Rochester Speaks

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/1145642779https://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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.Sonnet 4.6

Just in time for Earth Day, Chris Widmaier, Executive Director of Rochester Ecology Partners, joins the show to talk about what it means to help all people find nature where they live, work and play across the nine county greater Rochester region, and why that mission has never felt more urgent.Discover the Nature Rx movement, a growing practice where doctors and mental health practitioners prescribe time in nature as a medical intervention, with 70% of participants completing their prescriptions and reporting measurable improvements in wellbeing. Chris shares how Rochester Ecology Partners partnered with the Harley School and the Brown CRT Pediatric Research Foundation for a week long exploration of the health benefits of nature, including a trip to Cornell, a public lecture on mental health and outdoor research, and a family Vitamin N Day at the park complete with kite flying, creek critters and nature scavenger hunts.Chris also shares three Rochester nature gems worth visiting right now, Braddock Bay for the spring raptor migration and owl woods, Genesee Gateway Park downtown where 72 bird species have been documented throughout the year, and Black Creek Park on the southwest side, a hidden gem that feels far away even though it is not.Registration for the Growing Good summer youth program in collaboration with Food Link opens today at 5pm. A Finding Nature Friday drop in event takes place next Friday at the Rochester Ecology Partners office on Mount Hope, with book, plant and seed swaps and Earth Day activities. A free community fundraiser picnic is also coming in early June.Sign up for the newsletter and explore all summer programming at rochesterecologypartners.org.

When Julianne Groff was asked to apply for the Executive Director role at Webster Comfort Care Home in 2021, her first reaction was that she was a social worker, not a business person. Today she is the Webster Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Person of the Year, and her story is a reminder that leading with your heart is its own kind of business strategy.Discover how Julianne went from making referrals to Webster Comfort Care as a hospice social worker to running the organization, and why she believes that if your heart is truly in the work, the rest falls into place. Learn about the depth of her community involvement across church groups, the Webster Health and Education Network, Soul Sisters, Free Mom Hugs, the Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly, the women's club, the food pantry and her recent advocacy work for people living with long haul COVID.Julianne also shares a deeply personal story about how the Webster Museum became a monthly refuge for her and her father during his battle with dementia, a place where his long term memories came alive and connected them in ways nothing else could. That experience deepened her love for Webster and for the kind of community that makes those moments possible.Barry Howard, President and CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, explains the criteria behind the Business Person of the Year award and why Julianne embodies everything the honor is meant to recognize. In keeping with chamber tradition a donation has been made in Julianne's name to a charity of her choice, the Webster Museum.Learn more about the Webster Chamber and upcoming volunteer and membership opportunities at websterchamber.com.

Most people picture addiction as something that happens to someone else. Jennifer Faringer, Director at DePaul's National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Rochester Area, joins the show to explain why prescription medications have made that assumption more dangerous than ever, and what every Rochester family can do right now to reduce the risk.Discover how the opioid crisis was fueled not by street drugs but by overprescribed pain medications, and how a legitimate post-surgery prescription can quietly become a pathway to dependence for everyday people with no history of substance use. Learn the critical difference between acute pain and chronic pain when it comes to medication risk, and why the conversation with your medical team about duration and alternatives matters more than most patients realize.Jennifer also addresses what to do when someone you love is ready for help, why the answer is right now and not tomorrow, and how Monroe County's Open Access program at Delphi Rise provides 24 hour assessment and referral for anyone who needs it. Recovery community resources including ROC Recovery and the CORE Center downtown are also available for those who are not yet ready for formal treatment.Unused medications sitting in your medicine cabinet are a risk not just to you but to everyone who enters your home, including children and visitors. Jennifer walks through two safe disposal options available locally including the Detour pouch for small quantities and Eco Park on Paul Road, which accepts any amount at no cost and no questions asked.Free harm reduction resources including safe medication lock boxes, disposal kits and Narcan are available through NCADD-RA at community health fairs throughout the region or by request at ncadd-ra.org.

Founded in 1946, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Rochester Area is one of the three oldest addiction councils in the country, and this May it is celebrating 80 years of uninterrupted service to Monroe County. Jennifer Faringer, Director at DePaul NCADD-RA, joins the show to reflect on that history and look ahead at the work still to be done.Discover how the face of addiction has shifted dramatically over eight decades, from single substance dependence to polysubstance use, from the opioid crisis and the trajectory from prescription painkillers to heroin to fentanyl, to the return of cocaine, the rise of synthetic drugs and the often overlooked challenge of problem gambling. Learn why the legalization of marijuana created what Jennifer calls a tsunami of misinformation, and why legal and safe are not the same thing when it comes to driving, pregnancy or youth development.NCADD-RA does not provide treatment directly but maintains an updated treatment provider directory every six months and connects individuals and families to the right resources. If someone you love is not yet ready for treatment, Jennifer shares what you can do right now to be prepared for the moment they are, including peer support groups, recovery community organizations and the resources available at ncadd-ra.org.The 80th Anniversary Luncheon is Thursday May 15th at the DoubleTree by Hilton on Jefferson Road. Register now at ncadd-ra.org.

Just in time for Earth Day, Lindsay Kremers, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Lindsay Kaya, Youth Engagement Coordinator at the Smoking and Health Action Coalition of Livingston and Monroe Counties, join the show to talk about something most people never connect to environmental health, tobacco waste.Cigarette butts are the single most littered item worldwide and the filters inside them are made from cellulose acetate, a plastic that does not biodegrade under normal conditions. When they end up in soil and waterways, they leach toxic chemicals that harm wildlife and ecosystems. Add to that the staggering statistic that the tobacco industry cuts down roughly 600 million trees every year for paper and packaging, and the environmental footprint of smoking becomes impossible to ignore.The conversation also covers the growing environmental challenge of e-cigarettes, which combine lithium ion batteries, plastic casings, nicotine cartridges and packaging into a disposal nightmare, and the rise of Zyn pouches, a highly concentrated synthetic nicotine product whose long term effects are still largely unknown. Monroe County's vape disposal program through Eco Park is one of the few such programs in the state.On Wednesday April 22nd at 6pm the coalition is hosting a tobacco litter pickup at Ontario Beach Park, meeting at the historic carousel. Gloves, bags and buckets will be provided. Anyone looking to quit can call the New York State Quit Line or text the Drop the Vape program for anonymous cessation support.

Peter Soufleris, founder of IngenID and University of Rochester alum, pulls back the curtain on one of the most quietly important technologies being developed right here in Rochester, voice biometrics and deep fake detection that protects millions of people from identity fraud every day.Discover what voice biometrics actually is, how companies like Spectrum use the sound characteristics of your voice to verify your identity during a call, and why the rise of deep fake audio technology has made that process both more urgent and more complex. Learn why Peter believes the battle between AI fraud and AI defense looks a lot like the early days of computer viruses and antivirus software, a constant cycle of measures and countermeasures that requires real time updates and relentless vigilance.Peter shares the story of a Wall Street career path that took an unexpected turn when he discovered voice biometrics as an investor 20 years ago and never looked back, and explains why he deliberately chose Rochester over Silicon Valley to build his company, hiring only locally and leaning on the deep tech talent ecosystem surrounding the University of Rochester and RIT.Peter also offers practical advice on what individuals and companies can do right now to protect themselves from deep fake voice scams, including what call center agents should be listening for and why multifactor authentication is your best defense.To learn more or start a conversation about protecting your organization visit ingenid.com.

Albert Nocciolino, producer and presenter for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, joins the show fresh off the big reveal of the 2026 to 2027 M&T Bank Broadway Season at West Herr Auditorium Theater, and the crowd reaction said everything.Discover the full lineup for next season, including four Rochester premieres. Boop the Musical, the brand new Betty Boop stage production directed by Jerry Mitchell, launches its entire national tour right here in Rochester, with over 100 cast and crew members spending four weeks in the city, generating thousands of hotel nights and meals and significant economic impact before the show hits the road. Hells Kitchen, Alicia Keys' acclaimed Broadway musical based loosely on her own life and powered by her greatest hits, brings an entirely different kind of energy to the stage. The Outsiders rounds out the new arrivals alongside a beloved classic returning after years away, The Sound of Music, which drew one of the loudest reactions of the entire announcement night.The Lion King returns for three weeks, with over 60,000 people expected through the doors, and Albert reminds Rochester that the show was choreographed by none other than Rochester's own Garth Fagan. Jersey Boys also returns to the delight of the crowd.Albert also makes the case for Broadway as an economic engine, sharing that more people see Broadway shows each year than attend all of New York's major sports franchises combined, and that unlike a stadium, theater audiences spend their dollars on Rochester's streets, in its restaurants and in its hotels.Season tickets, individual show dates and more are available at rbtl.org.

Diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in working age Americans, and most people do not notice vision problems until something significant has already happened. Dr. Connolly and Margaret Whelehan from Retina Associates of Western New York join the show to talk about why early screening changes everything, and how Rochester is getting its very own free diabetic eye screening event on Saturday April 25th.Discover how diabetes affects the blood vessels that supply the retina, what diabetic retinopathy actually looks like and why catching it early can mean the difference between a simple treatment and a serious surgery. Dr. Connolly also explains what warning signs to watch for, including crooked lines, floaters and sudden vision changes, and why an abrupt change in vision should always be treated as urgent.The Rochester Community Diabetic Eye Screening Program runs Saturday April 25th from 8am to 3pm at 160 Sawgrass Drive Suite 200 in Brighton. The screening takes between 30 and 60 minutes and includes a health history review, visual acuity check, eye pressure check, wide field retinal imaging and an OCT scan. Every participant gets a face to face conversation with a retina specialist. Also on site are healthcare navigators from CCSI to help with insurance enrollment, diabetes educators from RADE with free educational resources and a nurse offering free blood sugar checks.Appointments are required due to high demand. Schedule now at retinaassociatesofwny.com.

In the 1940s a woman named Sylvia Lawry placed a two line classified ad in the New York Times because her brother had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and she had no idea what to do next. That ad became the National MS Society, and Rochester was one of its founding chapters. Andy Yates, Executive Director of the Upstate New York chapter, tells that story and brings it forward 80 years to what the society is doing for the roughly one million Americans living with MS today.Discover what MS actually is, how damage to the myelin sheath disrupts signals between the brain and the rest of the body, and why the disease presents so differently from person to person that many people struggle to get the right diagnosis. Andy explains why early diagnosis is so critical, how disease modifying therapies have transformed outcomes over the past several decades and why artificial intelligence may hold the key to the next major breakthrough.Walk MS Rochester is Sunday May 3rd at Genesee Valley Park, starting at the Roundhouse Shelter with the site opening at 8:30am and the walk kicking off at 10. There is no cost to participate, the route is one mile or three miles, and the event is dog friendly. Every walker receives a colored circle, orange for those living with MS, green for those who love or care for someone with the disease and yellow for supporters, and the moment when everyone holds up their circles together is one of the most powerful things the event produces year after year.Fundraising tools are built into the registration process and can be linked directly to social media, and donations can also be made at any time at nationalmssociety.org. Anyone living with MS can also reach a trained MS Navigator by visiting that site for one on one help with everything from finding the right neurologist to navigating workplace accommodations.Register for Walk MS Rochester and track local fundraising progress at walkms.org.

Dr. Junior Dillion, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York, brings a personal and urgent perspective to the challenges facing Rochester's most vulnerable residents, and explains why the work of VOA has never mattered more than it does right now.Discover how VOA connects housing, health and human services into a unified continuum of care serving over 10,000 people across Monroe, Broome and Tompkins Counties. Programs range from one of Monroe County's largest family shelters and permanent supportive housing to a children's center, reentry services for people coming out of the criminal justice system, universal pre-K and a hydroponic farm growing fresh produce for people who would otherwise go without.Dr. Dillion makes a compelling case for permanent supportive housing, a model showing 80 to 90% housing retention after one year, reductions in emergency room visits, hospitalizations and incarceration, and real economic returns as formerly homeless individuals gain employment and become contributing members of the community. He also shares why that model is currently under threat at the federal level and what VOA is doing to protect and grow it locally.Growing up in England in a low income family with coin operated electricity, Dr. Dillion knows firsthand what it means to struggle, and that experience shapes every decision he makes as the leader of this 130 year old organization.The VOA Upstate New York Gala is April 16th at the Har East Ballroom, with Indiana Barry from News 10 NBC as MC, live music, food and a chance to learn more about the programs your support makes possible.Visit voaupny.org to donate, volunteer or learn about upcoming initiatives including Strikeout Poverty with Citizens Bank and the Red Wings and the I Remember Mama senior outreach program.

Nearly 6,500 businesses in Monroe County alone are owned by someone over the age of 55. If even a third of those close without a succession plan, Rochester loses 2,000 businesses, 25,000 jobs and over a billion dollars in payroll. Chloe Handelman and Bruce Peters, co-founders of Beyond Ownership, are doing something about it.Discover what Beyond Ownership actually does for second and third stage businesses, the ones that have survived the startup phase but have not yet figured out what comes next, including leadership development, operations consulting, succession planning and CEO peer groups designed to help business owners make decisions they would not make alone. Learn why Bruce believes Rochester has been filling a leaky bucket for years by celebrating startups while quietly watching mature businesses close, and why fixing that back end is just as important as funding the front.Bruce shares his personal story of selling his business within 11 months after joining a peer group, and how that experience led him to spend years training peer group leaders across the country before coming back to build something lasting in Rochester. Chloe shares her own journey from Accenture in Minneapolis to a six-year stint traveling in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and building an operations consultancy, and why coming home to Rochester felt like the right place to make a real difference.The conversation also discussed several local organizations that do business differently, focusing on legacy and impact. Including a company that sold to a perpetual purpose trust so it can never leave the community, a company that made 100 employees millionaires overnight, and a 300-person business unit that ended up teaching its parent company how to do succession planning rather than the other way around.Beyond Ownership's Facilitative Leadership Program runs monthly and is open to the public, and their CEO peer groups are actively forming now for business owners who are thinking five to ten years ahead.Visit beyond-ownership.com or connect with Bruce and Chloe on LinkedIn to start the conversation.

Most people hear the name Holy Childhood and think school or church. In reality it is an 80 year old Rochester organization serving over 400 individuals with developmental disabilities, from kindergarten all the way through retirement age, and it is one of the most quietly powerful nonprofits in our community.Nate Zelesnikar, Director of Programs and Services, and Jillian Nalivyko, Public Relations Manager, share what Holy Childhood actually does, including a K through 12 school, adult habilitative and vocational programs, clinical services, respite care and supported employment partnerships with local businesses. Every individual has a personalized plan, every staff member asks whether what they are doing would be good enough for their own family, and the result is an organization that feels less like a nonprofit and more like a family.Funded through a combination of Medicaid, state and federal support and a generous donor community, Holy Childhood is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with two major events. Party at Center Ice returns for its 13th year on April 17th at the Tim Hortons Ice Plex, with wine, spirits, beer and local food vendors, drawing 600 to 700 people annually. The 80th Anniversary Gala follows on May 16th at Oak Hill Country Club's brand new ballroom, one of the very first public events to be held there.Visit holychild.org/events to learn more, get tickets or find out how to volunteer, donate or schedule a tour.

When true economic independence for women was still a radical idea, a group of Rochester women showed up through a blizzard in 1978 to change that. Nearly 50 years later Rochester Women's Network has over 200 members and is still growing, and Kristi Mitchell, board member and Marketing Committee co-chair, is one of the people making sure it stays that way.Discover what makes RWN different from every other networking group in the city, including a deep lineup of Special Interest Groups spanning everything from wine and hiking to book club, motherhood and the Geek Squad, designed to help members build real relationships around shared interests rather than awkward small talk at oversized events. Kristi joined within six months of launching her own business and shares what she found there that she could not find anywhere else.Members range from young professionals to retired women who stay involved because the community gives them purpose, men are welcome as allies and participants, and RWN's recent community partnerships include the Breast Cancer Coalition walk, a Habitat for Humanity women build team and holiday donations to Margaret's House. For women working in male dominated industries, solo business owners craving a peer network or anyone simply looking to show up for other women in Rochester, RWN has a place for you.Visit rwn.org to explore upcoming events, many of which are free and open to the public, and follow along on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Barry Howard, President and CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce and RocEnroll, joins the show with an urgent reminder that Medicare Advantage enrollees have until March 31st to make a one time plan change for 2026, and what you do not know could cost you.Discover why thousands of Monroe County residents needed to switch plans this year after major carriers including UnitedHealthcare discontinued their local offerings, and how changes to formularies, hospital network coverage and benefits can quietly make the plan you selected in November the wrong plan by January. Learn how to spot the difference between an official Medicare communication and a solicitation designed to look like one, and why the fine print at the bottom of that mailer matters more than the headline at the top.Hear why missing Medicare enrollment deadlines can result in financial penalties that follow you for the rest of your life, and how having a trusted local enrollment partner in your corner makes sure that never happens to you. Barry also explains how RocEnroll serves anyone in New York State at any age, from Medicaid and the Essential Plan to marketplace coverage and Medicare, with zero cost to the client, ever.Time is running out. If your doctors, drugs or hospital system are not fully covered, or if you simply want to make sure you are in the best available plan, call RocEnroll before March 31st.Visit rocenroll.com or call 585.265.3851.

Ann Marie Stephan, Executive Director, and Mike Hoskins, Director of Development and Marketing at Rochester Child First Network, pull back the curtain on one of Rochester's most quietly impactful organizations, one that has been serving children and families since 1857 and is approaching its 170th year.Discover how RCN provides a full continuum of care for children ages six weeks through 12, including childcare, Universal Pre-K, preschool special education services and a full kitchen serving fresh meals and snacks daily. Learn why RCN is one of only four community based organizations in Monroe County offering integrated preschool special education, and how children who receive those services often grow out of the need for them entirely before they reach kindergarten.Hear why 90% of brain development occurs before age five and what that means for the case behind Universal Preschool, an initiative RCN is actively advocating for alongside state elected officials. Mike also breaks down the summer program enrolling now for children ages five through 12, eight weeks of themed learning, field trips, yoga, zoo visits and planetarium adventures designed to prevent the summer slide.Ann Marie shares the deep roots of inclusivity at RCN stretching back to the organization's founding, and how that same commitment to meeting every child where they are continues to define everything they do today.To learn about enrollment, volunteer or board opportunities or to support the mission visit rcn4kids.org or call 585.473.2858.

Dr. Cait Loury, Chief Education Officer at Renaissance Academy Charter School of the Arts in Greece, pulls back the curtain on one of Rochester's most distinctive public schools, where arts integration isn't an elective, it's the engine of academic achievement.Discover how teaching artists co-teach alongside classroom teachers every single day, weaving music, dance, drama, and visual arts into core subjects like math, helping students understand fractions through musical scores and composition. Learn why research shows arts activities regulate the nervous system and unlock higher-order thinking, especially for students who've experienced trauma, and how Renaissance Academy's New York State test scores back it up.Hear how the school serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade, drawing 80% of its enrollment from the city of Rochester, and why families across the region enter the lottery to secure a spot. Cait also shares the school's whole child approach, three on staff mental health professionals, an on site food pantry, and deep family support services that make it far more than just a school.The lottery deadline is April 1st. Learn more and apply at renacad.org.

Dr. Ryan Kimmet, Head of School at the Harley School in Rochester, makes a compelling case that academic rigor and student wellbeing are not opposites and that the century old progressive education model pioneered by John Dewey might be exactly what kids need right now.Discover what progressive education actually means at Harley, where students from age three through 12th grade learn by doing, collaborate on hands on projects, take creative risks and are assessed in ways that go far beyond memorizing for a test. Learn why small class sizes of around 12 students create the kind of trust between teachers and students that Dr. Kimmet believes is the real engine of academic achievement, and how a restorative approach to conflict keeps community at the center of everything.Hear Dr. Kimmet share his own experience as a Harley graduate from the mid nineties, what became of his classmates and why the goal was never to get kids into the most prestigious colleges but to help them become happy, healthy and contributing adults who found their passions along the way. He also opens up about the burnout epidemic hitting school aged children today and offers one honest recommendation for parents who want to bring more balance back into their kids' lives.Harley serves students across the greater Rochester area and is currently in active enrollment season for ages three through 12th grade.Reach out to schedule a visit and see it for yourself at harleyschool.org.

Veronica Ryan, creator of the blog Borderline Babe, shares her deeply personal journey with borderline personality disorder, diagnosed at age 21, and how treatment, vulnerability, and radical honesty became the foundation of her recovery and her mission.Discover what BPD actually is at a neurological level, including the physical processing deficits in the frontal lobe that affect emotional regulation, and learn about dynamic deconstructive psychotherapy, the intensive treatment developed at Upstate's psychiatry high risk program that helped bring Veronica's symptoms into remission.Hear why Veronica believes mental health is physical health, why listening without trying to fix is the most powerful thing you can offer someone who is struggling, and how her unfiltered weekly diary drops on Borderline Babe are creating a safe space for people who have never felt safe enough to speak.Veronica also shares the most important first step anyone can take when they're struggling, and why telling your story should always be on your own terms.Follow Veronica at borderlinebabe.com and on Instagram at @veronicaeryan.

Miranda Grazioplene, Hunter Johnson and Connor McKenna, co-chairs of the Cancer Support Community Rochester bachelor auction, are back for the 16th year of one of the most beloved and high energy fundraising traditions in Rochester.Discover what Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club actually does for cancer patients and their families beyond the doctor's office, including support groups, music and art therapy, yoga, meditation, jewelry making and educational talks with oncologists, all offered free to the community and funded entirely through events like this one. Learn why having a room full of people who truly understand what you are going through can be just as important to recovery as any medical treatment.Hear how 26 of Rochester's finest bachelors, ranging in age from 23 to 60 have been fundraising for weeks and will be auctioned off for a date package at a prestigious Rochester restaurant to the highest bidder on Saturday night. Connor McKenna shares how he first walked in as a bachelor in 2019 to honor a friend lost to cancer and never really left.The event is this Saturday March 21st at Anthology. VIP happy hour starts at 6pm for $55, general admission is $35 and a four pack is $120. The auction begins at 8:30pm. Raffle prizes from sponsors including the Rochester Amerks and the ID Family of Dealerships are also available on the night.Get tickets and donate directly to your favorite bachelor at cscrochester.org/bachelorauction.

Mike McOrmond, Executive Director of Flower City Outreach, shares the remarkable four decade story of a mission rooted in faith, neighbor love and the belief that serving your community is serving God. Flower City Outreach is a Christ centered nonprofit that exists to mobilize the Church into service that the city might see Jesus. Learn more at flowercityoutreach.org.Discover how Flower City Work Camp at flowercityworkcamp.org has been the flagship ministry for 40 years, sending hundreds of youth and adults into Rochester every spring break. Worksites put volunteers to work repairing the homes of neighbors in need. Sidewalk clubs bring crafts, games and Bible stories to kids in city neighborhoods Tuesday through Thursday each week. Agency sites send teams to support other Rochester nonprofits doing vital work across the city. And three sports camps, including basketball, soccer and a newer action sports and skate camp, bring energy and mentorship to young people who need it most.Hear about Weekend Edition at fcwcweekendedition.org, a year round program born out of COVID that offers one day worksite experiences for small groups, men's groups, youth groups and families. With 60 homeowners currently on the waiting list and only two being served per month, more volunteer crews are urgently needed to grow that number.Learn about Link Youth Mentorship at linkmentorship.org, a one on one program matching godly male mentors with boys ages 8 to 18 who are growing up without fathers. In a city where nearly three out of four kids are being raised without a dad, Link pairs mentors and mentees for a one year committed relationship that more often than not grows into something lasting. The program currently serves 16 young men with a goal of reaching 50 within the next year. Beyond being a mentor, volunteers can contribute through an intercessory prayer team, administrative support, match specialist roles and monthly group activities like rock climbing, Red Wings games and more.Mike also unpacks what scripture says about serving neighbors as serving Christ himself, and why he believes godly mentorship is one of the most powerful solutions to the cycles holding Rochester back.Visit flowercityoutreach.org to explore Flower City Work Camp, Weekend Edition and Link Youth Mentorship and find the right place for you to plug in.

Michael Solis, Executive Director of Writers and Books, makes the case that reading and writing are not school assignments to survive but lifelong creative practices that build confidence, community and civic connection in a city that badly needs all three.Discover how Writers and Books has served Rochester since 1981 through programming that spans every age group, from eight year olds writing their first stories at Summer Write camps to seniors capturing a lifetime of memories through the Legacy Writing program. Learn how summer camps built around topics like magic, Percy Jackson, Dungeons and Dragons and graphic novels are turning kids who tune out in school into passionate storytellers who share their work in front of live audiences.Hear Michael's honest take on artificial intelligence and what it means for human creativity, why he believes the shrinking of our attention spans is one of the most urgent challenges facing readers and writers today, and how Rochester Reads is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year with two remarkable authors whose work speaks directly to the tensions defining our current moment.Learn about the many ways to engage for free, including the Community Writing Group every Saturday at 1pm, a Friday poetry group at noon and free summer programming at six partner libraries. Scholarships are available for any paid programming, and a gift economy model means no one is ever turned away.If you want to support 45 more years of human creativity in Rochester, visit wab.org to explore programs, donate or simply stop by the building with the giant pencil on University Ave during open hours Wednesday through Saturday.Learn more at: https://wab.org/