Connections Podcast

When you receive a text message or a phone call, what is the expected time frame that you have to respond? What about an email – personal versus professional? Does it matter what your relationship is to the person who sent those messages? We have a conversation about the changing communication norms and social etiquette when it comes to digital technology. Our guests share their perspectives and their advice. In studio: Rashad Smith, project manager for "Shaping Our Stories" with Causewave

What do you know -- and perhaps misunderstand -- about the keto diet? It's a popular approach to weight loss, but some clinicians and registered dietitians say it could have unintended consequences. We discuss what the keto diet is and how it affects the body. Our guests: Jill Chodak , clinical dietitian with the Center for Community Health & Prevention at the University of Rochester Medical Center Leslie Fisher , registered dietitian with Rochester Regional Health Dr. Steve Cook , M.D.,

Netflix recently announced it will drop episodes of a new series weekly, instead of all at once. Hulu has already adopted the practice, and Disney and other competitors plan to do so. What does that mean for television binge culture? We talk about viewing habits and the must-see shows on streaming services and TV. Our guests: Todd Sodano , associate professor of media and communication at St. John Fisher College Bob Thompson , director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at

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: Addiction, relapse, and recovery; Working in broadcasting as women of color, with Hélène Biandudi Hofer and Norma Holland; Grassroots efforts to address poverty, with representatives from Cameron Community Ministries.

Airbnb has grown into a massive economic engine. We explore the impact on our travel culture; our expectations; and on the local economy. We discuss the complaints about Airbnb, and the way it fits into the gig economy in western New York. Our guests: Rachel Laber Pulvino , director of market communications and public relations for Visit Rochester Luke Skibba , frequent Airbnb customer Dolly Donnelly, Airbnb host Carl Schoenthal, owner of Beautiful Valley Guesthouse

John Calia says he’s tired of being blamed for all the ills of society, simply because he’s an older white man. He wrote a piece for the Democrat & Chronicle, arguing that the generalizations about white men are unfair and harmful. Calia is an executive coach and author, and he’s hoping his views will spark a conversation about better ways to discuss race in America. Frank Staropoli is also an older white man, and he’s the author of the blog "A White Guy in Rochester." Staropoli has a very

In 1893, a group of Jewish women was asked to participate in the Chicago World’s Fair. When they realized that “participate” meant “serve coffee,” they branched out on their own. They created the National Council of Jewish Women, with a mission of redefining the work of women and the role of volunteering. A Rochester chapter was created in 1894, and it’s celebrating 125 years. Members work on a wide range of issues, from Holocaust education, combating homophobia, supporting MeToo, fighting sex

Hurricane Dorian has caused a humanitarian crisis in the northwestern Bahamas, scraped Florida’s coast, and now the Category 3 storm is spinning off the coast of South Carolina. Experts say it could make landfall in North Carolina. This hour, we discuss the impact the storm has had – both in the Bahamas and in the U.S. – with a local businessman who is building a home in the Bahamas and leading relief efforts there, and with a representative from the American Red Cross. Matt Winslow, local

Fashion Week of Rochester is back, and we preview next month's events with organizers and designers. The annual event benefits homeless children and teens at the Center for Youth. We talk about Fashion Week’s impact and a new clothing collection named for the late Louise Slaughter. In studio: Elaine Spaull , executive director of the Center for Youth, and member of Rochester City Council Jeffrey Diduch, vice president of technical design at Hickey Freeman Robin Slaughter Minerva, daughter of

When discussing efforts to address poverty or strengthen neighborhoods in Rochester, we often hear about heavily funded programs. But, there are a number of local, grassroots efforts that are making a difference in the community. This hour, we hear from some of the people involved with those programs. They join us to discuss what they're doing and the impact their work has had. In studio: Jennifer Muniga, executive director of Cameron Community Ministries Kaila Toppin, mentor at Cameron