Connections Podcast

By WXXI News

What's Connections Podcast about?

WXXI's Evan Dawson talks about what matters to Rochester and the Finger Lakes on Connections, Every weekday from Noon-2 p.m. on WXXI-AM 1370, WRUR FM 88.5, and online at WXXINews.org.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Connections Podcast episodes:

04.23.2024
"Newtown," and the 2024/2025 season at Geva Theatre
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, we discuss what's on stage now and during the 2024/2025 season at Geva Theatre.
04.23.2024
Understanding the warning signs of abuse when children are most vulnerable
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, a survivor of child abuse and sexual violence shares her story with the hope of preventing other children from experiencing abuse. We also hear from the...
04.22.2024
How you can help increase the number of trees planted in your community and combat climate change
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 22, 2024, we talk with the City of Rochester's forester and members of the local chapter of the Sierra Club about efforts to plant more trees in the...
04.22.2024
Humans consume about a credit card's worth of plastic each week; local researchers discuss how to prevent it
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 22, 2024, we sit down with local researchers to discuss how they plan to use a new multi-million dollar grant to study how plastic particles enter our ecosystems...
04.19.2024
Discussing urban agriculture and what Rochester can learn from efforts in New York City
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, April 19, 2024, we explore urban agriculture: it’s benefits, the challenges, and what Rochester can learn from the work being done in New York City.
04.19.2024
After the BID: What's next?
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, April 19, 2024, we talk with local community members about the failed proposal for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Rochester and what kind of BID they would like...
04.18.2024
Can the B Corp model help create a more ethical business landscape?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, April 18, 2024, our guests discuss their companies' business practices as certified B Corps, and how they think the B Corp model contributes to creating a more ethical business...
04.18.2024
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans on the 2024 State of the City
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, April 18, 2024, we sit down with Rochester Mayor Malik Evans to discuss his 2024 State of the City address and his ongoing goals and vision for the city.
04.17.2024
How can schools better meet the needs of high-ability students?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we sit down with Jonathan Plucker to discuss his research on how public schools can better meet the needs of gifted students.
04.17.2024
What should be included in a future High Falls State Park?
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, we discuss the latest with the High Falls State Park project and how community members can submit their ideas.
04.15.2024
Understanding the state of adolescent and young adult cancers and how to support patients and survivors
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 15, 2024, we host a discussion on the impact adolescent and young adult cancers have on mental health and speak with experts about the best way to provide...
04.15.2024
Discussing Drug Recognition Experts and the effectiveness of the program
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 15, 2024, we're joined by an attorney, a law enforcement officer, and a medical expert about the effectiveness of Drug Recognition Expert programs. There's been a recent push...
04.12.2024
Exploring proposals for how to lift children out of poverty
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, April 12, 2024, we discuss state and federal initiatives designed to help lift children out of poverty.
04.12.2024
Dr. Jill Stein, presumptive Green Party candidate for U.S. President
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, April 12, 2024, we sit down with Dr. Jill Stein, the presumptive Green Party candidate for U.S. President, to discuss her platforms and priorities for office.
04.11.2024
How can climate action affect health outcomes?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, April 11, 2024, we explore how climate change affects health outcomes, and our guests share their recommendations for how to implement positive change.
04.11.2024
Discussing advancements in Parkinson's disease treatment, including those made in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, April 11, 2024, we discuss the latest in research and treatment for Parkinson's disease, including studies and new treatment methods being used in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region.
04.10.2024
Are electric vehicles too...boring?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, our guests discuss the state of the electric vehicle market and how to increase mainstream enthusiasm for EVs.
04.10.2024
How an organization in Poland is helping Ukrainian refugees
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, we talk with the CEO of JCC Krakow about how his organization is assisting refugees from Ukraine. We also hear from Rabbi Peter Stein, who shares...
04.09.2024
D&C journalists on the latest with their strike
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, we talk with Democrat and Chronicle journalists who are on strike. The D&C staff is protesting what they describe as "bad faith" bargaining by parent company,...
04.09.2024
Reactions to the total solar eclipse
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, our guests share their experiences with Monday's total solar eclipse.
04.08.2024
Special Programming - Connections during totality
In this special episode of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 8, 2024, Evan Dawson hosts a discussion during the total solar eclipse, broadcasting live from the roof of the WXXI studios.
04.08.2024
Eclipse Day preview, part 2
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 8, 2024, our guests — eclipse chasers, journalists, and a business owner — preview the eclipse.
04.08.2024
Eclipse Day preview, part 1
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 8, 2024, Evan and eclipse enthusiasts from around the area preview this afternoon's event.
04.05.2024
Previewing Indigenous celebrations of the eclipse
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday April 5, 2024, our guests discuss Indigenous culture and traditions related to the eclipse.
04.05.2024
Journalist Victor Luckerson on his book, "Built from Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street"
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, April 5, 2024, we talk with journalist Victor Luckerson about his book, "Built from Fire," and the evolution of the Greenwood district after the Tulsa race massacre.
04.04.2024
Discussing CITY Magazine's April 2024 issue
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, April 4, 2024, our guests explore the latest issue of CITY Magazine. The theme this month is cannabis.
04.04.2024
What can we learn about the labor movement from the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, April 4, 2024, our guests discuss the current state of the labor movement and what we can learn about that movement from the work of Dr. Martin Luther King,...
04.03.2024
Salsa music pioneer Johnny Vega
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, we talk with international recording artist and salsa music pioneer, Johnny Vega.
04.03.2024
Afghan teacher on fleeing her home country and the Taliban's restrictions, and starting a new life in Rochester
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, we talk with representatives from the local nonprofit, Keeping Our Promise, about the state of the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process. We also hear the story...
04.02.2024
Do the Buffalo Bills have an obligation to make their games more accessible?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, our guests discuss the new personal seat licenses for the Buffalo Bills' new stadium and what they mean for fans.
04.02.2024
What challenges with the new FAFSA process mean for students and higher ed
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, our guests discuss the issues with the recent rollout of the FAFSA online portal and how those challenges have affected students and higher education institutions.
04.01.2024
What do you need to know one week before the eclipse?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, April 1, 2024, our guests share information about eclipse viewing, events, traffic, and more one week before the main event.
03.29.2024
Don’t throw that out! The reuse movement and environmental sustainability
The reuse movement is a critical effort to curb our environmental impact through innovative community engagement and personal habit shifts.
03.28.2024
Rochester City School Board President Cynthia Elliott and Vice President Beatriz LeBron on the future of the district
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, March 28, 2024, Rochester City School Board President Cynthia Elliott and Vice President Beatriz LeBron discuss the future of the district following the news of Superintendent Carmine Peluso's June...
03.28.2024
How inflation is affecting local small businesses
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, March 28, 2024, our guests discuss the inflation rate and how it has affected local small businesses.
03.27.2024
Organizers of an upcoming "seed swap" answer your planting questions
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, our guests describe an upcoming event where you can share seeds, and they answer your spring planting questions.
03.27.2024
Gregg Sadwick, candidate for New York’s 25th Congressional District
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, we talk with Gregg Sadwick, the Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in New York's 25th Congressional District.
03.26.2024
Danielle Ponder on creating the theme song for the TV series, "Manhunt"
Singer-songwriter Danielle Ponder wrote the theme song for Apple TV's "Manhunt." She talks about her craft and history professor Justin Behrend talks about the real life inspiration for the show, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
03.26.2024
How a local program is helping asylum seekers start new lives in Rochester
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, our guests discuss how a program at Ibero-American Action League is helping hundreds of migrants seek asylum in Rochester.
03.25.2024
Jerri Lynn Sparks on her new podcast, "Sparks of Love"
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, March 25, 2024, our guest discusses love, dating, sex, and the culture surrounding those topics. She's the host of a new podcast called "Sparks of Love."
03.25.2024
Wayne County political party chairs on the priorities of rural voters
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, March 25, 2024, the chairs of the Wayne County Republican and Democratic Committees discuss the values of rural voters and the challenges they see in encouraging them to become...
03.22.2024
Why small cannabis farmers are in crisis
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, March 22, 2024, small cannabis farmers discuss why New York State's rollout of the has put them in crisis mode.
03.22.2024
Should RG&E be replaced with a public-owned utility?
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, March 22, 2024, guest host Gino Fanelli hosts a conversation about whether Rochester Gas & Electric should be replaced by a public utility.
03.21.2024
How can AI enhance — rather than replace — the workplace?
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, March 21, 2024, our guests discuss how developers of artificial intelligence can work with AI responsibly, and what the evolving technology means for the future of human jobs.
03.21.2024
How does the work of authoritarian leaders influence the state of U.S. democracy?
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, March 21, 2024, democratization policy expert Valery Perry joins us to discuss how the work of authoritarian leaders in other parts of the would can affect U.S. democracy.
03.20.2024
Author Michael Zweig on his book, "Class, Race, and Gender: Challenging the Injuries and Divisions of Capitalism”
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, we talk with Michael Zweig, author of "Class, Race, and Gender: Challenging the Injuries and Divisions of Capitalism." He's in town for an event with the...
03.20.2024
How to help children in Ukraine
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, we speak with delegates from Ukraine about their work helping children, especially Ukrainian children traumatized by Russia's war.
03.19.2024
Exploring challenges and opportunities for women in business
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, we talk with representatives from two upcoming conferences aimed at elevating women in business. They share their stories, and we explore opportunities and challenges faced by...
03.19.2024
Understanding frontotemporal dementia
In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, our guests help us understand a group of brain disorders called frontotemporal dementia. The condition made headlines in recent years after celebrities like Bruce Willis and...
03.18.2024
How to make your home more energy efficient
In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, March 18, 2024, our guests discuss various incentives available through the IRA and NYSERDA aimed at making homes and businesses more energy efficient.

What's Connections Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Connections Podcast episodes:

"Newtown," and the 2024/2025 season at Geva Theatre

Understanding the warning signs of abuse when children are most vulnerable

How you can help increase the number of trees planted in your community and combat climate change

Humans consume about a credit card's worth of plastic each week; local researchers discuss how to prevent it

Discussing urban agriculture and what Rochester can learn from efforts in New York City

After the BID: What's next?

Can the B Corp model help create a more ethical business landscape?

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans on the 2024 State of the City

How can schools better meet the needs of high-ability students?

What should be included in a future High Falls State Park?

Understanding the state of adolescent and young adult cancers and how to support patients and survivors

Discussing Drug Recognition Experts and the effectiveness of the program

Exploring proposals for how to lift children out of poverty

Dr. Jill Stein, presumptive Green Party candidate for U.S. President

How can climate action affect health outcomes?

Discussing advancements in Parkinson's disease treatment, including those made in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region

Are electric vehicles too...boring?

How an organization in Poland is helping Ukrainian refugees

D&C journalists on the latest with their strike

Reactions to the total solar eclipse

Special Programming - Connections during totality

Eclipse Day preview, part 2

Eclipse Day preview, part 1

Previewing Indigenous celebrations of the eclipse

Journalist Victor Luckerson on his book, "Built from Fire: The Epic Story of Tulsa's Greenwood District, America's Black Wall Street"

Discussing CITY Magazine's April 2024 issue

What can we learn about the labor movement from the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Salsa music pioneer Johnny Vega

Afghan teacher on fleeing her home country and the Taliban's restrictions, and starting a new life in Rochester

Do the Buffalo Bills have an obligation to make their games more accessible?

What challenges with the new FAFSA process mean for students and higher ed

What do you need to know one week before the eclipse?

Don’t throw that out! The reuse movement and environmental sustainability

Rochester City School Board President Cynthia Elliott and Vice President Beatriz LeBron on the future of the district

How inflation is affecting local small businesses

Organizers of an upcoming "seed swap" answer your planting questions

Gregg Sadwick, candidate for New York’s 25th Congressional District

Danielle Ponder on creating the theme song for the TV series, "Manhunt"

How a local program is helping asylum seekers start new lives in Rochester

Jerri Lynn Sparks on her new podcast, "Sparks of Love"

Wayne County political party chairs on the priorities of rural voters

Why small cannabis farmers are in crisis

Should RG&E be replaced with a public-owned utility?

How can AI enhance — rather than replace — the workplace?

How does the work of authoritarian leaders influence the state of U.S. democracy?

Author Michael Zweig on his book, "Class, Race, and Gender: Challenging the Injuries and Divisions of Capitalism”

How to help children in Ukraine

Exploring challenges and opportunities for women in business

Understanding frontotemporal dementia

How to make your home more energy efficient