Connections Podcast

Former vice president and current Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has promised that if elected, cancer would be cured during his presidency. President Trump made the same promise, as did President Richard Nixon when he signed the National Cancer Act nearly 50 years ago. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., leaving many people asking why no cure has been found. Researchers say it’s complicated, and some cancers are more likely to become treatable than others. This

Should Regents exams be overhauled? It’s a question that the state Board of Regents plans to study this fall as it considers revisiting New York’s graduation policies. Critics of the exams – and of standardized testing – say there are different and equally rigorous methods to measure student proficiency. They also say the tests place undue burden on some students, particularly minority students. Supporters of the Regents exams say the tests have evolved in recent years and provide a needed final

We have a conversation about compassion fatigue. The term refers to a deep emotional and physical exhaustion or burnout that comes from caring for others who are experiencing significant emotional or physical distress. It’s common among medical practitioners, emergency responders, and people who are caring for friends or loved ones. Shani Wilson is a physician assistant with a local healthcare practice who has done extensive research on the subject. She joins us to discuss the symptoms and

The US Congress is approaching its oldest-ever average age. Writer Anand Giridharadas says it’s time to change that. He writes: “In papers, Congress, and elsewhere, we have to frame this kindly. It is time to go for many. It is time to become mentors, advisers, time to let us take care of you, think new thoughts. You don’t have to cling to the game. If you cling too long, a generation of talent is skipped.” Our guests discuss whether political leadership is becoming too old to best represent all

Prison reform advocates have been calling for an end to solitary confinement. They cite mental health experts who argue that solitary confinement is a form of torture. Defenders of the practice say that it has its place, particularly to protect the population of inmates and staff from the most dangerous incarcerated people. Our guests debate it: Todd Baxter , Monroe County Sheriff Michael Tomb , prison reform advocate

The leadership of Puerto Rico is in turmoil following the recent resignation of the Puerto Rican governor. Rochester is home to one of the largest Puerto Rican communities in the country, and our guests discuss the future of Puerto Rico: statehood, leadership, recovery, and more. In studio: Hilda Rosario Escher , former president and CEO of Ibero-American Action League Mercedes Vazquez Simmons, owner of Pretty Girl Promotions Irene Sánchez, founder and president of PR Unidos en la Distancia

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: Media coverage of the events following the annual Puerto Rican Festival; How local parents have become change agents in the community; What is art? And, can food be art?

Former London mayor and British foreign secretary Boris Johnson was chosen as the U.K.’s next prime minister this week. Brits in the U.K. and around the world – including in Rochester – are reacting to the news and asking questions about what’s next in the Brexit process. We sit down with Brits living in Rochester and London to discuss the politics, the U.K.’s departure from the EU, and the kind of impact Johnson might have. Our guests: David Baskeyfield, Brit living in Rochester Colin Coffey,

Robert Veeder is an addiction counselor who plans to spend the rest of his life trying to make up for a tragic mistake. Veeder was driving drunk in 2003 when he crashed into the scene of a previous accident. He killed six people, and spent more than eight years in prison. Now Veeder focuses on helping others through addiction and into recovery. He is direct about the need to be accountable, and to find hope where there seems to be none. He sits down with us to discuss his journey and his blog,

Our Summer of Food series continues with a conversation about “food as art.” We sit down with local chefs and experts in the culinary industry to discuss what the phrase means to them, how they incorporate creative expression and their own personal styles into their dishes or wine selections, and how food and drink can create memories. In studio: Sean Wolf, executive chef at Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn Drew Tschappat, sommelier at Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn Lorna Underwood,