Rochester Living with Mark Siwiec and Corey James Moran

Hosted by Corey Moran

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250

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Aug 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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60 recent

August 12, 2026Episode 25332 min

Episode 253 - Rochester’s Biggest Challenge Isn’t What You Think

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction & Becoming an Empty Nester01:33 How United Way Has Changed Over the Years05:31 Rochester After the Pandemic12:20 The Loneliness Epidemic & Rebuilding Community22:00 The Biggest Pressures Facing Families Today34:02 Why Nonprofits Need to Think Differently39:16 Leadership, Burnout & Empathy44:26 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

August 4, 2026Episode 25249 min

Episode 252 - Brighton’s Next Supervisor Has a Bold Vision for Monroe Avenue

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.

July 27, 2026Episode 25146 min

Episode 251 - Rochester's Housing Market Finally Changing? | Anthony Butera Explains

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.

July 27, 2026Episode 25048 min

Episode 250 - Ramona Santorelli on Pride, Protest & Changing New York History

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.

July 13, 2026Episode 24941 min

Episode 249 - Doug Emblidge on Grief, Resilience & Finding Hope After The Loss Of His Son

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.

July 7, 2026Episode 24853 min

Episode 248 - The Rochester History Everyone Should Know | Frederick Douglass, Liberty & the Revolution

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.

June 29, 2026Episode 24746 min

Episode 247 - Rochester's Restaurant Scene Has Never Been Better

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.

June 23, 2026Episode 24642 min

Episode 246 - How Free Museum Access Could Transform Rochester

Sarah Jesse, Director of the Memorial Art Gallery, joins us to discuss one of the most significant cultural announcements in Rochester in recent memory. After raising a $9 million endowment, MAG is preparing to eliminate admission fees permanently, opening its doors to generations of future visitors.Sarah shares the vision behind the campaign, the challenges of making the case for free admission, how museums contribute to a city’s economic vitality, and why access to art and culture matters for everyone.

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.