Connections Podcast

Epizódy

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  How new tech and treatments are helping breast cancer patients survive and thrive 09.10.2026 51min

  "It's not a death sentence like in years past." That's according to a local woman living with metastatic breast cancer. She's sharing her story with the hope of helping others thrive as they navigate a diagnosis. Advancements in screening and treatment for breast cancer have improved outcomes for patients, and as the technology continues to evolve, one question has become of particular focus: Can AI help save lives? This hour, we sit down with experts in breast cancer care who explain how technology can help people survive and live longer. We also hear from advocates about community resources and proposed state legislation that they say could be instrumental in supporting patients navigating the disease. In studio: Karen Hill, metastatic breast cancer thriver Avice O'Connell, M.D., longtime local radiologist  Ruth O'Regan, M.D., executive vice dean and chief academic officer at the University of Rochester, and breast cancer oncologist at the Pluta Cancer Center Christina Thompson, executive director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester "Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here. Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more. --- 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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  Measles spreads across the state; ICE detention facility set to expand; ImageOut returns  08.10.2026 50min

  What do you need to know about the spread of measles in New York? On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a State Disaster Emergency due to the increase in cases. In the first segment of the return of our weekly news roundup, we're joined by Monroe County Public Health Commissioner Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown. She explains the latest with the outbreak, how the disease spreads, and what you need to know about protecting yourself. Then, we turn our attention to immigration issues. As reported by WXXI's Brian Sharp and Jose Sandoval, plans to expand an ICE detention facility in Batavia now include a soft-sided or tent project that would house women. Sharp discusses the updates and provides a look at broader immigration updates in the region. Then, ImageOut is back. The annual LGBTQ+ film festival runs October 8 through 18. We preview two of the films with filmmakers and a festival organizer. Our guests: Marielena Vélez de Brown, M.D., MPH, commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News Peter C. Bisuito, professional entertainer and director, writer, and star of "I Remember" Gillian Griffin, documentary programming lead for ImageOut Karl Hillbrick, producer of "Our Colors Never Fade" and founder of Infilmpact Jim McSherry, director of "Our Colors Never Fade" Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more. --- 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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  Data center debate comes to Western New York 07.10.2026 51min

  Rural communities in Western New York are debating proposed data centers. One site is located on Seneca Lake, in a facility currently being used for cryptomining. Opponents are concerned about noise, pollution, and the rapid move toward artificial intelligence. Local governments want to keep debates grounded in facts. Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order putting a moratorium on new hyperscale data center development for one year. What do you need to know about this issue, which has generated heated discussions across the state? We discuss what’s on the table. Our guests: Steve Griffin, CEO of Finger Lakes Economic Development Center Jason Leifer, Dryden town supervisor Yvonne Taylor, vice president of Seneca Lake Guardian Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more. --- 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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  Jeremy Cooney and Orlando Rivera, candidates for NYS Senate District 56 06.10.2026 51min

  We welcome the candidates for New York State Senate District 56. Democratic incumbent Jeremy Cooney and Republican challenger Orlando Rivera join us in the studio to discuss their platforms, priorities for office, and how they plan to address a range of issues affecting the district. Jeremy Cooney (D, WF), candidate for New York State Senate District 56 Orlando Rivera (R, C), candidate for New York State Senate District 56 *Notes: Candidates are listed in the order in which they appear on the Monroe County Board of Elections Certification of Candidates list. Beginning October 5, "Connections" will air live for one hour at noon each weekday, down from its previous two-hour format. The change gives the "Connections" team more time for original reporting, live events, and reaching audiences in new ways, including a weekly Sunday presentation on WXXI-TV. For listeners on WXXI-FM 105.9, WEOS-FM 88.5/90.3 (Geneva), and streaming on WXXINews.org, the show will be followed at 1 p.m. by the Peabody Award-winning "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross and Tonya Mosley. Click here to learn more. --- 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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  An astrobiologist doubts AI’s capacity to think 05.10.2026 50min

  Adam Frank has spent his career examining the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. Now he turns his gaze to the question of just how intelligent AI can be. Frank thinks most of the conversation about AI is misguided, and that it should be thought of as a software product before anything else. This hour, we examine his fresh insight into what has become a heated public conversation. In studio: Adam Frank, Ph.D., author and Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Rochester --- 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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  DSA gains influence: What you need to know about the Democratic Socialists of America 02.10.2026 51min

  According to an NBC News poll, 47 percent of voters aged 18 to 29 hold a negative view of capitalism. Meanwhile, a growing number of political candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) have had success. They’re led by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani. So what does DSA stand for, exactly? Our guests explain. In studio: Gregory Lebens-Higgins, co-chair of ROC DSA Hannah Wlasowicz, co-chair of ROC DSA Edwin Rodriguez, external organizer for ROC DSA
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  National debt, bond market chaos, and the stickiness of food prices 01.10.2026 51min

  The U.S. national debt recently crossed the $40 trillion mark. The bond market is experiencing turbulence. Meanwhile, many of the prices that consumers pay have remained high, including at the grocery store. What can we learn from all this? We compare some grocery bills and dig into the debt, the bond market, and interest rates with economist Eric Morris. Our guests: Eric Morris, Ed.D., portfolio manager and staff economist for Alesco Advisors, LLC Ellie Rosenfeld, Monroe County resident and home cook
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  Tim Wu on the growing power of big tech 30.09.2026 51min

  Our guest is the man who coined the phrase “net neutrality,” and was invited to work in the Biden White House because of his scholarship on the tech sector. Tim Wu's new book is about how our lives are dominated by tech — but, really, just a handful of tech platforms that have most of the power. They dominate our attention. Wu says they work as wealth extractors, seizing not just money, but our data. So, what can — or should — be done? We discuss the future of big tech in America. In studio: Tim Wu, J.D., author of "The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms Conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity" --- 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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  Making Rochester more pedestrian friendly, one street at a time 29.09.2026 50min

  How can we make Rochester's streets safer? The team at Reconnect Rochester has spent the summer working on street safety projects, and this hour, we hear about the updates. We discuss why street murals and other features help slow down traffic and create more pedestrian-friendly environments. We also explore a question: If you drive, how would your week change if you gave it up? We preview the National Week without Driving. In studio: Lourdes Sharp, program manager at Reconnect Rochester Chaz Goodman, marketing manager at Reconnect Rochester Nikia Speed, project champion for the Complete Streets Makeover in the 19th Ward Josie McClary, resident of the city of Rochester --- 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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  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 ---  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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  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.