What’s Up Rochester

10/09/2026

Sometimes life has a way of reminding us that we are human first.
Due to some personal issues that need our attention, we won’t be able to bring you a live What’s Up Rochester? this Saturday. We are extremely sorry. We never take for granted that you choose to spend part of your Saturday with us, and we truly hate missing a week with our listeners and our community.
But we aren’t leaving you without a show!
This Saturday from 11 AM–1 PM on 106.3 FM, we’ll be bringing back one of our May 23rd episodes — and it is definitely worth another listen.
You’ll hear from Krista Hudson, an ADHD Coach who shares insight into understanding ADHD and helping people recognize their strengths; Susan Reuter of Flight W**e Bar, talking about entrepreneurship and creating a special local business; Karen Putz, The Passion Mentor, sharing her inspiring message about finding and pursuing the things that make you come alive; and Judi Swanson of Kindness Champions, reminding us just how powerful kindness can be in our everyday lives.
It’s a show about understanding ourselves, following our passions, building something we believe in, and choosing kindness along the way. Looking back, maybe this was the perfect episode for us to revisit this week.
We are incredibly grateful for your understanding and support. What’s Up Rochester? has become so much more than a radio show to us. It has become a community of people who show up, share their stories, support one another and remind us every week why Rochester is such a special place.
We promise — this is just a one-week break. We’ll be back LIVE next Saturday, ready to turn the microphones on and continue doing what we love.
Until then, please enjoy this special encore episode, and know how much we appreciate every single person who listens, shares our posts, supports our guests and believes in what we are building.
Thank you for giving us a little grace this week. We’ll see you next Saturday.
What’s Up Rochester?
Local people. Real conversations. A stronger Rochester.
Saturday 11 AM–1 PM | 106.3 FM | Rochester Free Radio

10/07/2026

NOW AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY!
Our What’s Up Rochester? Collab on the Road episode is officially available, and this one was extra special!
A HUGE thank you to Old Brick Furniture & Mattress Company for opening their doors, welcoming our What’s Up Rochester? crew, and giving us a place to take the show out of the studio and into the community.
We also loved having the opportunity to shine a light on Adaptt and the important work they do supporting women, children, and families throughout our community.
One of the things we love most about What’s Up Rochester? is connecting local businesses, nonprofits and everyday people who are doing good things right here in Rochester. This collaboration was exactly what our show is all about — community supporting community.
And we want to encourage everyone to show some love to the businesses that show up for Rochester. If you’re shopping for furniture or a new mattress, go check out Old Brick Furniture & Mattress Company. Stop in, take a look around, and let them know you heard about them from What’s Up Rochester?
Thank you, Old Brick, for believing in what we’re doing and for being such a wonderful host. We can’t wait to hit the road again!
Missed the show? Listen to the full episode now on Spotify!
What’s Up Rochester? — Local people. Real conversations. A stronger Rochester.

10/07/2026

ROCHESTER, LET’S SHOW UP FOR THESE PLAYERS!
We love sharing the people and organizations in our community who are doing something special, and this is one we hope you’ll get behind.
The Ice Pyrates Hockey Team is taking on the Flower City Special Hockey Team on November 1st from 5–6 PM at Lakeshore, and this game is about so much more than hockey.
The goal is to raise $1,500 to support Flower City Special Hockey and its players. Donations help provide equipment, cover ice time, support tournaments and coaching, and create opportunities for athletes to participate, develop their skills and be part of a team.
Their message says it perfectly: Inclusion. Teamwork. Opportunity.
They’re already about a third of the way to their goal, but they need our community’s help to get across the finish line.
Come out and cheer them on, share this post, or make a donation using the information on the flyer. Whether it’s $10, $20, $50 or more, every contribution makes a difference.
At What’s Up Rochester?, we believe some of the best things happen when our community rallies around one another. Let’s help these players have an incredible season and remind them that Rochester is cheering them on!
November 1 | 5–6 PM | Lakeshore
Come for the hockey. Stay for the heart.

10/06/2026

WE’RE ON THE ROAD — AND NOW WE’RE ON SPOTIFY!
Our special What’s Up Rochester? On the Road episode from Old Brick Furniture & Mattress Company is officially available on Spotify!
This was so much more than a remote broadcast. It was a day filled with great conversations, lots of laughs, meeting members of our community and, most importantly, people coming together to help people.
We want to give another HUGE thank you to Old Brick Furniture & Mattress Company for partnering with What’s Up Rochester? and opening their doors to us. Not only did they give us a wonderful place to take our microphones on the road, but they also helped us collect much-needed donations for ADAPTT Rochester, supporting women, children and families right here in our community.
And THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by and brought a donation. Every bottle of shampoo, package of diapers, set of sheets, cleaning product and household necessity represented someone in our community saying, “You matter, and we want to help.”
This is exactly what we hoped What’s Up Rochester? could become — not just a radio show, but a way to connect local businesses, nonprofits and people who want to make Rochester stronger.
We hope you’ll also show some love to Old Brick for showing up for our community. Stop in, check them out, and let them know you appreciate local businesses that are willing to give back.
Missed the broadcast? Listen to the full episode now on Spotify! And please share it so more people can learn about Old Brick, ADAPTT and what can happen when our community works together.
What’s Up Rochester?
Local people. Real conversations. A stronger Rochester.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3uoZt584LW8MUgPbldri6h?si=4QzqY8iXSwuv-XW84MmFDQ

10/06/2026

GET READY TO WIGGLE, GIGGLE & MEET SOME LARGER-THAN-LIFE CHARACTERS!

We’re excited to welcome Grace & Grins Puppet Shows to What’s Up Rochester on October 17, 2026.

For more than 15 years, Grace & Grins has been entertaining children while proving that learning can—and SHOULD—be fun.

And these aren't the little hand puppets you might be imagining. Grace & Grins uses large, life-size, Muppet-style puppets that grab children's attention and turn important lessons into experiences they’ll remember.

Each original show combines laughter, music and movement with messages about kindness, inclusion, healthy choices and social-emotional learning. The shows are written, the characters are created, and the performances are brought to life by one incredibly creative puppeteer.

We’ll also hear about the newest program, Grace & Gertie’s Wiggle & Giggle, created specifically for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years—an age group that has very few live performances designed especially for them.

We’ll talk about how Grace & Grins got started, what goes into creating these amazing characters, the magic of watching a shy child suddenly join in, and why bringing families together for a live, interactive experience is still so important.

Grace & Grins travels throughout New York performing at libraries, schools, camps, museums and daycares, so if you work with children or are looking for something unique to bring to your organization, you’ll definitely want to hear this conversation.

Tune in to What’s Up Rochester on Rochester Free Radio 106.3 FM and discover why sometimes the best way to teach a child something important is to make them laugh first!

What’s Up Rochester — giving a voice to the people, businesses and organizations that make our community special.

10/05/2026

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2gVS0rKTsh2RjXUzo4FWr5?si=yLV0Mld3RvKg632YdiP5BQ

NOW AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY!
If you missed this episode of What’s Up Rochester?, you can now listen anytime — and this is one you don’t want to miss.
This episode is a perfect example of why we created What’s Up Rochester? — real people, real stories, and real conversations that matter.
We sit down with Tim Powers of Tim Powers Voice Over LLC to talk about finding your voice and the world of professional voice acting.
Andrew Hofmann shares his very personal journey of needing a kidney donor, what life is like while waiting for that life-changing call, and why becoming an organ donor can truly give someone the gift of life.
Peggy Pollizi, Founder and President of Palmesano Strong, shares how she is carrying on her brother’s legacy while raising awareness about ALS and supporting families impacted by this devastating disease.
And Walter Lee “Junior” Kemp Jr. and Erin Ashbaugh of the Upstate Franchise Basketball Association (UFBA) talk about mentorship, youth sports, leadership, and using basketball to help young people succeed both on and off the court.
One episode. Five incredible people. Stories of hope, purpose, perseverance, community and giving back.
Search “What’s Up Rochester?” on Spotify and listen now. And if a story touches you, please share the episode — you never know who may need to hear it.
What’s Up Rochester?
Giving Rochester’s people, businesses and organizations a voice.

10/05/2026

NOW AVAILABLE ON SPOTIFY — WHAT’S UP ROCHESTER?
If you missed this episode live, now is your chance to catch up! This episode is all about community, entrepreneurship, service, and people working to make Rochester stronger.
We sat down with Krista Hudson & Jenna Stehler of Flourish ROC to hear how they’re bringing people together through small acts that create meaningful impact for local organizations.
We also talked with Felix Briner, founder of Briner Basement Inc. Felix shared his journey, his commitment to serving Rochester-area homeowners, and what it takes to build a business based on honesty, quality workmanship, and trust.
And Deanna Dudley, Compliance Nurse and Team Lead with HCR Home Care, joined us to discuss the Diverse Care Project and the important work being done to remove barriers and improve access to home health care services for Rochester’s Black/African American community.
Three different stories. Three different missions. One thing in common: people who care about our community and are doing something to make a difference.
That is exactly why we created What’s Up Rochester? — to give local people, businesses, nonprofits, and organizations a place to tell their stories.
Listen to the full episode now on Spotify!
And don’t forget — What’s Up Rochester? is LIVE every Saturday from 11 AM–1 PM on Rochester Free Radio 106.3 FM.
Follow us, share the episode, and help us keep giving Rochester a voice.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7sD4BQM7ZOr5HcM7YDThmf?si=lZchsQHUTnuaH7UuXhBaAg

09/28/2026

🍂 FALL EVENT SEASON IS IN FULL SWING, ROCHESTER! 🍁

And we want to help make sure our community knows what’s happening around town! 📣

Do you have an upcoming event that Rochester needs to know about?

🎃 Fall festivals
🍎 Apple & pumpkin picking
🎶 Live music & concerts
🛍️ Craft & vendor fairs
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family events
❤️ Fundraisers & community events
🏢 Business events & grand openings
🎭 Arts, theater & entertainment
🏈 Sports & community activities
…and everything in between!

We want to hear about it!

Our What's Up Rochester? community page is all about connecting Rochester with the people, businesses, organizations, and events that make our community special.

📢 If you're hosting an event, send it our way!

We'd love to help spread the word and give Rochester one place to discover what's happening in our community.

📩 Send your event information to:
[email protected]

And please SHARE this post with an event organizer, nonprofit, business, church, community group, or friend who has something coming up!

🍂 Fall is here. The events are happening. Let's get Rochester out and about!

What's Up Rochester?
Where Rochester Comes to Talk. 🎙️

09/23/2026

Doing a remote broadcast at Old Brick Furniture and Mattress Company.

09/23/2026