Connections Podcast

One of the most remarkable storytellers in Rochester is 93-year-old Pete DuPre. He was an army medic during World War II, and for 80 years, he's played the harmonica. Soon he'll play his harmonica at the State of the County address, and he's taken his talents to Nashville's recording studios. Pete tells us his stories, which include plenty of laughs, but also the pain of seeing what war can do to man.

Democrat & Chronicle journalist Gary Craig has just published a book about the infamous Rochester Brinks heist. Craig pulls many threads together to spin this tale of deception, robbery, and murder. So who really did it? And where is the money? We've been looking forward to this discussion for a long time.

One of the most well connected priests in the world is a Rochester native who assisted the Vatican during the transition period between Popes Benedict and Francis. Father Thomas Rosica is the CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media, and is a priest of the Congregation of St. Basil. He's back in his hometown to host a retreat, and he joins us on Connections to talk about the work and impact of Pope Francis. Father Rosica has worked as a media attaché for Francis, providing English language

Last fall, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued new recommendations for limiting media use among children. How can parents work under these guidelines and help their kids unplug and reconnect to non-digital activities? A book called The Game is Playing Your Kid offers advice for monitoring and limiting screen time for children. The author, Dr. Joe Dilley, is in Rochester as a guest of the Norman Howard School. He joins us in studio to talk about how parents can help kids transition from

Can science and faith coexist in today's politically-charged environment? A 2015 survey found that nearly 70 percent of evangelicals in the United States don't see religion and science as being totally at odds. Meanwhile, a survey cited by National Geographic says scientists may be just as likely to believe in God as those outside the scientific community. We discuss the relationship between science and religion with our guests: Rev. J. Eric Thompson, priest in charge at St. Peter's Episcopal

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: A proposal drafted by local police chiefs that would tighten up parole rules; A local businessman being sued by KFC for using the slogan, "Finger Lakin' Good;" The Spiritus Christi Race Convoy, and the current state of race relations; The Listen to Your Mother event, featuring mothers sharing personal stories.

If you’ve ever stared at a blank page, wishing that streams of brilliant prose would appear, you’re not alone. Many aspiring and veteran writers view writer’s block as their worst enemy in the creative process. A group of local writers and teachers is hoping to change that. They’ve joined together to offer a retreat aimed at helping female writers become their “wilder, bolder, more natural creative” selves. Our guests discuss how using inner-child meditation, self-hypnosis, and other creative

Despite snow in the forecast next week, summer is right around the corner, and many kids in our area are getting excited for summer camp. Nationally, camps are an $18 billion dollar industry, with more than 14 million children and adults attending programs. We’ll preview the season by talking to local camp directors about a variety of issues: why enrollment is increasing; efforts to limit or eliminate screen time; and how camping experiences can become more accessible to people from all socio

We continue our series of conversations with candidates for Rochester City Council. 12 candidates from a cross section of our community are vying for five at-large seats. We discuss why they're running, their ideas for improving our city, and their vision for Rochester's future. Our guests: Dorian Hall Dana Miller Loretta Scott

What can we learn about the current state of race relations in this country by studying slavery and the Civil Rights movement? A group of 35 people connected with Spiritus Christi Church visited a number of historic sites in southern cities to learn about the impact of racism in the criminal justice system, the political system, and the economic system. They returned to Rochester with the goal of using this new knowledge to improve race relations in our community. We discuss their trip, what