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Rochester Speaks

Rochester Speaks is Rochester, NY’s go to podcast spotlighting the people, nonprofits, events, and local history shaping the Greater Rochester community.

From Rochester NY community events and local nonprofits in Monroe County to inspiring stories, volunteer opportunities, and good causes across Western New York, we connect you with what’s happening right here at home. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, support Rochester charities, or stay informed about positive local impact, Rochester Speaks from Warm 101.3 brings you the heart of the community one conversation at a time.

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29 episodes
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Saturday · 10 min
Bee a Hero Day Returns Friday with a $25,000 Match. Ronald McDonald House Rochester Needs Your Help.
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.
Friday · 11 min
Annual Enrollment Opens October 15th. Barry Howard and Barb Baldwin of RocEnroll Health Explain What to Do.
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.
Friday · 20 min
Sheriff Todd Baxter and Ron Billitier on the Monroe County Sheriff's Foundation Pig Roast Coming October 18th
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.
September 25 · 20 min
Four Saturday Screening Opportunities This Fall. The Cancer Services Program Wants You to Know About Them.
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.
September 23 · 12 min
Boop! Opens the RBTL Season October 3rd Through 10th at West Herr Auditorium Theatre
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.
September 16 · 10 min
Celebrating 20 Years: Embrace Your Sisters & The Positively Pink in Pittsford Walk Is Back October 4th
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.
September 16 · 16 min
The House of Mercy on How New York State Is Using Medicaid to Keep People Housed, Fed and Out of the ER
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.
September 11 · 19 min
The Eclipse Effect. Debra Ross on How Extraordinary Moments Build Extraordinary Communities.
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.
September 11 · 29 min
Eugenio Maria de Hostos Charter School on Why Bilingual Education Is One of the Best Gifts You Can Give a Child
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.
August 31 · 20 min
The ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Is Back. Here's How to Find Your Show.
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.
August 31 · 13 min
Al Sigl Has Been Serving Rochester's Special Needs Community for 65 Years. Tom O'Connor on What Is Coming Up This Fall.
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.
August 31 · 18 min
CSC Rochester's Heroes Ball: A Celebration of Rochester's Cancer Support Community
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.
August 31 · 17 min
The Child Abuse Epidemic Hiding In Plain Sight & Rochester's Advocate
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.
August 20 · 25 min
90 Years of Delphi Rise. The President and CEO on What Has Changed and What Still Needs to.
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.
August 20 · 22 min
Agape Haven of Abundance Is Celebrating Seven Years of Changing Lives in Rochester. Meet the Kids Who Prove It.
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/
August 20 · 16 min
Smoking and Health Action Coalition on Vaping, Smoke Free Housing and Why the Fight Is Far From Over
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.
August 15 · 15 min
RBTL's Albert Nocciolino on Why Rochester's Broadway Scene Punches Way Above Its Weight
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.
August 15 · 24 min
The Trek Within. Rob Sullivan on Cancer, a Heart Attack He Almost Missed and the Magic He Found in Both.
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
August 7 · 23 min
The ESL Rochester Fringe Festival Has Something for Everyone. Here Is How to Find Your Show.
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.
July 27 · 17 min
What Most People Get Wrong About Eating Disorders. A Conversation With Licensed Psychologist Dr. Laura Ellick.
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.

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