Connections Podcast

A new study by the Pew Research Center shows Americans over the age of 50 are worse than younger people at discerning facts from opinions. The research challenges ideas that younger people who are digitally savvy might be more susceptible to misinformation. In reality, researchers say exposure to television news – which is largely consumed by older people – is part of the issue because it sometimes blends facts and opinions. This hour, we discuss the results of the study and explore how

Starting in February, the Boy Scouts will welcome older girls into the organization and will drop the word “boy” from its namesake program. Cub Scouts began welcoming girls this past summer. So what do those changes mean for the Girl Scouts? We hosted a discussion on this subject with representatives from the Boy Scouts in August, and now, we sit down with representatives from the Girl Scouts to hear their reactions. We discuss the changes, what parents need to know, and what’s new with the Girl

Are there parallels between attacks on the media in the U.S. and in Mexico? How is immigration covered by journalists in the U.S. and journalists in Mexico? We discuss these questions with Javier Garza, a journalist based in northern Mexico. He covers U.S.-Mexico bilateral issues and is an adviser on journalist safety. He's in Rochester as a guest of RIT , but first, he joins us on Connections. In studio: Javier Garza , journalist based in northern Mexico who is the host of Reporte100, a

Ayman Jarjour is a musician and humanitarian who is using his skills and talents to help refugees in camps around the world. He's in Rochester for a benefit performance on November 10. We sit down with him to discuss what he's learned through his work, and we'll hear from a local refugee who shares her story. In studio: Ayman Jarjour , musician and humanitarian Hani Ali, refugee from Somalia, and social worker in the guardianship program at Catholic Family Center Charlsey Bickett , executive

A film called "The Limits of My World" tells the story of a nonverbal young man with autism as he transitions from high school to adulthood. It will be screened at The Little Theatre on Monday, November 12. We talk about the challenges young adults like him face, and how parents, caregivers, and community members can help ease that transition. Our panel includes experts and parents who share their personal experiences. Our guests: Sarah Milko , executive director of AutismUp , and parent of a

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: Susan B. Anthony's illegal vote, and sexism in the 19th century; Centrism, with Congressman-elect Joe Morelle; The migrant caravan heading to the southern U.S. border, with retired ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne.

Psychiatrist Peter Kramer is known for his writing on the social and ethical implications of anti-depressants. His bestseller, “Listening to Prozac,” explored what he called the “remaking of the self,” and how to approach that from medical and humanistic perspectives. Kramer is currently a clinical professor emeritus of psychiatry and human behavior at Brown University. He’s in town as a guest of the University of Rochester, but first, he joins us on Connections to discuss his work.

We sit down with local democratic activists, elected officials, and challengers to discuss the results of Tuesday’s election. Democrats didn’t see the massive blue wave they had hoped for across the nation, but they did take control of the House for the first time since 2010, and gains were made on local levels. How significant were those national and local gains for the party, and what does it mean for its future? Our guests discuss those questions and more. Nate McMurray , challenger in the

We sit down with Earl Anthony Wayne , retired ambassador to Mexico, Argentina, and Afghanistan. He discusses U.S. trade relations with Mexico, the new NAFTA, and the refugee caravan. Wayne is in town as a guest of the World Affairs Council of Rochester .

This week in 1872, suffragist Susan B. Anthony illegally voted in the presidential election. Two weeks later, she was arrested and fined $100. On this Election Day, we reexamine this moment in history and ask ourselves what lessons we can learn. What would Susan B. Anthony say to people not planning to exercise their right to vote? Our guests: Deborah Hughes , executive director of the Susan B. Anthony Museum and House Autumn Haag, special collections librarian and archivist for research and