Free Daily Podcast Summary
Rochester Speaks: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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 brings you the heart of the community one conversation at a time.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 6 days ago18 min
Eight Olympians and Counting: Bishop Kearney Breaks Ground on What’s Next
Eight Olympians and nine NHL draft picks have come out of one Rochester high school, and Bishop Kearney is just getting started.President and CEO Paul Colontino and Director of Development Caitlyn Stoffle stop by right after the groundbreaking on BK’s new Performance Training Center. The first phase brings a regulation sheet of ice, locker rooms, about 23,000 square feet of indoor turf, and new space for strength, conditioning and student wellness. It’s all part of a three phase, $25 million capital campaign. Paul explains why this is so much more than an ice rink, and why the doors open to the whole community every evening.You’ll also hear how the Selects hockey program turned into an international destination for young student athletes, what really makes students light up when they walk through BK’s halls, and how a long Rochester winter shaped the design of the building.And the BK Day of Giving is coming up Wednesday. Caitlyn shares how alumni classes, houses and sports teams are already challenging each other, and how you can get in on it in just a few minutes. Make a gift or just show your support, record a quick video challenging three friends, and tag @BishopKearney on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.Learn more and take part at www.bkhs.org.
- 1 weeks ago17 min
Fear AI... or Figure It Out? The Main Street AI Summit on November 13th Is Making the Choice Easy.
Brian Piper, founder of Airflow Solutions, Deborah Ross of kidsoutandabout.com and Nick Koziol from the Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence at the University of Rochester join the show to talk about the Main Street AI Summit coming to the U of R on Friday November 13th.Brian walks through what the all-day summit will actually do for attendees, from hands-on workshops and a Microsoft keynote to a 90-day implementation plan and ongoing community meetups. Deborah shares how she uses AI as a thought partner rather than a ghostwriter, cutting her weekly column writing time nearly in half without losing her voice. Nick explains why the U of R signed on as cornerstone sponsor and what connecting small businesses to student talent has already produced.A free introductory webinar runs the week before for anyone who wants to get comfortable with the basics before the event. Bring your laptop. In-person attendance is at the Fellen Ballroom at the University of Rochester. Virtual attendance is also available.Register and sign up for the free webinar at mainstreetevent.com.
- 1 weeks ago13 min
Hell's Kitchen Opens at RBTL This Week. JonAvery Worrell on Why There Is Somewhere for Everyone in This Story.
JonAvery Worrell, who plays Knuck in the national touring production of Hell's Kitchen, joins the show ahead of the show's run at West Herr Auditorium Theatre to talk about the production, the character and what Rochester audiences are in for.JonAvery shares how he built Knuck from a combination of his own experiences and his father's, what it is like to have performed the role nearly 400 times and still find something new in it, and why this cast in particular feels like something special from top to bottom. He also talks about what makes Hell's Kitchen's reimagined Alicia Keys catalog feel fresh even for listeners who know every song by heart, and why he believes no matter who you are or where you come from you will find yourself somewhere in this story.Hell's Kitchen runs Tuesday through Sunday at West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Eight performances. Tickets at rbtl.org.
- 2 weeks ago33 min
Dr. Melvin Cross Jr. on Church Hurt, Finding the Right Community and What Rochester's Faith Scene Is Missing
Dr. Melvin Cross Jr., pastor of Amplify Church in downtown Rochester, joins the show for a wide ranging conversation about faith, community and the role the local church plays in the health of our city.Dr. Cross shares why he believes healthy churches build healthy communities, what the data actually shows about Gen Alpha returning to church and what they are looking for when they get there, and why Rochester's faith community, despite doing significant work, is operating about a decade behind cities of similar size. He also talks about the Care Portal, a technology that connects local churches directly to the Department of Human Services to meet real time family needs, and makes the case for why faith based organizations across denominational and even religious lines can collaborate around a common cause without compromising their own beliefs.For anyone who has experienced church hurt or simply drifted away, Dr. Cross has something honest and direct to say about trying again, and how to find a community that will actually meet you where you are.Find Dr. Cross on all social media platforms at Melvin Cross Jr. and find Amplify Church at Amplifyny.org. Sunday services are at 10:30am at 111 North Chestnut Street in Rochester.
- 2 weeks ago16 min
Before You Buy Something Pink This October, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester Has Something to Say
Christina Thompson, Executive Director, and Shawn Futch, board member and breast cancer survivor, join the show during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to talk about what the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester does, why local giving matters more than most people realize and what the organization means to the people it serves.Christina shares something every consumer should know before buying a pink product this month, why 100% of every dollar donated to BCCR stays in the community, how the coalition funds two local research grants every year and what is changing in December when gynecologic cancer research gets added to the mix. Shawn shares what it felt like to walk through those doors at the beginning of her diagnosis and why she has never left.The single most valuable thing you can do before October ends does not have to cost a thing. Visit bccr.org or breastcancercoalition.org, share it with your network, or call 585.473.8177 to learn about volunteering, programs or how to support someone you know who may need them.
- 3 weeks ago14 min
From Fake Listings to Stolen Land. How AI Is Changing Real Estate Fraud in Rochester.
Jeremias Maneiro, associate broker at RE/MAX, joins the show to talk about one of the fastest growing threats facing Rochester renters and property owners, AI powered real estate scams, and how he accidentally became the local expert on stopping them.Jeremias walks through how rental scams have evolved from simple listing grabs to fully fabricated properties with AI generated photos and addresses, shares a jaw dropping local case where a scammer moved tenants into a vacant home for months without the owner knowing, and explains how vacant land is now being fraudulently listed and sold. He also shares the strategy he used to trace 380 fake rental accounts back to a single overseas scam operation using AI itself to find the pattern.The biggest takeaways: if a deal looks too good to be true in Rochester's low inventory market it almost certainly is, never wire money or send a deposit through Venmo or PayPal without verifying in person, and always find contact information yourself rather than trusting what someone sends you.Learn more at jmanai.com.
- 3 weeks ago10 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.
- 3 weeks ago11 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.
Get Rochester Speaks summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
ROC Solid
Memphis Bleek discusses hip-hop history, Roc-A-Fella, and the music industry with artists, producers, and insiders.
RacketCast
Local news, culture, and debates from a reader-funded, worker-owned Twin Cities media outlet.
Community Catalysts
Leaders from local government and nonprofits share hard-won lessons and practical strategies for building stronger communities.
1010 WINS ALL LOCAL
Local news and issues affecting New York City neighborhoods, delivered with a focus on community impact and city-specific events.
Donnybrook
Five St. Louis journalists debate hot-button news topics with sharp opinions and lively, unfiltered discussion.
Onward with Rosie O'Donnell
Rosie O'Donnell discusses fame, family, and culture with celebrities, artists, and newsmakers in weekly conversations.
The Brian Lehrer Show
Discussions on current issues in local and national politics, community matters, and personal life.
Rogue Energy
iHeartPodcasts
Buffalo All Local
Daily news highlights from Buffalo and upstate New York reported by WBEN.
92NY Talks
Recorded conversations from 92nd Street Y featuring prominent thinkers, artists, and leaders discussing culture, ideas, and society.
The Todd Herman Show
A Christian conservative commentator offers unfiltered takes on politics and culture, blending tech industry experience with sharp analysis.
Searching For Heroes With Benjamin Hall
FOX News Podcasts
About 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 brings you the heart of the community one conversation at a time.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Rochester Speaks in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Rochester Speaks daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Rochester Speaks as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Rochester Speaks podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Rochester Speaks product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Rochester Speaks.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Rochester Speaks release new episodes?
Rochester Speaks publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Rochester Speaks cover?
Rochester Speaks covers topics including History, Business, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Rochester Speaks summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.