Episodes

  • What Misconceptions Do People Have About Hospice Care

    What Misconceptions Do People Have About Hospice Care
    May 20 2026
    Many people associate hospice care with the final days of life, but healthcare advocates say there are still major misconceptions surrounding both hospice and palliative care. On this episode of What’s Next?, Kelly Clem of Hospice Buffalo and Palliative Care Buffalo explains the differences between the two forms of care and why early intervention can improve quality of life for patients living with chronic illness. She also discusses how palliative care helps manage symptoms at any stage of illness, while hospice focuses on comfort and support during the final months of life, including emotional and spiritual care for families.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • What Does Accountability Look Like Four Years After May 14

    What Does Accountability Look Like Four Years After May 14
    May 13 2026
    As Buffalo approaches the fourth anniversary of the May 14 Tops mass shooting, this episode of What’s Next? centers on reflection, accountability, and community dialogue. The show begins with a panel discussion following a screening of 5/14: A Journey Here, Hope to Come, exploring Black history, economic inequities, community trust, and the ongoing challenges facing Buffalo’s East Side. Then, Jay Moran speaks with I’Jaz Ja’ceil to preview part one of the upcoming anniversary special from "What's Next?," highlighting the voices, stories, and one of the biggest questions still being asked four years later: where did the money promised to Buffalo’s East Side go?
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York

    What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York
    May 18 2026
    Early literacy plays a critical role in a child’s long-term success, and organizations across Western New York are working to strengthen reading skills from an early age. On this episode of What’s Next?, Anne Ryan, Executive Director of Read to Succeed Buffalo, discusses the importance of teaching reading from birth through third grade and the impact of programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. She also highlights the success of the Experience Corps tutoring program, where volunteers work one-on-one with students in Buffalo and Niagara Falls to help improve reading outcomes and build confidence.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • What Does Truth Be Told Reveal About Race and Inequality in Western New York

    What Does Truth Be Told Reveal About Race and Inequality in Western New York
    May 11 2026
    In this special episode of What’s Next?, we revisit powerful conversations from Truth Be Told, Buffalo Toronto Public Media’s 12-part podcast series hosted by Wil Green exploring the lasting effects of systemic racism across Western New York. Through archival moments and continued discussion with guests and contributors, the episode examines Black maternal health, barriers facing first-generation college students, inequities in housing and homeownership, and the importance of preserving culture and legacy through Black-owned spaces.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • What Does the Future of Local Farming Look Like in Western New York

    What Does the Future of Local Farming Look Like in Western New York
    May 6 2026
    Providence Farm Collective is expanding its work across Western New York with new farming initiatives, increased food access efforts, and year round operations in Orchard Park. On this episode of What’s Next?, Executive Director Kristen Heltman-Weiss and Deputy Director Hamadi Ali discuss the organization’s growth, including its expanding farm store, community farming partnerships, and a new DEC grant supporting urban farmers who provide food for local pantries.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling

    How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling
    Apr 27 2026
    Today on What’s Next?, we speak with Regina Barber, physicist and host of NPR’s Short Wave. Barber shares how her upbringing in a racially divided community and her love of Star Trek helped shape her path into science. She also discusses the importance of representation in media, the role of storytelling in science communication, and why making science more inclusive matters. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenges and progress around racial equity.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • What Does NYSDOT’s Queen City Forward Plan Mean for the East Side

    What Does NYSDOT’s Queen City Forward Plan Mean for the East Side
    Apr 23 2026
    Today on What’s Next?, we take a closer look at the future of the Kensington Expressway through the Queen City Forward initiative. The effort is focused on reimagining the corridor by engaging community members in conversations about what comes next. We speak with Taje Jenkins-Jones and Ryan Whalen of the New York State Department of Transportation about how listening sessions are helping shape the process and why input from residents, especially those most impacted, is critical. They also discussed how the project could improve accessibility, neighborhood connections, and overall quality of life.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York

    Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York
    Apr 22 2026
    SUNY campuses across New York are facing mounting financial challenges, with Buffalo State and SUNY Fredonia dealing with significant structural deficits. In this episode of What’s Next?, Fred Kowal, President of United University Professions, discusses the impact of past budget cuts, the current funding gap, and what it means for students and faculty. He also highlights the importance of programs like the Educational Opportunity Program, which supports thousands of students each year, and calls for increased state investment to strengthen public higher education.
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins