Advertise on podcast: The Rochester Post Podcast

Matt talks with Mandy Lancaster and Joss Birnie from Waypoint Youth Drop-in Center, located on Wallace Street, about how they support young people in Rochester. The conversation covers Waypoint’s services, upcoming events, and current initiatives, as well as how municipal funding helps make their work possible. This episode is part of an ongoing series spotlighting nonprofit organizations that receive city funding and the positive impact they have on the community.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Jeff Bisson, Executive Director of Rochester Main Street, to talk about upcoming downtown events and share an update on future programming. In the second half, Matt is joined by Jeanne Grover, founder of Vouchers for Veterans, to discuss the Harvest Market, currently in the planning stages for later this year.

In this special episode, you’ll hear newly elected Mayor Chuck Grassie’s inaugural address, delivered during the City of Rochester’s inauguration of elected officials on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. In his speech, Mayor Grassie reflects on the importance of community engagement and volunteerism and emphasizes the need to work together to move Rochester forward and better serve its residents.

In this episode, Matt talks with SHARE Fund Chairman Jerry Rainville about the mission of the SHARE Fund and the critical role volunteers play in sustaining its work. Jerry also reflects on the broader importance of volunteering and encourages listeners to make a difference in their community by getting involved.

In this episode, Matt talks with Rochester City Councilor and Chair of the Riverwalk Committee David Walker about the history of Rochester’s Riverwalk, its past successes, current initiatives, future projects, and how the Riverwalk continues to play a vital role in shaping Rochester’s future.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Economic Development Director Michael Scala and Chief Assessor Marybeth Walker to explore how Rochester uses RSA 79-E, a state program that offers tax incentives to developers who rehabilitate underutilized or blighted buildings. They discuss how the program works, the application and approval process, and its impact on downtown revitalization.

In this episode, Matt chats with Tracy Hardekopf, president of the Rochester Rotary Club, about what it means to be involved in Rotary. They discuss how to join if you’re interested in giving back to the community, and highlight some of the club’s ongoing initiatives, including Santa Sacks, communication boards at local playgrounds, bell ringing for the Salvation Army, and much more.

In this episode, Matt talks to Rochester Main Street Executive Director Jeff Bisson to discuss downtown Rochester, recent Halloween events, and everything the nonprofit has planned for the upcoming holiday season. Jeff also shares his 15+ year history with the organization, reflects on how downtown has evolved, and highlights key milestones that have shaped its growth.

In this special episode, Mayor Paul Callaghan and City Manager Katie Ambrose highlight the City of Rochester’s recent achievements, discuss ongoing challenges, and provide an overall status update for the community. The event was organized by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and hosted at the Lilac Club Casino.

Children regularly practice fire drills at school, but many families overlook planning at home, where most fires actually happen. In this episode, Maria Busuito shares crucial tips from the Rochester Fire Department on creating a family fire escape plan, practicing it together, and keeping your loved ones safe.

In this episode, hear Interim Superintendent Jared Fulgoni introduce himself to City Council on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Fulgoni, 58, lives in Eliot, Maine. He earned a Master of Education from the University of New Hampshire, a Bachelor of Arts from Plymouth State University, and completed graduate coursework at Harvard University. He holds administrative certifications in Massachusetts, New York, and New Hampshire, including licensure as a superintendent and principal. Fulgoni’s recent positions include Superintendent of Schools for Regional School Unit #63 in Maine and previously for Amesbury Public Schools in Massachusetts. In these roles, he led strategic planning initiatives, introduced new pre-K and special education programs, and oversaw multimillion-dollar school construction projects.

In this episode, Matt talks with Kay Wright, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Rochester. They discuss the role of the Community Development Division within the Economic Development Department and highlight current initiatives, including updates to the CDBG Annual Action Plan. Learn how these efforts support local needs and how residents can get involved.

During the City Council Workshop on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Mayor Paul Callaghan welcomed Carlton Cooper of the Rochester Veterans Council to speak about the upcoming Memorial Day activities.

In this episode, Rochester historian Patrick Connelly returns to discuss his research and to promote an upcoming presentation on Friday, May 16, at 6:00 p.m. at the James W. Foley Memorial Community Center. The public is encouraged to attend. Visit www.rnhcc.com to learn more.

In this episode, Matt talks to Frisbie Memorial Hospital CEO Tom Bowden as he approaches his first 100 days on the job. They reflect on the past five years since HCA Healthcare acquired Frisbie, highlighting key milestones and successes. Tom shares his vision for the hospital’s future, the deepening ties between HCA and the Rochester community, and exciting updates on services like cardiology, inpatient rehab, total joint replacement, and the reopened sleep lab. They also touch on the importance of stroke and mental health awareness, and what leadership and community involvement mean to Tom as he settles into his new role.