Connections Podcast

A popular Christian writer died suddenly this month at the age of 37, and as NPR reports, there is a void in her passing. Rachel Held Evans had been a popular voice for Christians who didn’t want to leave their faith, but openly questioned parts of it. Our guests discuss the importance of questioning and challenging the church, while seeking to apply their values across society. In studio: Pastor Matthew Martin Nickoloff , pastor of the South Wedge Mission Dr. Soon-Il Song, M.D., primary care

In the span of just six months, New York State has taken a serious look at rent control laws. Can they work for the entire state? Advocates want the state to pass the laws to protect tenants. Opponents argue that the laws have unintended consequences, that hurt everyone. Our guests debate it: Kent Gardner , economist with the Center for Governmental Research Ryan Acuff and Gail Force Williams, members of the City Wide Tenant Union of Rochester

The College of Collectible Knowledge is back. We’re gearing up from the annual WXXI Appraisal Fair , so we bring you our version of “Antiques Roadshow”…on the radio. We’re joined by appraisers in studio who answer questions about your antiques. In studio: Yvonne Jordan, owner of Shop 15 Antiques and Vintage Nik Wanderman, partner at Jack Wanderman and Associates Jim Stefanko, antique owner Kathy Chia, antique owner

We have a conversation about energy affordability. NYSERDA and the NYS Department of Public Service are hosting a public feedback session in Rochester to discuss energy initiatives. We preview that session with local clean energy advocates who discuss how to ensure all communities have access to affordable, green energy. Our guests: Jessica Azulay, executive director of the Alliance for a Green Economy Clarke Gocker, director of policy and strategy for PUSH Buffalo Ryan Puck, building analyst

What do young adults with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers need to know as they prepare to exit the school system? It's a question that will be addressed at an upcoming conference hosted by Nazareth College and AutismUp. We're joined by conference organizers and participants to discuss medical care, housing, employment, and more. In studio: Rachel Rosner, director of education and support services for AutismUp Cyndi Kerber Gowan, lecturer in education at Nazareth College and

Up until this year, one of the biggest conferences on wine in the world was held on the west coast, but now, it’s moving to the Finger Lakes. Our guests preview the first-ever FLXcursion and discuss the Finger Lakes’ place in the wine world: Oskar Bynke, co-chair of FLXcursion and co-owner of Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard Kelby Russell, co-chair of FLXcursion and winemaker for Red Newt Cellars and Empire Estate Dustin Wilson, master sommelier based in New York City

The Rochester Jewish Sports Hall of Fame has selected Jeremy Glick has its 2019 inductee. Glick died heroically in the 9/11 attacks, after attempting to thwart the hijackers aboard United Airlines Flight 93. Glick was a national collegiate judo champion who attended the University of Rochester. This hour, Glick's father, Lloyd, joins us to discuss his son's life and legacy. We also talk about the mission of the Rochester Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Our guests: Lloyd Glick, father of Jeremy Glick

We're joined by Rob Boston , senior advisor for Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and editor of "Church and State" magazine. He's in Rochester for a presentation hosted by Americans United of Rochester titled, "Separation of Church and State: Where We've Been, Where We Are and Where We'd Like to Be." We talk to him about the issues related to separation of church and state that the organization thinks are most pressing.

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 debate over the merits and drawbacks of Uber and Lyft; Careers in the trades; Identity in America, with author Mira Jacob; "Hamilton," and the role of historical fiction.

Writers & Books has a new executive director. Alison Meyers is a poet and fiction writer who previously led literary non-profit organizations in New York City and Connecticut. She joins Writers & Books in time for the 2019 Ladder Literary Conference , which connects aspiring writers with agents, fellow authors, and publishers. This hour, Meyers shares her vision for the future of Writers & Books, and we talk to local authors and Ladder participants about Rochester’s role as a