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On this episode of What’s Next?, we explore two ways Western New York communities are responding to need and opportunity. We are joined by Jennifer Rizzo Choi, Executive Director of the International Institute of Buffalo, and Alicia Stark of Child and Family Services.

Golf is more than a game. It’s an economic engine, a job creator, a tourism magnet, and a powerful steward of green space. In this episode, John and Tim unpack the findings of New York State’s new Golf Impact Study with guests Gina Rizzi and Tom Kaplan, revealing a side of the sport most people never think about.

Mayor elect Sean Ryan begins building his new administration, and co-chairs Dr. Marie Cannon and Trini Ross join us to discuss the work behind the transition. We explore the key issues shaping Buffalo’s future, including housing, public safety, and financial stability, and how Ryan’s vision aims to address long standing inequities with fresh, community driven solutions.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter look back on some notable passings for 2025. These include Saul Elkin (founder of both the Jewish Repertory Theater and Shakespeare in Delaware Park) and Vincent O'Neill (founder of the Irish Classical Theatre), both teachers who left behind a legacy of many, many local actors. Also, playwright Kathy Betsko Yale, actors Christopher Standart, and, tragically, Hugh Davis and Mickey Harmon (actor and activist). Also, Anthony went to NYC to the James Earl Jones Theatre to see LIBERATION by Bess Wohl (up through Feb 1). There's only one show up in Buffalo this early January, Peter Shaffer's BLACK COMEDY, continuing through January 11 at Desiderio's Dinner Theatre (at Bobby J's Italian Grill in Cheektowaga). SCROLL DOWN TO SEE LISTINGS.Click through, then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.

Lake Placid has long been synonymous with Olympic history, but today it’s also a case study in how sport, tourism, and economic development work hand in hand. In this episode, John Cimperman sits down with Darcy Norfolk Rowe, Director of Communications for the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), to explore the business and impact of winter sports in New York State.

On this episode, we highlight three standout conversations. First, we return to our tour of the Providence Farm Collective. Then, we continue Ekua Mends-Aidoo’s conversation with Charisma DuBois of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology. And we close out the episode with Alicia Stark from Child and Family Services.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture is partnering with Buffalo’s Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor to preserve local stories and family histories. In this episode, Dr. Doretha Williams shares an update on the community curation project and why documenting everyday lives matters.

This week on Theater Talk, Anthony and Peter take a few extra minutes because the shows are so good. There are five (5) CHRISTMAS CAROLs this weekend, including the traditional (43 years!) version by Neal Radice (with David Mitchell) at Buff State, a new version with Daniel Lendzian at The Alleyway, a version starring Stan Klimecko at the Kenan Center, the Tim Carroll version at Shaw, and Mike Randall at the Kavinoky. There are two (2) WHITE CHRISTMAS shows: MusicalFare's at Shea's 710 (fabulous choreography by Kristy E. Cavanagh) and one at Shaw. FANCY NANCY'S SPLENDIFEROUS CHRISTMAS continues at Theatre of Youth, CONCRETE CHRISTMAS opens at ART, and Bellissima continues with CARRIE. And for good dinner theater, see Peter Schaffer's BLACK COMEDY, continuing at Desiderio's (at Bobby J's Italian Grill in Cheektowaga). SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE COMPLETE LOCAL LISTINGSSCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE COMPLETE LOCAL LISTINGS Yes! Do it! Click through then scroll to see complete listings of what's on stage! Also, visit theatertalkbuffalo.com to read Anthony's reviews.For over 30 years, Theater Talk has been appointment listening on WBFO, featuring the insights of theater critic and historian, Anthony Chase. Chase co-hosted Theater Talk with Buffalo Broadcast Hall of Famer Jim Santella for many years. These days, it's Peter Hall. With more than 20 active producing theater companies in Buffalo alone, not to mention Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the Shaw Festival at nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake, Chase and Hall keep their calendars full, trying to see and share their insights on as many shows as possible.But Theater Talk is anything but a dry community arts listing service. Instead, with affection, good humor, and just the occasional rant, the segment provides snapshot reviews, recommends local productions, analyzes the Western New York theater scene and occasionally looks at what's happening on Broadway and across the nation.Chase is the founder of the Artie Awards, which recognizes excellence in Western New York theater and raises money for AIDS charities.

In this final episode, Kenneth and Sharon Holley, owners of Zawadi Books, share how literacy, oral tradition and Black entrepreneurship shaped their lives and their community. From childhood comic - book libraries to decades of cultural stewardship, their story shows how family history becomes community history and how stories keep us rooted.

In this episode, Rene Petties - Jones shares her experience navigating dementia, hospice and the emotional weight of becoming a caregiver for her mother. Her story shines a light on the inequities Black families face at the end of life and the cultural traditions that bring joy and dignity even in grief.