Connections Podcast

Governor Cuomo recently signed New York State’s “red flag” gun law. It’s a measure that allows a judge to determine if a citizen presents a danger to themselves or others, and if so, to have their guns confiscated. Supporters cheered the move; some local sheriffs say it’s poorly thought out, and difficult to enforce. Additionally, after Parkland, states are considering changes to the law that determines who can and can not have a firearm on school grounds. Some schools have debated arming

We're joined by the team behind the PBS show, "Nature." Executive producer Fred Kaufman and filmmaker Ann Johnson Prum are in Rochester for a (sold out) screening at The Little Theatre. We get a behind-the-scenes look at how the episodes are produced, including how Kaufman and Johnson Prum coordinated shoots at national parks during the government shutdown. We also discuss "Nature's" upcoming special series, "American Spring LIVE," and how local community members can team up with WXXI to become

When Google recently analyzed employee salaries, it discovered a group of men were collectively paid less than their female colleagues. That prompted the company to quickly correct the disparity. Critics say Google and other companies don't do the same or move as quickly when women are paid too little. Our guests discuss the issue. In studio: Sharon Stiller , partner and director of the employment law practice at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP

A group of professors from the University of Rochester have ideas for how colleges and universities can help students bridge political and social divides. We sit down with them for a conversation about civility during times of polarization. In studio: David Primo , Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and associate professor of political science and business administration at the University of Rochester Joan Saab , vice provost of academic affairs and the Susan B. Anthony Professor of Art History

What are conditions like for people who have migrated to the U.S.-Mexican border? That’s the question a group of local community members had as they traveled down to meet migrants, DREAMers, and deported veterans. They join us to share what they observed, and we discuss the broader issues related to the situation at the border. In studio: Rev. Ray Schellinger , American Baptist Churches Global Consultant for Immigrants and Refugees Hannah Vickner Hough , immigration program director at the Legal

We continue our series of conversations about statewide efforts to curb climate change. We be joined by Sandra Steingraber, a scientist, climate activist, and scholar at Ithaca College, who recently took her cause and research to Albany. She’ll be in Rochester this weekend for a program about environmental stewardship with Interfaith Impact of New York State, but first, she joins us on Connections. Our guests: Sandra Steingraber , environmental activist, biologist, and distinguished scholar in

A local woman recently told WXXI News that jail saved her life. She participated in a program through the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office where counselors help inmates struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, who would benefit from vocational training, and more. Counselors say the program is particularly important for unsentenced women. We hear from the woman who said the program saved her life. She is joined by her counselors to discuss the program’s impact. This conversation is based on

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: Israelis and Palestinians coming together to spread a message of nonviolence; Americans' perceptions of Muslims and Islam; Money in politics, with Harvard law professor Lawrence Lessig.

A long-running television game show that has inspired legions of fans and trivia buffs? What is Jeopardy?! We discuss the cultural impact of this classic game show and its future. Host Alex Trebek recently told fans that he was diagnosed with Stage IV four pancreatic cancer. We sit down with former Jeopardy contestants who share their experiences on the show and discuss Trebek and his legacy. In studio: Laura Sikes , writer and editor Julia Novakovic , archivist at The Strong National Museum of

A high school teacher asked her students to turn their phone volumes up and asked them to record the number of notifications they received during a single class period. There were hundreds. That sparked a debate about everything from cell phones as distractions, to the concern that child psychologists have about technology’s external rewards, such as notifications and likes. Our guests: Leah Stacy , assistant professor in professional practice in English and communication at Nazareth College