Connections Podcast

A new play at the JCC CenterStage Theatre explores the life and work of Dr. Ruth Westheimer. The radio and television sex therapist has helped change the way America talks about sexual health. We’re joined by members of the production and local sex therapists who discuss sex education, sexual medicine, and more. In studio: Ralph Meranto , artistic director of the JCC CenterStage Karin Bowersock , actor who plays Dr. Ruth, and artistic director of the Bristol Valley Theater Dr. Pebble Kranz , M.D

We welcome a panel of attorneys to discuss the primary, and sometimes hidden, legal questions at play in the Kavanaugh hearings. We find that when attorneys from all ideological backgrounds discuss the hearings, they tend to focus on things that the lay public does not. We explore those issues with our guests: Sharon Stiller , partner and director of the employment law practice at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP Chris Thomas , partner with Nixon

The City of Rochester is getting ready to celebrate its inaugural Indigenous Peoples' Day on October 8. The holiday will coincide with Columbus Day, which has long been controversial. Our guests discuss the change, and what it means to grow up Native American . We also hear from the Italian-American community, which has varying opinions on the issue -- but has shown a devotion to keeping Columbus Day. Our guests: Peter Jemison, historic site manager for Ganondagan Kathy Castania, member of the

When gentrification happens in our neighborhoods, who are the people most affected? Who is pushed out? 540WMain Community Learning Academy is working with a number of organizations to host a new edition of a conference on the subject of gentrification in Rochester. They'll explore what is being done to counter displacement and find solutions. We preview that conference with our guests: Mohamed Gazali, member of the board of directors for City Roots Community Land Trust Ryan Acuff, member of the

We're joined by former Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, who authored the Americans with Disabilities Act. Research shows that among similarly sized cities, Rochester is the single worst in the country when it comes to employment and poverty for people with disabilities. Harkin is the keynote speaker for the upcoming ROC EmployABILITY conference, which is focused on increasing employment opportunities and reducing poverty among people with disabilities. We preview that conference. In studio: Senator

We talk with the winners of the Reimagine the Canals Competition , a $2.5 million contest aimed at transforming the Erie Canal into a hub for economic activity, recreation, and tourism. We discuss the winning projects and what the developers hope for the future of the Erie Canal. In studio: Gil Quiniones, president and CEO of the New York Power Authority Jamie Kowalczyk, assistant planning director for Madison County, and member of the Canalside Pocket Neighborhoods team James Meerdink, project

Unshackle Upstate has a new executive director, Michael Kracker , and new legislative scorecards. We sit down with the pro-business organization's new leader to discuss how he sees the New York State landscape for business, politics, and growth.

Fashion Week of Rochester is back. Sponsored by the Center for Youth, the annual event celebrates national and local designers while raising awareness of the challenges faced by homeless youth and young people who are at risk for homelessness and human trafficking. We sit down with Fashion Week organizers and participants to discuss what’s on tap for this year’s event, and how they hope their efforts will help vulnerable populations in our community. In studio: Elaine Spaull , executive director

Canada is about to make recreational marijuana legal. What does that mean for people who go to Canada and come back to the U.S.? What does it mean for workers who come to the U.S. in the medical marijuana industry? We discuss what you need to know for the next time you cross the border. Our guests: Danielle Rizzo , senior counsel with Harris Beach Jeremy Unruh , director of regulatory affairs for Pharma Cann, LLC

According to recent polls, less than half of young Americans – 45 percent – view capitalism positively. Researchers at Gallup say that represents a 12-point decline in young adults’ positive views of capitalism in the last two years, and a 23-point decline from 2010. The data shows more adults aged 18 to 29 prefer socialism. We recently heard from socialists on this program, and now we’re giving capitalists the floor. They join us to share their views on the merits of capitalism and the future