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.