WCNY Community FM

Professor of Arts Education James Haywood Rolling Jr. and Syracuse City School District Arts Coordinator Rory Edwards join Director of Education Kate Laissle for a conversation about the vital role diverse arts experiences play in the lives of young people.

As the New Year begins, what should Central New Yorkers be on the lookout for? Central Current’s Editor Chris Libonati shares his thoughts about the biggest items to keep an eye on over the coming news cycle. He shares his own journey as a reporter, his favorite stories from 2025, the reasons he loves reporting in CNY, and explains how he chooses what to cover.

How might changes in the recommended childhood immunization schedule impact public health? Hear from experts on this controversial subject. Could ADHD actually have a positive side? Also this month, human eggs produced in the laboratory and a promising new gene therapy for Huntington’s Disease.

On this edition of CNY Heroes Dr. Rebeccah Bernard updates us on her work in the field as a licensed clinical psychologist with decades of experience in helping veterans, police officers and other first responders deal with PTSD and moral injury. Dr. Bernard is a subject matter expert and frequent public speaker on moral injury, in addition to her private clinical practice. She also serves as a ho...

We kick off the 2026 version of Check It Out with Syracuse Crunch COO, Jim Sarosy. In this episode, we give out the details of our 4th Literacy Day with the Crunch on January 19th. Many more literacy agencies on hand, raffles for a Zamboni ride and Crunch merchandise and info on discounted tickets for the 1pm matinee. So, get your year off to a good start and Check It Out.

The ARISE - EFR podcast comes to WCNY Community FM from ARISE in Syracuse. Hosted by CEO Bruce Drake, each episode introduces listeners to someone in our community supporting access and independence for those with disabilities. Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with statewide systems advocate Phil Phren to unpack how meaningful systems-change happens in the world of disability r...

(#87, 12/29/25) In this January 2026 Episode of CNY Latino: cnylatinonewspaper.com/Podcast, Marisol and I (Hugo Acosta) have a full-hour of informal talk and conversations, with our associates and friends Rita Paniagua and Jesus Rolon, as we were invited to their Podcast Show 'SABOR LATINO', that airs weekly in the 24-hour PBS HD Radio Station WCNY of Syracuse, which we incorporated into this, our...

We wrap up Check It Out for 2025 with a very special guest. Tom and Maggie welcome MOST president, Lauren Kochian. We talk about the great relationship between the MOST and the OCPL, the importance of reading as it relates to science and the exciting things they have planned in 2026. Happy holidays from the Check It Out team.

On this edition of Checkup From the Neck-Up, "Dr. Neckup” psychologist Rich O’Neill’s guest is family psychiatrist, researcher, author, and mother Dr. Nayla Khoury. She defines stress, what it does to our minds and bodies, how it can be healthy or toxic, and what we can do individually, in our family, and in our communities, to buffer potentially toxic stress, and give our kids the skills they nee...

It is the triumphant return of the one and only Check It Out. The amazing library podcast for the little ones (and their parents). So fantastic to have Maggie and Tom back, and we look around many of the libraries in Onondaga County to see what they are doing to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. Parties, crafting, music, and even Santa... all on this week's Check It Out.

The community garden grows and so does an unexpected friendship between the Ditzy Daisies and the Funkies. Everyone learns that working together to plant good will, always grows something special. Funky Foodies is a podcast for kids, and it’s produced right here in Central New York. Tween foodies Frankie, Fern, and Zara share a passion for food and its impacts on the environment. Adventures follow...

On the latest episode of Repeating History, we welcome Dr. Tom Keck, Michael O. Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics at Syracuse University. The conversation touches in various facets of Professor Keck's upcoming book on free speech jurisprudence, the courts, and democratic backsliding amidst the retreat of democratic norms and government here in the US and around the world. What role s...

*Trigger Warning* This episode of CNY Heroes discusses first hand experiences of tragedy and loss during combat which may be triggering for some individuals. On this edition of CNY Heroes Dan continues his conversation with Vietnam veteran Vito Lovecchio, Jr. In this segment, Lovecchio remembers American public opinion about the Vietnam war during his time in the service, and the changing attitude...

Why are ultra processed foods so popular? Some scientists believe it is because they are actually addictive substances. This month on "Science Today", also learn about the pros and cons of the keto diet, incredible Antarctic microbes, and a possible new animal model for Alzheimer’s.

Child literacy remains a persistent challenge in Syracuse. According to 2019 data from the Early Childhood Alliance, only 22% of SCSD students are reading on grade level by the 3rd grade. Guests Laurie Black and Dr. Maria Murray are each tackling this challenge from different angles: As Community Education Director for the United Way, Laurie Black has grown their Book Buddies program to reach over...

(#86, 12/02/25) In these episodes for December of CNY Latino: cnylatinonewspaper.com/Podcast, we have placed a series of several famous and recognized members of our Culture, offering Christmas greetings and salutations for the upcoming New Year. En estos episodios de diciembre, hemos colocado una serie de varios miembros famosos y reconocidos de nuestra Cultura, ofreciendo saludos Navideños y sal...

Actors Gavin Lambert, Jojo Harper-McNeal, and Kenley Sample talk with Youth Actor Supervisor Joe McCurdy about “A Christmas Story” playing now at Syracuse Stage.

After a storm destroys the community garden, the Funkies want to give up, but some unexpected visitors show up and surprise them by offering encouragement and pitching in. Funky Foodies is a podcast for kids, and it’s produced right here in Central New York. Tween foodies Frankie, Fern, and Zara share a passion for food and its impacts on the environment. Adventures follow after they form an allia...

It’s been almost two years since the Onondaga County Public Libraries started their Ready Runway at SYR; grab a free book before you get on the plane! Also, hear what’s coming next for the SYR Community Art Program from our guest, Matt Szwejbka, Public Communications Officer for the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.

The ARISE - EFR podcast comes to WCNY Community FM from ARISE in Syracuse. Hosted by CEO Bruce Drake, each episode introduces listeners to someone in our community supporting access and independence for those with disabilities. On this episode Bruce Drake sits down with Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator for their community mobility program. Discover how this incredible volunteer-driven initiative desi...

In anticipation of Syracuse Stage’s upcoming production of “A Christmas Story,” Michelle DiBernardo, the Executive Director of the Syracuse International Film Festival, speaks with Joann Yarrow about how film intersects, inspires and creates new versions of the same story for audiences on stage.

Katherine Scott is leading an effort at a tiny museum in rural Ontario to repatriate objects from its collection to indigenous tribes in the U.S. and Canada. Plus, the little-known story of the first New York subway - built in secret under Broadway and powered by air. From North Creek to South Colton, from Old Forge to New Bremen, North Words brings you interviews, on-site recordings, and special...

Figuring out what plants need in order to grow is top of the Funky’s to-do list. Thanks to Zacky Z, they’re on the right track to an abundant community garden. Funky Foodies is a podcast for kids, and it’s produced right here in Central New York. Tween foodies Frankie, Fern, and Zara share a passion for food and its impacts on the environment. Adventures follow after they form an alliance called F...

On this edition of Our New Neighbors, host Maryna Bagovska is joined by Haoyang Zhou. Born in Beijing, China, Haoyang Zhou moved to the United States at the age of 14 to study abroad in Asheville, North Carolina. He is now a PhD student attending Syracuse University’s Physics department where he works with granular locomotion.

So, it’s 3rd and goal and you need someone to run your library book into the endzone: who do you call upon? Why none other than our Check It Out guest for the week, former NFL running back (more importantly former Betts Branch patron), Latavius Murray. The Onondaga Central grad was in town and sat down with Yona and Tom to discuss his favorite Betts memories growing up, books that bring back memor...