Connections Podcast

Donald Trump has said that he wants to appoint Supreme Court Justices who will seek to undo Roe v Wade. During a recent interview, Trump said that women seeking abortions could simply cross state lines to find providers, if Roe is overturned. What would that mean for New York State? Would we see an influx of women seeking services? How would that impact women who are struggling financially? Are organizations like Planned Parenthood prepared for these changes? Our guests: Dr. Rachael Phelps,

We hear the phrase "implicit bias" quite a bit these days. What is it, exactly? Melanie Funchess has lectured on the subject , giving examples from her own life. She's our guest for the hour. Melanie works for the Mental Health Association; she has also been involved in a broad range of community organizations, including the African American Leadership Development Program, the African American Health Coalition, and the Black Women's Leadership Forum.

With so much talk about refugees, we thought it would be important to hear real-life stories -- not just hype and headlines. What is life like in America as a refugee? How have refugees adjusted to living in Rochester? Our guests help us understand. In studio: Benjamin Lawrance , professor of international studies and director of international and global studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology Meron Semedar, refugee from Eritrea Maung Thet Win, Karen refugee from Burma Falmatu “Ayni”

Both CNBC and the Daily Beast report that millennials are buying fewer diamonds, for reasons of cost and ethical concerns. Other sources dispute this alleged trend. Regardless, if you've ever wondered where jewelry comes from, this is a chance to find out. We talk about ways you can be sure you understand -- and are comfortable with -- the conditions in which jewels and metals are sourced. Our guests: Maressa Merwarth, designer and metalsmith and founder of Mari Tome Jewelry Design Robert Mann,

Senator Bernie Sanders says that Democrats must listen to what voters want, and Sanders says the answer is not "Republican light." He wants a strong set of populist policies going forward. Our panel of voters who supported Sanders in the primary explain some of the concerns they have with the Democratic Party, and how it might respond to the recent election losses. Our guests: Joe Guest , Sanders supporter who voted for Jill Stein Jason Peck , visiting assistant professor at the University of

This annual program offers a wide-ranging look at what local organizations need to help make the holidays special for thousands of kids in poverty, women in crisis, and families in need. Our guests explain what you can do to help, whether it's offering time, gifts, or other resources. We even hear from four-and-a-half-year-old Rhys Dawson, who also wanted to know how he could help. We hear from: Baden Street Settlement Salvation Army Villa of Hope Veterans Outreach Center Seneca County House of

This annual program offers a wide-ranging look at what local organizations need to help make the holidays special for thousands of kids in poverty, women in crisis, and families in need. Our guests explain what you can do to help, whether it's offering time, gifts, or other resources. We hear from: Teen EmpowermentHillside Family of AgenciesCharles Settlement HouseVolunteers of AmericaOpen Door MissionBoys and Girls Club of GenevaCatholic Family CenterThe Gay Alliance of the Genesee ValleyRonald

Are American children suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder? That term has gained currency over the past decade, and a number of local parents and professionals feel it's on the mark. So what is it? Broadly speaking, it's a deficit from interaction with the outside world. Our guests go beyond that simple definition to discuss how education plays a role. In studio: Lindsay Cray, CEO of Earthworks InstituteEvan Lowenstein, communications and special events/projects coordinator for the City of

Donald Trump won white women handily in this election, despite pundits' predictions that Trump's lewdness and troubling past comments would sink his campaign. For millions of women, Trump was their candidate for a variety of reasons -- and no new allegation or incident would change their minds. For women who opposed Trump, it's hard to understand. This is our chance to hear more from women who voted for Trump, at length. Our guests: Anne SmithPam CairnsJessica Shanahan

Legendary choreographer Garth Fagan is preparing to debut a new work as part of the upcoming Garth Fagan Dance season. We sit down with Fagan to discuss his work. Our guests: Garth Fagan, founder of Garth Fagan DanceNorwood Pennewell, choreographerBill Ferguson, faculty member at Garth Fagan Dance School