© 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
Give Now
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
What’s Next?

Buffalo, What’s Next? | Producers’ Picks

Published June 12, 2023 at 10:48 AM EDT
Ways To Subscribe

On this week’s Producers’ Picks highlights episode we revisit our previous conversations with: Buffalo poet laureate Jillian Hanesworth, director of Agents for Advocacy and author Mark Talley, and mental health advocate Karl Shallowhorn.

2023
Stay Connected
Latest Episodes
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 336" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Homeownership in 2026 Barrier Breakthroughs and the Path Forward", then photos of Takeysha Mudzingwa and Jim Ahrens with their names underneath.
    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 and share practical strategies to navigate credit, financing, and the path from pre-qualification to closing.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 335" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households", then a photo of Michael Casciano with his name underneath.
    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.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 334" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Women in Power and the Path Forward", then photos of Karen King and Lisa Chimera with their names underneath.
    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 disparities in pay, representation, and mental health support.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 333" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Storytelling Connects Community and Academia", then photos of Mishuana Goeman and Aaron VanEvery with their names underneath.
    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, Mishuana Goeman and Aaron VanEvery discuss the purpose and impact of the conference, highlighting the importance of storytelling, language, and intergenerational dialogue in Indigenous communities.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 332" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Restorative Justice and School Suspensions in Buffalo Public Schools", then photos of Dina Thompson and Andy Prinzing with their names underneath.
    Restorative Justice and School Suspensions in Buffalo Public Schools
    In this episode of What’s Next?, Dina Thompson of the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition and training director Andy Prinzing speak with contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo about how restorative justice can help address the root causes of student behavior, strengthen relationships in schools, and significantly reduce suspensions.
  • 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.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 330" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "How Neighborhood Centers Are Supporting Buffalo Families", then a photo of Chandra Redfern with her name underneath.
    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 for older adults.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 329" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "The Nursing Home Funding Crisis", then photos of Sebrina Barrett, Lisa Haglund, and Hadley Horrigan with their names underneath.
    The Nursing Home Funding Crisis
    As lawmakers debate the New York State budget, advocates are pushing for $750 million to stabilize nursing homes and prevent more closures. Sebrina Barrett of LeadingAge New York, Hadley Horrigan of Catholic Health, and Lisa Haglund of Heritage Ministries join What’s Next? for a conversation about funding, access to care, and what it means for families across the region.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 328" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "Beyond Punishment: Rethinking School Discipline", then photos of Jessica Bauer Walker and Sam Radford, III with their names underneath.
    Beyond Punishment: Rethinking School Discipline
    The New York Attorney General's investigation into Buffalo Public Schools confirmed long-standing concerns: Black students are six times more likely to be suspended than white students, and Latino students four times more likely. Jessica Bauer Walker and Sam Radford join What’s Next? to discuss the required reforms and their impact on students and families.
  • Red background with a thick black stripe in the middle. In the top corner is "EPISODE 327" in white text. then, centered from top to bottom, is: What's Next? logo, "The Sankofa Vision", then a photo of Emmanuel Kulu with his name underneath.
    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.