Explore every episode of the podcast Rochester Speaks

Brian Piper, founder of Airflow Solutions, Deborah Ross of kidsoutandabout.com and Nick Koziol from the Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Rochester join the show to talk about the Main Street AI Summit coming to the U of R on Friday November 13th.

Brian walks through what the all-day summit will actually do for attendees, from hands-on workshops and a Microsoft keynote to a 90-day implementation plan and ongoing community meetups. Deborah shares how she uses AI as a thought partner rather than a ghostwriter, cutting her weekly column writing time nearly in half without losing her voice. Nick explains why the U of R signed on as cornerstone sponsor and what connecting small businesses to student talent has already produced.

A free introductory webinar runs the week before for anyone who wants to get comfortable with the basics before the event. Bring your laptop. In-person attendance is at the Fellen Ballroom at the University of Rochester. Virtual attendance is also available.

Register and sign up for the free webinar at mainstreetevent.com.

JonAvery Worrell, who plays Knuck in the national touring production of Hell's Kitchen, joins the show ahead of the show's run at West Herr Auditorium Theatre to talk about the production, the character and what Rochester audiences are in for.

JonAvery shares how he built Knuck from a combination of his own experiences and his father's, what it is like to have performed the role nearly 400 times and still find something new in it, and why this cast in particular feels like something special from top to bottom. He also talks about what makes Hell's Kitchen's reimagined Alicia Keys catalog feel fresh even for listeners who know every song by heart, and why he believes no matter who you are or where you come from you will find yourself somewhere in this story.

Hell's Kitchen runs Tuesday through Sunday at West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Eight performances. Tickets at rbtl.org.

Dr. Melvin Cross Jr., pastor of Amplify Church in downtown Rochester, joins the show for a wide ranging conversation about faith, community and the role the local church plays in the health of our city.

Dr. Cross shares why he believes healthy churches build healthy communities, what the data actually shows about Gen Alpha returning to church and what they are looking for when they get there, and why Rochester's faith community, despite doing significant work, is operating about a decade behind cities of similar size. He also talks about the Care Portal, a technology that connects local churches directly to the Department of Human Services to meet real time family needs, and makes the case for why faith based organizations across denominational and even religious lines can collaborate around a common cause without compromising their own beliefs.

For anyone who has experienced church hurt or simply drifted away, Dr. Cross has something honest and direct to say about trying again, and how to find a community that will actually meet you where you are.

Find Dr. Cross on all social media platforms at Melvin Cross Jr. and find Amplify Church at Amplifyny.org. Sunday services are at 10:30am at 111 North Chestnut Street in Rochester.

Christina Thompson, Executive Director, and Shawn Futch, board member and breast cancer survivor, join the show during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to talk about what the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester does, why local giving matters more than most people realize and what the organization means to the people it serves.

Christina shares something every consumer should know before buying a pink product this month, why 100% of every dollar donated to BCCR stays in the community, how the coalition funds two local research grants every year and what is changing in December when gynecologic cancer research gets added to the mix. Shawn shares what it felt like to walk through those doors at the beginning of her diagnosis and why she has never left.

The single most valuable thing you can do before October ends does not have to cost a thing. Visit bccr.org or breastcancercoalition.org, share it with your network, or call 585.473.8177 to learn about volunteering, programs or how to support someone you know who may need them.

Jeremias Maneiro, associate broker at RE/MAX, joins the show to talk about one of the fastest growing threats facing Rochester renters and property owners, AI powered real estate scams, and how he accidentally became the local expert on stopping them.

Jeremias walks through how rental scams have evolved from simple listing grabs to fully fabricated properties with AI generated photos and addresses, shares a jaw dropping local case where a scammer moved tenants into a vacant home for months without the owner knowing, and explains how vacant land is now being fraudulently listed and sold. He also shares the strategy he used to trace 380 fake rental accounts back to a single overseas scam operation using AI itself to find the pattern.

The biggest takeaways: if a deal looks too good to be true in Rochester's low inventory market it almost certainly is, never wire money or send a deposit through Venmo or PayPal without verifying in person, and always find contact information yourself rather than trusting what someone sends you.

Learn more at jmanai.com.

JoAnne Ryan, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Rochester, joins the show ahead of Bee a Hero Day this Friday to share what the day is all about and how the community can get involved.

JoAnne shares what it looks like when a family arrives at the house, sometimes with nothing but the clothes on their back after a child has been mercy flighted to the hospital, and how Ronald McDonald House clears every logistical barrier so parents can focus entirely on their child. With 80% of funding coming from community generosity, events like Be a Hero Day are what keep those doors open for the 3,000 families the house serves every year.

This year's goal is $165,000. You can call in, donate online or give via Venmo throughout the day from 5:30am to 7:00pm on BE 92.5 and News10 NBC. Tim and Susan Fournier and the Fournier Family Foundation will match every gift up to $25,000 between 4:00 and 7:00pm. Every pizza sold at Salvatore's on Friday October 16th will also return 10% to the house thanks to Soccer Sam.

Visit ronaldmcdonaldhouserochester.org to donate or learn more.

Barry Howard, President and CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, and Barb Baldwin join the show to walk through everything changing for 2027 during annual enrollment season, and remind Rochester area residents that expert guidance is available at no cost through RocEnroll Health.

Barry explains which major carriers are leaving the Monroe County Medicare market for 2027, what the new $2,400 drug out of pocket maximum means for Medicare Advantage members, why working with a broker gives you a view of the full market that going direct to a carrier never will, and why anyone turning 65 in 2027 should be making a call right now. Barb walks through open enrollment for those under 65, running November 16th through December 15th, and what early retirees need to know before their coverage ends.

Medicare annual enrollment runs October 15th through December 7th.

Call 585.265.3851, visit rocenrollhealth.com or stop by the Webster Chamber office to schedule your free consultation with Barry or Barb.

Sheriff Todd Baxter and Ron Billitier, board member and pig roast chair of the Monroe County Sheriff's Foundation, join the show to talk about the annual pig roast coming up October 18th from noon to 4pm at Tony D's, and why the foundation's work matters more than most people realize.

Sheriff Baxter shares what the foundation actually funds that taxpayers do not cover, including mental health and wellness staff embedded in the department, state of the art gym facilities at zone stations and the new Regional Investigation Operations Center, a first of its kind technology fusion center in Upstate New York that helped solve a homicide in four hours. He also shares his honest take on speed cameras and what good culture looks like inside a 1,200 person organization.

Ron explains how the pig roast has grown into one of the community's most beloved events, with bagpipes, live entertainment from Claudia Heuser and a crowd that keeps asking to come back.

Tickets are close to sold out. Register and learn more at monroecountysheriffsfoundation.org/events.

Katlyn Newberry, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes, returns to Rochester Speaks during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to talk about four upcoming Saturday screening opportunities and why getting a mammogram this fall could be one of the most important things you do all year.

Katlyn shares why early detection changes everything, what to watch for between appointments, and why the anxiety around going is almost always worse than the appointment itself. She also explains how the Cancer Services Program covers the full cost of breast, cervical and colon cancer screenings for anyone in Monroe, Livingston, Seneca, Yates, Ontario or Wayne County without health insurance, including all diagnostic and follow-up care.

Four Saturday screening days are coming up. October 10th at Elizabeth Wendy Breast Care on Sawgrass Drive, October 17th at Highland Breast Imaging on Red Creek Drive, November 7th at the brand new Thompson Health Breast Imaging Center in Canandaigua and December 13th back at Elizabeth Wendy. CSP staff will be on site at each event.

To enroll or make an appointment call 585.224.3070, or visit their website.

Albert Nocciolino, producer and presenter for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, joins the show to talk about Boop!, the brand new Broadway musical making its national touring debut right here in Rochester October 3rd through 10th at West Herr Auditorium Theatre.

Albert shares why Rochester was chosen to open the tour, what the economic impact looks like when 100 cast and crew members spend four weeks in the city, and what improvements to the West Herr Auditorium Theatre mean for the patron experience this season. He also walks through all seven shows in the 2026 to 2027 M&T Bank Broadway Season and makes the case for why this is one of the strongest lineups RBTL has put together in years.

With over 9,000 season ticket holders already committed, single tickets for Boop! and season packages for all seven shows are still available.

Get tickets and season packages at rbtl.org or through Ticketmaster.

Krista Jackson, board member of Embrace Your Sisters, joins the show to celebrate the organization's 20th anniversary and talk about the 15th annual Positively Pink in Pittsford Walk happening Sunday October 4th at Pittsford Sutherland High School.

Krista shares how Embrace Your Sisters has quietly given away nearly $1 million in emergency financial assistance to breast cancer patients across 13 counties, all through a 100% volunteer board with no overhead, so every dollar donated goes directly to people in the community. She also shares her own experience as a breast cancer survivor and what it means to be able to focus on healing without the weight of financial stress.

Check in starts at 9:00 AM with the walk kicking off at 10:00 AM. Raise $30 and receive a Positively Pink T-shirt. Girl Scouts will be on site for face painting, Lucky Duck Donuts and Blue Dog Drink Company from Victor will have refreshments available and walkers are encouraged to come solo, as a team, or in honor of a loved one.

The goal this year is $25,000, and almost 40% of that has been raised so far.

Register at embraceyoursisters.org or show up October 4th at 9:00 AM. To apply for assistance or learn more call or text 585.624.9690.

Brian Keene, Director of Facilities and Special Projects, and Whitney Snead, Director of Development at the House of Mercy, join the show to talk about a major new Medicaid program that is quietly changing the way Rochester's most vulnerable residents get help and why eligible people need to act now.

Brian explains how the New York State Social Care Network came to be, why the House of Mercy was one of the first organizations the state approached to participate and what nearly $2 million in direct financial assistance distributed in just two years has looked like on the ground, from rental assistance to utility support to moving costs and security deposits for people transitioning out of shelter into housing.

Whitney reminds listeners that while the Social Care Network serves Medicaid members specifically, the House of Mercy's doors are open to all people regardless of insurance status, and that mission of connection and care has not changed in over 40 years.

If you are a Medicaid or Medicaid managed care member, getting screened into the Social Care Network should happen as soon as possible. You can walk into the House of Mercy, download the Find Help app at the Apple or Google Play Store, self-refer at forwardleadingindependentprovider.org or learn more about the House of Mercy itself at houseofmercy.org.

Debra Ross, founder of Kidsoutandabout.com and co-chair of the National Eclipse Task Force, joins the show to talk about her new book The Eclipse Effect and what the experience of organizing Rochester's total solar eclipse response taught her about community, leadership and what it means to seize an extraordinary moment.

Debra shares how she went from eclipse skeptic to the woman who spent seven years rallying 175 active members and hundreds more around a single moment in the sky, how Rochester became the national gold standard for eclipse community organizing, and why cloudy skies on April 8th 2024 did not make the event a failure at all. She also makes the case that the same principles apply to anniversary parties, civic events, sports championships or any other catalyst that pulls people together.

The Eclipse Effect is available at theeclipseeffect.com and wherever books are sold.

Julio Vazquez, Board Chair, and Eugenio Marlin, Vice Chair, of Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School join the show to share the story of Rochester's longest running and only bilingual charter school, and to talk about the brand new 54 million dollar campus now open on Joseph Avenue.

Julio and Eugenio explain how the dual language model works from kindergarten through graduation, why being bilingual is an asset in virtually every career field, and what makes a charter school structure different from a traditional public school in ways that benefit students and families directly. They also share how the new building came together, what naming opportunities exist for community donors, and why the school is now a genuine anchor for the Joseph Avenue neighborhood.

Tours are available for anyone interested in learning more or exploring whether the school is the right fit for their child. The lottery opens each spring and city school district students receive preference.

Visit emhcharter.org to apply, donate or request a tour.

Erica Fee, CEO of the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival, joins the show to preview 12 days of performances across 45 venues running September 15th through 26th, and make the case for why Rochester showing up for this festival matters beyond just entertainment.

Erica highlights a handful of must see shows including Tea Party at the End of the World with only 30 tickets, Just to Be Close to You with 60 tickets and 10 awards, the outdoor Circus in the City at Parcel 5 on September 18th and 19th and Pete Davidson at Eastman Theatre on September 25th. She also talks about the economic ripple effect of the festival, what it does for downtown venues long term and why getting younger Rochesterians comfortable downtown is one of the festival's quieter victories.

There are five ways to get tickets. Buy online at rochesterfringe.com, through the app in the Apple or Google Play Store, by phone at 585.957.9857, at the main festival box office at Main and Gibbs starting September 13th or at any venue door one hour before showtime.

Tom O'Connor, President of Al Sigl Community of Agencies, joins the show to talk about two of their biggest fall events and what makes this 65 year old Rochester institution unlike anything else in the country.

Tom shares how Al Sigl supports seven nonprofit member agencies by providing space, shared services and fundraising infrastructure so they can focus on serving over 55,000 children and adults with disabilities and special needs in our community. He also spotlights Medical Motor Service and Rochester Hearing and Speech Center as two member agencies doing especially critical work that many Rochesterians do not know about.

Fine Tastings is September 24th at Monroe Golf Club featuring local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries plus a new mocktail experience from Threads and Tonic. The Community Walkabout is a free accessible trick or treat and costume contest at Eastview Mall, wrapping up before the Bills kick off.

Register and find sponsorship opportunities at alsigl.org/tastings and alsigl.org/events.

Colleen Parsons and Rob Poltrino, co-chairs of the Cancer Support Community Rochester Heroes Ball, join the show to talk about an organization that has been serving everyone touched by cancer since 1959 and the upcoming gala that helps make it all possible.

Colleen shares what CSC Rochester actually offers, from one on one mental health counseling and support groups to yoga, art classes, a food pantry and a kitchen where community groups can come cook dinner for members. Everything is free to members. Rob shares what brought him to CSC and why he believes in it deeply enough to help lead their biggest fundraiser of the year.

That fundraiser is the Heroes Ball on Friday October 9th at the Hyatt Regency downtown, featuring Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas as the keynote speaker. From 9:00 to 9:45pm attendees will have the chance to get a photo with Thomas. A VIP pre-event is also available while tickets last.

Get tickets, learn about volunteer opportunities or reach out about community chefs nights at cscrochester.org/heroesball.

Jeff Pier, President and CEO of the Child Advocacy Center of Greater Rochester, joins the show to talk about the child abuse epidemic hiding in plain sight across our community and what his organization does when a child comes forward.

Jeff shares how the CAC brings 20 partner agencies including police, the district attorney's office, medical professionals and child protective services under one roof so children never have to tell their story more than once. He also makes an important distinction every parent and trusted adult should hear, the difference between a trusted adult and a safe adult, and why that shift in language could protect a child before abuse ever occurs.

If a child says something that concerns you call 585.935.7800 or visit cacgroc.org. For active disclosures contact the New York State Child Protective Services hotline first.

Jen Cathy, President and CEO of Delphi Rise, joins the show to mark the organization's 90th anniversary and take stock of how far addiction treatment has come since the 1930s when the only answers were jail or church.

Jen walks through nine decades of evolving understanding, from moral failure to chronic disease, from the War on Drugs to harm reduction, and shares where Delphi Rise stands today on some of the most debated questions in addiction treatment. She also talks about a shift most people have not noticed yet, alcohol use disorder has quietly become the number one diagnosis they see, and the THC levels in today's marijuana are changing that conversation too.

Delphi Rise operates Monroe County's only 24/7 walk-in program. No insurance required, no one turned away.

The 90th Anniversary Celebration is September 24th at Arbor Loft with emcee Norma Holland. Tickets are $90.

Visit delphirise.org to get help, volunteer, donate pantry items or purchase tickets to the celebration.

Julia Oakley, director of Agape Haven of Abundance, stopped by Rochester Speaks with ten of her summer camp youth to share what seven years of out of school programming has built in the Rochester community.

The kids speak for themselves. In just a few minutes of conversation, they cover financial literacy, mental health, Black history, yoga, sailing, horseback riding, job fairs and what it means to have a safe and loving place to grow during the summer months. Their future plans include nursing, law, teaching, medicine, psychology, professional sports and yes, at least one NFL or NBA career with a rap backup plan.

Agape Haven of Abundance provides out of school time programming for children in the city of Rochester, functioning as a home away from home and offering holistic support during the summer and school year.

Learn more at: https://www.agapehavenofabundance.org/

Lindsay Kremers, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Haley Rockow, Youth Engagement Coordinator at the Smoking and Health Action Coalition of Livingston and Monroe Counties, join the show to talk about where tobacco use stands today and why vaping has created a whole new set of challenges for public health advocates.

Lindsay and Haley walk through the coalition's four main program areas including tobacco free outdoor spaces, point of sale restrictions, tobacco litter and environmental impact, and smoke free multi unit housing. They share updates on local progress including Tri-City Rentals converting 3,000 units across Monroe County to smoke free, and celebrate two Reality Check youth ambassadors who took their advocacy all the way to the state level this year.

Haley also breaks down what is actually in a vape device, why synthetic nicotine is not a safe alternative and what the vapor you cannot smell is still doing to the people around you.

To find quitting resources visit the Quit Line or Smoke Free New York. Learn more about the coalition's work at smokingandhealth.org.

Albert Nocciolino, producer and presenter for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, joins the show to preview the 2026 to 2027 M&T Bank Broadway Season at West Herr Auditorium Theatre and make the case for why this is one of the best lineups RBTL has put together in years.

Albert walks through all seven shows, talks about the economic impact of touring Broadway on Rochester businesses and hotels, why West Herr Auditorium Theatre has become a true regional destination drawing audiences from Erie to Binghamton, and what RBTL's education program is doing to build the next generation of theater lovers across Monroe County's high schools.

An open house is happening Wednesday August 19th from 10am to 5pm at West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Come tour the venue, see the renovations and pick out your season seats.

Season tickets, single tickets and full season information are available at rbtl.org.

Rob Sullivan, speaker and author of The Trek Within, joins the show to share one of the most remarkable personal journeys you will hear on Rochester Speaks, starting with a cancer diagnosis on his 48th birthday and ending with a dream that saved his life years later.

Rob talks about why he chose to go public about his illness, why he never used the word "have" to describe his cancer, and what shifted for him when he stopped thinking about fighting and started thinking about walking alongside what his body was trying to teach him. He also shares the story of a dream so vivid and specific that it led him to an urgent care on the way to get shrimp tacos and saved him from a widow maker heart attack with a 95% blocked artery.

The Trek Within is available through your local independent bookseller, Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-trek-within-rob-ryan-sullivan/1145642779

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962071340?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Erica Fee, CEO and Festival Producer of the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival, joins the show fresh off a scouting trip to the Edinburgh Fringe to talk about what is coming to Rochester September 15th through 26th, and why this festival continues to stand apart from anything else happening in American cities.

Erica shares the origin story of the Edinburgh Fringe dating back to 1947, how Rochester's festival has grown into one of the largest in the country with 715 shows across 45 venues, and what makes the bifurcated model so unique. She also previews Circus in the City at Parcel 5 and Gibbs Street on September 18th and 19th, Pete Davidson at Eastman Theatre on the 25th, the brand new Garden Studio at One Fringe Place, the Spiegel Tent, Street Beat at MLK Park on the 26th and a handful of limited capacity shows that are worth grabbing tickets for immediately.

About a quarter of all shows are completely free. Tickets for everything else are available now.

Visit rochesterfringe.com, download the Rochester Fringe app or stop by the festival box office at Main and Gibbs Street during the festival. Tickets can also be purchased by phone or at venue doors one hour before showtime if available.

Dr. Laura Ellick, licensed psychologist specializing in eating disorders, joins the show for an honest and eye opening conversation about a condition that affects nearly one in ten Americans and carries the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness.

Dr. Ellick shares what eating disorders actually look like across the full spectrum, why they affect far more people than most assume including men and adults in their 40s and 50s, what signs to watch for in a loved one and why saying the wrong thing to someone with an eating disorder is easier to do than most people realize. She also talks about her own experience with an eating disorder in college and what drew her to specializing in this area.

To reach Dr. Ellick, schedule a consultation or learn more visit lauraellick.com.

Shawn "Gee" Goburn, Executive Director and founder of Alive + Well, joins the show to talk about the work his organization does helping Rochester youth discover who they are, what they want and how to build a path forward that actually fits them.

Shawn shares his own story, what the three fundamental questions at the heart of Alive + Well's work actually unlock in young people, why focusing on money alone is one of the biggest obstacles to finding real direction and what adults and parents can do differently when trying to guide the young people in their lives.

The 2026 to 2027 school year is a big one for Alive + Well with contracts to work in all nine Rochester City high schools, programming at RIT and conversations underway with districts in surrounding counties.

To volunteer, donate or learn more visit aliveandwellny.org.

Joshua Shea, addiction and trauma coach and author, returns for a follow up conversation focused on parents, kids and how to navigate a world saturated with sexual content in a way that actually protects children rather than putting them at greater risk.

Joshua shares why making sex and nudity taboo often backfires, what the research says about how porn addiction actually develops in young people, and what parents can do at every age to keep the lines of communication open. He also previews a book he is currently writing on parenting and healthy sexuality.

Learn more, book a session or explore Joshua's other books at thatcorncoach.com.

Dean Lucas, founder of the Lee Lucas Memorial Poker Run, joins the show to talk about the 10th and final year of a ride he created in honor of his son Lee, who died of a fentanyl laced heroin overdose in December 2016 at the age of 27.

Dean shares Lee's story, what this ride has meant to him and his wife Brenda over the past decade, why proceeds go to Father Tracy's Advocacy Center in Rochester and why unrestricted funding from events like this one makes such a critical difference for people in crisis.

The ride is Saturday August 15th, starting at 290 Salt Road with kickstands up at 11am. All riders receive a free Dinosaur BBQ meal. You do not need a motorcycle to participate and you can also join at the end party from 4pm.

Buy tickets, sponsor the ride, donate raffle items or find merchandise at leelucasride.com.

Julia Locey, CEO, and Stephanie Campanelli, Development Director at Vertus Charter School, join the show to talk about one of Rochester's most distinctive public schools, a tuition free all-boys high school at 21 Humboldt Street built around developing men of character.

Julia and Stephanie share what makes Vertus different from both traditional public schools and other charter schools, how the preceptor model creates connection between students and adults, why being year round and diversity focused actually prepares young men better for college and careers, and what a graduate reciting the school creed years later says about the culture they have built.

Vertus currently serves between 340 and 360 students and has a higher graduation rate than the Rochester City School District. Programs include barbering, esports and music production alongside competitive athletics as the Warriors.

Visit vertusschool.org, stop by 21 Humboldt Street or call 585.747.8911 to schedule a tour.

Nanette of the Filipino American Association of Rochester joins the show to talk about the very first Filipino Festival in Rochester, happening this Saturday July 25th from 11am to 6pm at Rushwood Barn at 72 West Henrietta Road in Rush.

Nanette shares what the Filipino American Association of Rochester has been doing for 55 years, what makes Filipino culture so warm and welcoming, and what attendees can expect this weekend including food trucks serving adobo, pancit and lumpia, cultural and modern dance performances, a live set from the all-Filipino Maoy Band out of Syracuse and a karaoke contest with a cash prize for the winner.

The festival is free and open to everyone. The long term goal is to build a community center where all of Rochester's cultures can gather together.

Learn more about the Filipino American Association of Rochester and upcoming events at filamroc.org.

Char Cordone, Executive Director of the People's Pantry at 555 Avenue D in Rochester, joins the show to talk about what food insecurity looks like in our community right now and how the People's Pantry is working to meet a growing and urgent need.

Char shares what makes the People's Pantry different from other food pantries, why demand is increasing by about 10 percent every month, what the pantry needs most right now in terms of food donations and volunteers, and what it would actually take to address food insecurity at a deeper level in Rochester.

The People's Pantry is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30am to noon and serves all of Monroe County with no zip code restrictions. Volunteers are especially needed this summer.

Visit peoples-pantry.org or find them on Facebook to donate, volunteer or learn more.

Joshua Shea, porn addiction and betrayal trauma coach and author, joins the show for a candid and judgment free conversation about one of the most common and least discussed struggles people face today.

Joshua shares his own story, the difference between casual use and addiction, why the question of what you are watching matters far less than why, and what the first steps toward recovery actually look like. He also addresses why kids with smartphones in 2026 are at greater risk than any previous generation, and why porn addiction has nothing to do with who you are as a person.

Learn more, book a session or explore Joshua's books at thatcorncoach.com.

Chris Bull, member of the Penfield Rotary Club, joins the show to talk about Chasing Chains for Charity, a disc golf tournament he organized at Shadow Pines Park in Penfield that raised over $6,500 split between the Dream Factory of Rochester and the Rotary Club of Penfield.

Chris shares why disc golf made such a natural fit for a charity fundraiser, what the Dream Factory does for critically and chronically ill children in our community and what his own connection to Rotary has meant to him personally. The event is coming back next year and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Learn more about the Dream Factory of Rochester at dreamfactoryinc.org/rochester and the Penfield Rotary Club at penfieldrotary.org.

Show Notes:

Chris Bull, Principal Consultant at Toro Solutions, joins the show to cut through the fear around AI and talk about what change management actually looks like for Rochester businesses navigating new technology.

Chris shares what AI agents are and why they are different from the chatbot tools most people think of, what the real opportunity looks like for small and mid-sized businesses, and why he believes the companies and leaders who treat stagnation as the real threat are the ones who will come out ahead.

Learn more and start a conversation at torosolution.com or find Torro Solutions on LinkedIn.

Jennifer Sisson, life coach and founder of Focused on the Future Life Coaching, joins the show to talk about something most people underestimate, how common stalking actually is, what it really looks like in everyday life and how to keep moving forward when it feels impossible.

Jennifer shares her own experience as a stalking victim, what the process of documenting and protecting yourself looks like over time, and why she believes coaching and community support are just as important as legal action. She also addresses what most people get wrong about how stalking starts, who it happens to and how long it can go on.

If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or just wants to learn more, reach Jen at focusedonthefuturelifecoaching.com or on Instagram at @jensisson65.

Megan Gaul, weight loss coach and founder of Partake Meal Planning, joins the show to talk about losing 100 pounds naturally, keeping it off for seven years and what she has learned about helping others do the same.

Megan shares what actually moved the needle for her, why most people overlook the real habits that are keeping their weight up, what she thinks about GLP-1s, and why the relationship with food matters more than any plan you can download. She also makes a compelling case for why you probably do not have to give up dessert entirely.

A free Solve Stress Eating Emergency Kit is available at partakemealplanning.com, where you can also learn more about working with Megan one on one.

Barry Howard, President and CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, and Susan Tripp, founder and owner of SMT Mobile Notary, join the show to celebrate Susan's recognition as the Webster Chamber June Business of the Month.

Susan shares the personal story that led her to start SMT Mobile Notary, what the business actually looks like day to day, where she goes and who she serves, and how being an active Webster Chamber member has shaped her success. Barry explains what sets Susan apart and why the chamber recognized her this month.

Reach Susan at smtnotary.com, call 585.478.8371 or find her on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Webster Chamber at websterchamber.com and health insurance enrollment at rocenrollhealth.com.

Debi Carlin Boyle, certified health and nutrition coach and personal trainer, joins the show to cut through the noise around healthy living, from what is actually in the foods being marketed as healthy to what you should know before going on a GLP-1.

Debi shares her philosophy on bio-individuality, why she never puts clients on a dramatic diet overhaul, what she looks for when reading a food label, her honest and nuanced take on GLP-1 medications and what most people get wrong about them, and simple ways to stay active even when Rochester weather has other ideas.

Learn more and connect with Debi at balancedlifebydebie.com.

Tonya McBride Robles, incoming President and CEO of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, joins the show ahead of her August 17th start date to talk about her background, what drew her to the RPO and what she hopes to build here in Rochester.

Tonya shares her path from the Peabody Conservatory to senior executive roles at orchestras around the country, what two decades of following a naval officer around the world taught her about music and community, and why arriving at the RPO feels like the culmination of her life's work. She also talks about what she sees in Rochester that excites her, where she thinks the RPO can grow and what she plans to do first when she walks through the door.

Spoiler: she plans to listen.

Learn more about upcoming RPO performances and programs at rpo.org.

Diane McClure, mother of Meredith, and Katie Hout from the American Red Cross join the show to talk about the 15th annual Fairport Angels Blood Drive, held this Thursday June 18th from 1 to 7pm in the gym at St. John of Rochester in Fairport.

Diane shares the story behind the drive, what these 15 years of gathering have meant to the families of Hannah, Bailey, Meredith, Sarah and Katie, and why this particular way of honoring them has resonated so deeply with the community. Katie explains the very real and urgent need for blood donations heading into the summer months and what this drive has meant to the region year after year.

Every donor who gives this Thursday will receive a $15 gift card by email. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are preferred.

Schedule at redcrossblood.org, use the code FAIRPORTANGELS to make sure your donation is credited to the drive, use the Red Cross mobile app or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Chris Widmaier, Executive Director of Rochester Ecology Partners, joins the show to talk about getting outside this summer, where to go and what his organization has planned for kids, families and educators across the region.

Chris shares some of his favorite underrated spots across Monroe County, from the west side to the east side, talks about what makes Rochester's parks and waterways genuinely special compared to other cities he has lived in, and offers a simple way to connect with nature even if you only have a few minutes to spare.

Coming up this summer Rochester Ecology Partners has the Growing Good youth program at the Food Link Farm on Lexington Avenue, Eco Expeditions for students in grades first through sixth on July 1st and 2nd at Seneca Park and a Nature Based Learning Symposium at Durand Eastman Park in late August.

Find the full event calendar and program details at rochesterecologypartners.org and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

Pam Ayers, founder of the Spencerport Free Food Pantry and principal at Impromptu Consulting, joins the show to talk about food insecurity in the suburbs, why it looks different than most people expect and what five years of running a no barrier, no questions asked pantry in the village of Spencerport has taught her about community.

Pam talks about the misconceptions around suburban hunger, what is happening with SNAP benefits and why she believes food is the most basic way to show love to another person. She also shares the story behind one of her most loyal young donors, a little girl named Brooklyn, whose family's generosity carries a deeply personal reason behind it.

The pantry is open around the clock at 222 South Union Street in Spencerport. No income limits, no eligibility requirements, no paperwork. Just take what you need.

Find current shelf updates and more on Facebook at Spencerport Free Food Pantry.

Nathaniel Mich, Executive Director of Taproot Collective, joins the show to talk about community gardens, youth employment and what his organization is quietly building across Rochester's neighborhoods.

Nathaniel shares why Rochester is uniquely positioned for this kind of work, what Taproot Collective actually does for the 120 plus community gardens in the city, and how 40 to 45 young people from Monroe County households get their first real work experience every summer through the program. He also talks about what the recent changes to SNAP benefits mean for food insecurity in Rochester and why community gardens matter more right now than ever.

Tools and Tunes at Taproot is this Friday June 12th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Taproot office and teaching garden on First Street across from the Rochester Public Market. Free admission, live music, farm tours led by youth leaders and a visit from the Southeast Area Coalition's mobile tool shed truck.

Volunteer, get connected to a garden near you or learn more at taprootcollective.org

Amanda Miller, licensed mental health counselor and Director of Programs and Support Services at Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester, joins the show during Mental Health Awareness Month to talk about what it really looks like to support someone through one of the most isolating experiences a person can face.

Amanda shares what CSC Rochester offers its members, why the mental health challenges of cancer do not end when treatment does, and what she tells people who resist seeking help because they do not have an official diagnosis. She also talks about food insecurity among cancer patients, the Mapping My Journey personalized approach and what the people around a cancer patient can do to actually help.

The hardest part, she says, is just getting through the door.

Visit cscrochester.org, call 585.423.9700 or stop by 255 Alexander Street in Rochester to learn more or become a member.

On Memorial Day weekend, Barry Howard, President and CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, and Cheri Wood, local coordinator for Wreaths Across America in Webster, join the show to talk about honoring those who served, what that looks like in our community and how you can be part of it.

Cheri shares the heart behind Wreaths Across America, what the December 19th wreath laying ceremony at Webster Union Cemetery means to Gold Star families and veterans alike, and how the Webster Garlic Festival on September 12th and 13th helps make it all possible. Barry explains why Wreaths Across America was named the Webster Chamber's May Business of the Month and what that recognition means in a community built around connection and service.

Cheri also offers a simple but powerful suggestion for how anyone can honor a veteran this Memorial Day weekend, one that goes beyond a simple thank you.

Sponsor a wreath, share a veteran story or learn more at websterwreaths.com. Find Garlic Festival details at webstergarlicfest.com and explore Webster Chamber membership at websterchamber.com.

Laurie Valentine, CEO of the Society for the Protection and Care of Children, returns for part two of our conversation about SPCC's work in Rochester, this time focusing on what drives the mission forward, how the community can get involved and what the next chapter looks like for the country's oldest nonprofit agency.

Laurie shares what she believes is the true catalyst for change in the families SPCC serves, a caring adult who believes in the potential of both the child and the parent, and explains why nurturing parents so they can nurture their children is at the heart of nearly every program the organization runs. She also shares the story of a young mom who at 22, after years of hardship, finished school, landed a full time job and is buying her first home.

Many of SPCC's programs currently have long waiting lists, and donations play a critical role in filling the gaps that grant funding cannot cover, from back to school supplies and beds to security deposits for mothers leaving abusive situations and pots and pans for young parents starting their first home. Monthly giving, legacy gifts, one time donations and event sponsorships are all ways the community can help.

The 39th Children's Classic Golf Tournament takes place June 29th at Irondequoit Country Club. Foursomes, sponsorships and auction prize donations are all still available.

Register for the golf tournament at spccgolf2026.org, make a donation or learn more at spcc-roch.org, or reach the team directly at giving@spcc-roch.org.

Laurie Valentine, CEO of the Society for the Protection and Care of Children, joins the show to share the remarkable 150 year history of one of Rochester's most important nonprofits and to walk through the eight programs SPCC currently runs to support children and families across our region.

Discover how SPCC was founded in 1875 following the case of a young girl named Mary Ellen, whose story sparked a national movement and led to the creation of the country's first and then second Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, with Rochester's chapter becoming the second in the nation. Learn how the organization evolved through the Great Depression, World War II and the opioid crisis, how Carl Rogers began his career at SPCC in the early 1900s and how Rochester helped develop the nation's first family court system.

Laurie walks through all eight of SPCC's current programs including Family Trauma Intervention, Healthy Families Monroe, Teenage Parent Support Services, adolescent pregnancy prevention, therapeutic and supervised visitation and the WIC program serving 5,000 women, infants and children every month across five counties. She also shares the context behind the work, including Rochester's ranking among the top 10 poorest cities in the country, domestic violence rates 2.5 times higher than the rest of New York State and approximately 200 babies born to mothers 19 and younger each year, twice the national average.

SPCC is now planning for its next 150 years with a vision where hope is not a privilege and every child's future is determined by potential rather than circumstance.

Learn more and get involved at spcc-roch.org.

Joan Margaret, artist, art teacher at the Memorial Art Gallery and founder of Billboard Art ROCs, joins the show to talk about what happens when you combine a love of color, a commitment to community and a drive down a gray stretch of 490 after COVID.

Discover how Billboard Art ROCs got its start when Joan noticed how dismal the messaging around her felt on her daily commute and decided to do something about it, eventually placing her vibrant floral paintings on digital billboards around Rochester and receiving emails from strangers whose days were turned around by what they saw. Learn about her ongoing Have a Heart Hidden Heart Daily Painting Challenge for Charity, a project where hidden hearts are embedded in every painting and proceeds go to local organizations including the Center for Youth and Mount Hope Family Center.

The initiative has grown to include students from the Memorial Art Gallery winter camp, Rochester City schools and charter schools, with the goal of getting community created artwork up on billboards in the neighborhoods where those students actually live. Joan also shares how the vinyl from completed billboard installations is being recycled into billboard art bags by a local artisan, keeping the materials out of landfills and generating revenue to fund more programming.

Joan also teaches creative workshops for all ages at the Memorial Art Gallery, from five year olds to an 84 year old current student, with scholarships available for those with financial need. All class listings are available through the Memorial Art Gallery website under creative workshops.

To learn more about Billboard Art ROCs, get involved or inquire about sponsorship visit joanmargaret.com or email info@joanmargaret.com.

Maria Sommerville, Director of Marketing and Community Outreach, and Bethany Creager, Sales and Marketing Assistant, join the show to share what life looks like at the Highlands at Pittsford, an affiliate of the University of Rochester set on 52 beautiful acres just outside the village with a short walk to the Erie Canal.

Discover how the Highlands serves residents from age 62 to 104 across cottage homes, independent living apartments, assisted living and a brand new memory care wing, offering a true continuum of care so residents can age in place without uprooting their lives. With over 300 activities available every month, an indoor pool, a personal trainer, University of Rochester professor lectures and regular Eastman School performances, the community feels less like a facility and more like resort style living centered on the whole person.

The Highlands has a full summer of free community events open to everyone. The Summer Gazebo Concert Series runs every Thursday in July except July 2nd from 6:30 to 7:30pm, featuring the RPO Brass Quintet on July 9th, Indigo Breeze on July 16th, Elton John tribute Croc Rock on July 23rd and Uptown Groove with Mo Dancing on July 30th. The beloved annual Classic Car Show returns August 6th from 6 to 7:30pm with over 50 vehicles expected, music by Beck and the Bobcats and free food for all. Classic car owners interested in displaying their vehicles are encouraged to reach out. The Highlands Holiday Market is also coming November 19th from 10am to 2pm with local vendors and free admission.

Wait list spots for cottage homes and apartments are available now and the team encourages families to get on early given growing demand.

Call 585.641.6380 or visit thehighlandsatpittsford.org to schedule a tour or learn more.

Dr. Sara Calus, Director of Educational and Clinical Services at Rochester Hearing and Speech Center, joins the show to talk about the work happening every day with Rochester's youngest and most vulnerable children, and why the first five years of life are the most important window to pay attention to.

Discover what early intervention really means, a state funded play based program that sends physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and special educators into homes to coach parents and support children ages zero to five with developmental delays, communication challenges, sensory processing differences and motor development. Rochester Hearing and Speech Center is the only nonprofit with a footprint in Monroe County still providing these services, doing so despite state reimbursement rates that have barely budged since the program launched in 1993. As of this morning 743 children in Monroe County are on the waiting list for services they qualify for but cannot yet access.

Dr. Calus explains how the whole child approach at Rochester Hearing and Speech Center means therapists are not just working on one skill in isolation but collaborating across disciplines to address gross motor, sensory processing, communication and cognitive development all at once. Parents are coached at every visit so that progress continues throughout the week, not just during the hour a therapist is present.

Parents with questions about their child's development can call 753-KIDS to request an evaluation, speak with their pediatrician or attend the free guided play dates held the first Saturday of every month at the facility. All families of young children are welcome.

The Superhero 5K and Family Fun Run is Sunday June 7th at Seneca Park. Walk, run, roll or stroll, come dressed as your favorite superhero and celebrate the kids who face every challenge with extraordinary determination.

Register and learn more at rhsc.org.

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