Connections with Evan Dawson

Dementia affects nearly six million Americans and causes more than 100,000 deaths each year in the United States alone. For caregivers, that can mean myriad challenges: providing the right kind of support; understanding disease progression; financial difficulties; and more. In this special edition of "Connections," we discuss what the experts say, and we hear from a local caregiver. In studio: Carol Podgorski, Ph.D., director of the Finger Lakes Center of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease, clinic director of the UR Medicine Memory Care Program, and director of Alzheimer's Disease Support Programs for the University of Rochester Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program Barbara Smith, caregiver for her husband  Jennifer Lesinski, vice president of marketing for St. John's Senior Living Katy Allen, division leader for caregiver services at Lifespan

In this special edition of "Connections" with a live audience, we discuss the Medical Aid in Dying Act and other legislation that can affect the disability community. How often are people with disabilities — and caregivers — brought into the discussion? What are the risks of legislating without that input, whether it's Medical Aid in Dying or other proposals? Who should be helping guide policy? Our guests discuss it. In studio: Chris Hilderbrant, executive director of the Rochester Spinal Association Heather Burroughs, caregiver and director of advocacy for AutismUp Brian Weber, member of the disability community and assistant football coach

We continue our series of conversations with candidates running in the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council. Each discussion is an opportunity for the candidates to share their platforms and priorities for office, and to answer questions from community members. This is part three of five in our series. Our guests: Victor Sanchez, candidate for Rochester City Council Kelly Cheatle, candidate for Rochester City Council Luis Aponte, candidate for Rochester City Council

Over the past several decades, progressives and conservatives have sought to ban books for very different reasons. In recent years, conservatives are more actively trying to get books pulled from libraries. The ten most challenged books from 2024 were all targeted from the political right. The local organization Our Local History is hosting a community forum about children's freedom to read. They explore challenged books and book bans on "Connections." Our guests: Justin Murphy, research and communications coordinator at Our Local History Henry "Cody" Miller, Ph.D., associate professor of English education at SUNY Brockport, and recipient of National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) National Intellectual Freedom Award Tamara Wall, member of the West Irondequoit School Board Noelle Evans, education reporter/producer for WXXI News

Fungi are among the most powerful yet overlooked climate allies. From storing vast amounts of carbon underground to breaking down pollutants and replacing plastic, fungi could be key to restoring ecological balance in a warming world. This episode of "Environmental Connections" explores how mushrooms and mycelium are contributing to climate solutions — and what's at stake if they disappear. Our guests: Stacey Estabrook, founder of FLX Mushrooms Kimberlie Le, co-founder of Prime Roots, a sustainable protein company Aishwarya Veerabahu, Ph.D. student in the Pringle Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Despite increased gas prices and lower costs associated with buying an electric vehicle, drivers are still hesitant to make the switch. That's due, in part, to charging anxiety: even though most daily trips are short, people still worry, 'what happens when you can't find a plug?' A mandate from New York State that aims to have all new cars sold run on electric by 2035 has also exposed some of the communities' more complex problems: utility limitations; lack of support from the federal government; and the problems presented by modern EV batteries. Our guests break it down: Senator Jeremy Cooney, District 56, and chair of the NYS Transportation Committee Brian Sharp, investigations editor for WXXI News Eric Hittinger, professor of public policy at the Rochester Institute of Technology

A recent independent audit offered a scathing assessment of how RG&E has conducted its business. The audit concluded that the company puts corporate profits above customer service and demonstrates very little investment in the local community. But RG&E claims that the audit is out of date and ignores their efforts to make serious improvements over the past two years. We discuss the company's response to the audit and its plans to improve service in our region. Our guests: Kim Harriman, senior vice president of public and regulatory affairs for RG&E and NYSEG Christine Alexander, vice president of customer service for RG&E and NYSEG

Local youth leaders are sharing their stories in an effort to help their peers. The Center for Youth has embarked on a new “Restoring Justice, Re-Engaging Youth” initiative in response to violence and other issues affecting young people in Rochester. The goal is to use restorative practices to connect youth back to school and community. This hour, we talk with initiative organizers and youth leaders about what it takes to breakthrough to other young people facing different challenges. In studio: Elaine Spaull, executive director of the Center for Youth Nolica Murray Fields, director of restorative practices and equity at the Center for Youth Eli Cotton, program director for the Restoring Justice, Re-engaging Youth initiative at the Center for Youth Amy Sadler, photographer and creative producer 

Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone shocked the theater world with a series of incendiary remarks in an interview with the New Yorker. Some of LuPone's fans have responded with ambivalence, saying they love her work, even if they don't love... her. So how should art consumers consider the creator of the art? Where should the line be drawn? Is there a difference between consuming art created by a deceased artists, versus a living artist? Our guests discuss it: Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM, and music coordinator for the Little Cafe Matt Passantino, film critic for CITY Magazine Thomas Warfield, director of dance at RIT and inaugural professor of practice at NTID

Five years ago, AI was hardly a priority on higher ed campuses. Now it's becoming mandatory coursework. At the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Rochester, students now take 12 credits of coding, analytics, and AI. And the institute will be launching a new AI and Business program. For students who don't want to learn AI, will they be left behind in the future job market? Our guests discuss the challenge of preparing students for a very different world. In studio: Ian Mortimer, president of Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship Max Post, student at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence engineer for New Vision Development Group

Shoes have obvious benefits — but how would our thinking change if we walked barefoot in the woods? Lyanda Lynn Haupt is the author of "Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit." She's coming to Rochester as a guest of the Western New York Land Conservancy. We discuss her feelings about the disconnect that many people feel: disconnected from nature, from the planet, from anything other than a screen. And we explore ways to get reconnected, even in small ways. Our guests: Lyanda Lynn Haupt, naturalist and author of "Rooted: Life at the Crossroads of Science, Nature, and Spirit," among others Marisa Riggi, executive director of Western New York Land Conservancy

We continue our series of conversations with candidates running in the Democratic primary for Rochester City Council. We've invited all of the candidates in that race to join us on the talk show to discuss their platforms and priorities and to answer questions from community members. This is part two in our series. In studio: Clifford Florence Jr., candidate for Rochester City Council LaShunda Leslie-Smith, D.S.W., candidate for Rochester City Council Josie McClary, candidate for Rochester City Council

Three-time Tony Award winner Patti LuPone shocked the theater world with a series of incendiary remarks in an interview with the New Yorker. Some of LuPone's fans have responded with ambivalence, saying they love her work, even if they don't love... her. So how should art consumers consider the creator of the art? Where should the line be drawn? Is there a difference between consuming art created by a deceased artists, versus a living artist? Our guests discuss it: Mona Seghatoleslami, music director, host, and producer for WXXI Classical 91.5 FM, and music coordinator for the Little Cafe Matt Passantino, film critic for CITY Magazine Thomas Warfield, director of dance at RIT and inaugural professor of practice at NTID

Local advocates with the Healthi Kids Initiative and Common Ground Health and New York State United Teachers went to Albany to rally for what they call the Right to Recess.While many school districts in the state require 20 minutes of recess for K–6 students, enforcement varies — and access to play is often shaped by race, income, and neighborhood. Experts and families say 20 minutes isn't enough, and that playful learning should extend from pre-K through 12th grade.With the pandemic underscoring the need for movement and connection, guest host Noelle Evans asks: why is recess essential, and how can schools make it more equitable and effective?Our guests:  Mike Bulger, director of Whole Child Health Advocacy with the Healthi Kids Coalition Sharon Peck, parent advocate and associate professor of literacy at SUNY Geneseo

School board is an elected office that regularly flies under the radar, but boards are crucial: deciding district policies, allocation of taxpayer money, and so much of what shapes the environment where children learn.Newly elected school board members are stepping into one of the most high-pressure roles in local government and facing political fights, public backlash, and deeply personal debates over what kids should learn and how schools should run.This hour, guest host Noelle Evans pulls back the curtain on your local school board and explores more about the ins and outs of one of the most powerful — and overlooked — elected offices in the community. Annamaria Falzarano, member-elect of the Greece Central School Board and retired coordinator of world languages at the Greece Central School District Amy Thomas, executive director of the Monroe County School Boards Association

How can the arts help us heal? Experts say music therapy can help people cope with anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. A program called Music for Veterans aims to leverage the therapeutic qualities of music to support and enrich the lives of military veterans. The head of that national program has ties to Rochester. He's in town this week to help support the local chapter. This hour, we talk with him and with local program organizers and veterans about the healing power of music. Our guests: Roy Ernst, Ph.D., founder of Music for Veterans National Association and professor emeritus of music education at the Eastman School of Music Mike Doolin, president of Music for Veterans-Rochester, U.S. Navy veteran, and trumpeter in the New Horizons band, among others Judy Rose, executive director of Music for Veterans-Rochester, bass clarinetist in the New Horizons Band, and vice president of Datrose Inc. Laura Heltz, executive director of Veterans Outreach Center, U.S. Army veteran, and author

Some members of Rochester City Council contend that last year's budget allocated funds that could have been used to study a potential public utility. For those who don't love the service from RG&E, this has been a big issue for years. Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said last week on "Connections" that he is not trying to block a public utility, but he wants the county to share the cost of a study. Our guests explain why they think the timeline should speed up. In studio: Mary Lupien, member of Rochester City Council  Michi Cole Wenderlich, campaign and policy coordinator for Metro Justice

The town of Penfield has to decide what to do with the Clark Road Barn — a local historic structure. A number of other local towns have moved to preserve old barns, and a group of residents in Penfield want the same approach. But the town is considering several options, including demolition. So how do our local towns decide what is worth saving? When is a structure deemed essential because of its historic character, and when is it a burden? Our guests discuss why they want towns to slow down and prioritize preservation over demolition. In studio: Katie Andres, co-producer of the documentary, "Still Standing: The Barns of J.T. Wells & Sons" Larry Francer, assistant director of the Landmark Society of Western New York Michael Jarvis, Ph.D., professor of history and archaeology at the University of Rochester

President Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis has sparked a wave of concern, as well as questions about the disease. Who tends to get it? When should men get screened? What causes it? What are the myths, and what are the realities? Our guests answer questions from listeners about prostate cancer: Supriya Mohile, M.D., geriatric oncologist and professor in the Departments of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology; Surgery, Cancer Control; and the Cancer Center; and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center Thomas Osinski, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Center Matthew Truong, M.D., urologist who practices general urology and urologic oncology at the Center for Urology, which is associated with Rochester Regional Health

The Seneca Park Zoo recently welcomed the first-ever North American river otters to be born at its facility. Leaders say it's a conservation success story that has been decades in the making. It comes at a time when a shift in federal priorities has affected environmental and wildlife protections: funding cuts to USAID and a funding freeze for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have halted projects centered on animals facing various threats, including extinction. Can the local project serve as a model for continued conservation work, despite changes at the federal level? Our guests discuss it. In studio: David Hamilton, general curator at the Seneca Park Zoo Larry Buckley, Ph.D., senior associate dean of the College of Science at RIT Laura Gaenzler, community science coordinator for the Seneca Park Zoo Society Tom Snyder, director of programming and conservation action for the Seneca Park Zoo Society

In a report earlier this month, the group Reporters Without Borders said, "Trump's second term as president has brought a troubling deterioration in press freedom." For two decades, the number of American journalists has been in decline. The Star-Ledger in New Jersey is an example of a high-profile newsroom that stopped producing a print edition and cut more staff in 2024. Fewer than a quarter of American newsrooms are in growth mode. We discuss the state of the profession with our guests: Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News Veronica Volk, senior producer for WXXI News Natasha Kaiser, rising senior in the photojournalism program at RIT Roisin Meyer, rising senior in the international relations and economics program at the University of Rochester

Local Democrats will see a number of candidates for Rochester City Council on their primary ballot next month. We've invited all of the candidates in that race to join us on the talk show to discuss their platforms and priorities and to answer questions from community members. This is part one in our series. In studio:  Miquel Powell, candidate for Rochester City Council  Chiara "Kee Kee" Smith, candidate for Rochester City Council Kevin Stewart, candidate for Rochester City Council 

President Biden's cancer diagnosis has prompted prayers and well wishes, and it keeps the political spotlight on the former president and his health. Biden recently said that he would have beaten Donald Trump in 2024, and he's not surprised that Vice President Harris lost. Meanwhile, a new book details the ways that the Biden team concealed his cognitive decline from the public. Democrats are eager to move on and focus on the array of young leaders who could rise to prominence. But what lessons should they learn from the past four years? Our guests discuss it. In studio: Dylan Dailor, Democratic political consultant Nayeliz Santiago, vice president of Monroe County Young Democrats

It's prom season, and for high schoolers across the region, prom isn't just a rite of passage anymore. It's a stage. We're talking crystallized corsets, embroidered tuxedos, motorcades, professional photographers, and send-off parties that look more like weddings. In many Black communities, prom has become a dazzling display of creativity, self-expression, and joy. Think of it as a teen Met Gala—shaped by tradition and TikTok. But there's more to prom than just the glamor; it also raises deeper questions—about identity, performance, social media, and how a new generation is redefining what celebration looks like. This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen dives into prom as fashion statement, cultural ritual, and social phenomenon. Our guests: Tania Casini, local designer specializing in custom prom fashion Kasey Casini, fashion designer at Tania Casini Nathaniel Johnson, local designer specializing in custom prom fashion Jeffrey McCune, Jr., Ph.D., founding chair of the Department of Black Studies and the University of Rochester

Black women in America are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. It's a crisis fueled by systemic racism, medical bias, and structural inequities. But there's also a growing movement to push back. Community-based doulas are stepping in to support Black mothers throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. They're advocating, empowering, and providing care that's culturally rooted and deeply personal. This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen and her guests explore the role of doulas in Black maternal health, how and why they do what they do, and whether they are making a difference. Our guests: Jasmine Brewer, doula program manager at the Healthy Baby Network Ayanah Alexander, doula at the Healthy Baby Network Stefanie Hollenbach, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology and biomedical engineering at the University of Rochester Medical Center

For the past four years, former Democrat and Chronicle journalist Erica Bryant has turned her attention to reporting on the dream world. Bryant has gone deep, interviewing people about their dreams, and collecting hundreds of dream stories. She's preparing to debut her exhibition "Other People's Dreams" at the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. But first, she and some of her dream interviewees join us on "Connections" to explore what our dreams mean: why we have them; what they say about our lives and desires; and what the experts say. Our guests: Erica Bryant, artist and associate director of writing at the Vera Institute of Justice Jon Gary, musician and artist Davida Rogers, graduate student and artist Wilfred Pigeon, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and public health sciences and director of the Sleep and Neurophysiology Research Lab at the University of Rochester Medical Center

A member of the New York State Assembly has proposals for how to regulate artificial intelligence. The AI Training Data Transparency Act would require AI firms to make their safety testing protocols visible, and it would protect whistleblowers who call attention to AI dangers. Is it enough? The Responsible AI Safety and Education (RAISE) Act would require developers to meet certain safety and security requirements before launching their platforms. Our guests include the Assemblymember who has introduced the legislation. Our guests: Assemblymember Alex Bores, District 73 Max Irwin, founder of Max.io

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans is running for re-election. We sit down with him to discuss his record, his campaign, and his goals for a second term. He also answers our questions and yours. In studio:Malik Evans, candidate for Rochester mayor

Rochester is often referred to as a "festival city," and if you're ready to explore the scene, CITY Magazine has you covered. This month's issue is a festival guide, with a look at the many events happening throughout the region through October. This hour, we sit down with the CITY team to preview those festivals, meet the people who make them possible, and we discuss the impact the festival season has on our region. Our guests: Leah Stacy, editor of CITY Magazine Roberto Lagares, multimedia reporter for CITY Magazine Jake Walsh, art director for CITY Magazine Jenny LoMaglio, executive director of the 2025 Rochester Lilac Festival  Dave Drago, music director and talent buyer for the 2025 Lilac Festival  Brian Sharp, investigations and enterprise editor for WXXI News and contributor to CITY Magazine Ken Glazer, CEO of Buckingham Properties

After a weeks-long delay, lawmakers passed the New York State budget on Thursday. Despite its approval, the $254 budget could require major changes if cuts are made at the federal level. This hour, we begin our series of conversations with local state lawmakers about the budget and how it will affect Rochester and the Finger Lakes. Our guest is Assemblymember Sarah Clark, who explains her takeaways — from housing, to children and families, to public safety, and more. Our guest:Assemblymember Sarah Clark, District 136

What do patients and families need to know about the latest in treatment for Type 2 diabetes? That question is the focus of an upcoming program at the Rochester Academy of Medicine. According to the CDC, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and the overwhelming majority of those individuals have Type 2 diabetes. Experts say that without effective management, the condition can result in serious complications, including blindness, kidney failure, and heart disease. This hour, our guests help us understand the condition, how to manage it, and what's new when it comes to research and treatment. In studio: Benjamin J. Gigliotti, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center Sunkanmi (Suki) Ajewole, M.D., board-certified internist  Deborah Ajewole, local resident with Type 2 diabetes Naeem J., local resident with Type 2 diabetes

Astronomers recently detected a signature of life on a distant planet. This does not mean that we have discovered aliens, but it's reasonable to wonder what is giving off this signal. We discuss the mission to find planets that are brimming with life — or are at least habitable. We also talk about why the search for life remains so intriguing to so many scientists. Our guest: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

America is in what some industry experts are referring to as a kind of alcohol recession. Beer and wine sales have been hit hardest, but even some premium spirit brands are seeing significant declines. An annual event seeks to breathe some light into the scene. With that in mind, this week's final episode feels like happy hour: it's all about the twelfth annual Rochester Cocktail Revival (RCR), which returns June 2-8. RCR is the only weeklong festival of its kind in New York State, made possible by 30+ Rochester bars and arts venues that host 70+ events across downtown Rochester. This hour, Evan, co-host Leah Stacy, and our guests talk about new events, the ongoing tiki trend, immersive cocktail theater and more. Our guests: Chuck Cerankosky, director of Rochester Cocktail Revival Flo Cardella, head bartender at Leonore's Cat D. Olson, artistic director of CAT + THE COYOTE Patrick Stetzel, owner and operator of Ziggy's

The Trump administration has begun canceling grant funding for arts organizations across the country. As word of the funding cuts hit different communities — Oklahoma City; Pittsburgh; New Orleans; Rochester among the first — a group of senior officials at the National Endowment for the Arts announced their resignations. For some local organizations, the funding cuts are coming almost immediately, after they had planned for the money. Evan and co-host Leah Stacy welcome guests to discuss what's cut, and what could be lost as a result. Our guests: Peter Conners, publisher and executive director of BOA Editions, Ltd. Jessica Johnston, executive director of Visual Studies Workshop, Inc. Chad W. Post, publisher of Open Letter Books Sherry Vile, executive director of A Magical Journey Thru Stages

Self-driving cars are now regularly showing up on the streets of San Francisco. The man who leads the team that developed them says technology is speeding up the pace of human life. He has his eyes on even bigger accomplishments, in the fields of climate change, health care, and more. Astro Teller is the “Captain of Moonshots” at X Google's Factory and Innovation Lab. He's in Rochester for an event at RIT, but first, he joins us on "Connections." In studio: Astro Teller, “Captain of Moonshots” at X, the Moonshot Factory for Alphabet Bob Finnerty, associate vice president of communications at RIT Lisa Chase, vice president and secretary of the university for RIT

We continue our series of conversations with candidates running in the June Democratic primary. This hour, we sit down with Mary Lupien, candidate for Rochester Mayor. Lupien is a current member of Rochester City Council whose priorities for office include guaranteed basic income, access to safe and affordable housing, community responder programs, and funding for youth programs. She joins us in the studio to discuss her background and her platform, and she answers our questions and yours. In studio:Mary Lupien, candidate for Rochester mayor

Research shows the use of e-bikes is on the rise. What would it take for you to switch from your car or public transportation to an e-bike or a bicycle? Our guests this hour say there are both benefits and challenges to e-biking or biking, but they make this case for it this hour as they preview the upcoming Bike Week in Rochester. In studio: Jesse Peers, cycling manager for Reconnect Rochester Steve Roll, board member for Reconnect Rochester and cargo e-bike rider

How can people who want to become more involved in developing public policy do so in tangible ways? Two national organizations say their approach to that question is unique. Civic Genius and YOUnify have teamed up to develop what they call citizen assemblies, where participants engage in deep, long-form discussions; develop solutions to common problems; and then give their recommendations to decision-makers. The model is meant to be different from traditional town halls, where the loudest voices often dominate meetings. The organizations are bringing their model to the University of Rochester Democracy Center, and they are inviting local residents to participate. This hour, our guests explain how the process works, how it has brought about change in other cities, and how you can get involved. Our guests: Jillian Youngblood, executive director of Civic Genius at the National Civic League Stu Jordan, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and associate director of the University of Rochester Democracy Center  Brandyn Keating, CEO of YOUnify Margaret Hill, past participant in a deliberative process in Deschutes County, Oregon

The International Plaza opened this past weekend. Our guest this hour discusses ways the event space and marketplace will celebrate Latino art and culture this season, amid anxiety and uncertainty related to national conversations. In studio:Jason Barber, International Plaza site manager for Ibero-American Development Corporation 

A recent state Supreme Court ruling stripped the Rochester Police Accountability Board (PAB) of its investigatory power. The decision was made following a complaint by the Rochester Police Locust Club. The PAB was already lacking disciplinary power. As reported by WXXI's Gino Fanelli, "The ruling allows for the PAB to do two things: it can exist, and it can review and recommend changes to department policy." The board can appeal, but there are still questions about what it will be able to accomplish in the future. We discuss that future with PAB Executive Director Lesli Myers-Small and Gino Fanelli. In studio: Lesli Myers-Small, Ed.D., executive director of the Rochester Police Accountability Board Larry Knox, chair of the Rochester Police Accountability Board Gino Fanelli, investigations and City Hall reporter for WXXI News

Reuters recently reported that relocation firms have seen a surge of inquiries from Americans who are looking to move to Europe. The UK is seeing soaring passport applications, and some are looking into citizenship options based on varying ancestry rules. Our guests discuss their own experiences abroad. Our guests: Kristin Vanden Brul, co proprietor of Spino Secco in Northern Tuscany Marietta Nollen, co proprietor of Spino Secco in Northern Tuscany Ruby Lockhart, Rochester resident who lives in Italy for part of the year, co-owner of All Day Sunday, retired labor specialist for NYS United Teachers, and retired executive director of Garth Fagan Dance

Leaders from NPR and PBS said Sunday that the president's executive order eliminating funding for public broadcasting could have devastating effects across the country — especially for small and mid-size markets. President Trump said that he doesn't trust public broadcasting and he wants Americans to rely on other outlets. Our guests include WXXI CEO Chris Hastings and Congressman Joe Morelle, who can speak to the mission and impact of public media for everyone. We welcome audience feedback as well. Our guests: Chris Hastings, president and CEO of WXXI Public Media Rep. Joe Morelle, 25th Congressional District  Tom Proietti, resident media scholar at St. John Fisher University and longtime WXXI member

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. recently made a series of remarks about autism. RFK spoke about “severe autism” and said he lamented the difficult lives that people with severe autism have to lead. He even talked about creating a “national autism registry,” although his office later walked back that idea. Meanwhile, researchers — including those within his own agency — are pushing back on a number of claims RFK has made about some of the facts surrounding the condition. This hour, Evan and co-host Sarah Murphy Abbamonte sit down with a local clinician and autism awareness advocates to discuss the facts, their experiences, and the ways that autism has affected them. In studio: Dylan Dailor, autistic self-advocate Jerri Lynn Sparks, autism acceptance, appreciation, awareness, and inclusion advocate for nearly 30 years, and proud mother of a son with autism (and his three siblings) Laura Silverman, Ph.D., associate professor and clinical child psychologist in the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center

Many students with disabilities will face challenges after graduating high school. The term "disability cliff" refers to the loss of resources and support young adults experience after leaving the school system. Finding employment, accessing housing, and achieving self-directed independence can all be difficult. A local program is working to fill the gap. This hour, Evan and co-host Sarah Murphy Abbamonte welcome guests from Starbridge's Creating a Life After High School program. We explore how the program works and how it has benefited young adults. Our guests: Jacob Weishaar, recent graduate of the Creating a Life After High School program at Starbridge Kelly Weishaar, parent of Jacob Weishaar and school psychologist Maggie McCrumb, graduate of the Creating a Life After High School program at Starbridge Jean McCrumb, parent of Maggie McCrumb Kristen Lopez, director of marketing and communications for Starbridge

We begin our series of conversations with candidates running in the June Democratic primary. This hour, we sit down with Shashi Sinha, candidate for Rochester mayor. Sinha is an IT executive, real estate investor, and first-time candidate whose priorities for office include lowering taxes and increasing the availability of housing. Earlier this year, he told WXXI's Gino Fanelli, "I'm living a happy life; beside my family, nobody knows me. But if that kind of individual, average people like me don't stand up, who will?” Sinha joins us in the studio to discuss his background and his platform, and he answers our questions and yours. In studio:Shashi Sinha, candidate for Rochester mayor

Canadians were an absolute lock to elect a new conservative government just three months ago. Then came the second Trump administration, the tariffs, and the “51st state” comments. That's when Canadians rallied back to the liberal party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump himself acknowledges that he seems to have swung an entire country almost 40 points. Our guests discuss what it means for Canada, and for Canada's relationship with the United States. Our guests: Craig Needles, radio and podcast host from London, Ontario Earl Dunbar, dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada and retired software and network engineer

A local town is putting cannabis tax revenue to work. Since the opening of two adult-use dispensaries, the town of Henrietta has generated more than $750,000 in tax revenue. The money has covered the cost of a law enforcement official dedicated to quality-of-life issues in the town, and Henrietta has also been able to roll back a recent tax increase. Our guests say legal cannabis has worked for the community, and this hour, they explain what they've learned from the experience. Our guests: Felicia Reid, deputy executive director and acting executive director of the NYS Office of Cannabis Management Stephen Schultz, Henrietta town supervisor Ryan Martin, owner of MJ Dispensary 

Nurse Josephine Ensign was homeless herself before she became a leading voice in the national conversation on homelessness. She writes about the visceral experience of being homeless, while examining which policies work — and which don't. She has written several books on the subject, including “Way Home: Journeys Through Homelessness.” It's a plea to keep all members of society in focus and in the conversation. Ensign is in Rochester as a guest of SUNY Brockport, and this hour, she joins us on “Connections.” In studio:Josephine Ensign, DrPH, ARNP, professor of nursing at the University of Washington School of Nursing and author of multiple books, including "Way Home: Journeys Through Homelessness"

More than 50 years ago, a group of Native Americans chose to leave the reservations where they lived to form a new community near Plattsburgh. Frustrated with the overcrowding, drugs, and alcoholism they had just fled, they built their new settlement, called Ganienkeh, with the goal of following a traditional way of life. A land dispute between the group, a nearby town, and the state led to state troopers policing the area for three years until the Mohawks and the state reached an agreement, moving Ganienkeh to its permanent home. The story is told through the documentary, "This Land," which will be screened at the Rochester International Film Festival. This hour, we talk with the team behind the film and residents of Ganienkeh about their remarkable story of reclaiming their land and their culture. Our guests: Raiewate Herne, Ganienkeh community member Tyler Hemlock, Ganienkeh community member Darryl Martin, Ganienkeh community member Mike Bradley, documentary filmmaker and director, producer, and editor of "This Land"

Pope Francis is being remembered as a progressive-minded leader… but what is his legacy? His words were often more progressive than the church's policies, and doctrine barely budged under Francis. Our guests discuss his impact. Damian Zynda, Th.D., director of mission and ministry at McQuaid Jesuit, adjunct professor of theology at Creighton University in Omaha, and author of "Archbishop Oscar Romero, A Disciple Who Revealed the Glory of God" Nora Bradbury-Haehl, author of "The Freshman Survival Guide" and "The Twentysomething Handbook," and pastoral associate at Queen of Peace and St. Thomas More Churches

Why are more young adults getting cancer? It's a question researchers are racing to answer. In January, the American Cancer Society released a report detailing how despite the cancer mortality rate in the U.S. decreasing by 34% from 1991 to 2022, the progress is jeopardized by an increase in diagnoses of many types of cancer, especially in younger adults. As our guests this hour explain, navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment as a young person has unique challenges. We talk with them about the state of research and how to support young adults living with the disease. Our guests: Lauren Spiker, founder and executive director of 13thirty Cancer Connect Jamie Flerlage, M.D., chief, academic director, and associate professor of the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Division at Golisano Children's Hospital and assistant director of clinical research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute Ashley Chittenden, survivor of acute myeloid leukemia and nurse practitioner in the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Division at Golisano Children's Hospital/Wilmot Cancer Institute