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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.

Ways To Subscribe
  • Three people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a woman at front has dark hair and is wearing a white jacket and a white and blue dress; a boy back left has long dark braids and is wearing an orange, blue and green t-shirt; a woman back right has short blonde hair and is wearing a green, yellow and brown dress.
    Connections
    Type 1 diabetes
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on August 12, 2025, we speak with a family dealing with Type 1 diabetes and learn how it affects their daily life and what resources are available for support.
  • This stock image shows insulin vials.
    Connections
    Type 1 diabetes
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 08/12/25, we speak with those living with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. Then, a rebroadcast of our discussion with Rochester's own rising opera star Kearstin Piper Brown.
  • Five people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a man front left has short grey hair and is wearing glasses, a green short-sleeved shirt, grey pants and brown shoes, a bald man front right has a grey beard and is wearing a light blue button-down shirt and khaki shorts; a woman back left has long blonde hair and is wearing glasses and a white button-down shirt; a man back right has short dark hair and is wearing a grey fleece; a woman at center has short blonde hair and is wearing a red and white striped dress with strappy gold heels.
    Connections
    Summer camps and science education
    Racquel Stephen
    In the first hour of "Connections" on August 11, 2025, we explore nature-based summer camps and what they are teaching kids about the environment and sustainability.
  • Nature baised learning educator, Sue Morgan, and her class explore the pollinator garden during the ‘Growing Good’ Summer Enrichment Program, at the Foodlink Community Farm on Lexington Avenue. The six-week experience was developed in partnership with Rochester Ecology Partner's to provide hands-on learning that combines academic enrichment with outdoor exploration.
    Connections
    Summer camps and science education
    Racquel Stephen
    During "Connections" on 08/11/25, Racquel Stephen is back to talk about summer camps focusing on the environment. Then, a rebroadcast of our talk on improving quality of life for those living with ALS.
  • Three people wearing headphones sit at a table in a radio talk studio: a bald man at left is wearing glasses and a black button-down shirt; a woman at center has long blonde hair and is wearing a black sleeveless top; a woman at right has long dark hair and is wearing a black hat, purple scarf, blue dress and black shoes.
    Connections
    The legacy of Chuck Mangione
    Mona Seghatoleslami
    In the first hour of "Connections" on August 8, 2025, guest host Mona Seghatoleslami and her panel reflect on Chuck Mangione's music, life and legacy.
  • Chuck Mangione.
    Connections
    The legacy of Chuck Mangione
    Mona Seghatoleslami
    During "Connections" on 08/08/25, guest host Mona Seghatoleslami and her panel remember Chuck Mangione. Then, a rebroadcast of our discussion on erasing the stigma surrounding Tourette syndrome.