Connections Podcast

We’re broadcasting from WEOS in Geneva, as we sit down with the new president of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Joyce Jacobsen . Jacobsen is the 29th president of Hobart College and the 18th president of William Smith College. She is the Colleges' first female president. Jacobsen started the job on July 1. We talk to her about her career in higher education, what drew her to Geneva, her vision for the future of HWS, and more.

The cost of weddings is on the rise. According to the wedding research company, Wedding Report Inc., the average price tag of a wedding in America is more than $25,000. In New York State, the average cost is more than $35,000. Those rising costs, combined with the financial strain of student loan debt, has led many couples to take out wedding-specific loans or to focus on DIY options. This hour, we discuss trends in the wedding industry with newlyweds and experts, who share their experiences and

Segregation has become a charged national issue once again, due to the political scuffle between former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris. Biden was one of many lawmakers who opposed busing as a way to help integrate America’s schools, following the Brown v. Board of Education decision. Today, our country remains largely segregated, and northeast cities like Rochester are especially segregated. What could have prevented that? What might change it now? Our guests discuss both the

Six months, 2,000 streets, 902 miles. Abby McCarthy decided last December that she wanted to run every street in Rochester, and now she’s done it. She’s run in snow, ice, sleet, and sunshine. And she’s heard a wide range of opinions about her journey. We talk about what she’s learned about her city, and what she thinks we ought to know.

Members of the New York State Assembly join us to discuss what did – and did not – get done in the recent legislative session. We talk about jobs, marijuana, health care, climate, the Rochester City School District, and more. Our guests are Assemblymember Harry Bronson and Assemblymember Mark Johns .

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 value of open discourse and how to converse with people who disagree, with Rev. Marvin McMickle; How a woman rebuilt her life after losing everything in Hurricane Maria; The challenges faced by people of color in the LGBTQ community.

We’re joined by Christopher Albrecht , the 2018 New York State Teacher of the Year. Last Friday, Albrecht – who is a fourth grade teacher in the Brockport Central School District – was just one of five teachers across the country to be inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. He joins us in studio to discuss a range of topics related to education, his 23-year career, and the value of lifelong learning.

How can Republicans win 2020? President Trump will seek reelection with low favorability numbers. More than 20 Democrats are seeking to challenge him. We're joined by local conservatives who discuss the issues that they think are most important heading into 2020. In studio: Bill Napier , chair of the Monroe County Republican Party Paul Ciminelli , counsel to the Wolford Law Firm Mark Assini , CAO at American Rock Salt, and former Gates Town Supervisor and Congressional candidate

During the season premiere of the PBS Kids’ show “Arthur,” Arthur’s teacher, Mr. Ratburn, got married. The episode, “Mr. Ratburn and the Special Someone,” featured the wedding of Mr. Ratburn and his partner, Patrick. The show is the latest in a series of children’s television programs and books to highlight diverse characters and inclusive storylines. This hour, we discuss the value of inclusion on screen and in print – as well as behind the scenes – and the learning goals for children. Our

Rachel Barnhart, Mary Lupien, and Yversha Roman all won elections on Tuesday night. All three have run unsuccessfully in previous years. We talk to them about why they have chosen to continue to pursue elected office, the value of persistence, and their perceptions of local politics. In studio: Rachel Barnhart , candidate for Monroe County Legislature (21st District) Mary Lupien , candidate for Rochester City Council (East District) Yversha Roman , candidate for Monroe County Legislature (26th