Connections Podcast

Episódios

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  Valery Perry went on the road in search of democracy 28.09.2026 50min

  Where is democracy backsliding? It’s a question we discuss with democratization policy expert Valery Perry. Perry recently took a road trip on Route 66. She shares what she observed about democracy in America along the way. She also helps us understand the significance of the recent German state elections, as well as concerns about the Trump administration intervening in or suspending upcoming elections. In studio: Valery Perry, Ph.D., senior associate for the Democratization Policy 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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  Michael Mills, candidate for NYS Senate District 54 25.09.2026 36min

  This election season, “Connections” brings you long form conversations with candidates. It’s your chance to hear directly from them about their priorities for office while asking your questions. We begin the hour with Michael Mills, the Democrat running for New York’s 54th Senate District seat. He discusses his platform and his take on issues affecting the district. His opponent, Republican incumbent Pam Helming, did not respond to the invitation to participate. In studio: Michael Mills, candidate for New York State Senate in District 54
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  Bruce Blakeman, candidate for NYS governor 25.09.2026 13min

  This election season, “Connections” brings you long form conversations with candidates. It’s your chance to hear directly from them about their priorities for office while asking your questions. In this segment, we turn our attention to New York's gubernatorial race. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is our guest. The Republican discusses his background, his priorities for office, and what he would change if he were elected to the state's top job. Governor Kathy Hochul's team said she is unavailable for a conversation on “Connections.” Our guest: Bruce Blakeman, candidate for New York State governor 
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  WXXI at 60: Celebrating the past while looking to the future 24.09.2026 50min

  WXXI is celebrating its 60th anniversary. We've been asking the community, "What do you want from your public media in the future?" We share some of the answers, along with stories from the history of public media in the Rochester/Finger Lakes region. In studio: John Andres, Sunday morning host of WXXI Classical Marianne Carberry, Saturday afternoon host of WXXI Classical, who has worked at the station since 1977 Cara Rager, director of early learning at WXXI Public Media Chris Hastings, president and CEO of 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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  Preparing Ukrainians for life after war 23.09.2026 49min

  How can Ukrainians best prepare for a post-war future? It's a question we address in the first half of the hour with guests from the Open World Program. The professional exchange initiative is meant to bolster understanding and cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S. Our guests this hour discuss how they envision education and technology will play a role in Ukraine's future. We also address what Ukrainians need most at this stage of the war, including medical supplies. In the second half of the conversation, we turn our attention to Rochester, where a nonprofit organization is helping Ukrainian refugees access housing. In studio: Kseniia Verhal, Ph.D., deputy director of the Educational and Research Institute of Information Technologies and Robotics at National University Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic Mariia Yurina, head of international relations at Protez Foundation and facilitator of the Open World Program under the Congressional Office for International Leadership Harlan D. Calkins, president of the Ukrainian Housing Foundation Tracy Kroft, member of the advisory board for the Ukrainian Housing Foundation and chief development officer for Catholic Charities Daria Partika, Ukrainian refugee --- 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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  New report addresses chronic absenteeism in Monroe County schools 22.09.2026 50min

  A deeply honest personal story from Nikole Hannah-Jones of the New York Times has a lot of people talking about what children need in their K-12 education.  Now comes a new report from The Children’s Agenda in Rochester about chronic absenteeism. The report explores why students themselves say they are not attending school. TCA concludes: “We should not accept that one out of three high school students in Monroe County is chronically absent.”  What's driving the absences? We discuss it with our guests: Eamonn Scanlon, director of community impact for The Children's Agenda Isabel Rosa, community and parent advocacy coordinator for The Children's Agenda  Qutisha Britt, parent ambassador with The Children's Agenda
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  The dangers of AI partisanship 21.09.2026 51min

  A significant majority of Americans have negative views about artificial intelligence. And yet in elite circles, the conversation about AI is quickly separating along partisan lines. President Trump says that the United States will not slow down. Economist James Miller is a conservative Republican, and he’s been urging his fellow conservatives not to outsource their opinions on AI to beltway elites. Miller says we are in a dangerous moment, and the offers ideas for how to make sure the AI debate does not end up like so many other policy debates. Our guest: James D. Miller, Ph.D., J.D., professor of economics at Smith College
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  Changes to the Rochester music scene 18.09.2026 49min

  Abilene Bar and Lounge will close after nearly two decades of hosting live music in Rochester. And the Hi Fi Lounge in Brighton is up for sale after 40 years. It opened in 1986 as The CD Exchange. Speaking of CDs, they’re making a comeback. The Washington Post reports that CD sales grew faster than vinyl in the past year, with many fans preferring the audio quality of compact discs. We discuss what’s changing, what’s evolving, and why Abilene is not the only live music venue to close this year. Our guests: Danny Deutsch, owner of Abilene Bar and Lounge Mark Kaidy, owner and operator of the Hi Fi Lounge Hannah Maier, music director of The Route and lead singer and guitarist of the country band, Candy --- 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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  State scraps Regents exam requirement. What does it mean for students? 17.09.2026 50min

  The New York State Board of Regents voted this week to eliminate Regents exams as a graduation requirement. The move has stirred debate, with some leaders in higher education saying that the exams were never a good use of students’ time. Meanwhile, critics say they worry that the state is lowering its standards. What went into the decision? And what do the changes mean for students and educators? We welcome two members of the New York State Board of Regents. In studio: Adrian Hale, New York State Regent Wade Norwood, New York State Regent --- 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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  SUNY Brockport's new president on preparing students for the future 16.09.2026 50min

  How can educators best prepare this current generation of college students for the working world of the future? We welcome the new president of SUNY Brockport, Dawn Meza Soufleris, Ph.D. A three-time SUNY graduate, Meza Soufleris has worked in higher education for more than three decades. She began her new position in July. We talk with her about a range of issues, including what colleges and universities are teaching, her vision for SUNY Brockport, and more. Dawn Meza Soufleris, Ph.D., president of SUNY Brockport --- 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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  Bills fans shell out for new stadium. Is it worth it? 15.09.2026 50min

  The Buffalo Bills officially open their new stadium Thursday night. By some measures, it is the most expensive fan experience in the entire league. Is it worth it? Governor Kathy Hochul told WHEC that while some fans might not be able to afford to go to the stadium, they're just happy the state stepped in with taxpayer money to keep the Bills in Western New York. We discuss the fan experience with a longtime sports journalist and season ticket holders. Our guests: Scott Pitoniak, best-selling author, nationally honored journalist, and longtime sportswriter Jordan Carpenter, Bills fan and season ticket holder Nick Martin, Bills fan and season ticket holder Steve Royer, Bills fan and Field Club member --- 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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  AI models go rogue: Should we be worried? 14.09.2026 50min

  Concerns about AI safety have exploded in recent weeks. The hacking of Hugging Face by AI agents from OpenAI has caught the attention of Congress. Several resignations at AI companies have raised the alarm about whether AI can be controlled in the future. What should humans be on guard for as the technology continues to advance? We discuss the implications with guests who have experience in the tech field. In studio: Jeffrey Allan, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Responsible Technology at Nazareth University  Max Irwin, president of Bonsai.io --- 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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  Inspired to serve by 9/11 11.09.2026 50min

  25 years after the Sept. 11 attacks, how do veterans who enlisted as a result of 9/11 feel about their decision to serve? We discuss the question with local veterans. They share why they decided to enlist, what they learned, what their service meant then, and what it means now. In studio: Stephen Cady, U.S. Amy veteran who served in Afghanistan Mike Capozzi, U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and veteran service officer with Monroe County Veteran Services Nick Stefanovic, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and director of Monroe County Veteran Services --- 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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  Multinational corporations: for good or for ill? 10.09.2026 50min

  Multinational corporations have had tremendous power for decades, helping shape American foreign and domestic policy. The University of Rochester’s Randy Stone, Ph.D., argues that they’ve pulled many people out of poverty, while also, on occasion, seeking to rig the rules in their own favor. Stone's new book, "Multinational Order," offers a way of understanding their power and influence. He joins us to discuss it. In studio: Randy Stone, Ph.D., professor of political science and director of the Skalny Center for Polish and Central European Studies at the University of Rochester, and author of "Multinational Order: US Firms and International Organization" --- 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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  How advancements in blood cancer research are saving lives 09.09.2026 50min

  Local clinicians say new research and treatments for blood cancers are helping people live longer, better lives. They say progress made in Rochester has helped people survive years — and even decades — after diagnosis. We talk with the experts about that research, and we hear from survivors who share their experiences. Our panel also addresses how doctors and patients can best work together to make decisions. In studio: Kah Poh (Melissa) Loh, M.D., M.S., associate professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology and director of geriatric hematology research at the University of Rochester Medical Center Carla Casulo, M.D, professor of medicine, hematology, and oncology and the Robert B. Goergen Distinguished Professor in Cancer Care at the University of Rochester Medical Center Shannon Godlove, blood cancer patient Ralph Olney, grateful patient at Wilmot Cancer Institute, member of the advisory board for the Wilmot Cancer Institute, member of the Home Health Care board at UR Medicine, chair of the Wilmot Cancer Institute Discovery Ball, and coordinator of the Wilmot Warrior Weekend   --- 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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  Julio Sáenz, the 2026 Rochester Hispanic Business Person of the Year 08.09.2026 45min

  The Rochester Hispanic Business Association has named WXXI Chief Content Officer Julio Sáenz its 2026 Hispanic Business Person of the Year. The award celebrates Sáenz’s impact at WXXI and other local organizations, as well as his work elevating local Hispanic history and culture. This hour, Sáenz and representatives from the association join us to discuss how Hispanic businesses and business leaders are contributing to the local economy, the challenges they face, and how they see the landscape changing as they help train the next generation of leaders. In studio: Julio Sáenz, chief content officer for WXXI Public Media and the Rochester Hispanic Business Association's 2026 Hispanic Business Person of the Year Orlando Rivera, chair of the Rochester Hispanic Business Association Board and host of the 2026 Hispanic Business Person of the Year celebration Mercedes Vazquez Simmons, vice president of the Monroe County Legislature, legislator for District 22 and the Rochester Hispanic Business Association's 2016 Hispanic Business Person of the Year Diana Kleps, business consultant, social scientist, and advocate --- 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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  A 'life-changing' trip: Local teens discuss their experiences in Ghana 04.09.2026 50min

  A group of local teenagers recently returned from a birthright trip to Ghana. The young men are part of a program called the Talented Tenth. Leaders say the program's mission is to empower exceptional young men of color by helping them overcome barriers and strengthen their sense of purpose. During their trip, the students learned about Ghana's history and culture, while connecting with their ancestral roots. This hour, they join us in the studio to talk about their experiences and how the trip has affected them. Rita Gaither, Ph.D., founder of Pearl Resources Inc. Donte Jamison, participant in the Talented Tenth program Alan Searles Jr., participant in the Talented Tenth program Isaiah West, participant in the Talented Tenth program --- 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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  Training future leaders to navigate Rochester's challenges 03.09.2026 50min

  Who are Rochester's future leaders? And how can we train future leaders to guide the community through recent challenges? The question comes at a time when Rochester remains under a gun violence state of emergency. Our guests are from Leadership Rochester. The nonprofit provides leadership training for Rochesterians interested in working cooperatively to strengthen the city. We discuss what that work looks like in this current moment. In studio: Camille Simmons, executive director of Leadership Rochester and president of the Rochester Board of Education Wanda Ridgeway, director of care management for Chisel Collective and executive director of CAPZ Sgt. Justin Collins, Rochester Police Department 
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  How teachers are preparing to test and assess students in the age of AI 02.09.2026 50min

  Across the country, high school teachers are rethinking how to assess students – and make sure those students aren’t cheating.  Artificial intelligence programs have forced teachers to reconsider grading and testing. Some are asking students to do all of their scored work in person, by hand. Others are leaning on participation grades.  We talk to local teachers about how they’re handling the challenge.  Our guests: George Goga, teacher at Geneva High School and adjunct professor of English and education at SUNY Geneseo Lily Tym, teaching assistant at Geneva High School Julie Kopp, curriculum and assessment coach at Brighton Central School District
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  The Rochester Fringe Festival returns 01.09.2026 50min

  The Rochester Fringe Festival kicks off in just over two weeks. This year's event includes more than 700 performances, including everything from theater and comedy to music and dance. In our annual Fringe preview, we talk to the festival's executive producer and some of the artists involved about what's coming up and what they think you won't want to miss. Our guests: Erica Fee, CEO and producer of the Rochester Fringe Festival Jimmie Highsmith Jr., Grammy-nominated saxophonist, educator, president of major/music events for Xperience Live Events LLC, and performer in "Lyrical Grooves" Lu Highsmith, administrative consultant for North Star Poets and performer in "Lyrical Grooves" Tracey Yarad, musician, writer, and actor in "All These Pretty Things" Sean Mulligan, artist with "Sound of Sanctuary (SOS)" Kristy Liddell, president of The Friends of Washington Grove, which is producing "Forest Music" Joe Liss, actor, writer, and producer with "Misery Loves Company" Mike Gamble, comedian with "Sorry 4 Da Weight" Dre Gray, comedian with "Sorry 4 Da Weight" Drew Jemison, comedian with "Sorry 4 Da Weight" --- 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.