The Rochester Post Podcast

In this episode, Matt sits down with Rad Nichols, Executive Director of COAST Bus, and Vanessa Polychronis, Community & Employee Relations Manager, to explore the vital work COAST does as a nonprofit public transit provider. They discuss the diverse range of services COAST offers, the exciting plans behind their ongoing capital campaign for a new facility, and how you can get involved, whether...

In this episode, Matt talks to Laura Ring, President of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, to reflect on her 35-year journey with the Chamber and how Rochester's business community has evolved over the decades. Laura also shares information on the Chamber’s current initiatives, upcoming events, and ways local businesses can get involved. To learn more about the Greater Rochester Chambe...

In this special episode, listen to audio from the March 18 City Council meeting, where Mayor Callaghan introduces Thomas Bowden, the newly appointed CEO of Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Bowden stepped into the role in February 2025, bringing extensive leadership experience from his time at Steward Healthcare. Most recently, he served as president of Rockledge Regional Medical Center in Florida, where...

In this episode, Matt welcomes SHARE Fund chairman Jerry Rainville, who introduces LeeAnn Bruneau as the organization's new executive director. LeeAnn first joined SHARE Fund as a volunteer and later became Assistant Director under Skip Smith, who is now stepping into a new role as pastor of the Congregational Church in York, Maine. LeeAnn is eager to lead the organization and help people in n...

In this episode, Matt talks to Library Director Marie Lejeune and Patron Services Supervisor Katherine Parker from the Rochester Public Library about potential funding changes to IMLS and their impact on various services— including audiobooks, a service that is widely used in Rochester. In 2024 alone, 895 users accessed audiobooks, totaling nearly 13,000 checkouts. With digital resources like eBoo...

In this episode, Matt talks with Jerry Rainville and Ashley Truong about the SHARE Fund’s upcoming charity hockey game featuring the Bruins Alumni Association. The game takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Rochester Arena, where the SHARE Fund Marvels will take the ice against former Bruins players for an afternoon of fun and fundraising. Jerry and Ashley also share updates on...

On Tuesday, October 15, Interim Assessor Mary Beth Walker provided an update on the 2024 City-wide Revaluation during the City Council Workshop. Walker highlighted the ongoing work to ensure property assessments are adjusted to reflect the rising real estate market, aiming to bring assessments close to 100% of full, fair market value. She also emphasized that while property values are expected to...

In this episode, Matt sits down with author, researcher, and Rochester historian Patrick O. Connelly to delve into the rich history of Rochester, New Hampshire, from its early days as a frontier territory to its emergence as a thriving township. Connelly shares insights from his books, Rochester, New Hampshire: Territory to Township and Rochester, N.H.: In Their Own Words , which span the years 16...

In this episode, Matt talks to Tax Collector Rachel Laughner to explore the tax deeding process in the City of Rochester. They break down what happens when property taxes go unpaid, starting with tax liens and leading up to a property being taken by the City through a tax deed. Rachel explains the step-by-step process, from receiving tax bills to the final notice of impending tax deed, and offers...

In this episode, Matt interviews popular scenic photographer John Gisis, a Rochester native who began drone photography as a hobby and has since turned it into much more. John’s beautiful aerial shots have been included in publications and other various initiatives across New Hampshire. He also releases an annual calendar, with a portion of the proceeds supporting local charities.

In this episode, Matt talks to Clinical Coordinator Ramsay Dean about Frisbie's Partial Hospitalization Program, the stress and anxiety that often accompany the back-to-school season, and other resources for people seeking help for stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

In this episode, Matt talks to Katherine Michaud MS, OTR/L, Mental Health & Matter of Balance Coordinator, Cornerstone VNA, about her involvement with Cornerstone VNA, occupational therapy, and community mental health for people of all ages. Katherine also talks about her involvement with the Rochester Mental Health Alliance and the events and initiatives the group organizes. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Anthony Ejarque, Executive Director of the Rochester Opera House, about their hit musical revival of Fiddler on the Roof, which concludes its run on July 27. Anthony also teases upcoming productions of Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, PorchFest 2024, and much more. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Dr. Natasha Saiyed MD about Frisbie's Wound Center, treating and preventing wounds, the most frequently seen patients, and the benefits of hyperbaric chamber treatment.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine discuss going "fine free" for overdue library materials. They also chat about the Summer Reading Program for participants of all ages.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine discuss what they're reading.

In this episode, Matt interviews Annie Azarloza, Rochester’s upcoming Superintendent of Schools. They discuss her 100-Day Plan, the Listening and Learning Tour, and the significance of public and student engagement. Annie also shares insights on the post-COVID-19 landscape for students, along with her personal interests and experiences relocating to Rochester.

In this episode, Matt talks to Mark Sullivan, Director of Finance for the City of Rochester, about the upcoming retail trash bag program for overflow trash. Expected to begin mid-summer 2024, the new bags will be required for trash that does not fit in the Waste Management-issued residential toters. Replacing the current sticker program, the bags will cost $1.75 each and the City is working with l...

In this episode, Matt welcomes back SHARE Fund chairman Jerry Rainville to discuss implementing new changes to the organization, the shopper's choice program, and the upcoming Putt-4-Hunger event on Saturday, June 1. Visit www.sharefund.org to learn more.

In this episode, Marie and Katherine talk to Jody Walker, Technical Services Librarian, about Koha, the new open-source library system that was recently implemented. They also chat about making it easier to obtain a library card, the possibility of going “fine free”, and the ongoing expansion of digital offerings. 

In this episode, Matt talks to Chief Nursing Officer Megan Gray about strokes. Listeners will learn about recognizing the warning signs of strokes, the significance of swift action, and how to respond in the event of a stroke.

In this episode, Matt talks to Ellen Carlson from the New Hampshire Fiddle Ensemble about the history of the organization, its diverse membership, and their upcoming show at the Rochester Opera House on May 3, 2024. Ellen also shares her earliest memories of making music and discusses the artists that influenced her most. To learn more about the NH Fiddle Ensemble, visit www.nhfiddleensemble.org.

In this episode, Matt talks to three Spaulding High School Seniors who started the Compassion Closet, an initiative to provide students in need with clothing, socks and underwear, hygiene products, and more. The Compassion Closet is a private space in the High School that allows students to visit anonymously and get the things they need without shame.

In this episode, Matt talks to Bob and Lisa Griffin, members of the Rochester Historical Society and Museum, located on Hanson Street. Bob and Lisa chat about the museum and its collection, upcoming programs, and the Rochester NH History Podcast.

In this episode, Matt talks to Dr. Ken Maynard from Frisbie Memorial Hospital about neurosurgery, surgical and technological advancements, and other common surgeries such as fusions and general decompressions. Maynard also talks about how providers are responding to common issues like back pain, neck pain, and much more.