Connections Podcast

We’re joined by Governor Andrew Cuomo, who discusses updates with the REDI Commission. He was in Rochester on Wednesday to announce that the state has awarded $133 million to 63 projects along the Lake Ontario shoreline. That funding will be used to rebuild and revitalize areas that sustained severe damage due to high lake levels. We discuss the impact the Governor hopes that funding will have, and how lake flooding has affected the state’s economy. Our guests: Governor Andrew Cuomo Randy

A new play on stage at Geva Theatre Center explores the history and current state of race relations in America through the perspectives of two very different women. “The Niceties” is an explosive and provocative look at the relationship between a white history professor and a driven black student as they discuss who controls the narrative in American history, and how that narrative has shaped their experiences. We sit down with the cast and members of the production team to talk about the play,

We’re joined by Monroe County Clerk Adam Bello , who is running for Monroe County Executive. The Democrat is challenging current County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo. This hour, we sit down with Bello to discuss his platform and priorities. It’s a chance to hear from him at length prior to Election Day. In studio: Adam Bello, Monroe County Clerk and candidate for Monroe County Executive *Note: We invited Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo to join this discussion, but her campaign declined the

“Torture is an open secret in Chicago. Nobody in power wants to acknowledge this grim reality, but everyone knows it happens—and that the torturers are the police.” That’s the opening of the summary of a new book called “The Torture Letters” written by Princeton University anthropology professor Laurence Ralph. Ralph is a social scientist who studies police violence and race in the United States. He’s in Rochester as a guest of the University of Rochester, where he’ll give a lecture Wednesday

How are mental health and homelessness connected? The Spiritus Christi Mental Health Center is preparing for its annual Riverwalk , a fundraiser which will help provide mental health care to people in need, regardless of their insurance or income status. Our guests talk about the impact of homelessness on mental health. In studio: Rev. Myra Brown , pastor at Spiritus Christi Church Fana Tereke, advocate for mental health awareness who experienced homelessness

Willow Domestic Violence Center is marking 40 years of serving local families. We're joined by representatives from the Center who discuss Willow's and Monroe County's role in protecting survivors and helping them heal. We also talk about why rates of domestic violence are high -- is it due to greater awareness, better reporting, or a higher prevalence? Our guests share their data. In studio: Meaghan de Chateauvieux, president and CEO of Willow Domestic Violence Center Phyllis Korn, founder of

We discuss “passion-based learning” with the co-founder of the MUSE School in Calabasas, California. Rebecca Amis says MUSE encourages children to pursue learning what they love – from wilderness survival training, the fashion design, to wolves – while incorporating concepts like math, science, and writing. The school also emphasizes sustainability and global stewardship; its goal is to be zero net energy, zero net water, and create zero waste. Amis is in Rochester with Jeff King, the head of

Earlier this month, jurors found a Texas police officer guilty of murder for fatally shooting a St. Lucia native in his Dallas home. Officer Amber Guyger was off duty when she killed Botham Jean in 2018. During the conclusion of the murder trial, Jean’s younger brother told Guyger that he forgave her and gave her a hug. That move shocked many people, and has led to conversations about the role of forgiveness. It’s a central theme of the upcoming Western New York Restorative Practices Conference

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: The legacy of the late Maryland Congressman and civil rights leader, Elijah Cummings; The potential impact of state funding cuts to local organizations that help homeless families; Pregnancy discrimination; The impact of stillbirth on families.

Somewhere in your hometown, there is probably a historic building that you hope will be protected – a home, and old church, a beautiful barn. Each year, the Landmark Society of Western New York publishes a list called the Five to Revive . The goal is to raise awareness – and perhaps funding – for revitalizing these historic sites. Our panel helps us explore the 2019 selections, and we discuss how adapting and revitalizing historic spaces can impact neighborhoods. Our guests: Caitlin Meives ,