Connections Podcast

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:

Every summer, thousands of people gather in Rochester for one of the city’s most beloved celebrations: the Puerto Rican Festival. It's music and food, dancing and community, but it’s also something deeper. For many people, the festival is a symbol of heritage and pride. A space to be fully seen and heard. And a reminder that Puerto Rican history is Rochester history. Our guests discuss the 55th annual Puerto Rican festival. In studio:

New York lawmakers have passed a bill that would require mental health warning labels on social media platforms with “addictive” design. It's a first-in-the-nation move. Supporters say it’s a necessary step to protect young users. Critics question whether warning labels will have any real impact. Racquel and her guests explore the potential consequences of the legislation, what the research says about tech and mental health, and how families are navigating an increasingly digital world. Our guests:

We discuss what’s next for public media. Congress has zeroed out funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This means less support for public radio, TV and digital media across the country. We discuss what the rescission means for WXXI. WXXI CEO president and CEO Chris Hastings has said the funding cut is serious but has also asserted “we’re not going anywhere.” Chris joins host Racquel Stephen to discuss the future and to hear your questions and comments. In studio:

This summer, Finger Lakes Opera and Garth Fagan Dance are bringing a rarely heard 18th century opera to the stage in Rochester. "The Anonymous Lover" was composed by Joseph Bologne, a Black composer, violinist, and fencer known as the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Guest host Mona Seghatolaslami and her guests explore the opera’s surprising history, how this production blends Afro-Caribbean and French court styles, and what it says about FLO’s evolution. Our guests for the hour:

This summer, we’re traveling around the Finger Lakes – and today, we’re taking a closer look at a place that means many things to many people: Canandaigua. It’s known for its beautiful lake and outdoor recreation. It’s home to festivals, wineries, and a busy summer tourism season. And it also has a rich and complicated history. Some locals say the city has a “triple identity”: lake life, historical legacy, and a growing cultural and business scene. Our guests tell us the local histories and help us explore the hidden gems:

Going somewhere this summer? Host Racquel Stephen spends an hour discussing travel safety. Whether you’re traveling out of the country or taking a road trip with the family, there is much to consider, from state department warnings to airline safety. Racquel and guests discuss how to stay safe and healthy for summer travel. Our guests:

As Rochester prepares for Pride weekend, several proposed laws and executive orders appear to put the transgender community in the crosshairs. Host Racquel Stephen discusses the current political climate with local organizers who are working on these issues. We’ll also look at national polling revealing the complex feelings of Americans about transgender people. Our guests:

Host Racquel Stephen discusses diagnosis, treatment options and stigma associated with phobias. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 12.5% of adults in the United States experience a phobia at some time in their lives. We delve into these intense, irrational fears – fears that can disrupt daily life and cause severe anxiety symptoms. In studio: