Connections Podcast

Photographer David Liittschwager and a team from the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History are back in the Genesee documenting one cubic foot of the river’s environment. In studio:

The new horror film, "Together," starring real-life couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco, focuses on a struggling relationship and features Cronenberg-levels of body horror ...but it has also been marketed as a date movie. This year has featured lots of films that eschew the typical formula of a date movie. Guest host Scott Pukos and his panel of movie lovers will explore this trend — is it just marketing or are audiences craving something beyond the standard rom-com? Our guests:

Host Racquel Stephen takes us to this multi-faceted city on Owasco Lake to learn what makes Auburn unique. Once called “Prison City,” Auburn has embraced its history and developed a rich cultural and artistic scene. Our guests:

Host Racquel Stephen examines the trend of using travel nurses to fill gaps in health care systems and talks to travel nurses about their experiences. In studio:

The diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes has a huge impact on families. We’ll discuss the condition with the family of a 10-year-old who will tell us how they’re managing. We’ll also learn about community resources offering support and advocacy. Our guests:

Today we’re headed to the classroom. But the lessons are outdoors for some kids who attend environmental and sustainability camps in the area. We’ll see how kids in Sodus are making their own version of Baywatch, and how young people in Rochester are learning about everything from growing food to bee pollination. In studio:

The death of Rochester musical icon Chuck Mangione was a huge loss for countless fans around the world — felt especially keenly here in his hometown. Let's celebrate the man and his music, with favorite musical and personal memories. Guest host Mona Seghatoleslami is joined in the studio by his niece Ardis Mangione-Lindley and an "alum" of his band. And we want to hear from you — the community of musicians, fans, and friends who experienced iconic concerts like "Friends and Love," played alongside him, and more. Our guests:

We continue our tour of the Finger Lakes with a visit to Seneca Falls – a small town with a big legacy. Seneca Falls is home to just under 9,000 people, but it holds a major place in American history. It was here, in the summer of 1848, that a group of women gathered for tea and changed the world. More than 175 years later, the legacy of the Seneca Falls Convention and the women’s rights movement is foundational to the town’s identity. But this town isn’t something out of a history book. It’s a living place shaped by the people who live and work there, and keep its stories alive. Guest host Veronica Volk talks to four of those people. In studio:

Seneca Nation is thought to be the first sovereign Native Nation to own a major professional lacrosse team. This is a game they say the Creator gifted their people, centuries ago, and they started playing here in New York and bordering parts of Canada. The Knighthawks President and GM says that this development will strengthen the connection between the Rochester team and the roots of the sport. Guest host Brian Sharp and his panel discuss what this means for the team, for the Seneca Nation, and for the sport. Our guests:

In selecting this year's annual "Rochester Ten" cohort, CITY looked to the helpers — those who are impacting our region daily; many doing it quietly. CITY's annual "Rochester Ten" issue hit stands last week, and the crew is here to talk about all the design, storytelling and photography that happens behind-the-scenes. CITY editor Leah Stacy guest hosts this discussion. Our guests:

What does your elected official do all day? We usually hear about our state lawmakers when there’s a big vote or controversy. This hour, guest host Veronica Volk is going behind the scenes with two Assemblymembers – a Republican and a Democrat – to hear how they spend their time, what constituents don’t see, and how they work across party lines. In studio:

The New York Times recently reassigned four of its arts critics to other gigs in the newsroom. The roles aren’t going away; the company is searching for new candidates fluent in “new story forms, videos and experimentation with other platforms,” per a memo. This language prompted the worker-owned publication Hell Gate NYC to ask: “Does the NYT want culture writing or TikTok videos?” The question could be extended to the entire media ecosystem. In an age when information travels faster than ever before and competition for audience attention is cutthroat, what is the role of the arts critic? And what does the future of arts criticism look like in that landscape? Guest host Patrick Hosken and his panel discuss it. In studio:

We continue our summer series highlighting communities across the Finger Lakes region. Seneca Lake is the deepest of the Finger Lakes and one of the most well-known, both for its natural features and for the communities along its shores. And at its northern tip: Geneva. Geneva has deep Indigenous and agricultural roots, a complex history, and a diverse range of identities today. It's been called the “Lake Trout Capital of the World,” and is also known for its arts scene, culinary offerings, and sustainability efforts. Our guests:

This year marks the 39th anniversary of CariFest, Rochester’s signature celebration of Caribbean heritage and unity. But beyond the costumes, music, and the food, CariFest tells a story of migration, perseverance, and the richness of cultures that have shaped this city for over a century. We’ll explore the history, the music, the meaning of Carnival, and what it means to celebrate multiculturalism at a time when immigrants and communities of color are still under threat. In studio:

WXXI's Racquel Stephen sits down with Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, for a conversation about some of the community's most pressing health issues. They discuss the persistent asthma crisis in city schools, the roots of childhood obesity, and the impact of poverty, housing conditions, and neighborhood safety on kids' wellbeing. Dr. Vélez de Brown also shares how Rochester is leading the way in preventing lead poisoning, and why federal funding cuts could threaten the region’s ability to respond to future public health emergencies.

From measles scares to shifts around COVID guidelines, vaccine conversations have gotten more complicated. Parents have questions about what’s required for school, who qualifies for exemptions, and how to navigate conflicting advice from the CDC, social media, and their own doctors. The Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health joins us to cut through the noise and talk about vaccines and public health, and how her department is building trust in a time of science skepticism. In studio:

One year ago, families gathered for a summer barbecue in Maplewood Park. It was a moment meant for joy and connection that turned into tragedy. More than 40 shots rang out. Five people were wounded. Two people were killed: 25-year-old Tyasia Manning, and 34-year-old Phylicia Council. The incident left the community reeling. This hour, we reflect on what happened, what it means, and where we are now. Our guests:

Artists have always helped society make sense of complex, overwhelming realities — and climate change is no exception. Local artists and educators explore how creative practices deepen understanding, foster dialogue and inspire action in response to the climate crisis. From dance and photography to digital media and public art, we’ll examine how creativity can open new avenues of hope, connection and meaningful action. Our guests:

Climate change isn’t just reshaping the planet; it’s also reshaping our emotional landscapes. Climate-inclusive psychologist Emma Nelson joins host Jasmin Singer to explore "eco-anxiety," climate grief and the rising emotional toll of environmental uncertainty. We’ll discuss how climate change affects our mental health — and how acknowledging these feelings can become a powerful tool for personal and collective resilience. Our guest:

We continue our summer tour of the Finger Lakes with a trip to a place that’s a little less traveled, a little less hyped... but that's part of what people say makes it magical. Keuka Lake is known as the "Crooked Lake" for its unusual Y shape, and its the only lake in the country that flows both north and south. It’s ringed by small, proud communities -- Penn Yan, Hammondsport, and Branchport -- each with their own stories. We get into them with our guests: