Rochester Living with Mark Siwiec and Corey James Moran

Hosted by Corey Moran

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241

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Rochester Living, hosted by Mark Siwiec and Corey James Moran of Elysian Homes by Mark Siwiec and Associates, is your go-to podcast for everything happening in Rochester, NY, and beyond. From real estate trends and local news to Buffalo Bills updates, pop culture highlights, and the best of what the Flower City has to offer, we've got you covered.

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June 16, 2026Episode 24449 min

Episode 245 - The Biggest Challenges Facing Schools Today

Few topics affect our community more than education. Kevin McGowan joins us to discuss what he’s seeing firsthand as Superintendent of Brighton Central School District, from student engagement and mental health to the growing role of AI in schools.We also discuss New York’s cell phone ban, post-COVID attendance challenges, graduation trends, and how schools are preparing students for a rapidly changing future.

June 8, 2026Episode 24443 min

Episode 244 - The Story Behind Rochester's International Jazz Festival

Few events have helped shape Rochester's cultural identity quite like the Rochester International Jazz Festival. Marc Iacona joins us to discuss how the festival has evolved over the past two decades, the partnerships that make it possible, and the vision that continues to drive it forward.Along the way, we cover unforgettable performances, rising stars, community impact, and the role music plays in bringing people together.

June 1, 2026Episode 24346 min

Episode 243 - Can Rochester Solve Its Housing Shortage?

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 a candid look at where the city is headed, what’s standing in the way, and why he remains optimistic about Rochester’s future.00:00 Introduction & Mitch Gruber's Background05:39 From Foodlink to City Council10:15 Housing Development & Charlotte Street Debate13:42 Charter Schools, Vacant Buildings & Housing16:19 Rochester's Housing Crisis28:25 Traffic Safety & Vision Zero35:28 The Future of Rochester Public Market41:42 Why Mitch is Optimistic About Rochester47:12 Rapid Fire Rochester Questions Explore more Rochester Living Podcast episodes:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT9MAsAiN2WUv-wSzGQssiEOLaZefmrdY#RochesterLiving #RochesterNY #RochesterPodcast #MitchGruber #Foodlink #CityCouncil

May 18, 2026Episode 24245 min

Episode 242 - Are the Buffalo Bills Built to Win a Super Bowl? Jim Aroune Breaks It Down

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, and why Western New York’s connection to this team runs far deeper than football.

May 13, 2026Episode 24138 min

Episode 241 - The Family Behind Rochester’s Most Iconic Jewelry Store

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 thoughts on Rochester’s hidden luxury market, the evolution of customer service, and the importance of philanthropy throughout the community.

May 4, 2026Episode 24038 min

Episode 240 - Inside Rochester's Largest Event: The Lilac Festival

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.

April 27, 2026Episode 23951 min

Episode 239 - Why Rochester’s Food Scene Is Thriving

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.

April 20, 2026Episode 23852 min

Episode 238 - What’s Actually Happening to Rochester’s Youth | Elaine Spaull Explains

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.

April 6, 2026Episode 23743 min

Episode 237 - Rochester NY Market Trends 2026 | Prices, Inventory & Demand

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.

March 31, 2026Episode 23646 min

Episode 236 - Forecasting Rochester: Behind the Scenes with Stacy Pensgen

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.