Connections Podcast

The local real estate market remains massively tilted in favor of sellers, and agents see no signs of that changing this spring. That means that home buyers often have to make offers sight unseen, while waiving an inspection -- something agents routinely advise against. There is tremendous pressure on buyers. We discuss what might change that, and where the hottest neighborhoods are in local real estate. Our guests: Kristin Vanden Brul , real estate broker with RE/MAX Plus Mark Mackey , real

Does historic preservation need a new approach? According to a recent piece in City Lab, the preservation landscape is changing, and the preservation process is facing big challenges. We sit down with local preservationists to discuss what changes might be needed in related to standards, financing, sustainability, perceptions, and more. In studio: Larry Francer, associate director of preservation for the Landmark Society of Western New York Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark

In the past week, it appears that national Democrats might make a plan to curb meat consumption part of their platform. It started with a leaked FAQ page from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and her Green New Deal plan. The FAQ included language about the path to ending the consumption of cows. Meanwhile, Senator Cory Booker, who is vegan, has said the world can’t afford to keep eating meat. The GOP is already planning to run on the idea that Democrats “want to take away your hamburgers.” Our

The documentary “Don’t Be Nice” tells the story of five slam poets from New York City who have teamed up to compete for a national title. Their coach encourages them to push past the entertainment value of the form and write and speak from a place of vulnerability, confronting painful issues related to race, gender, sexuality, and identity. The film will be screened as part of the Black Cinema Series at the Little Theatre on Friday. We preview the film with its director and local slam poets who

The New York Times stirred debate with a piece about perceptions of sexism on the campaign trail. Six women are running for president in 2020, and record numbers of women are running for office on just about every level. The Times piece is called “A Woman, Just Not That Woman.” It details how voters claim to view men and women equally as political contenders, yet women face steeper challenges. Our guests weigh in: Nicole Hushla Re , vice chair of the Monroe County Democratic Party Robin Wilt ,

Our guests help us preview this year’s Academy Awards. The Academy is facing some backlash after cutting four categories from the televised broadcast; the awards for cinematography, film editing, live-action short, and makeup and hairstyling will be presented during commercial breaks. Our guests discuss that decision, the year in film, and which of the nominees they think will take home Oscars. In studio: Adam Lubitow , film critic for City Newspaper Bri Merkel, artistic director for The Little

Democrats in Congress have introduced what they call the Green New Deal. It’s already under fire from not only the political right, but also among some members of the Democratic Party. Does the Green New Deal have any chance of passage? What would it mean in terms of policy? Our guests help us understand what the Green New Deal is and the possible impact it could have on policy, the economy, and the environment. Our guests: Heather Dulisse, Greater Rochester parent leader, and team coordinator

We talk with the co-founders of the Gefilteria in Brooklyn. They are also the co-authors of "The Gefilte Manifesto" -- a narrative cookbook with new approaches and recipes for Old World Jewish foods. We sit down with them to discuss their work, their views on how to revitalize aspects of food culture, and a presentation they will give at the University of Rochester. In studio: Liz Alpern , co-founder of the Gefilteria and co-author of “The Gefilte Manifesto" Jeffrey Yoskowitz , co-founder of the

When a local broadcaster made racist remarks about former Rochester Mayor Bill Johnson, the mayor never called for that broadcaster to be fired. He thought it was more important to find out if someone is capable of growth, of learning, of understanding. Today, we sit down with Johnson to discuss his views on recent events, from Rochester to his native Virginia. Johnson discusses how he believes we should approach the revelations of racist actions or statements.

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 a possible NYS ban on the public disclosure of mugshots; The impact of false confessions on the U.S. justice system; Reactions to Tom Brokaw's comments about Latinos and assimilation; How Brexit is impacting the political climate in Northern Ireland; Why students of color benefit from seeing administrators of color in