PODCAST · news
What’s Next?
by BTPM NPR
What’s Next? uncovers and discusses the issues and topics pertinent to marginalized and underrepresented populations of Western New York and Southern Ontario.Days after the racist shooting in Buffalo on May 14, 2022, the show tasked itself to be a champion for social equity and justice. "What’s Next?” amplifies voices from all parts of our shared community to celebrate our individuality as well as our commonalities.Listen to the one-hour broadcast Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am on BTPM NPR, with rebroadcasts on Sundays at 6pm. It is also available on-demand through our website, the BTPM Listen app, on our YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts.We encourage our listeners to join the conversation by using the “Talk to Us” feature in the BTPM Listen app. By using this in-app feature, listeners can send audio recordings directly to the newsroom. You can also reach the production staff by emailing us at [email protected].
Episodes
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How Can Small Businesses Win Bigger Contracts and Help the Next Generation Build Resilience?
How can small businesses access major contracting opportunities, and how can children learn to overcome challenges? Talia Johnson-Huff discusses the Training Day Conference and how minority-, women-, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses can prepare for contracts, build partnerships, and...
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How Can Family Support Help People Rebuild Their Lives After Incarceration?
How can families help people rebuild their lives after incarceration? Jon Monsalve joins Jay Moran to discuss the Osborne Association’s Kinship Reentry Housing Program in Buffalo, which provides financial assistance and support services to eligible families. Then, Dior Lindsay-Virgil discusses...
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How Can Music Education Change Lives, and What Stories Get Lost in the Headlines?
Henri Muhammad discusses his lifelong commitment to music education, the impact he has made on thousands of students, and his October 16 benefit concert supporting the Muhammad School of Music. Then, Sara Kasen explores Thank You for Thinking of Me, a documentary about Diana Davis, her family…
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Can Financial Literacy and Homeownership Help Build Wealth in Buffalo?
How can Buffalo communities build greater financial stability and create pathways to economic opportunity? On this episode of What’s Next?, Chandra Redfern, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, discusses the growing financial pressures facing working families, the importance of...
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What Does Buffalo Need to Support Its Next Generation?
What does Buffalo need to help young people succeed at every stage? Kasey Gustaveson discusses the city’s childcare shortage and the need for early childhood education and family support. Then, Jennifer Matarese, Sam Capitano, and Carley Hill explore a new partnership giving Buffalo students...
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Why Does Human Connection Matter in Therapy?
Therapist Wayne Brown of Willow Grove Counseling joins "What’s Next?" to discuss the growing role of artificial intelligence in mental health care and why he believes human connection remains essential to therapy. We also talk about students, teachers, the impact of current events on mental…
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How Is New York State Funding Affecting Buffalo and Western New York?
State Senator April Baskin joins What’s Next? to discuss how decisions made in Albany are affecting communities across Western New York. She discusses funding for food access, health services, and Buffalo’s fiscal stability, as well as efforts to expand opportunities for minority- and women-owned...
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Why Do Black Women Say They Can’t Be Their Authentic Selves at Work?
A new report from Cornell University’s ILR Buffalo CoLab examines the workplace barriers facing Black women in Erie County, including wage disparities, discrimination, and the pressure to code-switch. On What’s Next?, Dr. Karen King, Sara Taylor, and Cathy Creighton discuss the report’s “concrete...
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How Is Environmental Contamination Affecting Niagara Falls Communities?
What happens when decades of industrial development leave behind environmental contamination that continues to affect communities? On this episode of What’s Next?, Christen Civiletto discusses the toxic history of Niagara Falls, the ongoing concerns surrounding Love Canal and other contaminated...
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What Does 50 Years of Community Service Look Like at the Belle Center?
On this episode of What’s Next?, The Belle Center's Executive Director Lucy Candelario discusses how the center has evolved alongside a changing neighborhood, the growing needs she sees in the community, and the partnerships helping the Belle Center connect residents with resources. We’ll also…
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What Happens When Medicaid Rules Change? Or What Will Medicaid Cuts Mean for Western New York?
One year after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, changes to Medicaid and SNAP are creating new challenges for families, healthcare providers, and communities. Liz Pancotti of the Groundwork Collaborative breaks down the national economic and policy impact. Then, Bridget Bartolone of...
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From Celebration to Movement: Juneteenth Then & Now
Juneteenth has grown from a community celebration into a national holiday, but what happens when culture goes mainstream? This week on Group Chat, we explore the evolution of Juneteenth, from its growing presence in pop culture and corporate America to the deeper conversations about freedom,...
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What Can Africana Studies Teach Us About Juneteenth?
What does Juneteenth represent, and why has its significance grown in recent years? On this episode of What’s Next?, Dr. Marcus Watson, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Buffalo State University, discusses the history of Juneteenth, its significance in the American story, and why...
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How Can Juneteenth Inspire Action Beyond Celebration?
On this episode of What’s Next?, contributor Saladin Allah speaks with Charlynn Rivera of the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and Danessia Scott-Warren of the Niagara Organizing Alliance for Hope about social justice, community engagement, advocacy, and civic participation.
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What Can We Learn from One Survivor’s Journey to Healing?
For many men, conversations about trauma, abuse, and emotional well-being remain difficult due to stigma and societal expectations. On this episode of What’s Next? TaJuan Williams, author of Doscriosta, shares his personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and discusses the…
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How Is Western New York Addressing Gaps in Mental Health Care?
A new partnership between Jewish Family Services of Western New York and ECMC is helping individuals with serious mental illness and substance use challenges successfully transition from hospital care back into the community. On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore the Adult Critical Time...
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Where the Money Go? Part III: What Has Changed?
In the final installment of What’s Next?’s three-part anniversary series marking four years since the May 14 Tops mass shooting, the focus shifts from promises to outcomes. The conversation examines whether the investments and commitments made after the tragedy have translated into meaningful...
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Where Did the Money Go? Part 2: Where Did (Or Didn’t) It Go?
Part two of What’s Next?’s three-part anniversary series examining the aftermath of the May 14 Tops mass shooting focuses on the distribution and impact of millions of dollars raised to support Buffalo’s East Side. The episode explores questions surrounding transparency, accountability, and...
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Where Did the Money Go? Part 1: How Can We Help?
In part one of a three-part anniversary series marking four years since the May 14 Tops mass shooting, What’s Next? examines the nearly 100 million dollars pledged to support Buffalo’s East Side and the families impacted by the tragedy. The episode explores how state and federal funding…
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What Misconceptions Do People Have About Hospice Care
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…
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What Is Being Done to Address Literacy Challenges in Western New York
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…
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What Does Accountability Look Like Four Years After May 14
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,...
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What Does Truth Be Told Reveal About Race and Inequality in Western New York
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...
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What Does the Future of Local Farming Look Like in Western New York
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...
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How Regina Barber Connects Science, Race, and Storytelling
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...
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What Does NYSDOT’s Queen City Forward Plan Mean for the East Side
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…
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Funding Challenges Facing SUNY Campuses in New York
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...
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UB Law Report on Immigration Enforcement and Local Police Cooperation
A new report from the University at Buffalo School of Law examines the impact of cooperation between local agencies and federal immigration enforcement, highlighting concerns about human rights and community trust. In this episode of What’s Next?, we explore the findings of Ending Complicity: The...
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Producer’s Pick feat. Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford and Syntyia Taylor
On this episode we highlight three conversations heard on previous episodes. We revisit Jay Moran’s sit down with Ben Hilligas Executive Director of University at Buffalo’s Educational Opportunity Center. Education Advocate Jessica Bauer Walker and Community Leader Sam Radford with I’Jaz Ja’ceil...
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Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivors
Human trafficking remains a hidden crisis impacting vulnerable communities across the country. In this episode of What’s Next?, Kelly Diane Galloway, founder of Project Mona’s House, shares her journey and the mission behind her organization. She discusses the challenges survivors face, including...
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How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathway
Buffalo organizations are coming together to connect families with career opportunities and critical support services at the upcoming Strong Families, Strong Futures Workforce Development Expo. On this episode of What’s Next?, Luanne Brown of the Buffalo Prenatal Perinatal Network and Asantewa...
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Homeownership in 2026 Barriers Breakthroughs and the Path Forward
Buying a home in Buffalo is getting harder. Rising interest rates, low inventory, and higher loan amounts are putting pressure on first time buyers, especially working-class families and non-native English speakers. Takeysha Mudzingwa and Jim Ahrens from Five Star Bank break down what’s changed…
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Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households in WNY
NOCO President and CEO Michael Casciano discusses how the company is expanding energy efficiency programs to help low- to moderate-income households in Western New York reduce energy costs. In a conversation with I’Jaz Je’ceil, he explains how free energy audits and insulation upgrades can lower...
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Women in Power and the Path Forward
As Women’s History Month continues, this episode of What’s Next? focuses on leadership, representation, and the ongoing push for gender equity in government. The conversation also explores the challenges of balancing personal and professional responsibilities, along with efforts to address...
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How Storytelling Connects Community and Academia
The University at Buffalo’s Indigenous Studies Department is preparing for its annual Storytellers Conference, centered on the theme Life, Breath, Justice for Our Future. On this episode of What’s Next?, Mishuana Goeman and Aaron VanEvery discuss the purpose and impact of the conference,...
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Restorative Justice and School Suspensions in Buffalo Public Schools
Buffalo Public Schools are under scrutiny following the New York State Attorney General’s investigation into student suspensions and disciplinary practices. In this episode of What’s Next?, Dina Thompson of the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition and training director Andy Prinzing speak…
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Honoring Women’s Voices on What’s Next
In recognition of Women’s History Month, this episode of What’s Next? revisits powerful conversations with women making a difference across Western New York. We begin with Sharon Sanford, founder of the Sadie Strong Project, who shares her journey as a breast cancer survivor and her mission to...
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How Neighborhood Centers Are Supporting Buffalo Families
Neighborhood centers have long supported families across Buffalo, but community needs are growing. On this episode of What’s Next?, Chandra Redfern, CEO of the Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers, discusses rising demand for services including food access, childcare support, and programs…
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The Nursing Home Funding Crisis
Western New York has lost eight not-for-profit nursing homes since 2014, with providers citing chronic Medicaid underfunding and daily losses of up to $150 per resident. As lawmakers debate the New York State budget, advocates are pushing for $750 million to stabilize nursing homes and prevent…
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Beyond Punishment: Rethinking School Discipline
The New York Attorney General’s investigation into suspension practices in the Buffalo Public School system confirmed what many families have long raised as concerns. Black students are six times more likely to be suspended than white students, and Latino students four times more likely. The...
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The Sankofa Vision
Emmanuel Kulu, founder of the Ancient African Antiquities Research Institute of America and creator of the Sankofa Conference, joins What’s Next to discuss this year’s theme, Know Thyself: A Call to the Diaspora. As the conference approaches, Kulu reflects on the importance of historical…
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Reclaiming Africa’s Story: Across Generations, Across the Diaspora
British journalist and historian Zeinab Badawi joins What’s Next to discuss her six-year project, The History of Africa, a sweeping 20-part series and companion book spanning 30 countries and centering African voices in the telling of the continent’s story. As the virtual guest speaker for the...
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Access, Advocacy, and Empowerment
Bill O’Connell, the new Executive Director of Neighborhood Legal Services, discusses his path to the organization and the systemic challenges facing public benefits programs, along with his vision for expanding access to justice. We also continue our preview of the Sankofa Conference with Talia...
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Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Community
Chantele Campbell of BestSelf Behavioral Health joins What’s Next to discuss the importance of mental health in the Black community, addressing the impact of housing, workforce challenges, and other social determinants. She also highlights the role of open dialogue and Mental Health First Aid...
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Reclaiming History, Reclaiming Ourselves
As Buffalo prepares for the Sankofa Conference, Anthony Pierce and Selam Debs join What’s Next for a conversation centered on culture, identity, and accountability. A conversation about learning from the past to build a more just future.
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Bridging Education and Community
Leanthony Freeman joins What’s Next to share his journey from Buffalo to Atlanta and his vision to open a charter school in Buffalo by 2032. Freeman will also be a panelist at the upcoming Sankofa Conference. The conversation continues with conference host Shantelle Patton of the Brown Bag…
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Education, Health, and the Work Ahead
The Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center marks 60 years of expanding access to education and job training for underserved communities. Executive Director Ben Hilligas reflects on the center’s mission and impact in a conversation with Jay Moran. We also hear from Syntyia Taylor of Buffalo Black...
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Looking Back So We Can Move Forward
Dr. LaGarrett King joins What’s Next to discuss the upcoming Sankofa Conference in Buffalo on February 28 and why history remains essential to shaping the future.
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Roots, Healing, and Connection
As Buffalo prepares for the first annual Sankofa Conference, Marcus Watson and Nubian Goddess join What’s Next to explore the relationship between continental Africans and African diasporans. They reflect on the importance of understanding historical roots, reclaiming Black identity, and…
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Leading with Purpose: David Johnson on the Future of Buffalo Prep
Buffalo Prep has spent more than three decades expanding college access for underrepresented students across Western New York. On this episode of What’s Next?, Jay Moran sits down with David Johnson, the organization’s incoming Executive Director, to discuss Buffalo Prep’s mission, the systemic...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What’s Next? uncovers and discusses the issues and topics pertinent to marginalized and underrepresented populations of Western New York and Southern Ontario.Days after the racist shooting in Buffalo on May 14, 2022, the show tasked itself to be a champion for social equity and justice. "What’s Next?” amplifies voices from all parts of our shared community to celebrate our individuality as well as our commonalities.Listen to the one-hour broadcast Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am on BTPM NPR, with rebroadcasts on Sundays at 6pm. It is also available on-demand through our website, the BTPM Listen app, on our YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts.We encourage our listeners to join the conversation by using the “Talk to Us” feature in the BTPM Listen app. By using this in-app feature, listeners can send audio recordings directly to the newsroom. You can also reach the production staff by emailing us at [email protected].
HOSTED BY
BTPM NPR
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What’s Next? have?
What’s Next? currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What’s Next? about?
What’s Next? uncovers and discusses the issues and topics pertinent to marginalized and underrepresented populations of Western New York and Southern Ontario.Days after the racist shooting in Buffalo on May 14, 2022, the show tasked itself to be a champion for social equity and justice. "What’s...
How often does What’s Next? release new episodes?
What’s Next? publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to What’s Next??
You can listen to What’s Next? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What’s Next??
What’s Next? is created and hosted by BTPM NPR.
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