Connections Podcast

Republican commentator Charlie Sykes wants President Trump to be defeated in the 2020 election. Here’s the problem: writing for Politico, Sykes writes that Democrats are finding ways to botch this opportunity. He offers his list of ways that Democrats can blow the election. But what do Democrats think? Our packed panel discusses the many views within the political left – from the calls for a “safe candidate” like Joe Biden, to the calls for bold reforms offered by candidates like Elizabeth

We sit down with Rev. Marvin McMickle , the retiring president of Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. McMickle announced his plans to retire last year; his last day is Sunday. We talk to him about a range of issues, including his accomplishments at Colgate, political discourse, equality, racism, religious freedom, and more.

A new study shows the number of young adults dying from heart failure is on the rise. We're joined by a cardiologist and a dietitian who help us understand the research and treatment, as well as a young man diagnosed with a heart condition who shares his journey. In studio: Dr. Himabindu Vidula , M.D., transplant cardiologist, and assistant professor of cardiology at the University of Rochester Medical Center Yimy Queipo Rodriguez , registered dietitian at the Center for Community Health &

We sit down with people of color in the local LGBTQ community to discuss identity, how they find belonging, and how they recruit allies. Our guests share their personal stories, the challenges they face – including healthcare disparities – and their ideas for how to create a more inclusive society. In studio: Shani Wilson , physician assistant at Trillium Health and co-chair of Trillium’s Diversity and Inclusiveness Council Christopher Goodwin, supervisor at the MOCHA Center at Trillium Health

The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester has released a survey to help gather feedback from the Jewish community about a range of issues, including the rise in anti-Semitism across the country. The questionnaire, called "Every Voice Counts," is open to people who identify as Jewish, have Jewish heritage, or who have relationships within the Jewish community. It polls participants about services, cultural interests, as well as concerns about security. Our guests discuss the survey, what they

A number of industries -- from manufacturing to food -- are experiencing a middle skills gap. The Foodlink Career Fellowship seeks to help fill those gaps and reduce poverty in the Rochester area. The program will wrap up its inaugural year this week. We sit down with a program participant and organizers who share its results and discuss the state of the industry. Gloria Soldevila Ramos, member of the inaugural cohort of the Foodlink Career Fellowship Mitch Gruber , chief strategy officer for

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: How many former employees of the "Big Three" have found a place in the optics and photonics industries; A local musician's journey with hearing loss; The CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival and jazz music, with award-winning vocalist, Catherine Russell.

New York State passed a climate action bill this week, much to the surprise of some advocates who had feared that it would stall. So what’s in it? Our guests discuss the surprise success of the bill, and what New Yorkers can expect from the most aggressive anti-carbon plan in the country. John Keevert , member of the Environment/Climate Task Force at First Unitarian Church of Rochester Sue Hughes-Smith , environmental educator, and founding member of the Rochester People’s Climate Coalition Mark

This week, President Barack Obama tweeted a recommendation: he wants everyone to read venture capitalist Nick Hanauer’s piece on education in The Atlantic Monthly. Or rather, the piece is about what Hanauer calls “educationism.” Hanauer says that he, a rich white man, thought for years that he could help fix America’s education problem by writing big checks and supporting reforms. He’s come to believe that no reform is powerful enough to overcome the effects of massive inequality and poverty. He

We preview the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival . The world-renowned event is back this week, and our guests tell us about this year’s headliners, what not to miss, and what’s in store for the city as it welcomes artists from across the globe. We’re also joined by vocalist Catherine Russell, who is back in town for her seventh appearance at the festival. Our guests: John Nugent, founder, co-producer, and artistic director of the CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival Bob Sneider ,