Connections Podcast

Epizode

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  What will help families most when it comes to affording basic necessities? 14.08.2026 51min

  Which expense is most difficult for your family to afford? That question was raised during a recent public hearing hosted by New York State's Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council. The goal was to hear from the public about the financial challenges they face, while also examining the council's anti-poverty efforts. What's working? What challenges still need to be addressed? And what kinds of support do families say they need? We discuss those questions with our guests, and we talk about how expected cuts at the federal level could affect local families. In studio: Madison Byrne, policy and community advocate at the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative Pete Nabozny, director of policy for The Children's Agenda Tianna Johnson, parent advocate and community organizer
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  Understanding patterns of abusers 13.08.2026 51min

  Ohio Congressman Max Miller has denied allegations that he abused his ex-wife and their young daughter. Evidence that he has tried to marshal in his own defense has sparked conversations about abuse: specifically, why victims might behave in a certain way and why abusers might behave in a certain way. Our guests explore it: Lisa Nolan, director of prevention education at Willow Domestic Violence Center Jerri Lynn Sparks, former congressional press secretary and author of "Surviving Madmen"
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  'Our work...must be brave:' Fashion Week Rochester and supporting local youth in crisis 12.08.2026 50min

  Fashion Week Rochester is back this fall, and it's being reimagined a bit this year. What hasn't changed is its mission: the event has always been about serving the Center for Youth. As the center's executive director, Elaine Spaull writes, "With threats from our federal government and the needs growing every day, our work with youth facing homelessness, despair, and abandonment must be brave." This hour, we talk with Spaull about that work. We also hear from local emerging designers who share their remarkable stories. In studio: Elaine Spaull, executive director for the Center for Youth Angela Monique, creative conceptualist, stylist, and owner of Brown Girls Too vintage reseller Julia Sibley, personal stylist and founder of Storied Marcel "¢el" McCollough, designer and owner of NoBlam! NazMeir Lucas, youth leader and clothing designer
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  'Connections on the Road:' How to create healthier neighborhoods for everyone 11.08.2026 50min

  We welcome a live audience as we bring the show to Ibero-American Action League's Community Resource Center, located in the El Camino neighborhood of Rochester. Residents say they have concerns about poverty, drug use, and homelessness, and some neighborhood children don't like to play outside anymore. We talk to a neighbor and local leaders about what it will take to change that, and about how neighborhoods thrive or suffer based on resources and funding. We welcome comments from the live audience as well. Our guests: Angelica Perez-Delgado, president and CEO of Ibero-American Action League Ramona Colon, resident of the El Camino neighborhood Maria Garcia, marketplace bilingual facilitated enroller for Excellus BlueCross BlueShield --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  TikTok star and best-selling author Jonathan Graziano and his dog, Milton 10.08.2026 51min

  This hour, we welcome a human guest and his canine co-panelist. You may know TikTok star Jonathan Graziano for his "Bones or No Bones" videos with his late dog, Noodle. The Rochester native is a best-selling author, and his newest book is about his adopted senior pug, Milton. "Milton Makes a Move" follows Milton's story as he finds his forever home. Graziano and Milton are in town for a series of events. We sit down with both of them to hear their story and to discuss animal rescue. In studio: Jonathan Graziano, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Milton the pug --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Understanding cuts to SNAP and more 07.08.2026 50min

  Thousands of people in the Rochester region are losing SNAP benefits due to new federal guidelines. According to reporting by WXXI's Noelle Evans, the Monroe County Department of Human Services closed 3,900 cases at the end of May due to non-compliance or not verifying an exemption to new work requirements for some people without dependents. This hour, we're joined by Rochester City Councilmember Mitch Gruber. He discusses the changes and answers listener questions. He also addresses a summer meal program. In studio: Mitch Gruber, Ph.D., member of Rochester City Council --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Community leaders address weekend violence in Rochester 06.08.2026 49min

  What should local leaders do to prevent violence in the community?  Zahnia Barr, 14, and Shakara Green, 35, were killed last weekend in two separate incidents. In both cases, authorities say shots were fired into large groups of people.  We talk with community leaders about the tragedies and what it will take to stop future violence.  In studio: Beatriz LeBron, executive director of the Father Tracy Advocacy Center Miguel Meléndez Jr., president of Rochester City Council and member of the Northeast Safety Committee Jerome Ward, CEO and owner of Chisel Collective LLC 
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  CITY Magazine's 2026 'Rochester Ten' 05.08.2026 50min

  "They always come back home." That's how CITY Magazine editor-in-chief Leah Stacy describes CITY's 2026 "Rochester Ten" cohort. The annual list celebrates community members whose work and passions are creating positive change. As Stacy writes, some are Rochester natives, some are transplants, and some live in several places, but the Flower City is where "they want their work to be felt most." We meet some of them this hour, and we welcome the team from CITY to discuss this month's issue. In studio: Leah Stacy, editor-in-chief of CITY Magazine Jacob Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine Rafael Rodriguez, photographer and filmmaker Leaphe Ferm, musician, artist, caregiver, and 2026 "Rochester Ten" Jenna Manetta-Knauf, owner of Bella Events Group and 2026 "Rochester Ten" Max Kelley, station manager at WAYO 104.3FM and 2026 "Rochester Ten" Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez, artistic director and founder of Borinquen Dance Theatre and 2026 "Rochester Ten"
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  Former public health director helps launch new healthcare model in Rochester 04.08.2026 50min

  Dr. Michael Mendoza is the senior medical director for the new Town Square Health Rochester office. The practice caters to seniors and recently began accepting patients. As reported by WXXI's Brian Sharp, the goal is to bring a new model for healthcare to the region, focused on prevention and lower costs. Dr. Mendoza discusses how it works and whether it can be a solution for the ongoing problems in the American healthcare system. In studio: Michael Mendoza, M.D., MPH, senior medical director for Town Square Health Daniel J. Marino, principal with ECG Management Consultants Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News
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  Nazareth University's new president on the state of higher education 03.08.2026 50min

  We sit down Maureen Finney, the new president of Nazareth University.  As reported by WXXI’s Noelle Evans, Finney takes the helm of the institution at a time when federal rules are shifting for student loan borrowers.  We sit down with Finney to discuss what those changes mean for Nazareth, her vision for the university, and the current state of higher education.  In studio: Maureen Finney, Ed.D., president of Nazareth University
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  Veterans on the U.S.-Iran war and what is owed to American service members 31.07.2026 51min

  With the U.S.-Iran ceasefire falling apart — and as the war expands — what is owned to American service members and their families in terms of communication, level setting, and what an end game would look like? We discuss that question with local veterans. In studio: Gregg Sadwick, U.S Navy veteran, former congressional candidate, and president of Solid Surfaces NY and Flower City Collision Nicholas Stefanovic, veteran and director of veteran services for Monroe County John White, former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and Vietnam combat vet --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Puerto Rican Festival aims to reach younger Latinos, bridge generational gaps 30.07.2026 51min

  Rochester's Puerto Rican Festival is back. The 56th annual celebration runs Thursday through Saturday, and organizers say they expect it to bring thousands of people to the city. According to reporting by WXXI's Jose Sandoval, goals this year include reaching younger Latinos, educating children about Latino culture, and bridging gaps among generations. We discuss it all — and preview the fest — with our guests. In studio: Jose Sandoval, Latino communities reporter for WXXI News through Report for America Orlando Ortiz, president of the Rochester Puerto Rican Festival Julio Sáenz, chief content officer for WXXI Public Media --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Sen. Samra Brouk on the 2026-2027 NYS budget; the state of Black maternal health 29.07.2026 51min

  We’re joined by Senator Samra Brouk. It’s the latest in our series of conversations about New York’s 2026-2027 budget. The senator discusses a number of budget items, including funding for childcare and maternal health. Then, we are joined by a local clinician and a local doula, who weigh in on the state of Black maternal health. Our guests: Sen. Samra Brouk, District 55 Phyllis Sharp, certified doula and owner of Royalty Birth Services Tracy Renee Webber, DNP, director of the Midwifery Division at the University of Rochester Medical Center --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Bluegrass Ambassadors: How one band is bridging cultural divides through music 28.07.2026 51min

  "Diplomacy isn't just for diplomats." That's according to the bluegrass band, the Henhouse Prowlers. The band has traveled to more than two dozen nations through its non-profit arm, the Bluegrass Ambassadors. The goal is to use the common language of music to promote cross-cultural collaborations, breakdown misconceptions and misunderstandings, and create a more empathetic world. As the band passes through Rochester, they join us on "Connections" to discuss the impact of their work and to play some music. In studio: Ben Wright, banjo and vocals for the Henhouse Prowlers Jon Goldfine, upright bass and vocals for the Henhouse Prowlers Jake Howard, mandolin and vocals for the Henhouse Prowlers Chris Dollar, guitar and vocals for the Henhouse Prowlers --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Nancy Spielberg and the Jewish Film Festival; teens with the Rochester Teen Film Festival 27.07.2026 50min

  Filmmaker Nancy Spielberg is our guest in the first segment of this hour on local film festivals. The noted producer will be in Rochester on Tuesday for a screening of the documentary, "A Letter to David." The film is a "cinematic letter to director Tom Shoval’s friend David Cunio, who was abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7th." It's being screened as part of the Jewish Film Festival. We preview the film and the festival.  Then, we welcome local youth filmmakers who discuss their creative process in advance of the Rochester Teen Film Festival. 
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  Getting close to nature — in the city 24.07.2026 51min

  The city of Rochester is celebrating the opening of its first nature center, located in a historic building in Maplewood Park. The idea is to bring children who live in the city closer to the environment — to explore, learn, and play in natural surroundings. Two years ago, when the Maplewood Nature Center was just a dream, we talked to the people trying to make it real. Now that the center is open, we bring them back to learn about the partnerships, programs, and activities that are happening there. They join guest host Julie Philipp in the studio: Bill Collins, president of the Maplewood Neighborhood Association Amanda Little, environmental educator for the city of Rochester Sara Scott, director of programs and park stewardship for the city of Rochester Kyra Stephenson, director of Helmer Nature Center with the West Irondequoit School District and founder of Nature Mind Solutions --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Assemblymember Sarah Clark on the 2026-2027 NYS budget 23.07.2026 51min

  We continue our series of conversations with local state lawmakers about New York's 2026-2027 budget. Our guest this hour is Assemblymember Sarah Clark. Her Childcare Capacity Expansion Bill — co-sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk — recently passed the Assembly and Senate and is waiting on the governor's desk. Clark weighs in on how the bill would help address the state's childcare shortage, and she shares her take on a number of other budget items. You can join the discussion and ask her your questions about state business. In studio: Assemblymember Sarah Clark, District 136 --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Getting a job – and keeping a job – is not what it used to be 22.07.2026 50min

  Unexpected job loss. Chaos in the workforce. Changing rules. The work environment for teens and 20-somethings looks a lot different than it did for previous generations. Fewer than half of Americans age 17-19 have held a job. That can lead to friction with their first employers. Chitra Nawbatt writes often on how the youngest adults can navigate a much more difficult space than their parents found. Her book, "The CodeBreaker Mindset," explores how to turn problems into advantages. She’s a guest this week at the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship, and this hour, she joins us on "Connections." In studio: Chitra Nawbatt, investor, growth advisor, podcast host, and author of "The CodeBreaker Mindset" Ian Mortimer, D.B.A., president of the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Assemblymember Josh Jensen on the 2026-2027 NYS budget 21.07.2026 50min

  The new state budget was nearly two months late when it was passed, and New York lawmakers are sharing their perspectives on the process, what's included, and what they think is missing. This hour, we're joined by Assemblymember Josh Jensen. He discusses his take on healthcare spending, the statewide moratorium on large-scale data centers, and more. You can join the discussion and ask Assemblymember Jensen your questions about state business. In studio: Assemblymember Josh Jensen, District 134 --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
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  Why do conspiracy theories spread so quickly? 20.07.2026 51min

  When we recently learned that Senator Lindsey Graham had died and that Senator Mitch McConnell was having health problems, conspiracy theories flourished online: Maybe Senator Graham had been targeted by the Kremlin; maybe Senator McConnell had died, and his death was being hidden. Why do conspiracy theories spread so quickly in modern culture? We explore that question with our guest: Kyle Green, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Sociology at SUNY Brockport and host of the "Give Theory a Chance" podcast --- Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding. --- Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter.  Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here. --- Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.