Connections Podcast

We’ve been hearing national conversations about the emotional price children pay after being separated from their parents at the Mexican border. A local nonprofit says similar feelings of loneliness and uncertainty are part of the experience of hundreds of thousands of children who have been orphaned or part of the foster care system. An upcoming re-enactment sponsored by Children Awaiting Parents will enable community members to ride an “orphan train.” Years ago, orphan trains ran from eastern

On Election Day, voters will select two State Supreme Court Justices for the Seventh Judicial District. Judicial races don't often get much attention, and voters routinely describe feeling lost when it comes to evaluating the quality of the candidates. We discuss the records and approaches of the candidates* for the two judgeship positions: Christopher Ciaccio Patricia Gallaher *Note: Candidates Ann Marie Taddeo and Victoria Argento had planned to join the program, but had to cancel their

Former Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner joins us in studio to discuss her run for governor and her priorities for New York State. Miner has challenged her own party and Governor Cuomo. This hour, she answers our questions and yours.

An upcoming conference will highlight the unique learning and education needs for young men of color. The Rochester Boys and Men of Color Education Summit will discuss representation in schools and the community, culturally responsible teaching practices, mentorship, and more. We preview that conference with our guests: Jason Willis, Ph.D., director of African-American studies at the Rochester City School District Cecilia Golden , Ph.D., deputy superintendent of teaching and learning at the

Rochester has a new newspaper, of sorts: the Rochester Beacon , a digital publication which launched last week. The Beacon aims to "build a stronger Rochester by serving as a source of and forum for ideas and perspectives that are rooted in intellectual openness and drive informed public action." We explore who's behind it, and whether it can survive in a challenging world of journalism. Our guests: Alex Zapesochny, publisher of the Rochester Beacon Paul Ericson, executive editor of the

Last summer, Time Magazine wrote that "America's malls are dying off." Business Insider posted "50 haunting photos of abandoned malls." And a popular meme is things millennials killed, with malls routinely topping the list. But are malls truly dying? Do they need to reinvent? Our guests discuss the future of malls: Dennis Wilmot , senior vice president for leasing and development at Wilmorite Emily Hessney Lynch , director of content for I Heart Roc, and freelance social media strategist Lyndsey

A remarkable performance at Geva Theatre explores the life and career of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. We talk with the team behind the show about Marshall's legacy and his impact on civil rights in America. Our guests: Lester Purry , actor who plays Thurgood Marshall Lou Bellamy , director of "Thurgood" Jenni Werner , literary manager and resident dramaturg at Geva Theatre Center Dawn Kellogg , communications manager at Geva Theatre Center

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: How Native Americans feel about Senator Elizabeth Warren's DNA test; The danger members of law enforcement and the media face while doing their jobs; Nuclear proliferation.

What are the most important issues facing children and families in our community? A local nonprofit -- The Children's Agenda -- has a list of legislative priorities for candidates this election season. They join us to discuss K-12 funding, special education, child care, and more. It's a preview to an upcoming forum hosted by the League of Women Voters . In studio: Brigit Hurley , director of advocacy for The Children's Agenda Eamonn Scanlon , education policy analyst for The Children's Agenda

WXXI has produced a new documentary that unites master fabricator Jesse James with one of his heroes, the great metal sculptor Albert Paley. The two men collaborated on pieces of art, and the documentary, "Dialogue in Metal," unveils the results. We talk to both James and Paley, and we discuss how this remarkable program came together with WXXI's own Todd McCammon and Tom Dooley. The film debuts on WXXI-TV on November 5 at 9 p.m., and will be screened at The Little Theatre on October 26 at 7 p.m