lane Campbell , First Universalist Church of Rochester Deacon Brian McNulty , St. Monica Roman Catholic Church Rabbi Peter Stein , Temple B’rith Kodesh Abdur Rauf Bawany , Islamic Center

ROC the Future has released its annual "State of Our Children" report card, which tracks key measures of wellbeing of children and youth in the Rochester area. This year's report identifies continued challenges, including chronic absences from schools, low literacy rates in third grade, and issues related to equity. It also lists areas that are improving, including parent engagement, high-quality pre-K services, and graduation rates. Our guests break down the report and the group's action items.

With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, we discuss how to have productive conversations with family members about climate change and climate action. Data shows the proportion of Americans that have initiated conversations about the subject is significantly lower than the share of people who report being concerned about climate change. What’s the best way to approach the topic, especially among people who may be skeptics or express ambivalence? Our guests discuss it: Kevin Schulte , CEO

The Rochester City School Board is responding to some new ideas offered by Superintendent Terry Dade. Those ideas are designed to create a long-term solution for the district’s financial problems. Dade says there is no way to shore up the financial mess without cutting some teaching positions, even if it’s painful. The board has been split on these proposals. We sit down with several board members to discuss what needs to happen next. Our guests: Van White , Rochester City School Board President

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: Issues related to poverty and addiction in Monroe County, with Monroe County Executive-elect, Adam Bello; The origins of hate, with a former white supremacist; Challenges faced by refugees who have served the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan; The value of yoga classes for people of color, taught by people of color.

Dr. Gina Cuyler has more than 25 years of clinical experience, and throughout her career, she says she has seen a breakdown in communication, miscommunication, or misunderstandings between patients and providers. In her new book, “Insider’s Guide to Leading Your Medical Care,” she provides information and resources aimed at helping patients advocate for their medical needs. She joins us in studio to discuss the impact of physician burnout, electronic medical records, and the healthcare process

In the early 1970s, musician and composer Harry Nilsson got high on acid and conceived a show called "The Point!" It’s a rather blunt story about the ways our society excludes and judges people who are different. A group of local musicians has revived the show for a modern edition, and they talk about the themes that they find prevalent in 2019. Our guests: Katie Morey, musician who plays the king Ben Morey, musician who plays the narrator Kat Schwarz, musician who plays the mom

We discuss how to make opportunities in the health and wellness industries more accessible to people of all backgrounds. The group Yoga 4 A Good Hood works to “create a space of healing for people of color and individuals with low socioeconomic status through yoga and more.” Members are bringing their practices to locations throughout Rochester in order to make yoga more inclusive. We also discuss health disparities among different communities, how to create an accessible food culture

On Election Night, Adam Bello became the first Democrat to be elected Monroe County Executive in nearly 30 years. His victory spurred immediate reaction from the Republican-controlled County Legislature, which introduced a measure that sought to limit his authority. That measure has since been withdrawn. Bello joins us in studio to discuss his victory, the recent controversy, how he plans to work with the Republican Party, and how he will approach his first year in office. In studio: Adam Bello

We’re joined by Rochester City School District Superintendent Terry Dade. On Tuesday evening, Dade shared his strategies for fixing the district's finance problems going forward. He told the Rochester City School Board's Finance Committee that the district needs to take major steps to address the kinds of problems that have caused uncertainty about revenue and budget gaps. One of his proposals is to cut nearly 290 staff positions, including dozens of teaching positions. Dade says he has stayed