Connections Podcast

We have a conversation with Governor Andrew Cuomo . We had an opportunity to speak with the governor about water levels in Lake Ontario; the 2020 election; and a number of other issues impacting New Yorkers, including the economy, marijuana, and drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants. We also hear from WXXI's Capitol Bureau Chief, Karen DeWitt .

Dr. Elizabeth Ford is the author of “Sometimes Amazing Things Happen.” It’s a book about stories from a prison, where she worked to understand the lives and treatment of incarcerated people who have mental illness. Dr. Ford’s groundbreaking work shows just prevalent mental illness is in the criminal justice system, and she has ideas about how to treat it and what the role of the system should be in rehabilitating people. She’s in Rochester for a presentation at the Rochester Academy of Medicine,

New research shows the number of children and teens visiting emergency rooms for suicidal thoughts and attempts to take their own lives has doubled between 2007 and 2015. Our guests discuss how to identify warning signs and help children who struggle with mental health issues. We also preview this year’s edition of the Reel Mind Film Series . Our guests: Melanie Funchess , director of community engagement for the Mental Health Association of Rochester Dr. Larry Guttmacher , M.D., clinical

NPR investigations correspondent Joe Shapiro joins us in studio. He’s in Rochester to speak at the American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry Conference . We talk to him about the state of journalism, and his work covering issues that impact people with intellectual and physical disabilities. In studio: Joe Shapiro , NPR investigations correspondent Dr. Steve Sulkes , M.D., professor of pediatrics at Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong Dianne Cooney Miner , associate vice

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jared Diamond is in Rochester for a presentation at Monroe Community College. He has written a new book, "Upheaval: Turning Points for Nations in Crisis." He joins us on Connections to explore why some countries thrive after great turbulence, while others struggle.

The Irondequoit Police Department is working to improve the diversity within its ranks. We discuss the department's efforts and how having more officers of color can impact policing and police-community relations. In studio: Chief Richard Tantalo, Irondequoit Police Department Patrina Freeman, community advocate, minister, and founder of New Directions Ministries Randy Henderson, president of Henderson Ford, minister at the Church of Love Faith Center, and police chaplain Andrae Evans, community

Local writer Jeff Spevak has a new book out. It's called "22 Minutes" and it tells the story of Ernie Coleman, a sailor, carpenter, and Navy veteran who survived the worst defeat in U.S. Navy history. Spevak calls him a common man who lived through uncommon circumstances. We sit down with Spevak to discuss how he told Coleman's story when Coleman himself refused to talk about the tragedy that haunted him. We also discuss the trauma many veterans, like Coleman, face.

How have intimate scenes on stage, on television, and in film changed in the era of #MeToo and #TimesUp? "Intimacy choreography" is on the rise. The goal is to help actors feel safe and secure during scenes in which their characters are vulnerable. Those principles are being applied in productions in Rochester. We talk members of a local performance who have gone through the training. In studio: Ralph Meranto , artistic director of the JCC, and director of the JCC’s production of “Oklahoma!”

The performance "Listen to Your Mother" is back on stage this month. We preview this year's event highlighting the impact of mothers with cast members who share their powerful personal stories. In studio: Corrie Spike Carter, executive director and emcee of "Listen to Your Mother" Sara Oliveiri, 2019 cast member Marvelous Marvin, 2019 cast member Maxfield Orr, 2019 cast member

For nearly 120 years, Baden Street Settlement in Rochester has been working to eliminate the causes of poverty and to help struggling families. Their work has touched thousands of lives. We sit down with members of Baden Street to discuss their work, the progress they've made, and the challenges they face in a segregated community. It's a preview of a presentation on social justice at the organization's annual meeting and luncheon . In studio: Gaynelle Weathers, director of planning and