Connections Podcast

An upcoming festival at Ganondagan explores Native American food and culture. We get a preview and discuss traditional and contemporary indigenous culinary experiences. Our guests: Chef Arlie Doxtator, chef with 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry Peter Jemison, historic site manager for Ganondagan Angela Ferguson, farm supervisor for the Onondaga Nation, indigenous food advocate, corn grower, and seed saver

Should schools cultivate patriotism? It's one question among many about patriotism in schools and society addressed in a new book called “Patriotic Education in a Global Age.” The co-author is University of Rochester professor Randy Curren . He joins us to discuss his research, the difference between patriotism and nationalism, and the role patriotism might play in civic education.

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: Why many women fear running in the dark; How some Christians feel about showing mercy; Issues surrounding student journalism and freedom of the press; Job shaming.

The murder of University of Iowa student Mollie Tibbetts has sparked fresh conversations about the dangers women face while running in public. Tibbetts was abducted and killed while out for a jog. Women often describe the anxiety they feel in public when exercising, and frequently think about escape plans in the event of an attack. How common are such attacks? What do women want men to know about their experiences and concerns? Our guests: Iva Petrosino , communications professional and runner

A new study finds that 83% of American Christians do not feel it is their personal responsibility to show mercy; they believe it is the role of church, religious nonprofits, and government. Local leaders who work in faith-based initiatives have a lot to say about that. We talk about what mercy means -- for people struggling with addiction; for people with criminal records; for people living in poverty. Our guests: Anna Valeria-Iseman , executive director of the Open Door Mission Chris Holdridge

“Cosby Show” actor Geoffrey Owens is speaking out about recent criticism regarding his job as a cashier at a grocery store. Owens was working at Trader Joe’s in New Jersey when a woman’s photos of him went viral. Owens said he felt like some people were job shaming him, but stressed that there’s “no job that’s better than another.” This hour, we discuss the issue of job shaming with local people who feel they have been criticized for their work. We also discuss the state of the entry level

President Trump has been critical of wind energy in recent weeks. We focus on wind as a component of New York State’s energy future, and the energy future of the country. Our guests: Eric Hittinger , assistant professor of public policy at the College of Liberal Arts, and faculty member at the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT Neely Kelly , senior organizer for Mothers Out Front New York Zack Dufresne, director of member services and clean energy advocate for the Alliance for Clean

Assemblyman Joe Morelle is running for Congress, and three local Democrats are vying for his seat in the 136th District primary. This hour, we hear from Todd Grady , Jamie Romeo , and Jaclyn Richard about their platforms and priorities for the district.

Student journalism has come under the spotlight after a series of media outlets reported on alleged censorship of the campus newspaper at Liberty University. Student editors and reporters working for the “Liberty Champion” say faculty members and the president of the university, Jerry Falwell Jr., spiked articles they found to be critical of the university or amended articles they thought were critical of President Trump. Falwell told students that the newspaper had been created to champion the

In this special broadcast of Connections, we remember the life and legacy of Paul Burgett . The late University of Rochester dean and vice president died August 22 at the age of 72. Burgett served the institution and the Rochester community with his whole heart for more than half a century. We had the privilege of sitting down with him many times on Connections, and this hour, we revisit conversations we had on race, history, music, the value of travel, and more. Then, we hear several of Burgett