Connections Podcast

Our Summer of Food Series continues with a conversation about meatless meat. The popularity of the Impossible Burger continues to rise – so much so that some establishments can’t keep it in stock. It’s one of a number of new meatless burgers that’s winning over many skeptical customers. This hour, we talk about the trend and if meatless burgers will become a mainstay. Are they healthier than red meat? Could they help combat climate change by reducing animal agriculture? Do they taste good? Our

We’re joined by Richard Rothstein, author of the book, “The Color of Law.” The book investigates how local, state, and national governments deliberately and systematically imposed racial segregation across the U.S. Rothstein will be in Rochester this Friday for a presentation with PathStone Corporation, but first, he joins us on Connections to discuss his research and how the racial zoning and public housing policies of the twentieth century created segregated communities we live in today. Our

According to new data, the number of deaths from opioid overdoses in Monroe County decreased for the first time since 2015. Nearly 200 people died from overdoses in 2018. Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Michael Mendoza says the use of overdose reversal drugs like naloxone is a primary reason for the decline, but he also says long-term solutions are needed to combat the epidemic. Several Democratic presidential candidates have released their plans for addressing the crisis. This hour, we

With the 2018-2019 school year in the books, we sit down with teachers who just finished their first year in the classroom. We talk to them about the state of the teaching profession, the challenges and bright spots of working in the field, and what they learned during their first year on the job. In studio: Susan Spencer , algebra and geometry teacher at Rochester Prep High School Kari McCree , English Language Arts teacher at Anna Murray-Douglass School No. 12, and a 2019 Rochester City School

We celebrate Rochester Pride Week with a conversation about "Transformation Thursday." It's a new podcast hosted and produced by Amy Stephens and Penny Sterling, two local transgender woman who are outspoken advocates for the LGBTQ community. Stephens and Sterling join us to share their individual journeys, what they have learned, how they handle difficult conversations with friends and coworkers, and more. Amy Stephens , comedian and co-host of "Transformation Thursday" Penny Sterling ,

We take a detailed look at shootings in the City of Rochester over the last four years. The Center for Public Safety Initiatives at RIT analyzed the data. We explore who is more likely to be shot and where, along with the impact of the resulting trauma on children and communities. We also talk about what policies may or may not work. In studio: Irshad Altheimer , director of the Center for Public Safety Initiatives at RIT Janelle Duda-Banwar , senior research associate at the Center for Public

What does it take for a song to be named the "song of the summer?" We explore the current music landscape, what makes a song a hit, and how and why some songs have staying power. And our panelists share what they think is the one song that will dominate the radio, dance floors, and parties this summer. Our guests: Daniel Armbruster , CEO of Joywave Jeff Spevak , longtime music critic and arts and culture contributor for WXXI News Sarah Long Hendershot, member of The Jane Mutiny , and co-producer

We sit down with Whitney Young, formerly a morning host at 98PXY. Young announced last week that she had quit her job, after coming to the conclusion that she was being shortchanged based on gender. Young says she was paid substantially less than her male coworker, while 98PXY says any pay disparity had nothing to do with gender. Meanwhile, Governor Cuomo is touting new laws designed to eliminate pay discrimination based on gender. But critics say the recent debate has missed some of the nuance

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 Batson Rule, and how juries are built; What a local woman learned after running every street in Rochester; Overcoming adversity, with Krystle Ellis of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester.

It has been 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing, and we discuss what it took for the U.S. to meet John F. Kennedy's goal. What kind of technology did we need to develop? And what did we learn from the mission? Our guests share the legacy of the moon landing, and discuss the current state of the space program and research. We also preview a number of local events and exhibits commemorating the moon landing. In studio: Roger Dube , research professor emeritus at RIT Brian Koberlein , senior