Rochester Speaks

Jen Cathy, President and CEO of Delphi Rise, joins the show to mark the organization's 90th anniversary and take stock of how far addiction treatment has come since the 1930s when the only answers were jail or church. Jen walks through nine decades of evolving understanding, from moral failure to chronic disease, from the War on Drugs to harm reduction, and shares where Delphi Rise stands today on some of the most debated questions in addiction treatment. She also talks about a shift most people have not noticed yet, alcohol use disorder has quietly become the number one diagnosis they see, and the THC levels in today's marijuana are changing that conversation too. Delphi Rise operates Monroe County's only 24/7 walk-in program. No insurance required, no one turned away. The 90th Anniversary Celebration is September 24th at Arbor Loft with emcee Norma Holland. Tickets are $90. Visit delphirise.org to get help, volunteer, donate pantry items or purchase tickets to the celebration.

Julia Oakley, director of Agape Haven of Abundance, stopped by Rochester Speaks with ten of her summer camp youth to share what seven years of out of school programming has built in the Rochester community. The kids speak for themselves. In just a few minutes of conversation, they cover financial literacy, mental health, Black history, yoga, sailing, horseback riding, job fairs and what it means to have a safe and loving place to grow during the summer months. Their future plans include nursing, law, teaching, medicine, psychology, professional sports and yes, at least one NFL or NBA career with a rap backup plan. Agape Haven of Abundance provides out of school time programming for children in the city of Rochester, functioning as a home away from home and offering holistic support during the summer and school year. Learn more at: https://www.agapehavenofabundance.org/

Lindsay Kremers, Community Engagement Coordinator, and Haley Rockow, Youth Engagement Coordinator at the Smoking and Health Action Coalition of Livingston and Monroe Counties, join the show to talk about where tobacco use stands today and why vaping has created a whole new set of challenges for public health advocates. Lindsay and Haley walk through the coalition's four main program areas including tobacco free outdoor spaces, point of sale restrictions, tobacco litter and environmental impact, and smoke free multi unit housing. They share updates on local progress including Tri-City Rentals converting 3,000 units across Monroe County to smoke free, and celebrate two Reality Check youth ambassadors who took their advocacy all the way to the state level this year. Haley also breaks down what is actually in a vape device, why synthetic nicotine is not a safe alternative and what the vapor you cannot smell is still doing to the people around you. To find quitting resources visit the Quit Line or Smoke Free New York. Learn more about the coalition's work at smokingandhealth.org .

Albert Nocciolino, producer and presenter for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, joins the show to preview the 2026 to 2027 M&T Bank Broadway Season at West Herr Auditorium Theatre and make the case for why this is one of the best lineups RBTL has put together in years. Albert walks through all seven shows, talks about the economic impact of touring Broadway on Rochester businesses and hotels, why West Herr Auditorium Theatre has become a true regional destination drawing audiences from Erie to Binghamton, and what RBTL's education program is doing to build the next generation of theater lovers across Monroe County's high schools. An open house is happening Wednesday August 19th from 10am to 5pm at West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Come tour the venue, see the renovations and pick out your season seats. Season tickets, single tickets and full season information are available at rbtl.org .

Rob Sullivan, speaker and author of The Trek Within, joins the show to share one of the most remarkable personal journeys you will hear on Rochester Speaks, starting with a cancer diagnosis on his 48th birthday and ending with a dream that saved his life years later. Rob talks about why he chose to go public about his illness, why he never used the word "have" to describe his cancer, and what shifted for him when he stopped thinking about fighting and started thinking about walking alongside what his body was trying to teach him. He also shares the story of a dream so vivid and specific that it led him to an urgent care on the way to get shrimp tacos and saved him from a widow maker heart attack with a 95% blocked artery. The Trek Within is available through your local independent bookseller, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-trek-within-rob-ryan-sullivan/1145642779 https://www.amazon.com/dp/1962071340?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Erica Fee, CEO and Festival Producer of the ESL Rochester Fringe Festival, joins the show fresh off a scouting trip to the Edinburgh Fringe to talk about what is coming to Rochester September 15th through 26th, and why this festival continues to stand apart from anything else happening in American cities. Erica shares the origin story of the Edinburgh Fringe dating back to 1947, how Rochester's festival has grown into one of the largest in the country with 715 shows across 45 venues, and what makes the bifurcated model so unique. She also previews Circus in the City at Parcel 5 and Gibbs Street on September 18th and 19th, Pete Davidson at Eastman Theatre on the 25th, the brand new Garden Studio at One Fringe Place, the Spiegel Tent, Street Beat at MLK Park on the 26th and a handful of limited capacity shows that are worth grabbing tickets for immediately. About a quarter of all shows are completely free. Tickets for everything else are available now. Visit rochesterfringe.com , download the Rochester Fringe app or stop by the festival box office at Main and Gibbs Street during the festival. Tickets can also be purchased by phone or at venue doors one hour before showtime if available.

Dr. Laura Ellick, licensed psychologist specializing in eating disorders, joins the show for an honest and eye opening conversation about a condition that affects nearly one in ten Americans and carries the second highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness. Dr. Ellick shares what eating disorders actually look like across the full spectrum, why they affect far more people than most assume including men and adults in their 40s and 50s, what signs to watch for in a loved one and why saying the wrong thing to someone with an eating disorder is easier to do than most people realize. She also talks about her own experience with an eating disorder in college and what drew her to specializing in this area. To reach Dr. Ellick, schedule a consultation or learn more visit lauraellick.com .

Shawn "Gee" Goburn, Executive Director and founder of Alive + Well, joins the show to talk about the work his organization does helping Rochester youth discover who they are, what they want and how to build a path forward that actually fits them. Shawn shares his own story, what the three fundamental questions at the heart of Alive + Well's work actually unlock in young people, why focusing on money alone is one of the biggest obstacles to finding real direction and what adults and parents can do differently when trying to guide the young people in their lives. The 2026 to 2027 school year is a big one for Alive + Well with contracts to work in all nine Rochester City high schools, programming at RIT and conversations underway with districts in surrounding counties. To volunteer, donate or learn more visit aliveandwellny.org .

Joshua Shea, addiction and trauma coach and author, returns for a follow up conversation focused on parents, kids and how to navigate a world saturated with sexual content in a way that actually protects children rather than putting them at greater risk. Joshua shares why making sex and nudity taboo often backfires, what the research says about how porn addiction actually develops in young people, and what parents can do at every age to keep the lines of communication open. He also previews a book he is currently writing on parenting and healthy sexuality. Learn more, book a session or explore Joshua's other books at thatcorncoach.com .

Dean Lucas, founder of the Lee Lucas Memorial Poker Run, joins the show to talk about the 10th and final year of a ride he created in honor of his son Lee, who died of a fentanyl laced heroin overdose in December 2016 at the age of 27. Dean shares Lee's story, what this ride has meant to him and his wife Brenda over the past decade, why proceeds go to Father Tracy's Advocacy Center in Rochester and why unrestricted funding from events like this one makes such a critical difference for people in crisis. The ride is Saturday August 15th, starting at 290 Salt Road with kickstands up at 11am. All riders receive a free Dinosaur BBQ meal. You do not need a motorcycle to participate and you can also join at the end party from 4pm. Buy tickets, sponsor the ride, donate raffle items or find merchandise at leelucasride.com .

Julia Locey, CEO, and Stephanie Campanelli, Development Director at Vertus Charter School, join the show to talk about one of Rochester's most distinctive public schools, a tuition free all-boys high school at 21 Humboldt Street built around developing men of character. Julia and Stephanie share what makes Vertus different from both traditional public schools and other charter schools, how the preceptor model creates connection between students and adults, why being year round and diversity focused actually prepares young men better for college and careers, and what a graduate reciting the school creed years later says about the culture they have built. Vertus currently serves between 340 and 360 students and has a higher graduation rate than the Rochester City School District. Programs include barbering, esports and music production alongside competitive athletics as the Warriors. Visit vertusschool.org , stop by 21 Humboldt Street or call 585.747.8911 to schedule a tour.

Nanette of the Filipino American Association of Rochester joins the show to talk about the very first Filipino Festival in Rochester, happening this Saturday July 25th from 11am to 6pm at Rushwood Barn at 72 West Henrietta Road in Rush. Nanette shares what the Filipino American Association of Rochester has been doing for 55 years, what makes Filipino culture so warm and welcoming, and what attendees can expect this weekend including food trucks serving adobo, pancit and lumpia, cultural and modern dance performances, a live set from the all-Filipino Maoy Band out of Syracuse and a karaoke contest with a cash prize for the winner. The festival is free and open to everyone. The long term goal is to build a community center where all of Rochester's cultures can gather together. Learn more about the Filipino American Association of Rochester and upcoming events at filamroc.org .

Char Cordone, Executive Director of the People's Pantry at 555 Avenue D in Rochester, joins the show to talk about what food insecurity looks like in our community right now and how the People's Pantry is working to meet a growing and urgent need. Char shares what makes the People's Pantry different from other food pantries, why demand is increasing by about 10 percent every month, what the pantry needs most right now in terms of food donations and volunteers, and what it would actually take to address food insecurity at a deeper level in Rochester. The People's Pantry is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30am to noon and serves all of Monroe County with no zip code restrictions. Volunteers are especially needed this summer. Visit peoples-pantry.org or find them on Facebook to donate, volunteer or learn more.

Joshua Shea, porn addiction and betrayal trauma coach and author, joins the show for a candid and judgment free conversation about one of the most common and least discussed struggles people face today. Joshua shares his own story, the difference between casual use and addiction, why the question of what you are watching matters far less than why, and what the first steps toward recovery actually look like. He also addresses why kids with smartphones in 2026 are at greater risk than any previous generation, and why porn addiction has nothing to do with who you are as a person. Learn more, book a session or explore Joshua's books at thatcorncoach.com .

Chris Bull, member of the Penfield Rotary Club, joins the show to talk about Chasing Chains for Charity, a disc golf tournament he organized at Shadow Pines Park in Penfield that raised over $6,500 split between the Dream Factory of Rochester and the Rotary Club of Penfield. Chris shares why disc golf made such a natural fit for a charity fundraiser, what the Dream Factory does for critically and chronically ill children in our community and what his own connection to Rotary has meant to him personally. The event is coming back next year and sponsorship opportunities are available. Learn more about the Dream Factory of Rochester at dreamfactoryinc.org/rochester and the Penfield Rotary Club at penfieldrotary.org .

Show Notes: Chris Bull, Principal Consultant at Toro Solutions, joins the show to cut through the fear around AI and talk about what change management actually looks like for Rochester businesses navigating new technology. Chris shares what AI agents are and why they are different from the chatbot tools most people think of, what the real opportunity looks like for small and mid-sized businesses, and why he believes the companies and leaders who treat stagnation as the real threat are the ones who will come out ahead. Learn more and start a conversation at torosolution.com or find Torro Solutions on LinkedIn.

Jennifer Sisson, life coach and founder of Focused on the Future Life Coaching, joins the show to talk about something most people underestimate, how common stalking actually is, what it really looks like in everyday life and how to keep moving forward when it feels impossible. Jennifer shares her own experience as a stalking victim, what the process of documenting and protecting yourself looks like over time, and why she believes coaching and community support are just as important as legal action. She also addresses what most people get wrong about how stalking starts, who it happens to and how long it can go on. If you or someone you know is experiencing stalking or just wants to learn more, reach Jen at focusedonthefuturelifecoaching.com or on Instagram at @jensisson65 .

Megan Gaul, weight loss coach and founder of Partake Meal Planning, joins the show to talk about losing 100 pounds naturally, keeping it off for seven years and what she has learned about helping others do the same. Megan shares what actually moved the needle for her, why most people overlook the real habits that are keeping their weight up, what she thinks about GLP-1s, and why the relationship with food matters more than any plan you can download. She also makes a compelling case for why you probably do not have to give up dessert entirely. A free Solve Stress Eating Emergency Kit is available at partakemealplanning.com , where you can also learn more about working with Megan one on one.

Barry Howard, President and CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, and Susan Tripp, founder and owner of SMT Mobile Notary, join the show to celebrate Susan's recognition as the Webster Chamber June Business of the Month. Susan shares the personal story that led her to start SMT Mobile Notary, what the business actually looks like day to day, where she goes and who she serves, and how being an active Webster Chamber member has shaped her success. Barry explains what sets Susan apart and why the chamber recognized her this month. Reach Susan at smtnotary.com , call 585.478.8371 or find her on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the Webster Chamber at websterchamber.com and health insurance enrollment at rocenrollhealth.com .

Debi Carlin Boyle, certified health and nutrition coach and personal trainer, joins the show to cut through the noise around healthy living, from what is actually in the foods being marketed as healthy to what you should know before going on a GLP-1. Debi shares her philosophy on bio-individuality, why she never puts clients on a dramatic diet overhaul, what she looks for when reading a food label, her honest and nuanced take on GLP-1 medications and what most people get wrong about them, and simple ways to stay active even when Rochester weather has other ideas. Learn more and connect with Debi at balancedlifebydebie.com .