Rochester Living with Mark Siwiec and Corey James Moran

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 ...

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, ...

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 thou...

The Rochester Lilac Festival draws nearly 500,000 people every year, but most don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. Executive Producer Jenny LoMaglio shares how the event comes together, from logistics and budgeting to weather challenges and real-time decision making. The conversation also dives into how the festival is adapting with new experiences, stronger security, and a focus on sustainability while still staying tru...

Josh Miles joins us to share the story behind some of Rochester’s most recognizable restaurants, including Patron Saint, Branca Midtown, Revelry, and more. From his early days in South Carolina to building a hospitality group centered around experience and culture, Josh walks through what it really takes to create something that lasts.
We also get into how dining habits have shifted post-COVID, why Rochester continues to o...

Elaine Spaull brings decades of leadership, perspective, and passion to a conversation centered on impact, resilience, and the future of Rochester. From her work leading The Center for Youth to launching initiatives that directly support vulnerable populations, Elaine shares what it really takes to create lasting change in a community.
Along the way, we discuss philanthropy, the challenges facing young people today, and how smal...

WHEC meteorologist Stacy Pensgen joins us for an inside look at forecasting in Rochester, from tracking fast-moving lake effect storms to communicating critical weather updates to the community. Stacy shares what it takes to deliver accurate forecasts in one of the most unpredictable regions in the country, along with the pressure and responsibility that comes with it.

We also get into how weather impacts daily life across Rochester...

Sheriff Todd Baxter joins Mark and Corey for a thoughtful discussion about the realities of public safety in Rochester today. The conversation touches on emerging technology, changing expectations in law enforcement, concerns around scams and retail theft, and the importance of maintaining trust between officers and the community. It is an insightful look at what has changed, what still needs attention, and what local leadership lo...

In this episode of Rochester Living, Rev. Jen Crow joins us for a powerful conversation about compassion, community, and how people respond in moments of crisis.

From stories of clergy and neighbors standing together to protect vulnerable members of their community, to reflections on fear, courage, and moral leadership, this episode explores what happens when people choose connection over division. At its core is a simple but powerf...

Kate McBride joins the show to talk about the planning, history, and community impact behind the Tops Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade. What looks like one afternoon of celebration actually takes a full year of preparation from a dedicated team of volunteers. 
Each year, the parade draws tens of thousands of spectators, features more than 100 entries, bands from across New York State, Irish dancers, community organi...

When Mark Cuddy took the helm at Geva Theatre in 1995, the organization was facing a $1.3 million deficit and a shrinking subscriber base. What followed was nearly three decades of steady leadership, artistic risk, and institutional stability that helped preserve one of Rochester’s cultural jewels.

In this episode, Mark opens up about audience habits, post-pandemic recovery, artistic courage, and why he chose to launch his new...

What started as one man’s bold idea to preserve historic buildings has grown into the third-largest living history museum in the country. Becky Whaley shares how her grandfather’s vision became Genesee Country Village & Museum and what it means to lead it into its 50th year.
Joined by Matt Walls and Jess Duma, we talk maple traditions, 19th century brewing, War of 1812 reenactments, and a powerful Fourth of July ...