Connections With Evan Dawson

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: Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, Commissioner of the Monroe County Department of Public Health Dr. Andrew Cox, associate director of Center for Infectious Disease and Immunology Research for RRH

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: Alex Council, father of Phylicia Council Keyvo Owens, CERV coordinator at Rise Up Rochester, Inc. Laquita Roundheart, mother of Tyasia Manning Chiara Smith, MHR program officer of Racial Health Equity at Greater Rochester Health Foundation

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: Stephanie Ashenfelder, director of digital media studies at University of Rochester, co-director of echolab.art Andrea Gluckman, civic artist, photographer and educator Rose Pasquarello Beauchamp, professor of dance at University of Rochester

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:Emma Nelson, PhD, clinical psychologist working at the intersection of climate change and mental health

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: Sam Crastner, metalwork artist at Ironvine Studios LLC Angela Mattoon, office manager for Weis Vineyards Tricia Noel, executive director/curator of the Yates County History Center  Kyle Anne Pallischeck, director of programs for the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation 

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: Adrián Franco, host of the Puerto Rican Festival Orlando Ortiz, president of the Puerto Rican Festival Angelica Perez-Delgado, president and CEO of the Ibero-American Action League

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: Kathleen P. Allen, PhD, researcher, educator, and author of "Stuck in Our Screens" Noelle Evans, education reporter for WXXI News Julie Scelfo, founder and executive director of Mothers Against Media Addiction(MAMA)

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:Chris Hastings, President and CEO of WXXI Public Media

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: Stephanie Havey, artistic director of Finger Lakes Opera Elizabeth Long, executive director of Finger Lakes Opera Norwood “PJ” Pennewell, artistic director for Garth Fagan Dance  Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, tenor

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: Denise Chaapel, downtown manager of Historic Downtown Canandaigua Ben Falter, director of education at the Ontario County Historical Society Leif HerrGesell, historian for Town of Canandaigua

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: Barry Choi, money and travel expert Tyler Buffington, travel advisor for AAA of Western and Central New York Mark Gruba, senior communications specialist for AAA of Western and Central New York

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: Javannah Davis, founder of WAVE Women, Inc. Brittan Hardges, president/founder of Next Generation Men of Transition and director of advocacy and community engagement for New Pride Agenda Juliana Horowitz, senior associate director of research at Pew Research Center Rocco Vallerand, founder of the Support Alliance for Fairness and Equity for Transgender Youth

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: Rachel Glazer, LCSW, anxiety therapist Janelle Holmes, LCSW, senior therapist at Rochester Regional Health

Connections host Evan Dawson is taking some time off until September, and our very own health, equity and community reporter Racquel Stephen will be filling in all summer – but before she does that, senior editor Veronica Volk sits down to talk about her life and career, and reflect on journalism and media, and how it feels to be caught between two worlds. In studio:Racquel Stephen, health, equity and community reporter at WXXI NewsTake our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Assemblymember Stephen Hawley joins guest host Gino Fanelli to discuss the 2025-2026 New York State budget. Their conversation covers a range of issues, from the expected impact of Medicaid cuts in rural counties to state spending on areas like child care, school lunches, inflation relief checks, and more. Our guest:Assemblymember Stephen Hawley (R), District 139Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Rochester Mayor Malik Evans is joined by the president of City Council and the council finance chair to discuss the recent city budget. Guest host Gino Fanelli leads the conversation about the city’s focus on housing and economic development, recent debates about GBI (guaranteed basic income), downtown projects, and more. Our guests: Malik Evans, Rochester mayor Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr., president of Rochester City Council Mitch Gruber, finance chair for Rochester City Council Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Maintaining and repairing old homes requires sensitivity, a commitment to preserving historic characteristics, and an understanding of modern functionality. Author and restoration expert Steve Jordan provides guidance for homeowners in his new book, "The Historic House Handbook: A Sensitive Guide for Old-House Living." This hour, we talk with him about what homeowners need to know: design concepts; material availability; and how to navigate difficult decisions, especially in 2025. We also hear from local homeowners about how they've revitalized their old homes. Our guests: Steve Jordan, author of "The Historic House Handbook: A Sensitive Guide for Old-House Living" and historic preservation and window restoration expert Megan Klem, director of preservation services for the Landmark Society of Western New York Bradley Huber, Irondequoit resident and old house DIYer Ellen Olah, Rochester resident who is restoring her 1870s home Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for

Assemblymember Harry Bronson is our guest this hour as we continue to explore what local state representatives see as wins and missteps with the 2025-2026 New York State budget. Bronson discusses his take on a range of issues — from health care affordability, to mental health crisis response, to labor issues, and more. Our guest:Assemblymember Harry Bronson (D, WF), District 138Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Will kids grow up with a mix of human and AI friends? Should we get comfortable with that? Should we set boundaries, and if so, how? Artificial intelligence is already part of human life and relationships – from virtual friends, to AI pornography, to work assistants, and AI counselors. How much do we trust AI — with our emotions and decisions? We discuss it. In studio: Kevin Spencer Beckford, operations executive, speaker and business turnaround strategist, and AI humanist Mark Weber, clinical associate professor in the School of Business and Leadership at Nazareth University Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.