Connections Podcast

This week the Rochester Police Department admitted that two officers roughed up a black man without justification. It comes at a time when police accountability is a significant topic of debate: how to reform the system and make sure it leads to justice? Our guests discuss it: Ted Forsyth, member of the executive committee for the Police Accountability Board Alliance Frank Liberti, president and CEO of the Center for Dispute Settlement Adam McFadden , member of Rochester City Council Willie

It's been 25 years since Hollywood released a film featuring an all-Asian lead cast that wasn't a martial arts film. "Crazy Rich Asians" is making big money at the box office, and while it's a rather standard rom-com, it's also a significant moment for representation in film. But that's also what many people said about the Joy Luck Club in 1993. What makes this time different? Our guests: Eleanor Lenoe, sophomore at the University of Rochester Linh Phillips , creator of the Sir Rocha Says blog,

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: America's "greatness;" Socialism making a comeback in the United States; Pumpkin spice lattes and "trend journalism."

Actress and advocate Cynthia Nixon is running for governor. The Democrat is challenging incumbent Andrew Cuomo. She’ll be in Rochester Friday to meet with voters. We talk to her about why she’s running for New York’s top seat, and we discuss issues ranging from the economy to healthcare and more. Then, we hear from local Nixon supporters. Our guests: Cynthia Nixon , candidate for New York governor Patrick Coyle, volunteer for the Nixon campaign Charmaine Gettles, volunteer for the Nixon campaign

It’s our final Summer of Food conversation, and we sit down with award-winning chefs in our area to discuss if Rochester could be on its way to becoming a food destination. What would it take for Rochester to be the next Charleston, South Carolina? Our guests weigh in: Art Rogers, chef and owner of Lento , and the only James Beard-nominated chef in Rochester history Derrick DePorter, chef and co-owner of Unter Biergarten

We often hear about the science and research behind climate change, but an upcoming event in Rochester will focus on how people in our community are personally impacted by global warming. During the Rise for a Resilient Rochester event, area residents will share personal stories of climate change impacts and solutions with city, state, and federal leaders. We get a preview of the event this hour with our guests: David Alicea, New York lead organizer of the Sierra Club Hridesh Singh, student at

National news outlets are reporting that Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte is back for the season. It's called trend journalism and its generating free advertising for the corporate giant. Is that fair? Is it journalism? This hour, we discuss the ethics of trend and calendar journalism and how they impact consumers and small businesses. And yes, we discuss whether pumpkin spice lattes are any good. In studio: Andrea Hickerson , director of the School of Communication at RIT Wade Reed, co-founder of

Governor Andrew Cuomo found himself in political hot water two weeks ago when he said America “was never that great.” Cuomo made the comment during a speech about gender equality. His remarks drew and audible response from the crowd, and pushback from President Trump. Cuomo was referring to discrimination against women, saying “We have not reached greatness. We will reach greatness when every American is fully engaged.” His office later tried to clarify the remarks. So what do people in the

In a recent post for the Urban Phoenix, blogger Arian Horbovetz wrote about how the impermanence and flexibility of urban centers are drawing more residents, especially millennials. He says young Americans are seeking out apartments, shared public spaces, food trucks, and mobile tech over homes in the suburbs, traditional restaurants, and office jobs. What does the data say about the so-called city vs. suburb horse race? A Brookings Institute report shows a trend toward a renewed suburban

Socialism is having a moment, and if its adherents are successful, it will be more than just a moment. Many American students are taught that socialism is more idealistic than viable, and in practice, it tends to be corrupted. But among others, the Democratic Socialists of America contend that we’re missing both the history and potential of socialism. So how do they explain what it is, and how it would work in practice? Our guests: Lyle Rubin, founder of the Rochester chapter of the DSA Michelle