Connections Podcast

WXXI News
  • 4.7 (147)
  • NEWS
  • UPDATED DAILY

Evan 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.

  1. 2H AGO

    Spring planting questions? We have the answers.

    Spring has (sort of) sprung! Fluctuating temperatures and unseasonably cold and wet weather have created challenges for people making plans for their lawns and gardens. As we head into the heart of planting season, our guest helps us understand everything we need to know to help our flowers and plants survive and thrive. Our guest: Petra Page-Mann, co-founder, friend, and neighbor of Fruition Seeds Evan Hoyt, grower, amateur seed grower, and researcher at the University of Vermont --- 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.

    51 min

  2. 3H AGO

    What's new and what's next at the YMCA of Greater Rochester?

    We sit down with the leaders of the YMCA of Greater Rochester. It has been nearly two years since we last spoke with President and CEO Ernie Lamour and Chief Experience Officer Pam Cowan. Since then, the nonprofit has enacted a new strategic plan that emphasizes community partnerships. From a food pantry and clothing closet, to DMV and tax prep services, to a nationwide basketball tournament, our guests explain the Y's role in meeting the needs of the rural, urban, and suburban areas it serves. In studio: Ernie Lamour, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester Pam Cowan, chief experience officer for the YMCA of Greater 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.

    51 min

  3. 1D AGO

    How 'bike boulevards' have changed cycling in one local town

    A local town has taken steps to make its community safer for bicyclists of all ages. As reported by WXXI’s Jeremy Moule, Henrietta has installed “bike boulevards.” The alternate routes parallel roads with heavy traffic, making them more comfortable for cyclists. The boulevards came to fruition after bike safety advocates pushed for the change. This hour, our guests explain the project, the impact it has had, and what other towns can learn from Henrietta’s work. Our guests: Jeremy Moule, deputy editor for WXXI News Millie Sefranek, member of the Henrietta Town Board  Christine Merrill, bicycle safety 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.

    51 min

  4. 2D AGO

    A vision for revitalizing the High Falls District

    What will it take to breathe new life into High Falls? Members of the High Falls Business Improvement District (BID) have been working on a number of projects aimed at boosting the health of the neighborhood. We talk with BID members and business owners about their vision for revitalizing High Falls. Our guests: John August, president of the High Fall Business Improvement District Fina Burroni, owner of High Falls Bistro Rick Caesar, owner and manager of Nightcap Blues Nightclub Todd Clicquennoi, principal of Metro Falls Real Estate, Inc. and member of the High Falls Business Improvement District --- 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.

    51 min

  5. 2D AGO

    Amy Goodman, host of 'Democracy Now!'

    We’re joined by “Democracy Now!" host and executive producer Amy Goodman. She will be in Rochester later this week for an event at MCC. The Little Theatre will also screen “Steal this Story, Please!" — a documentary about her career dedicated to “truth-telling, resistance, and journalism.” We talk with Goodman about her work and the state of journalism in 2026. Our guest: Amy Goodman, host and executive producer of "Democracy Now!"--- 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.

    51 min

  6. 5D AGO

    ICE detains local advocate; erosion of the Chimney Bluffs; plant trees!

    It's our weekly news roundup. We begin with the latest on a local farmworker rights advocate who has been detained by ICE and faces deportation to her native Mexico. WXXI's Brian Sharp and Veronica Volk explain. Then, a conversation about climate and change. As Veronica Volk reports, erosion at the Chimney Bluffs in Wayne County is expected, but the formations have seen a remarkable amount of change in recent years. We discuss what the instability means — both for the bluffs and for similar local landscapes. We end the week with a question: can planting trees truly save the planet? A variety of programs in the last number of years have called on Americans to plant trees. We explore what the science says and how the local chapter of the Sierra Club is helping people in our region contribute to New York state's goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033. Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News Veronica Volk, executive producer and director of podcast strategy for WXXI Public Media John Kastner, board member and event chair for the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club Daryl Odhner, Monroe County master gardener and board member for the Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club This conversation is part of WXXI's celebration of Earth Month. To learn more, please click here. --- 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.

    50 min

  7. 5D AGO

    Why Rochester City Council chose housing

    Everyone agrees that the city of Rochester needs more housing. But an open parcel recently sparked debate in the community and on Rochester City Council. Should it be housing? Open green space? Something else? We've invited members of Council to discuss their votes on the project and their views on what the city needs. In studio: Miguel Meléndez Jr., president of Rochester City Council 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.

    51 min

  8. 6D AGO

    Sen. Jeremy Cooney on transportation priorities for New York state

    New York state Sen. Jeremy Cooney, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, discusses a range of priorities for this legislative session. He joins us in the studio for an update on autonomous vehicles, his bill that would hold the state liable for vehicle damage caused by potholes, his call for an increase in funding for public transit in our area, and more. In studio: Sen. Jeremy Cooney, District 56--- 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.

    51 min
See All (52)

4.7
out of 5
147 Ratings

About

Evan 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.

Information

  • Creator
    WXXI News
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 WXXI
  • Show Website
    Connections Podcast

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