Connections Podcast

Should we fear death? That question is at the heart of a new documentary about death from accomplished filmmaker Helen Whitney. It's called Into the Night , and it's coming to PBS and WXXI TV on Monday, March 26. Whitney chose to focus on nine individuals from very different backgrounds, trying to understand various perspectives on how we approach the end of our lives. One of those individuals is University of Rochester astrophysicist Adam Frank , who describes himself as an "atheist plus.” We

The author of a new book about food insecurity says food banks and food pantries were never meant to be permanent parts of our country. Andrew Fisher is a food security expert. He says food banks have become big business, and their ties to corporate America actually build on the underlying systemic issues that cause hunger. He joins us to discuss how he thinks anti-hunger programs need to change. We also discuss the concept of the social purpose grocery, and how our community is addressing the

When we discuss the Holocaust and Nazi Germany’s tactics to create a so-called master race, we frequently talk about the atrocities committed in concentration camps. Holocaust survivors have come forward over the years to share their stories, with the hope that by understanding history, we can prevent it from repeating itself. But until recently, there were a number of stories that remained untold or at least, hidden. Those belong to the women who lived under Nazi rule — women whose reproductive

The One Take Film Festival will celebrate its second year at The Little Theatre next month. This year’s films cover a range of subjects, including fracking, race riots, Rochester’s history as a photo city, and more. We preview the films selected for this year’s festival, and we talk about the art of documentary filmmaking with our guests: Linda Moroney , filmmaker, and director and programmer for the One Take Film Festival Bri Merkel, artistic director for The Little Theatre Brian Kaufman,

The death of 14-year-old Trevyan Rowe has shocked Rochester, and it has sparked calls for change in local school policy. How did it happen? What can be fixed, and who is ultimately accountable? Our guests discuss it: T. Andrew Brown, vice chancellor for the Board of Regents Melanie Funchess , member of the Rochester City School Board and director of community engagement for the Mental Health Association of Rochester Terrie Meyn, vice president of strategic initiatives for Happiness House and CP

Rochester’s ROC the Riverway proposal is due to Governor Cuomo in May, and project leaders are asking community members for their ideas. What do you think will revitalize Rochester’s waterfront areas? Where is the untapped potential? Do you think some of the concepts outlined in the proposal are unrealistic? We heard from project leaders earlier this month, and now it’s your turn to share your ideas. Our guests: Maria Furgiuele , executive director of the Community Design Center Rochester Jason

How much do you know about guns? Do you feel like you’ve been “gunsplained” before? The concept was recently coined by Adam Weinstein, a veteran and gun owner writing for the Washington Post. He says firearm enthusiasts try to exclude anyone from the gun debate who doesn’t know the intricate details of an AR-15 or an M-16. At the same time, he argues progressives should study up a bit more on guns so as to better understand what they are trying to regulate. So should gun control advocates learn

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 life and legacy of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter; The film, The Rape of Recy Taylor , and how Taylor helped inspire the civil rights movement; What veterans think about President Trump's military parade; The stigma of mental illness.

Rep. Louise Slaughter died early Friday at the age of 88. The congresswoman served 16 terms in Washington and had plans to run for a 17th term in November. Slaughter was the first woman to chair the powerful House Committee on Rules since it was formally constituted on April 2, 1789, and was serving as its ranking member. Her office said she was "a relentless fighter for families in Monroe County and across the nation, and authored the landmark Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)

A new exhibit opening at Ganondagan next week honors the impact Hodinöhsö:ni’ women have had on our culture. The exhibit focuses on five moments in history, including the women’s suffrage movement, when the achievements of Hodinöhsö:ni’ women have shaped society. Our guests discuss the exhibit and Hodinöhsö:ni’ history and culture: Peter Jemison, historic site manager for Ganondagan Michael Galban , curator and historian at the Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan Michelle Schenandoah,