Rochester Living with Mark Siwiec and Corey James Moran

Why are Rochester's hospitals running out of room? Kathy Parrinello, CEO of Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital, returns to Rochester Living to discuss the growing demand for healthcare across our region and the major expansions underway to address it.

From the new emergency department and 112 additional patient rooms at Strong Memorial to future plans for Highland Hospital, Kathy shares what's changing and why. She also joins Mark and Corey to explore rising healthcare costs, insurance challenges, workforce development, and how artificial intelligence is helping transform patient care.

After 23 years with the Rochester Police Department, Sergeant Justin Collins has witnessed significant changes in law enforcement. He joins Mark and Corey to discuss how the profession is evolving, what today’s officers need to succeed, and why recruiting and retaining talented people has become an important priority.

From his work with the Badge of Honor Association to community outreach efforts like Listening Walks, Justin shares his experiences and ideas for creating a more connected, responsive police department. The discussion also explores leadership, career development, technology, and the importance of listening to the people officers serve.

After 50 years, Chamber Music Rochester is finding new ways to bring classical music to new audiences.

Artistic Directors Juliana Athayde and Erik Behr join Mark and Corey to talk about experimenting with AI, breaking down the barriers around classical music, and creating live experiences that feel relevant and accessible. They also share what’s ahead for their 50th season, including using technology to bring composer Felix Mendelssohn back to life on stage.

Law enforcement technology has changed dramatically, and Monroe County’s new Regional Investigative Operations Center brings many of those tools together in one place.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Fowler joins Mark and Corey to explain how the RIOC gives officers access to real-time information while they’re responding to incidents. They discuss license plate readers, drones, social media analysis, collaboration between agencies, privacy concerns and how quickly technology is changing the way law enforcement operates.

Fairport has quickly become one of the most desirable and vibrant communities in the Rochester area. Village Planner Jill Wiedrick joins Mark and Corey to explore what’s behind that growth and how thoughtful planning, development, walkability and the Erie Canal have helped shape the village.

What does it take to turn a risky new arts festival into one of Rochester’s biggest annual events? Rochester Fringe Festival CEO and Producer Erica Fee joins Mark and Corey ahead of the festival’s 15th year.

They explore how Rochester learned to embrace the unexpected, the role Fringe has played in bringing people downtown and supporting local arts venues, and how Erica searches festivals around the world for performances worth bringing home. Plus, Erica previews Pete Davidson, Circus in the City and some of the most unusual shows on this year’s schedule.

Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason takes us behind the scenes of one of Rochester’s longest-standing institutions. From starting as an intern to spending nearly four decades with the organization, Dan shares how the Red Wings create an experience that goes far beyond baseball, including unforgettable theme nights, local traditions, great food, community events, and a commitment to making every fan feel welcome.

Jamie Saunders, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, joins us to discuss how the role of United Way has evolved far beyond workplace giving and why community connection has never been more important.

From mental health and housing to volunteerism, leadership, and the future of Rochester, Jamie shares why she remains optimistic despite the challenges facing families and nonprofits across our region.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Becoming an Empty Nester
01:33 How United Way Has Changed Over the Years
05:31 Rochester After the Pandemic
12:20 The Loneliness Epidemic & Rebuilding Community
22:00 The Biggest Pressures Facing Families Today
34:02 Why Nonprofits Need to Think Differently
39:16 Leadership, Burnout & Empathy
44:26 Jamie’s Vision for Rochester’s Future Explore more

Rochester Living Podcast episodes:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT9MAsAiN2WUv-wSzGQssiEOLaZefmrdY

#RochesterLiving #RochesterNY #UnitedWay #CommunityLeadership #Nonprofits #RochesterPodcast

What does the future of Brighton look like? Nate Salzman joins Rochester Living to discuss his plans for creating more housing, supporting small businesses, improving government efficiency, and transforming Monroe Avenue into a more walkable, vibrant destination. Along the way, we explore why local leadership matters and how thoughtful change can shape an entire community.

The Rochester real estate market is changing, but not in the way many people expected. Anthony Butera joins us to break down what's happening with home prices, inventory, interest rates, buyer behavior, and why today's market requires a completely different strategy than just a year ago.

We also compare Rochester and Buffalo, discuss why first-time buyers continue to face major challenges, and explore what the next three to five years could look like for Western New York real estate.

Long before Pride became one of Rochester’s largest celebrations, Ramona Santorelli helped organize the city’s very first Pride Parade and spent decades advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, women’s equality, and civil liberties. She joins us to share the stories behind those pivotal moments, the challenges activists faced, and why Rochester played such an important role in advancing equality.

From organizing Rochester’s first Pride Parade to helping change New York law through the historic “Topfree Seven” case, Ramona reflects on a lifetime of activism, community, and the people who inspired her along the way.

Doug Emblidge has spent decades telling other people's stories. This time, he shares his own. In this deeply personal conversation, Doug reflects on the loss of his son Jeffrey, navigating grief as a family, supporting those struggling with addiction, and discovering resilience through life's most difficult moments.

The story of Rochester is far bigger than many people realize. Richard Newman joins us to explain how the Erie Canal, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and generations of reformers helped shape not only our city, but the future of the United States.
We also discuss the American Revolution, the meaning of Independence Day, and why these conversations still matter today.

Few people have shaped Rochester's dining scene quite like Jon Swan. The restaurateur behind eight local concepts shares how he approaches design, hospitality, culture, and creating experiences that keep people coming back.

We also discuss why restaurants serve an important role in bringing people together, what makes Rochester unique, and the exciting plans for a boutique hotel on Park Avenue.

Sarah Jesse, Director of the Memorial Art Gallery, joins us to discuss one of the most significant cultural announcements in Rochester in recent memory. After raising a $9 million endowment, MAG is preparing to eliminate admission fees permanently, opening its doors to generations of future visitors.

Sarah shares the vision behind the campaign, the challenges of making the case for free admission, how museums contribute to a city’s economic vitality, and why access to art and culture matters for everyone.

Few topics affect our community more than education. Kevin McGowan joins us to discuss what he’s seeing firsthand as Superintendent of Brighton Central School District, from student engagement and mental health to the growing role of AI in schools.

We also discuss New York’s cell phone ban, post-COVID attendance challenges, graduation trends, and how schools are preparing students for a rapidly changing future.

Few events have helped shape Rochester's cultural identity quite like the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Marc Iacona joins us to discuss how the festival has evolved over the past two decades, the partnerships that make it possible, and the vision that continues to drive it forward.

Along the way, we cover unforgettable performances, rising stars, community impact, and the role music plays in bringing people together.

Mitch Gruber joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on some of Rochester’s biggest challenges and opportunities. From the housing shortage and downtown development to traffic safety, the future of the Public Market, and the Inner Loop North project, Mitch shares his perspective as both a Rochester City Councilmember and longtime community leader at Foodlink.

What should Rochester prioritize over the next decade? Mitch offers a candid look at where the city is headed, what’s standing in the way, and why he remains optimistic about Rochester’s future.

00:00 Introduction & Mitch Gruber's Background
05:39 From Foodlink to City Council
10:15 Housing Development & Charlotte Street Debate
13:42 Charter Schools, Vacant Buildings & Housing
16:19 Rochester's Housing Crisis
28:25 Traffic Safety & Vision Zero
35:28 The Future of Rochester Public Market
41:42 Why Mitch is Optimistic About Rochester
47:12 Rapid Fire Rochester Questions

Explore more Rochester Living Podcast episodes:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT9MAsAiN2WUv-wSzGQssiEOLaZefmrdY

#RochesterLiving #RochesterNY #RochesterPodcast #MitchGruber #Foodlink #CityCouncil

Buffalo Bills fans know the pressure is mounting, but according to Jim Aroune, the story of this team is far bigger than wins and losses. The veteran broadcaster joins us to break down the Bills’ evolving identity, the impact of Joe Brady taking over, the future of the defense, and whether Josh Allen can finally lead Buffalo to a Super Bowl. Along the way, Jim shares incredible stories about Bills fandom, tailgating culture, and why Western New York’s connection to this team runs far deeper than football.

Cornell’s Jewelers has been part of Rochester for more than 100 years, and Michael and Courtney Cornell join us to talk about what it takes to carry that legacy into the next generation. From emotional customer stories and community involvement to the realities of working together as a married couple, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Rochester’s most respected family businesses.They also share thoughts on Rochester’s hidden luxury market, the evolution of customer service, and the importance of philanthropy throughout the community.