In this inspiring episode, Nick and Christine sit down with Susan Kavanagh, president of Tech Rochester, to explore the powerful intersection of technology, community, and personal growth. Susan shares her unique journey from the legal field to becoming a tech leader and how she helped shape Tech Rochester into a driving force for workforce development and innovation. The conversation covers everything from the future of AI to the launch of the exciting new “Made in Rock” event series, as well as the ongoing mission to support underserved communities and foster cross-industry collaboration, including Rochester’s vibrant arts scene. If you’re curious about how tech is transforming the 585 and what’s coming next, this episode is a must-listen!

About Susan Kavanagh, Sr. Director, Client Experience at KLDiscovery and President, TechRochester

Email: skavanagh75@hotmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susanippolitikavanagh/

Connect and Follow TechRochester:

Website: https://www.techrochester.org/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/techrochester

Instagram: www.instagram.com/techrochester

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TechRochester

Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC3dRmg51iHYQ8moj2_al3fw/videos

TechRochester is a non-profit organization that focuses on bringing technology professionals together within the community. We support professional growth on an individual level, in the hopes that together we can encourage the growth of technology within the Rochester region.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585 – Hosts Nick Koziol & Christine Green

For more information on That Sounds Terrific in the 585, visit our website at That Sounds Terrific and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know is doing something terrific in the 585 area and should be featured on our show, email us at thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this unique crossover episode, worlds collide as That Sounds Terrific in the 585 teams up with That Sounds Terrifying for a dynamic and thought-provoking conversation. Hosted by the terrific Chris Lindstrom—Co-Founder of the Lunchador Podcast Network and long-time champion of Rochester’s food scene—this episode flips the script as Chris interviews Nick Koziol, Christine Smith, and Jess DeCotis about their experiences as co-hosts, community engagers, story tellers, and podcasting partners.

Then the tables soon turn, and the trio get their chance to ask Chris about his passion for podcasting, his uplifting of small and minority-owned restaurants, his decade-long journey with Food About Town, and how the Lunchador Podcast Network is creating an equitable collective to amplify voices that make Rochester terrific.

It’s real talk, deep laughs, and a whole lot of passion for the 585.

About Chris Lindstrom, Co-Founder - Lunchador Podcast Network, Host - Food About Town Podcast

Email: stromie@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/in/chris-lindstrom-6b014235

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stromie

Chris Lindstrom is the Co-Founder of the Lunchador Podcast Network and the long-time host of the Food About Town Podcast. He has covered the Rochester food and drink scene for over a decade with a focus on small, minority owned restaurants and places with passion. Chris and his Co-Founder Matt Austin have made LPN into an equitable collective where the people who do the work to make Rochester a better place in their own way can express their dedication to the community.

Follow the Lunchador Podcast Network

www.lunchador.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lunchadorodcasts

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@lunchadorpodcasts

Food About Town Podcast:

www.foodabouttown.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/foodabouttownpodcast

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@foodabouttown

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this powerful episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, hosts Nick and Christine sit down with Jeanne Strazzabosco and Amanda Chestnut, the passionate creators behind In This Moment. What began as a response to the murder of George Floyd has blossomed into a growing movement that uplifts and honors Black leaders in the Rochester community through beautifully curated chapbooks.

Jeanne and Amanda share the story of how this idea took root, evolved into a dynamic collaboration, and now serves as an essential educational and cultural resource movement. Featuring voices like Danielle Ponder, Almeta Whitis, and Reverend Myra Brown, the project celebrates Black excellence in all its diversity— changemakers from every walk of life.

Learn how In This Moment is rewriting narratives, investing in Black artists, and putting powerful stories into the hands of students and readers across Rochester—all through community-driven support. Tune in for an inspiring and important conversation.

About Amanda Chestnut

Email: inthismoment585@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blk_amanda/

Amanda Chestnut is a multimedia artist, curator, educator, publisher, and local arts loud-mouth in Rochester, New York. They have made image-based art as a photographer for 30 years. Their artwork has been exhibited throughout New York State, including at the Center for Book arts in Manhattan. Chestnut holds an MFA in Visual Studies from Visual Studies Workshop through The College at Brockport, SUNY. During that time, they held graduate assistantships at Visual Studies Workshop and in the Criminal Justice Department, both at the College at Brockport. Recent lectures and radio appearances focused on community action, equity in user experiences in digital platforms, curatorial practices, arts funding, the English language, and the over-policing of Blackness in the United States.

About Jeanne Strazzabosco

Email: jeannestrazzabosco@gmail.com

Jeanne is a retired French teacher from Pittsford Schools. As a teacher leader, she created and implemented professional development that focused on creating an inclusive learning environment, understanding the effects of implicit bias, the importance of representation and how to teach with the introvert in mind. Jeanne earned an MA in Liberal Studies at SUNY Brockport and a Masters of Pastoral Studies from St Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. She recently completed a Masters Certificate in Art Administration from SUNY Brockport where her favorite course was grant writing. Currently, Jeanne enjoys her role as coordinator for In This Moment.

Connect and Follow In This Moment:

Website: www.inthismoment585.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthismoment585/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/inthismoment585

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@InThisMoment585

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, hosts Nick and Christine sit down with the inspiring Annette Ramos, a passionate advocate for the arts, civic engagement, and equity in the Rochester community. From co-founding the Rochester Latino Theater Company to championing Latina pay equity and BIPOC artists, Annette’s work is driven by the power of storytelling. She shares her journey from Puerto Rico to Rochester, her efforts in voter registration, and her unwavering commitment to uplifting others. Tune in to hear how Annette continues to make a difference—one story at a time!

Connect With Annette Ramos, Rochester Latino Theatre Company & Latinastoryteller

Email: latinastoryteller@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annette-ramos-a5288430/

About Our Terrific Guest:

Annette Ramos, a vibrant leader hailing from New York City and Los Angeles, now fuels community engagement and voter registration efforts as a Recruiter/Voter Registration Coordinator for the Monroe County Board of Elections. Beyond her official role, she stands as a beacon of advocacy and empowerment, championing Youth Civic Education Programs and serving as a trusted Rochester-based Arts Leader and Latinx community advocate.

With over three decades of experience as a master storyteller, Annette's influence spans nationwide, showcased through her leadership at the helm of the Rochester Latino Theatre Company. Her commitment to collaboration and inclusivity shines through her involvement in various boards, including the City of Rochester's AC3 Arts Commission and the National Smithsonian Latino Museum Advisory Committee, where she tirelessly works to uplift underrepresented voices.

Annette's accolades, including the National Hispanicize 2014 Positive Impact Award, affirm her dedication to fostering a more equitable society, driven by her passion for cultivating the next generation of leaders and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

Connect and Follow Annette Ramos & Rochester Latino Theatre Company:

Website: www.facebook.com/RochesterLatinoTheatreCompany/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annette-ramos-a5288430/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/latinastorytellerroc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/caaramos/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AnnetteRamosLatinastoryteller

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, hosts Nick and Christine sit down with Michele Ashlee, a talented portrait photographer whose passion for people shines through in her work. Michele's journey from a self-taught hobbyist to a successful professional photographer is truly inspiring. She shares how she discovered her love for capturing raw, unfiltered moments that tell powerful stories. Join us for an insightful conversation about the art of photography, the importance of authenticity, and the creative spirit that drives Michele’s work.

About Michele Ashlee, Portrait Photographer

Email: michele_ashlee@yahoo.com

Connect and Follow Michele Ashlee Photography:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/michele_ashlee_photography

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MicheleAshlee

Michele Ashlee is a portrait photographer with a storytelling approach, self-taught for over 12 years. Her passion quickly became an obsession, propelling her career forward at a rapid pace. She initially explored various areas of photography before discovering her true calling in documentary-style photography. Michele is drawn to capturing raw, open, and authentic moments, preferring to showcase her subjects as they truly are rather than relying on posed images or props. Her work emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and the power of real, unscripted emotion.

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585

🔗 www.thatsoundsterrific.com

📧 Contact: thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com

🎧 That Sounds Terrific in the 585 brings you inspiring conversations with movers and shakers in the Rochester community. Hosts Nick and Christine dive deep into the stories of individuals making a difference, sharing their journeys, passions, and the impact of their work. Tune in to hear compelling stories, gain fresh perspectives, and discover what makes the 585 such a terrific place to live and work!

Join Nick and Christine as they sit down with a creative force: Zack Shepard, a filmmaker, photographer, and partner at Howell Studios. From capturing skateboarding moments at 13 to building a career in visual storytelling, Zack has dedicated his life to the art of film and photography. Zack along with his daughter, Avery, are the visionaries behind "The Tiny Trailblazer", a passion project that blends interviewing people in different career fields as a "mini-reporter" to highlight their jobs, adventures, creativity, and tell their story. Through this initiative, they capture unique experiences and inspire others to explore the world through a filmmaker’s lens. Hear about the journey, the power of storytelling, and how creativity continues to shape the Rochester community.

About Zack Shepard

Email: zechariah@zechariahshepard.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/zechariah-shepard

Zack Shepard has always had a passion for the creative world. He picked up a video camera at 13 to film himself and his friends skateboarding and never put it down. In 9th grade, he developed a serious interest in photography, even building his own darkroom in the basement, where he fell in love with the craft. After graduating high school, he pursued fine art photography at RIT. Today, Zack is a partner at Howell Studios, a video production and marketing company based in Rochester, NY, where he continues to bring stories to life through visual media.

Connect and Follow Tiny Trailblazer & Howell Studios:

Website: www.howelladvertising.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/howellstudios

Instagram: www.instagram.com/the_tiny_trailblazerr

Facebook: www.facebook.com/howellfilmstudios

www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551066907258

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@thetinytrailblazer

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, Nick and Christine sit down with the talented Deena Viviani. Deena discusses her role in connecting young readers with engaging literature and fostering a love for books in the community. She also shares her journey from childhood writer to published author. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the impact of literature, library programming, and the magic of storytelling in the 585.

About Deena Viviani, Circulation, Teen Services, and Programming Librarian @ Brighton Memorial Library

Email:deenaviviani@hotmail.com

Website:deena-writes.com

Deena Viviani is a librarian of 16 years and writer since childhood. Her fiction, non-fiction, and book reviews have appeared in Cricket's MUSE and Spider magazines, Highlights High Five, (585) Kids, and (585) Magazine. She lives with her musician husband and his guitars, 8yo daughter and her stuffies, and a lot of books.

Connect and Follow Brighton Memorial Library:

Website:brightonlibrary.org

Facebook:www.facebook.com/BrightonMemorialLibrary

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us atthatsoundsterrific@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

(585) magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more athttps://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of That Sounds Terrific in the 585!

In this episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, Nick and Christine are joined by the terrific Sarah Mead. Sarah is an amazing storyteller, dedicated educator, and leader in Rochester's creative community. Sarah shares her journey as a children’s book author and magazine writer and discusses her passion for fostering creativity in the 585. Under her leadership, a vibrant network for children’s writers and illustrators has a home right here in Rochester, NY.

Sarah shares the joys of writing for young readers, offering insights into what makes a children’s story truly special and how this craft is started and supported in the 585. Whether she’s mentoring aspiring authors, crafting her next article in the (585) magazine, or singing show tunes during a carpool, Sarah’s enthusiasm for storytelling shines through. Don’t miss an inspiring conversation that shows how building community and nurturing creativity connect us all through the power of storytelling.

About Sarah Mead

President, Rochester Area Children's Writers and Illustrators. Writer, 585 Magazine. Coordinator, Rochester Children's Book Festival

Email: Sarahemead@gmail.com

Sarah Mead grew up reading anything she could get her hands on and her stories won her the future author award in elementary school. As a fourth-grade teacher, she earned a master’s degree in writing curriculum but decided that writing children’s books was much more fun! She regularly publishes magazine articles in 585 Magazine and leads a local group of children’s authors and illustrators. When she isn’t writing or reading, you can find her belting showtunes in the carpool or playing board games with her husband and three kids.

Get Connected

Websites for more information: www.readwithmead.com and www.racwi.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sarahmeadwrites & www.instagram.com/racwi_group

X: www.x.com/Sarahmead28 & x.com/RochesterKidLit

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

For more information on our Podcast, That Sounds Terrific visit our website at www.thatsoundsterrific.com and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you or someone you know are doing some terrific things that should be featured by our show then be sure to reach out by emailing us at thatsoundsterrfic@gmail.com.

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

585 Magazine and their team for their support with the That Sounds Terrific in the 585 podcast. Be sure to become a subscriber of this terrific magazine - learn more at https://585mag.com

Thank you to Morgan Brown and Meadow Viscuso, our terrific intern duo from SUNY Fredonia for all their hard work and for lending their voices and music to the Intro and Outro of the That Sounds Terrific in the 585!