Connections Podcast

Late last month, five members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced what climate activists are calling the most significant climate change legislation Congress has seen in more than a decade – and the bill was introduced by members of both parties. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act would apply a nationwide price on carbon emissions and return revenue to taxpayers each month. The goal: to lower greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent in the first 12 years. We’re

Can empathy be taught? Helen Riess, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard, said it can and she details how and why in her book, “The Empathy Effect.” While Riess’ book is new, the concept of teaching empathy – even at the elementary school level – is not. This hour, we sit down with local education and nonprofit leaders to discuss how they are incorporating lessons of emotional intelligence in their work with students, and how empathy can play a role in modern day civic discourse. In

Remember when Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg told women to “lean in?” This week, Michelle Obama said that stuff doesn’t always work, and she got a big round of applause when she said it. We talk to a panel of women about the concept of “leaning in.” In studio: Patricia Cruz-Irving , director of communications for Senator Rich Funke Rebecca Leclair , former broadcast journalist now running her own communications consulting business Jen Lunsford , attorney with Segar & Sciortino and former

Ronald Neumann has served as U.S. Ambassador to Algeria, Bahrain, and Afghanistan, as well as a U.S. political advisor in Iraq. Now, he’s the president of the American Academy of Diplomacy in Washington, D.C. Neumann is in Rochester as a guest of the local chapter of the World Affairs Council. He joins us in studio to discuss foreign policy in Afghanistan and the Persian Gulf.

How much do you know about dyslexia? About 40 million American children and adults are affected by the disorder, but research shows that not all pediatricians ask parents about signs of possible learning issues in their children. On Wednesday, Starbridge is holding a free workshop for families about understanding dyslexia. It will also hold a conference on Thursday. We preview those events as we discuss what dyslexia is, misconceptions surrounding the disorder, and how schools and families can

Historian David Blight has written a remarkable new biography on Frederick Douglass. The book, "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" includes insights from a private collection of Douglass family letters. Blight joins us to discuss his work and Douglass' life. His visit is part of a series of events* in our area celebrating Douglass. In studio: David W. Blight , historian and author of "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" Kenneth Morris , co-founder of the Frederick Douglass Family

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: Concerns about cuts to early intervention childhood services in Monroe County; The HIV/AIDS epidemic; The natural hair movement; If Oumuamua was created by aliens.

World AIDS Day is Saturday. We're be joined by representatives from Trillium Health and the Out Alliance to discuss the latest in HIV/AIDS research and treatment. In studio: Dr. Bill Valenti , M.D., chief of innovation and staff physician at Trillium Health Josh Elsenheimer, innovation outreach supervisor and PrEP specialist at Trillium Health Ernest Wilson, patient and founding member of the Positive Warriors Support Group at Trillium Health Tamara Leigh, director of communication for the Out

We sit down with students from across Monroe County to talk about the ROC2Change Student Summit on Race . The theme of this year's event was intersectionality. Our guests share what they learned and how they hope to create a more equitable society. In studio: Sonia Zand, senior at Brighton High School, and member of the Mosaic Club Noli Belachew, senior at Brighton High School, member of the Mosaic Club, and officer of the Black Student Union Malik Jaff, senior at School Without Walls Senior,

Is there a brewing crisis in early intervention childhood services in Western New York? Monroe County is asking New York State to change the reimbursement rate for early intervention services. Critics are urging the county to increase services and funding. Meanwhile, children and families stand to be the victims in the case of a service shortage. We explore what's happening, and why. In studio: Pete Nabozny , policy director at The Children’s Agenda Janet Rosenberg, physical therapist with Step