What’s Next?
Music Podcasts
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...
Location:
United States
Genres:
Music Podcasts
Description:
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 WhatsNext@btpm.org.
Twitter:
@WBFO
Language:
English
Contact:
716-845-7000
Email:
podcasts@wned.org
Episodes
UB Law Report on Immigration Enforcement and Local Police Cooperation
4/15/2026
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, including cases in Western New York that demonstrate the consequences of local involvement. The report also points to potential policy solutions, including the New York for All Act, and calls for clearer guidelines and stronger oversight.
Duration:00:55:28
Producer’s Pick feat. Ben Hilligas, Jessica Bauer Walker, Sam Radford and Syntyia Taylor
4/13/2026
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 and What’s Next? contributor Ekua Mends-Aidoo conversation with Board Chair of Buffalo Black Nurses Syntyia Taylor.
Duration:00:55:28
Addressing Trafficking and Supporting Women Survivors
4/8/2026
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 language barriers and lack of documentation, and the importance of education and legislation in addressing trafficking. Galloway also highlights the organization’s two-year residential program, which helps women rebuild their lives with a focus on stability and independence, and her work on a state task force addressing the disproportionate impact of trafficking on Black, Indigenous, and women of color.
Duration:00:55:28
How Buffalo Organizations Are Building Career Pathway
4/6/2026
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 Holley of the Northland Workforce Training Center discuss how their programs are helping individuals access job training, transportation, and family support services. They also highlight the importance of wraparound care, employer partnerships, and meeting community needs with empathy and intention.
Duration:00:55:28
Homeownership in 2026 Barriers Breakthroughs and the Path Forward
4/1/2026
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.
Duration:00:55:28
Energy Efficiency Programs for Low Income Households in WNY
3/30/2026
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 bills, while also addressing the barriers many families face in accessing these programs.
Duration:00:55:28
Women in Power and the Path Forward
3/25/2026
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.
Duration:00:55:28
How Storytelling Connects Community and Academia
3/23/2026
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, highlighting the importance of storytelling, language, and intergenerational dialogue in Indigenous communities. They also reflect on the role of storytelling in bridging academia and community, while shaping identity and preserving culture.
Duration:00:55:28
Restorative Justice and School Suspensions in Buffalo Public Schools
3/16/2026
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 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.
Duration:00:55:29
Honoring Women’s Voices on What’s Next
3/11/2026
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 promote early detection, healthy living, and empowerment for women affected by breast cancer. We also hear from dietitian and nutritionist Rachel Laster as she discusses the challenges of maintaining New Year’s resolutions and the importance of sustainable, long term dietary habits.
Duration:00:55:29
How Neighborhood Centers Are Supporting Buffalo Families
3/9/2026
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. She also shares how the organization is shifting to dignity centered food shares and how a new 1.2 million dollar grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation will expand respite care for caregivers.
Duration:00:55:29
The Nursing Home Funding Crisis
3/4/2026
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 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.
Duration:00:55:28
Beyond Punishment: Rethinking School Discipline
3/2/2026
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 findings led to an Assurance of Discontinuance agreement requiring reforms, including a shift toward restorative practices, greater transparency, and oversight from an independent monitor and district ombudsman. Education advocate Jessica Bauer Walker and community leader Sam Radford join What’s Next? to discuss what this agreement means for students, parents, and the future of accountability in Buffalo schools.
Duration:00:55:28
The Sankofa Vision
2/25/2026
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 awareness, cultural identity, and reconnecting across the African diaspora. A conversation about knowledge, self-discovery, and the responsibility to understand who we are in order to shape where we are going.
Duration:00:56:29
Reclaiming Africa’s Story: Across Generations, Across the Diaspora
2/23/2026
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 Sankofa Conference, she reflects on why reclaiming history matters now more than ever. We also hear from community builder Juweria Dahir and her son Gerbriel Sharif, a young historian, as they discuss remembering African history beyond narratives of struggle and strengthening connections across the diaspora.
Duration:00:55:28
Access, Advocacy, and Empowerment
2/18/2026
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 Johnson-Huff, founder of MWBE Constructors Inc. and creator of the Black Business Curriculum.
Duration:00:55:28
Strengthening Minds, Strengthening Community
2/16/2026
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 training in reducing stigma. We also hear from Kinya Baker, a registered social worker and educator participating in the upcoming Sankofa Conference, who shares her work supporting refugees and fostering empathetic conversations through Shade of Humanity Consulting. A conversation about mental wellness, empathy, and strengthening community connections.
Duration:00:55:29
Reclaiming History, Reclaiming Ourselves
2/11/2026
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.
Duration:00:55:28
Bridging Education and Community
2/9/2026
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 Minority Business Directory, who discusses the importance of self-reflection, community, and creating space for honest dialogue. An episode focused on education, purpose, and building stronger communities.
Duration:00:55:28
Education, Health, and the Work Ahead
2/4/2026
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 Nurses, who discusses the importance of representation, patient advocacy, and health education as she prepares to serve as a panelist at the upcoming Sankofa Conference. A conversation about access, equity, and empowering communities through education and care.
Duration:00:55:00