Connections Podcast
1,339 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 95 ratingsEvan Dawson talks about what matters to you on Connections. Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections. For transcripts, please email our Move to Include team with a link to the episode.
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Episodes
If you had to stop using plastic for a month, could you do it?
July 16, 2024 18:27 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, we discuss the prevalence of plastic packaging, "Plastic Free July." and grassroots efforts to reduce plastic and fossil fuels.
Political scientist Jamie Druckman on the impact of political polarization
July 16, 2024 18:19 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, we sit down with political scientist Jamie Druckman for a conversation on the effects of political polarization, particularly in the wake of the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
A new program to teach and internalize American civics
July 15, 2024 19:11 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, July 15, 2024, we discuss a new program at SUNY Geneseo aimed at teaching students how to better understand civics.
Discussing political violence after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump
July 15, 2024 19:10 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, July 15, 2024, we talk with Valery Perry, senior associate for the Democratization Policy Council, about the effects of political violence.
What are emotional emancipation circles?
July 12, 2024 19:01 - 52 minutes - 71.7 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, July 12, 2024, guest host Eric Logan leads a discussion on Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, the impact trauma has on mental health, and the benefits of emotional emancipation circles.
Mayor Malik Evans on the City of Rochester's 2024-2025 budget
July 12, 2024 19:01 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, July 12, 2024, we sit down with RochesterMayor Malik Evans; Rochester City Council President Miguel Meléndez, Jr.; and Council Finance Committee Chair Mitch Gruber to discuss the city's 2024-2025 budget.
Do presidents move financial markets?
July 11, 2024 20:08 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, July 11, 2024, we talk with local economist Eric Morris about if presidents and parties influence financial markets.
Local entrepreneur Anna Vos on her brand, Anna Parade, and how to effect change at the corporate level
July 11, 2024 20:07 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, July 11, 2024, we sit down with local entrepreneur Anna Vos to talk about her brand, Anna Parade. The business was selected for the second consecutive year as part of Walmart’s “Pride Always” campaign.
Previewing the 2024 Rochester Pride Parade and Festival
July 10, 2024 18:55 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, our guests preview the 2024 Rochester Pride Parade and Festival, and discuss the current state of LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
Understanding Tourette syndrome and how to eliminate the stigma
July 09, 2024 19:29 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, we talk with author Kyle Semmel and a local doctor about Tourette syndrome. They share their personal experiences and their hopes for eliminating the stigma of Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders.
Longtime activist and Ibero co-founder Domingo Garcia
July 09, 2024 19:27 - 51 minutes - 71 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, we sit down with longtime activist and community leader, Domingo Garcia. Garcia is a co-founder of Ibero-American Action League. We're also joined by two of his mentees who are also respected leaders in the Rochester community.
Democrats on why they want President Biden to quit the race
July 08, 2024 17:48 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, July 8, 2024, we talk with Democrats who want to see President Biden step aside in the presidential race. They share their reasoning and their thoughts for who should replace him on the ticket.
What can be done to quell Monroe County’s housing crisis and help families who are unhoused?
July 03, 2024 18:17 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, guest host Gino Fanelli discusses the current Monroe County housing crisis and possible solutions to help the growing number if people who are unhoused.
Discussing CITY Magazine’s July 2024 issue
July 02, 2024 20:12 - 50 minutes - 69.7 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, guest host Leah Stacy sits down with CITY Magazine contributors to preview the July 2024 issue about the Finger Lakes.
Recent high school graduates on how their futures could be affected by AI
July 01, 2024 18:49 - 51 minutes - 71 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, July 1, 2024, we talk with recent high school graduates about AI and how they think it might affect their future job prospects.
Young Democrats on the state of the presidential race
July 01, 2024 18:48 - 51 minutes - 71 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, July 1, 2024, we sit down with young Democrats to discuss their take on the recent presidential debate, and their thoughts on next steps in the race.
Can your wardrobe help save the planet?
June 28, 2024 18:23 - 51 minutes - 70 MBIn the second hour of "Environmental Connections" on June 28, 2024, we discuss climate-friendly clothing and solutions emerging within the sustainable fashion movement.
What does environmental justice have to do with trees?
June 28, 2024 18:23 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MBIn the first hour of "Environmental Connections" on Friday, June 28, 2024, we explore the disparities in tree canopy coverage in Rochester, the environmental and social impacts of these disparities, and the city's efforts to restore tree equity.
Local spelling champs on the high pressure world of spelling bees
June 27, 2024 20:24 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 27, 2024, we sit down with local students who advanced to different levels in Scripps spelling bees. They share their experiences, their spelling tips, and we have a mini spelling bee!
How Monroe County’s JEDS program is addressing youth crime
June 27, 2024 20:22 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 27, 2024, we talk with law enforcement officials about Monroe County’s Juvenile Enhanced Diversion Stabilization (JEDS) program. We also hear from a local teenager who completed the program.
How can “Roc Vision Zero” help reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities?
June 26, 2024 18:33 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, we discuss “Roc Vision Zero,” a new plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities.
Author Gregory Gerard Allison on his new book, “My Grandfather's Clocks”
June 26, 2024 18:32 - 52 minutes - 71.3 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, we talk with local author Gregory Gerard Allison about his new book, “My Grandfather's Clocks,” and his search for his family's missing clocks.
Jeffrey Allan on his new book, “Writing AI Prompts for Dummies”
June 25, 2024 18:34 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, we welcome author Jeffrey Allan to discuss his book “Writing AI Prompts for Dummies,” and the human-AI relationship.
Where is the line when it comes to environmental protests…and how and when does it move?
June 25, 2024 18:29 - 51 minutes - 71 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, we sit down with youth climate leaders to discuss recent environmental protests and the state of activism today.
Dr. Steve Cook on the latest with research and treatment for childhood obesity
June 24, 2024 19:10 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 24, 2024, we sit down with Dr. Steve Cook. Cook will soon leave Rochester for a new position in Ohio. Before he departs, he joins us in the studio for a discussion about the latest in research and treatment for childhood obesity.
Discussing the current state of the opioid epidemic, both locally and nationally
June 24, 2024 19:09 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 24, 2024, we talk with experts about the opioid crisis and where it stands locally and nationally.
Summer recycling 101
June 21, 2024 20:06 - 51 minutes - 71 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, June 21, 2024, representatives from Monroe County's Department of Environmental Services answer your summer recycling questions.
Exploring the current and future state of passenger rail in New York
June 21, 2024 19:47 - 51 minutes - 71 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, June 21, 2024, State Senator Jeremy Cooney and representatives from the Empire State Passenger Association discuss goals and challenges for the future of passenger rail in New York.
"Pulling back the curtain on 'Connections,'" part 2
June 20, 2024 18:39 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIn honor of Evan Dawson’s tenth year hosting “Connections,” we bring you special, live, behind-the-scenes editions of the show. In our second hour, we welcome your feedback on the show, and we hear from various community members about the value of local talk on public radio.
"Pulling back the curtain on 'Connections,'" part 1
June 20, 2024 18:37 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBIn honor of Evan Dawson’s tenth year hosting “Connections,” we bring you special, live, behind-the-scenes editions of the show. In our first hour, we discuss the making of the show and we listen to memorable moments from the last ten years.
Previewing the 2024 CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival
June 18, 2024 18:25 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, we talk with organizers and musicians about the upcoming 2024 CGI Rochester International Jazz Festival.
Jonna Mendez, former chief of disguise in the CIA
June 18, 2024 18:19 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, we talk with Jonna Mendez, former chief of disguise in the CIA about her storied career.
Discussing the podcast, "Imminent Danger: One Doctor and a Trail of Injured Women"
June 17, 2024 18:56 - 51 minutes - 71.4 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 17, 2024, we discuss the podcast, "Imminent Danger: One Doctor and a Trail of Injured Women"
YMCA of Greater Rochester CEO Ernest Lamour
June 17, 2024 18:24 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 17, 2024, we talk with YMCA of Greater Rochester CEO Ernest Lamour about his vision and goals for leading the non-profit.
What have we learned -- or not learned -- from "The Truman Show," 25+ years later?
June 14, 2024 21:23 - 51 minutes - 70.8 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, June 14, 2024, we look back at the film "The Truman Show" and what its themes say about audiences and society.
Assemblymember Josh Jensen on the 2024-2025 New York State budget
June 14, 2024 21:17 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, June 14, 2024, we talk with Assemblymember Josh Jensen about his takeaways from the 2024-2025 New York State budget.
Drag performers on national trends and an upcoming performance in Rochester
June 13, 2024 18:33 - 51 minutes - 71.3 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 13, 2024, we discuss current national conversations about drag performances and preview the upcoming "RuPaul's Drag Race Invasion" show in Rochester.
Assemblymember Harry Bronson on the 2024-2025 New York State budget
June 13, 2024 18:31 - 51 minutes - 70.9 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 13, 2024, Assemblymember Harry Bronson shares his takeaways from the 2024-2025 New York State budget.
Longtime WXXI Capitol Bureau Chief Karen DeWitt on her storied career
June 11, 2024 17:36 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, we sit down with Karen DeWitt, Capitol Bureau Chief for WXXI News and New York Public News Network. She shares stories from her decades in Albany ahead of her upcoming retirement this month.
How a new program is helping to make local culinary education more inclusive
June 10, 2024 19:56 - 51 minutes - 70.1 MBIn the second hour of 'Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 10, 2024, we discuss New York Kitchen's Sous Chef Academy and how it is making culinary education accessible to adults with autism.
Discussing Juneteenth and what we can learn about community from the Pythodd jazz club
June 10, 2024 19:42 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 10, 2024, we preview local Juneteenth events and discuss what we can learn about community and connection through the legendary Pythodd jazz club. Our guests also share their perspectives on gaps they see in representation and recognition at Rochester's International Jazz Festival.
What's on the big screen this summer?
June 07, 2024 18:47 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, June 7, 2024, we preview upcoming summer movies and discuss the current challenges faced by the film industry.
How to support refugees who now call the Rochester/Finger Lakes region home
June 07, 2024 18:40 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Friday, June 7, 2024, we talk with local refugees about how best to support those that now call our area home.
Joro spiders, spotted lanternflies: Understanding invasive pests in our area
June 06, 2024 19:17 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 6, 2024, we sit down with local invasive species experts to discuss the latest news on invasive pests in our area and the impact they can have.
Siena College Research Institute's Don Levy on how to recognize reliable political polls
June 06, 2024 19:03 - 23 minutes - 31.8 MBIn the second half of the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 6, 2024, we talk with Siena College Research Institute's Don Levy about political polls and the differences between reliable and unreliable polls.
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
June 06, 2024 18:53 - 27 minutes - 37.9 MBIn the first half of the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, June 6, 2024, we talk with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand about a range of issues, including the recent conviction of former President Donald Trump, the U.S. responses to the siege in Gaza and Russia's war on Ukraine, and the economy.
Discussing lessons learned from the pandemic's effect on nursing homes
June 05, 2024 18:41 - 51 minutes - 71.1 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, we preview the film "Fire through Dry Grass," and speak with disability rights activists about the pandemic lockdown's effect on nursing homes.
Exploring the new WXXI 'election hub'
June 05, 2024 18:28 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, we sit down with WXXI News colleagues to discuss the new "election hub" and how it can best help voters understand the issues and candidates on their ballots.
Exploring the risks and rewards of AI in the music industry
June 04, 2024 17:39 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MBIn the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, we sit down with academics and musicians to discuss the pros and cons of advancements in AI when it comes to the music industry. *Note: Due to FCC rules for podcasts, we are unable to include the Randy Travis songs that were played during the live broadcast of the discussion. Therefore, you will hear some jump cuts in the recording.
Author Sejal Shah on her new book, "How to Make Your Mother Cry: Fictions"
June 03, 2024 19:28 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIn the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Monday, June 3, 2024, we sit down with author and Rochester native Sejal Shah to discuss her work and her new book, "How to Make Your Mother Cry: Fictions."