Connections Podcast

We're examining the fractures in the local Democratic Party. For years, there's been discussion, both publicly and privately, about the battles in the party, and the lack of unity. At committee meetings last week, the frustrations bubbled over, resulting in a public letter condemning city councilman Adam McFadden for, among other things, race-based comments. But McFadden says the letter was filled with lies, and offers more examples of the under-handed behavior that has hurt the party. So can

The newest Gallup poll shows 60% of Americans support full legalization of marijuana. With several states legalizing marijuana, this seems to be a moment of change in the country, right? Well, perhaps not with Jeff Sessions serving as the Attorney General. Sessions recently said that marijuana was almost as bad as heroin, which surprised some experts who work in the field of opioid addiction. Sessions has said that good people don't smoke marijuana. So what's next for weed? Our guests discuss it

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 Rochester Association of Black Journalists' "Rochester Legends;" A local man's struggle with kidney disease, and his video series, "Cooking for Your Kidneys;" Gay conversion therapy, and the new film, Fair Haven ; The discovery of the Trappist star system.

Rochester Reads is Writers & Books annual event, choosing one title for the community to read together. They've selected The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld, a book about a death row in an ancient stone prison. Through the eyes of an inmate who finds escape in books and in re-imagining the life around him is woven a fantastical tale of the people he observes and the world he inhabits. We talk to Denfeld about the book, and the upcoming events surrounding her visit. Our guests: Rene Denfeld ,

State Senator Rich Funke sits down with us for the hour to discuss state business, from ride sharing to the governor's free tuition plan, education spending to taxes.

Despite condemnation by the American Medical Association and all the major mental health professions, conversion therapy designed to change a person's sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual is still prevalent across the United States. Only five states and Washington, D.C. have outlawed the practice for licensed mental health providers. In fact, there may be hundreds of reparative therapy centers, but many are underground or protected by religious freedom laws. Researchers

Maciej Golubiewski, the consul general of the Republic of Poland, is in Rochester this week. Poland is one of six Eastern European nations appealing to the U.S. for help in standing up to Russia. We talk to Golubiewski about a range of topics, including the U.S. Army's mission in Poland, U.S.-Poland relations within NATO under the Trump administration, and the future of trade between the two countries. Plus, we discuss the latest regarding the investigation of Paul Manafort, President Trump's

John Vito lost his restaurant and cooking career when kidney failure nearly killed him. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, he got the coverage he needed to survive, and he's found a way to keep cooking. His new project is called Cooking for Your Kidneys , a video series designed to help people who love to eat but are living with kidney disease. John is always a colorful interview, and he discusses his own story, and his new venture. Our guests: John Vito, Cooking for Your Kidneys Mary Wier,

We discuss the AHCA and how it could impact us here in Western New York. We talk about the debate over the so-called "Buffalo Bribe," and the possible impact on Medicaid recipients. And we try to answer a broad range of questions about costs, coverage, and more. Our guests: Karen Shakerdge , WXXI health reporter and producer Jane Dodds, fellow with the American College of Medical Practice Executives Deborah Tschappat, grant writer at the Anthony Jordan Health Center Dr. Sarah Liebschutz,

The Rochester Association of Black Journalists has produced a television documentary series and children’s book series called “Rochester Legends.” Both projects feature interviews with noted African Americans who have made significant contributions to the community over the years. The illustrated books are geared to the third grade level. They tell the stories of our guests, and their outstanding contributions to the Rochester community: Dr. Walter Cooper, research scientists, humanitarian,