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Connections
Weekdays, noon-2 p.m. on WXXI-FM 105.9, WXXI-AM 1370 in Rochester and WEOS 89.5 FM in Geneva
Hosted by Racquel Stephen
,
Evan Dawson

As “Connections” host Evan Dawson steps away for a break this summer, WXXI Health, Equity and Community reporter Racquel Stephen will be hosting the first hour of the show over the summer. She'll bring you the same long-form conversations, in-depth exploration of issues, and variety of content that you're used to hearing.

In the second hour each day, we'll bring back some of our and your favorite conversations from the show.

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.

To request a written transcript of an episode, please use this form.

Take our audience survey to help us learn more about you, and make a better show for you.

Find us wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

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  • Four people sit or stand in the corner of a radio talk studio: a guest far left has long dark hair and is wearing a black sweater vest over a brown and beige striped blouse; a guest near left is wearing a black baseball cap, pink blazer and black t-shirt with a rainbow colored emblem; a woman near right has short blonde hair and is wearing headphones and a dark green blouse; a guest far right has a brown beard and is wearing a grey newsboy cap, a maroon and cream striped button-down shirt and jeans.
    Connections
    Being transgender in Rochester
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 15, 2025, host Racquel Stephen and her guests discuss the challenges facing people in the transgender community.
  • This stock image shows a person's hand holding a rainbow flag, which is known as a symbol of LGBTQ pride.
    Connections
    Being transgender in Rochester
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/15/25, we discuss proposed laws that would put the transgender community in danger. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation about the increase of vegan food options.
  • Three women wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a woman at left has long brown hair and is wearing glasses, a black top and a black blazer; a woman at center has long dark hair and is wearing glasses, a white top and a bright blue blazer; a woman at right has short blonde hair and is wearing a pink and purple abstract print dress.
    Connections
    Phobias
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 14, 2025, guest host Racquel Stephen and her panel discuss what qualifies as a phobia and what options are available for treatment.
  • This stock image depicts a dictionary definition of the word phobia.
    Connections
    Phobias
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/14/25, we discuss the stigma surrounding phobias and what treatment options are available. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation about a local leader's trip to Ghana.
  • Two women wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a woman at left has short blonde hair and is wearing a green and brown striped top; a woman at right has long brown hair and is wearing a navy shirt and jeans.
    Connections
    Meet Racquel Stephen
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on July 11, 2025, guest host Veronica Volk talks to WXXI reporter Racquel Stephen about her life and career ahead of Racquel's stint as guest host of "Connections."
  • A smiling woman with short hair wearing dangling earrings and a red top with puffed sleeves
    Connections
    Meet Racquel Stephen
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 7/11/25, we sit down with Racquel Stephen, health, equity and community reporter at WXXI News. Then, a rebroadcast of our conversation about the life of Bob Dylan.