Connections Podcast

We wrap up the week with a look at some of the stories generating buzz in the region. First, two businesses in Brighton are working to merge under one roof. As reported by WXXI's Brian Sharp, Malek's Bakery and Lipman's Kosher Market are hoping to become a "Jewish food hub," of sorts. Sharp joins us to discuss the goals and challenges of the plan. Then, state lawmakers have voted on their "one-house" counterproposals to Governor Kathy Hochul's state budget plan. Capitol Bureau reporter Samuel King shares the latest. And finally, actor Timothée Chalamet is taking some heat for comments he made about ballet and opera. During a recent interview with Matthew McConaughey, the Oscar nominee said "no one cares" about the two art forms. Artists in those fields fired back, emphasizing the value of centuries-old modes of artistic expression. Why should we perform, study, and enjoy classic art forms? We discuss it with WXXI Classical's Mona Seghatoleslami, The Route's Hannah Maier, and a local teacher and student from the Strings for Success program. Our guests: Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News Samuel King, Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM   Hannah Maier, music director and afternoon host for The Route Patty Yarmel, Ph.D., founder and co-director of Strings for Success Taybian Wells, sixth grader at Dr. Charles T. Lunsford School 19 in the Rochester City School District Jason Cloen, Taybian's dad ---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.

Steve Peacock is a childhood sexual abuse survivor who has dedicated his work to helping others — particularly young men. One aspect of that work focuses on what modern masculinity means. Some of the most popular male influencers include the Tate and Paul brothers. Peacock wants to create a different idea of masculinity. We discuss what that looks and sounds like with Peacock and with local high school students. Our guests: Steve Peacock, childhood sexual abuse survivor and prevention advocate, board member and speaker for I Have The Right To, and vice president of strategic growth for Edelman Financial Engines  James Hay, senior at McQuaid Jesuit High School Eric Guset, junior at McQuaid Jesuit High School Adam Baber, director of service and justice at McQuaid Jesuit High School ---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.

A local house ravaged by fire last year has made a list of properties identified for the potential for revitalization. The Morgan-Manning House in Brockport suffered significant damage after a fire in January 2025. The Landmark Society of Western New York has named it and four other entities as its 2026 "Five to Revive." This hour, we continue an annual tradition of discussing the Landmark Society's five selections, while exploring the latest in preservation work and why it matters. Our guests: Wayne Goodman, executive director of the Landmark Society of Western New York Larry Francer, assistant director of the Landmark Society of Western New York Katie Eggers Comeau, senior architectural historian at Bero Architecture and member of the Five to Revive Committee at the Landmark Society of Western New York Paul Kimball, project manager and former president for the Morgan-Manning House Karen Wood, co-owner of the Seneca Falls Machine Co. building John Zornow, board member for the Newark-Arcadia Historical Society ---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.

When discussing Gen Z and "ghosting," the term often refers to young adults abruptly cutting communication in relationships or at work. But research shows this group is now ghosting alcohol. According to the data, Gen Z and millennials are turning away from drinking and traditional nights out. Being "sober curious" is becoming more popular. But Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) remains a health concern in this country. The NIH reports that nearly 28 million Americans ages 12 and older struggled with AUD from 2024-2025. A new play at Blackfriars Theatre called "The White Chip" tells the story of one man's struggle living with addiction and his path to recovery. Our guests tell us what we can learn from the play — and from lived experience. In studio: Matt Ames, director of "The White Chip" Katelyn Machnica, Actor #1 in "The White Chip" Kara Izzo, peer support program manager at ROCovery Netzi Montano, FNP-C, nurse practitioner at Delphi Rise ---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.

Proponents of a statewide program that addresses home-related health concerns say they are worried about the initiative's future. The Healthy Neighborhood Program reaches 500 families in Monroe County each year. It helps residents avoid fires and carbon dioxide poisoning, reduce tobacco use and lead exposure, and improve homes at lost costs. The New York State Assembly restored funding for the program, but the Senate did not. What does that mean for its future, as lawmakers make decisions about the final state budget? Our guests discuss it: Katrina Korfmacher, Ph.D., professor of environmental medicine and public health sciences at the University of Rochester Elizabeth McDade, director of Rochester ENergy Efficiency and Weatherization (RENEW) Amanda Reddy, executive director of the National Center for Healthy Housing Marielena Vélez de Brown, M.D., commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health ---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.

At a massive rally in Albany, public employees attacked Tier VI, the state law that restricts pensions for workers under the age of 63. Fiscal conservatives argue that unions want taxpayers to pay them more for working less. The unions counter that it’s a matter of fairness — and it’s making it hard to recruit talent. They make the case on "Connections." Our guests: Randi DiAntonio, vice president of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) Samuel Fresina, president of the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) ---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.

Research shows that Gen Z will be the first generation to score lower on standardized tests than their parents. A number of educators argue that the arrival of technology in the classroom was the downfall. They say that the smartboards, laptops, and other technology geared at helping schools modernize and helping kids keep up has set students back. What can reignite kids' love of learning? The leaders of the Rochester Education Foundation's Smile program say its hands-on learning experiences are boosting students' STEM skills and their passion for education — without relying exclusively on tech. We discuss it with our guests. In studio: Amy Stein, executive director of the Rochester Education Foundation Sean Coffey, Ed.D., executive director of science in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the Rochester City School District  Ryan Clair, principal of Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16 in the Rochester City School District  Harmony Davis, 5th grade student at Dr. David and Ruth Anderson Academy School No. 16 in the Rochester City School 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.

Last week, we heard from Iranian Americans who are supporting the war in Iran. They are hoping the war leads to a new democratic government. While many in the Iranian diaspora oppose the theocratic regime in power, some don't trust the Trump administration to bring about meaningful change. We talk to Iranian Americans who oppose the military action. In studio: Ghazal Dehghani, Iranian American Shahin Monshipour, Iranian American ---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.

President Trump said this weekend that the United States demands the total, unconditional surrender of Iran. Then he said that a surrender might be whatever Donald Trump decides it to be. Senator Lindsey Graham says the Trump administration is already planning its next hit for Cuba. But does that mean the Iran war will end quickly, without democratic rights for the Iranian people? What are the goals exactly? Our guests discuss it. In studio: Hein Goemans, Ph.D., professor of political science and director of the Peter D. Watson Center for Conflict and Cooperation at the University of Rochester, author of “War and Punishment,” and co-author of "Leaders and International Conflict" 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 "Controlling Institutions," "Lending Credibility," and "Satellites and Commissars" ---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.

“On immigration, speech, and trade, Americans are living in a Libertarian’s nightmare,” writes Katherine Mangu-Ward, editor-in-chief of Reason. She adds that Libertarians had warned about the many problems they see in the Trump administration — now including new foreign wars. So, should Americans listen to Libertarians more often? We discuss it with our guest:Kevin Wilson, former chair of the Monroe County Libertarian Party, and host of “A Free Solution” podcast---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.

Then in our second hour, Rochester City Council President Miguel Meléndez spent six months taking stock of the state of homelessness in Rochester. His new 390-page report outlines what he learned and addresses ways the county, city, and community organizations can work together to combat homelessness. We discuss the report and the policies it recommends with our guests. In studio: Miguel Meléndez Jr., president of Rochester City Council Beatriz LeBron, executive director of the Father Tracy Advocacy Center and commissioner of the Rochester City School Board Janelle Duda, Ph.D., co-director of advocacy and fund development at Family Promise of Greater Rochester Luis Burgos, resident of North Clinton Avenue, among many other community roles --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.

It’s harder to be a kid now than it was two decades ago. That’s according to child psychologist Ross Greene, Ph.D. Greene is the author of “The Kids Who Aren’t Okay.” The book examines the societal factors that Greene says have contributed to children’s behavioral issues at school and mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Greene is in Rochester as a guest of The Norman Howard School, but first, he joins us on “Connections” to explain how caregivers and educators can help kids navigate the challenges they face in this "new normal." Our guests: Ross Greene, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and author Katie MacKenzie, MS, CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist and social-cognitive specialist at The Norman Howard School --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.

It's our annual Oscars preview. How many of the best picture nominees did you see this year? Whether it was all of them or none of them, our panel brings you up to speed about what to expect from this year's ceremony. Our guests share their Oscar picks, and we invite you to share yours as well. In studio: Scott Pukos, director of communications for The Little Theatre Johanna Lester, pop culture critic for CITY Magazine Jared Case, curator of film exhibitions at The Dryden Theatre at The George Eastman Museum Cielo Ornelas MacFarlane, local cinephile and visual artist ---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.

Third Way — an organization that seeks to identify common ground across voting groups — has a warning for Democrats. The group has compiled a list of words and phrases that turn off independent voters. Third Way says Democrats need to move away from academic speak and focus on winning back the middle. Our guest:Matt Bennett, executive vice president for public affairs for Third Way---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.

A look at family — from family roots, family recipes, and family businesses to chosen families and more. We're joined by the team at CITY Magazine to explore "The Family Issue." Our guests: Leah Stacy, editor-in-chief of CITY Magazine Patrick Hosken, arts reporter for CITY Magazine Ryan Williamson, executive director of CITY Magazine and director of digital products for WXXI Public Media Flo Cardella, contributor to CITY Magazine Chris Ziogas, partner with Sagra Italia, Tapas 177, and Event 180 Ava Bliss, director of events and marketing for Sagra Italia, Tapas 177, and Event 180 Meili Shepard, contributor to CITY Magazine Patricia Roesch, editor of "Magic Dragon" Joanne Andrews, art director of "Magic Dragon" ---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.

Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle wanted to serve one more term, but he got challenged by a member of his own party — Brighton Town Councilman Nate Salzman. It set up a tense designation battle, which Salzman won by a slim margin. Now, Moehle is stepping aside to allow for new leadership. But some told Salzman he was running too soon and should have waited his turn. We discuss his decision to take on an established Democrat and the difficult designation that ensued. In studio:Nate Salzman, candidate for Brighton town supervisor---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.

In January, we welcomed a panel of Iranian Americans to discuss their hopes for the future of Iran. Now that the Ayatollah is dead, a range of possibilities is in play. They discuss their hopes and their fears, as war rages in Iran. In studio: Niaz Abdolrahim, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Rochester Pouya Seifzadeh, Ph.D., associate professor of strategy at SUNY Geneseo and local business owner of Funtastic Adventure Park, Bounce Hopper, and Ontario Play & Cafe ---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.

"We want the ones who's stealing the cars. We want the ones who's robbing. We want the ones who's failing with their schoolwork." That's what staff members at Teen Empowerment (TE) say about connecting with local young people. The nonprofit works alongside teens to foster peace, equity, and justice in the community. As reported by WXXI's Noelle Evans and Max Schulte, the center recently opened a new location at the corner of Magee and Dewey avenues — an area on Rochester's north side that has been the site of numerous deaths by gun violence in recent years. TE leaders say it an opportunity to offer young people a different pathway forward. This hour, we sit down with some of the teens and a Teen Empowerment leader to discuss their work, their goals, and what the new hub means for their mission. In studio: Shanterra Mitchum, program director at Teen Empowerment Sahiyra Dillard, program coordinator at Teen Empowerment Emerra Moore, Teen Empowerment participant Paul Ross Jr., Teen Empowerment participant ---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.

It's our weekly news roundup with WXXI journalists. First, deputy editor Jeremy Moule explains proposed legislation that would enable employees to set aside pre-tax money for commuting expenses. Then, Gino Fanelli reports that the number of non-criminals held at the federal immigration detention facility in Batavia has soared in recent months. We talk about how that reflects national trends. And finally, some music. We're joined by local artists in advance of a concert featuring songs of peace and protest. In studio: Jeremy Moule, deputy editor for WXXI News Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News John Dady, singer, instrumentalist, and musician with the Dady Brothers; and co-producer of the RiseUpROC concert John Kelley, musician in Kelley's Heroes, and co-producer of the RiseUpROC concert Paul Vincent Nunes, leader of The Occasional Saints and The P.V. Nunes Band, and co-producer of the RiseUpROC concert ---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.

Families in rural areas of New York say it is increasingly difficult to find child care. According to a report from the Children's Agenda, seven rural counties in Western New York shows can be characterized as child care deserts, where there are more than three children under the age of five per licensed child care slot for children in that age group. Structural and funding issues are contributing to the challenges, and providers point to low child care educator pay as a critical factor in the availability of reliable care. So what can be done? Our guests discuss it: Pete Nabozny, director of policy for The Children's Agenda Rachel Bonsignore, executive director of Liftoff Western New York Kathleen Valley, executive board member for Praising Kids Child Care Center in Medina  Taryn Moyle, child care resource center program manager for Community Action of Orleans and Genesee, Inc. Lindsey Dailey, parent ---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.