Connections Podcast

A local woman says she learned early on that being understood in a doctor’s office isn’t guaranteed. Jeiri Flores has cerebral palsy, and as she told WXXI's Noelle Evans in a recent episode of the Move to Include Podcast, her healthcare experience has meant constantly navigating Medicaid limits, confusing private insurance, and providers who don’t have experience with disabled bodies. This hour, we bring you the full podcast episode, where Flores shares her story and her experience advocating for her needs. In studio: This story is reported from WXXI's Inclusion Desk. --- 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 recent U.S. congressional delegation returned from a trip to Cuba, offering a warning. The Democrats on the delegation said that U.S. sanctions are crippling Cuban energy and the economy. They warned that an American invasion could cause more suffering. But some Cuban Americans are rooting for regime change. We discuss how the Cuban diaspora views the possible conflict to come. In studio: --- 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.

Scroll less, connect more." That's advice from Compeer Rochester. The nonprofit launched a new program to help volunteers and community members spend less time on screens, build real-life friendships, and reduce social isolation. We talk with the organizers of the program and people who have benefited from it. In studio: --- 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.

With the U.S. military stretched thin around the world, some international observers are concerned that American adversaries will try to take advantage. That could mean Russia targeting NATO or China targeting Taiwan. We discuss the current situation and the risks that could be ahead. In studio: --- 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.

Sex therapist Eleni Economides hears it all the time: Clients aren’t having sex. Some want to have more; some dread sex. The struggles are real, and she takes us through what the audience can learn about libido, desire, and healthy relationships. In studio: --- 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.

Back in 2014, James Barrat got mixed reviews for his book, "Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era." He was one of the first guests on "Connections," and he posed a scenario that might have seemed far-fetched at the time: What if AI surpasses human intelligence in the next decade? Twelve years later, Barrat looks prescient, and he’s working on his next book. We welcome him back to discuss how long he thinks the human era can still persist. Our guest: --- 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. The New York State budget is now more than five weeks late. What is the holdup? Jon Campbell of the New York Public News Network joins us with the latest from Albany — and why some lawmakers are questioning the budget process. Then, the city of Rochester has moved to foreclose on land sanctioned for a homeless encampment. WXXI's Gino Fanelli explains what's new and what's next for Peace Village. We end the week with what you can expect from Rochester Bike Week. The annual celebration encourages people of all ages to get out and ride, while also highlighting issues related to bike infrastructure. We talk about how to make cycling safer and more accessible, and we preview Bike Week events. Our guests:

The city of Rochester is exploring the return of traffic cameras. It’s part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities. This month, the public is invited to give feedback on the subject. We explore the pluses and minuses with our guests:

Rochester was recently ranked the fifth worst American city for allergies. We sit down with members of the Golisano Children's Hospital Pediatric Allergy team to discuss how families can prepare for allergy season. They explain triggers, treatments, and how allergies affect children and schools. In studio: --- 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 welcome Rochester City School District Superintendent Eric Jay Rosser, Board President Camille Simmons, and Board Vice President Amy Maloy to discuss the district's proposed budget. They also weigh in on what has become a contentious debate over two vacant RCSD school buildings and a proposal to sell them to charter schools. They answer our questions and yours about those subjects and other key issues facing the district. In studio: --- 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.

Rochester is often touted as a "festival city," and in this month's conversation with the team at CITY Magazine, we bring you the "Festival Guide." From music, to food, to arts and culture, there's no shortage of festivals to frequent this season. We also bring you an inside look at a Rochester staple — Zwiegle's — and an exclusive interview with CITY's advice columnist. Our guests: --- 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.

The city of Rochester has to decide what to do with two vacant school buildings. One proposal involves selling them to local charter schools. But that proposal appears to be one vote short on city council. We examine an issue that has become, at times, contentious. In studio: --- 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.

An annual event is back, and it calls on all of us to consider our mothers: biological mothers; adoptive mothers; mother figures; and more. “Listen to Your Mother” is a nationwide storytelling production that shines a light on the influence of maternal figures. The local performance is set for May 9. We preview the event with our guests, and we invite you to share your own stories. In studio: --- 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 popular protest slogan against President Trump is “no kings.” Last week, King Charles visited the U.S. and was feted at a lavish state dinner. Later, the White House social accounts shared a picture of Trump and Charles with the caption, “Two kings.” So how should we put this visit in context? Does the monarchy still matter? In studio: --- 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: First, experts say this year's tick season is expected to be "early and heavy." That's according to reporting from our New York Public News Network colleague Catherine Wheeler of North Country Public Radio. We discuss what scientists are already seeing with tick activity, and we talk to a local clinician about how to protect ourselves from tick-borne diseases. Then, new research shows there are ways to mitigate a condition often referred to as "chemo brain." WXXI's Racquel Stephen explains the latest with treating this particular type of brain fog. We end the week with Garth Fagan Dance. The internationally acclaimed company turns 55 this year, and there's much to celebrate. But as our guest will tell us, there's still much work to be done. The company — like many other arts organizations — is navigating the effects of the federal government's DEI policies. We discuss how Garth Fagan Dance is addressing challenges, honoring its history, and setting its sights on the future — all while creating new art. Our guests: --- 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 group of retired judges is emphasizing the importance of judicial independence as America approaches its 250th birthday. They say that criticism of judges is nothing new, but true judicial independence must be protected. They discuss how to do that. Our guests: --- 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.

Wineries across the region are reacting to unexpected challenges. From a decline in alcohol consumption to a recent drop in Canadian tourism, many companies are finding they need to shift their strategies for attracting and maintaining customers. This hour, we talk with representatives from three local wineries about the state of their industry and creative solutions for mitigating revenue loss. Our guests: --- 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're joined by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli. DiNapoli is seeking reelection and will face challenger Drew Warshaw in the June Democratic primary. This hour, we talk with DiNapoli about his work in the position – one he has held since 2007 – and his priorities, if reelected. We also explore how this often overlooked and misunderstood office affects aspects of your daily life. Our guest: --- 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.

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: --- 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 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: --- 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.