© 2026 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace St.
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Differing shades of blue wavering throughout the image
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

What's Next? | Producer's Pick feat. Kelly Wolfe, Stephanie Pepper, Racheal Tarapacki, Dr. Karen Kwandrans, and Rhonda Bivins-Talley

We revisit two standout previous conversations. First, we revisit Thomas O’Neil-White’s conversation with Kelly Wolfe and Stephanie Pepper from the SPCA serving Erie County, as well as Racheal Tarapacki from the resource council of WNY. The four discuss an incubator grant awarded to the SPCA that aims to create better access to veterinary resources on the East Side of Buffalo. Next, Jay Moran sits down with Dr. Karen Kwandrans, the Associate Vice President of Niagara University, and Rhonda Bivins-Talley, the Executive Director of the Levesque Institute. The three discuss the work of the Levesque Institute, Niagara University’s Center for Civic Engagement and Community Impact.

What's Next? 2024
Latest Episodes
  • 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.
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, Kelley 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • On this episode of What’s Next?, Executive Director Kristen Heltman-Weiss and Deputy Director Hamadi Ali.
  • 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. The conversation also explores the ongoing challenges and progress around racial equity.
  • Today on What’s Next?, we take a closer look at the future of the Kensington Expressway through the Queen City Forward initiative. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 Harms of State and Local Collusion with Federal Immigration Enforcement.