Connections Podcast

It’s National Poetry Month, and we're joined by local, award-winning local poets who discuss their art, how poetry can give marginalized groups a voice, and about how we teach poetry in schools. In studio: Peter Connors, publisher for BOA Editions Chen Chen , poet Christine Kitano , poet and assistant professor in the Department of Writing at Ithaca College

A new documentary called Photo City tells the story of Rochester’s past, present, and future as a hub for photography. It will be screened as part of the One Take Film Fest at The Little Theatre. The filmmakers are from Ireland, and we talk to one of them about why his team chose Rochester as the subject of the film. We also hear from local photographers and filmmakers who will share their take on Rochester as a photo city. Our guests: John Murphy, co-director, co-writer, and editor of Photo

The Parliament of World Religions is coming to Toronto, and Rochester is hosting a pre-Parliament event today. The parliament goes back to 1893, when organizers sought to create an international dialogue about religions and interfaith issues. This year, the theme is about the promise of inclusion. Our guests discuss it: Dr. Larry Greenfield , executive minister of the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago Dr. Susan Nowak , chairperson of religious studies at Nazareth College Dr. Muhammad

Former Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner says she’s considering a run for governor. The Democrat has never shied away from challenging her own party, including incumbent governor Andrew Cuomo. We talk to her about why she is leaning toward a gubernatorial campaign, and which issues matter most to her.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of what's called the "greatest pandemic in history. -- the 1918 flu virus, also called the Spanish flu. That flu lead to the deaths of between 50 and 100 million people. Many people may think that an outbreak of that magnitude couldn't happen in today's world, but doctors say we are still vulnerable to pandemics. Our guests discuss when the next worldwide pandemic will strike, what kind of flu strains we might see, and the latest research on flu viruses. In

We talk to Major General Volodymyr Havrylov, the defense attaché of Ukraine. He is in town to give a lecture at the University of Rochester, but first, we talk to him about the U.S. and NATO's role in Ukraine, what Vladimir Putin wants in Ukraine, and if compromise is politically feasible. Our guests: Major General Volodymyr Havrylov, defense attaché of Ukraine Randy Stone , director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester

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: The opioid epidemic and pain management; The crisis in Puerto Rico; How parents of color are shielding their children from negative stereotypes in the media and books.

The College of Collectible Knowledge is back! We’re gearing up from the annual WXXI Appraisal Fair , so we bring you our version of Antiques Roadshow…on the radio. We’re joined by appraisers in studio who answer questions about your antiques. In studio: Jack Wanderman, owner of Jack Wanderman and Associates Nik Wanderman, Jack’s son and partner in Jack Wanderman and Associates Yvonne Jordan, owner of Shop 15 Antiques and Vintage

Under New York State law, women seeking abortions have 24 weeks to terminate their pregnancies. Otherwise, women are required to carry their pregnancies to term. A bill before the New York State Senate and Assembly called the Reproductive Health Act would allow licensed healthcare practitioners to perform abortions outside of that window if there is an absence of fetal viability or if the abortion is necessary to protect the mother’s life or health. We hear from people on both sides of the

National Equal Pay Day just passed, and we’re taking a look at the state of inequality in pay between genders. We also look at new legislation related to sexual harassment in the workplace. In studio: Beth Cordello , chair of the labor and employment practice group at Pullano & Farrow Julie Damerell , associate professor emeritus at MCC