Connections Podcast

The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson died on June 11. He was 82, but as writer Sam Sodomsky wrote in a remembrance for Pitchfork, “‘immortal’ is still the word that comes to mind.” Wilson’s forward-thinking musical compositions helped redefine pop music in the 1960s — as well as what anyone thought was possible at the time. Tributes have poured in, including from local musicians. Submarine School of Music co-founder Ben Morey labeled Wilson “a guiding light to me for most of my life,” while psych-pop tinkerer Alex Northrup called for more Wilson-influenced sunshine “in a world that seems to be growing increasingly darker.” Both join musician and CITY magazine art director Jacob Walsh and guest host and CITY Magazine arts reporter Patrick Hosken to talk about Wilson’s influence on their lives as music makers. Our guests:

Since its inception in 2002, the Rochester International Jazz Festival has always been, as its name states, international. Performers from Canada, Europe and elsewhere regularly make the trek to play at 18 different venues around town for audiences that can total 200,000. But 2025 feels different, backdropped by the Trump administration’s trade war with Canada and rising fears about border crossings and detainments. Musicians also say the cost of securing work permits in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. Is it still worth it? And what’s it like for local jazz players, whose gigs don’t require the same logistical red tape? This year's festival is already in full swing and runs through June 28. Guest host Patrick Hosken talks with performers about their experiences. Our guests:

Hollywood loves sequels and remakes. And here they come: "Jurassic World Rebirth;" "M3GAN 2.0;" "28 Years Later;" "Superman;" "Happy Gilmore;" "I Know What You Did Last Summer." Will our panel of cinephiles go for nostalgia, or do they want something new? What’s The Little bringing to screens? Guest host Scott Pukos and fellow film fanatics tell us what's hot and what's not this summer:

Why do we crave screams in the summer? Horror is a genre that is, by some measures, the hottest in theaters and streaming. Why do scary movies make such great summer flicks, and, in a world full of real-life stress, why do we still choose to be scared for fun? Guest host Scott Pukos and his panel explore all things spooky, slashy, and stabby. In studio:

President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” squeaked through the House of Representatives in late May. It would increase defense spending, cut Medicaid and SNAP, reduce health insurance coverage, and add trillions to the national debt, among other things. Congressman Joe Morelle joins us to work through the details. In studio:

An interview between Senator Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson got nasty when Carlson accused Cruz of wanting to enter wars against countries he knows nothing about. Cruz countered that the United States has an obligation to work alongside Israel against Iran. Jose Peo served from 2000 to 2004 in the U.S. Army, and he says that experience has pushed him into the “no more wars” camp. He explains how this growing group sees American intervention. In studio:

There’s been a lot of talk in Rochester lately about vacancy – vacant houses, vacant buildings, vacant spaces that were once thriving. An upcoming symposium will offer ideas on how to fill those spaces – and not just with the first person or company to make an offer. What cities do with vacant spaces will be critical to their next generation. The city of Rochester has at least one example of a thriving neighborhood, anchored by the Strong National Museum of Play. So how can more spaces follow? We explore it with our guests:

The annual Harborfest is set to kick off at Ontario Beach Park this Friday, and attendees will see some new security features at the beach. They are part of a broader effort to create a safer space after fights broke out among some teenagers earlier this month. The Ontario Beach Park Program Committee wants parkgoers to know that despite the disturbances, there are still a number of events and activities planned that are free and open to everyone. This hour, we're joined by local leaders to discuss those programs and the new safety measures. Our guests:

For decades, journalist Gary Craig has covered crimes, trials, and many tragedies — always finding the humanity in his stories. Craig has decided to retire from the Democrat & Chronicle, and his colleagues in Rochester know what a huge loss this is for local reporting. He joins us to discuss his career, his favorite stories, and how he hopes his paper — and his industry — can survive into the future. In studio:

New York State could move forward with the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act — a piece of legislation that has been promoted by some climate activists and opposed by many small businesses. Wine and beer producers have been especially concerned. Some state leaders say they've worked with the business community to create something more fair, but also something that will lead to less packaging waste. Our guests discuss it:

The U.S. Army marked its 250th anniversary with a parade in Washington this past weekend. The event was heavily touted by President Trump and his advisors, and it coincided with President Trump's 79th birthday. Tanks rolled down the street and helicopters flew overhead in an event that failed to fill all the grandstands but still drew thousands. So what is the overall effect? Is it a recruiting tool and generator of patriotism, like the White House says? Was it worth the cost of $45 million? Our guests discuss it:

"Everyone is cheating their way through college" — with ChatGPT. That's the viral headline from last month in New York Magazine. The piece cites college professors who say they are overwhelmed with how AI has infiltrated academic life. Students use it regularly and some claim they cannot succeed without it. So where is the line between cheating and learning? How can educators assess students in the age of ChatGPT? And really, is everyone cheating? Our guests discuss it:

In honor of Father’s Day on Sunday, we discuss the importance of having a paternal figure present in a child's life. Studies show that children without a father are four times more likely to grow up in poverty and seven times more likely to end up in prison. This hour, guest host Racquel Stephen and her panel highlight local fatherhood programs and their mission. Our guests also explain the racial disparities that may affect successful parenting for Black fathers, and their share their own advice and experience. In studio:

Changes at the federal level are expected to have major effects on medical research. Recently on this program, we discussed how clinicians expect possible funding cuts to affect cancer research. This hour, we focus on HIV research. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that the fiscal year 2026 budget request for domestic HIV programs is a 35% decline compared to the previous fiscal year. What does that mean for HIV research in our region? And how could it affect patients? Guest host Racquel Stephen addresses those questions with local experts:

How do parents and other caregivers know if there are firearms in homes where their children play? And how should they ask about how those guns are stored? According to the CDC, the vast majority of firearm deaths involving young children are the result of guns that were not stored safely. A bill enacting "Francesco's law" passed the New York State Assembly on Wednesday. In part, it establishes "violations for the failure to safely store rifles, shotguns, and firearms in the presence of a minor or a prohibited person." Our guests this hour discuss how to communicate about firearm storage and safety. In studio:

Skydiving! Roller derby! Toothpicks...yes, toothpicks! The June issue of CITY Magazine is all about adrenaline: the activities, events, and experiences that give us a thrill. We talk with the CITY team and local thrill seekers about their adventures and what gets the adrenaline pumping for people in our region. This month's issue is also a preview of Jazz Fest. Our guests:

News of President Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis raised both awareness and questions about how and when to communicate about a serious illness. How can patients access guidance and resources when it comes to understanding their emotions, while also sometimes needing to navigate those of friends and family? What is the role of supporters and caregivers? Our guests specialize in helping patients with these questions. They join us to share their expertise. In studio:

The Rochester City School District will soon welcome a new superintendent. Eric J. Rosser's start date is July 1. It comes just after Democratic primary voters make their selections for members for the Board of Education. This hour, we sit down with the candidates to discuss their platforms and a range of issues affecting students, families, and the district — including federal policies, school safety, curricula, and more. In studio:

Fairport has been growing — welcoming new businesses that mix with a range of housing designed for all ages. We talk about the vision of making a truly walkable, bikeable village with a diverse range of options for people who live nearby. Our guests:

By one measure, building a house now costs $11,000 more due to the new tariffs. Some builders are concerned about possible labor shortages to come. Meanwhile, the political discourse on the left is focused on why it's even more expensive to build new homes in Democratically governed states and cities. We explore the myths and realities with our guest: