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 true to what makes it a staple in Rochester.

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 outperform expectations in food and beverage, and what the future may look like for restaurants locally and nationally.

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 small, consistent acts of kindness can still make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Dave Dollinger is back on Rochester Living for a wide-ranging discussion on the challenges shaping Rochester’s real estate market. From the ongoing inventory shortage to the emotional realities buyers are facing, this conversation highlights what it takes to navigate today’s environment.
We also discuss Rochester’s growing appeal to out-of-town buyers and why the region may be positioned well for the future.

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, what viewers may not realize about the forecasting process, and the evolving role of local meteorologists in today’s media landscape.

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 looks like in a complicated moment.

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 powerful idea: in difficult moments, communities often move toward each other rather than away.

Rev. Crow also shares how acts of solidarity in places like Rochester have inspired people across the country to stand up for their neighbors and tell the stories that bring humanity back into the conversation.

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 organizations, and floats that fill downtown Rochester with music and celebration.
The parade kicks off Saturday, March 14 at 12:30 PM, starting at East Avenue and Alexander Street and ending at Main and Fitzhugh.