In this episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, Nick and Christine chat with author Mackenzie Reed, the creative mind behind The Rosewood Hunt and The Wilde Trials. With her signature mix of heart, humor, and hijinks, Mackenzie shares her journey from Nazareth College to HarperCollins, talks about her upcoming adult debut I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell, and reflects on how growing up in the 585 shaped her storytelling style.

Catch Mackenzie Reed Live at the Rochester Children & Teens Book Festival:

Mackenzie Reed will be appearing at the Rochester Children & Teens’ Book Festival this weekend! Join her and a lineup of talented authors and illustrators for a celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. Learn more at www.rcbfest.com

About Our Terrific Guest Mackenzie Reed

Email: mackenzie@mackenziemreed.com

Mackenzie Reed is the author of books with heart, humor, and hijinks. She has a Communication and Media degree from Nazareth College and unironically enjoys long walks on the beach. Her young adult novels, The Rosewood Hunt and The Wilde Trials, are out now with HarperCollins. Her third, Worse Than the Others, is coming in 2027, and her forthcoming adult debut, I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell, will be released with Berkley/Penguin Random House in September 2026.

Connect and Follow Mackenzie Reed:

Website: www.mackenziemreed.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mackenziemreed

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mackenziereedwrites

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@mackenziemreed

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/22506077.Mackenzie_Reed

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

Hosts Nick and Christine welcome back Ben Albert, a familiar voice in Rochester’s business and creative community. Ben is the Owner and Founder of Balbert Marketing LLC, the GrowGetters ONLY community, and the host of the Real Business Connections podcast. In this lively and forward-thinking episode, Ben shares his mission to connect people who hold knowledge with those who need it. He is empowering growth through collaboration, creativity, and technology. The conversation explores how he’s harnessing the power of AI and Suno.com to transform keynote speeches and conference talks into original rap songs, bringing a whole new level of engagement. Don't miss this terrific conversation on innovation, inclusion, and how embracing creative tools like AI can amplify authentic connection rather than replace it.

Connect with Ben Albert

Email: Ben@balbertmarketing.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert

Company LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/realbusinessconnections

About Our Terrific Guest

Ben Albert is the owner of Balbert Marketing LLC, founder of the GrowGetters ONLY Collective, and host of the internationally recognized podcast Real Business Connections. Through his companies, Ben empowers growth-minded leaders with strategic marketing, podcast production, and community-building resources. Once an underdog, now a successful entrepreneur, Ben is passionate about helping others achieve their potential. He is on a mission to move the needle on one million lives, one conversation at a time.

Connect and Follow Ben Albert’s Work

Websites:

realbusinessconnections.com

balbertmarketing.com

weallgrowtogether.com

Instagram: instagram.com/realbenalbert

Facebook: facebook.com/realbusinessconnections

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCatiqMEYvn1CO_isUcb6pAQ

More About That Sounds Terrific - Host Nick Koziol

Podcast Website: www.thatsoundsterrific.com

Email: thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

A heartfelt thank you to (585) magazine for supporting stories that celebrate creativity and community throughout Rochester.

Hosts Nick and Christine welcome Dr. Michael Loete, a dynamic leader dedicated to both healthcare and community well-being. As Board President of ROCCREW, he helps guide an inspiring organization where rowing becomes a vehicle for healing, resilience, and connection. Michael also serves as Treasurer for Person Centered Housing Options Inc. (PCHO), a nonprofit providing homeless outreach, permanent supportive housing, and care management services throughout the region.

From his extensive career in healthcare leadership to his community board work, Michael exemplifies how passion, service, and vision can create waves of positive change in Rochester.

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-michael-loete-ed-d-lah-msl-7b480a70

Michael Loete has been in healthcare for over ten years. Currently he is an employee of UnitedHealthcare as a Senior ACO Network Contract Manager, and subsequently held positions at a variety of local health insurance carriers. A career highlight was as a Director of Provider Network Operations, Mike led a team that successfully and initially contracted physicians, facilities, and providers in over 30 counties in New York State to work with individuals who are intellectually and developmentally disabled so that they could receive medical care.Mike is a graduate of Roberts Wesleyan's OM and MSL programs. In the MSL program, Mike's group studied the Walt Disney Company. The group specifically and successfully defended a strategic audit and recommendation for streaming services as a partnership between the Walt Disney Company and Netflix. Mike had finished his doctorate in educational leadership through St. John Fisher in 2021, and published his dissertation on the Communication styles of senior leaders in health insurance during times of organizational change.

• ROCCREW Website: https://roccrew.com

• ROCCREW Facebook: facebook.com/share/1F2XgaNvvn

• PCHO Facebook: facebook.com/share/1CgqMgNFrR

• For More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585

  Check out our Website: www.thatsoundsterrific.com

• 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

  A huge thank you to (585) magazine for their continued support in sharing Rochester’s stories. Special appreciation goes to our intern, Ashlyn Dugdale, for their behind-the-scenes work in research, writing, and promotion.

• 
  

Hosts Nick and Christine welcome V Spehar, TikTok star, award-winning journalist, and the voice behind Under the Desk News. With over 3 million followers and recognition on the TIME100 Creators list, V has redefined how news can be shared accessible, compassionate, and authentic.

In this episode, V shares their journey from Brooklyn to Rochester, their experiences balancing fame with everyday life, and how theater and hospitality shaped their journalistic style. The conversation dives into topics like AI, Rochester’s food scene, and why V has truly fallen in love with the Flower City.

Our sit-down with V even sparked something bigger: a “day in the life” feature in (585) magazine where Nick and Christine explored Rochester with V from coffee at Café Sasso, art at the George Eastman Museum, shopping at Peppermint Boutique, to lunch at Dorado.

Read the related (585) magazine feature: Under the Desk News takes on Rochester

Connect with V Spehar – Under the Desk News

Website: underthedesknews.com

TikTok: tiktok.com/@underthedesknews

Instagram: instagram.com/underthedesknews

Substack: underthedesknews.substack.com

About Our Terrific Guest

V Spehar is the creator and host of Under the Desk News, where millions turn daily for digestible, jargon-free coverage of politics and current events. Named to the TIME100 Creators list, V has interviewed leaders including Presidents Obama and Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Since moving to Rochester during the pandemic, V has embraced the local community, showcasing how the Flower City inspires creativity, connection, and balance both online and off.

Connect and Follow (585) magazine

Website: 585mag.com

Instagram: instagram.com/585mag

Facebook: www.facebook.com/585mag

Some Other Mentions in this Episode

Café Sasso – coffee shop on Park Avenue

George Eastman Museum – historic Rochester landmark

Peppermint Boutique – fashion and gift shop owned by Tanvi Asher

Dorado – restaurant on Park Avenue

Tanvi Asher – owner of Peppermint Boutique

More About That Sounds Terrific in the 585

Podcast Website: ThatSoundsTerrific.com

Email: thatsoundsterrific@gmail.com

Special Thanks To Our Key Supporters

We’d like to thank (585) magazine for spotlighting Rochester’s stories and for helping us extend our conversation with V. A shoutout as well to our terrific intern Ashlyn Dugdale for her posts and contributions!

Rochester’s housing market is at a crossroads. In this episode, hosts Nick and Christine are joined by TST co-host, Jess DeCotis, as they all sit down with Jim Yakko, CEO of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors (GRAR), and GRAR President Don Simonetti Jr. to unpack the region’s housing crisis and the bold steps being taken to address it. From accessory dwelling units and modular builds to 3D-printed homes and large-scale redevelopment projects, the conversation explores both the challenges and innovative solutions reshaping how Rochester can meet its housing needs. Discover how the Reimagine Rochester Housing initiative is pushing for affordable, sustainable, and community-minded development across the 585.

Connect and Follow ReImagine Roc Housing at: www.ReImagineROCHousing.org

About Jim Yockel, CEO, Greater Rochester Association of Realtors

Email: jyockel@grar.net

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/james-yockel-7b8a103a

Jim Yockel is the Chief Executive Officer for the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, representing more than 3,000 REALTORS® across 11 counties in the Rochester, Finger Lakes, and Southern Tier regions of New York.

As the Association’s spokesperson, Jim works alongside community and government leaders to improve housing affordability and equitable access in the region. He currently co-leads the ReImagine ROC Housing initiative, an industry-driven effort to tackle Rochester’s housing shortage by collaborating with key stakeholders in business, government, and community development.

Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Management from Cornell University. He also holds the prestigious REALTORS® Certified Executive designation from NAR and the Certified MLS Expert designation from the Council of MLSs.

About Donald Simonetti Jr.

Email: donjr@howardhanna.com

Donald specializes in executive relocation to the Greater Rochester Area. Born and raised in Rochester, he have a detailed understanding of the local housing market and history. I’m also a proud member of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors. I look forward to working you and finding your next home.

About Jess DeCotis

Email: jessdecotis@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/em-marketing

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessdecotishomes

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jessdecotishomes

Jess DeCotis is an experienced Real Estate Agent focused on providing premium service in all transactions. Clients rave about her ability to quickly analyze and adapt to the market when buying and selling homes. With almost 15 years of professional marketing and sales experience, Jess has a strong business acumen that assists in advocating and negotiating for her clients. Whether you’re buying or selling your way into a dream home, Jess DeCotis is the smart move. Jess is also the co-host of TST in the 585 sister podcast That Sounds Terrifying.

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!

Hosts Nick and Christine welcome Aubre Fox, a powerhouse in both design and community-building. With over 16 years of experience as an interior designer and entrepreneur, Aubre is also the visionary behind The NXT Level Collective, a professional network uplifting women across industries through connection, education, and support. Aubre shares how purpose and passion fuel her dual path. Discover how her work transforms not only interiors but lives, communities, and careers throughout the 585 and beyond.

Connect with Aubre Fox, Founder – The NXT Level Collective:

Email: info@thenxtlevelcollective.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/aubre-fox

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aubre_fox

About Our Terrific Guest:

Aubre Fox is the founder of The NXT Level Collective and a passionate advocate for women in business. With over 16 years of experience as an interior designer and entrepreneur, she brings innovation, insight, and leadership to both the design world and the professional development space. Aubre created NXT Level as a response to her own journey through entrepreneurship and motherhood fostering a community where women could grow together through accountability, education, and genuine support. Today, the organization includes 50+ members statewide, offering dynamic events, retreats, and business strategy programs.

Aubre also grew up showing horses at the state and collegiate level—a passion that still fuels her creativity and determination.

Connect and Follow The NXT Level Collective:

Website: www.thenxtlevelcollective.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-nxt-level-collective

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheNXTLevelCollective

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nxt_levelcollective

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!

Writer, humorist, and Rochester creative force Taylor Terrance joins Nick and Christine for a terrific and heartfelt deep dive into storytelling, performance, and building community through comedy. Known for her column Lunatics Lounge in every issue of (585) magazine, Taylor opens up about her journey from childhood creative writer to comedy performer at Second City Chicago and beyond. Taylor also shares insights on live readings, playwriting, column writing, and the creative power of visual storytelling. From producing "Listen to Your Mother" to publishing humorous essays, she brings a sharp wit and warm heart to everything she does which makes us in the 585 laugh, think, and connect.

Connect with Taylor Terrance:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/taylor_t_rants

Website: 585mag.com/magazine_author/taylor-terrance

About Our Terrific Guest:

Taylor Terrance is a writer and humorist whose voice is both bold and relatable. A regular contributor to (585) magazine through her widely beloved column Lunatics Lounge, she explores the humorous, awkward, and poignant moments of everyday life. Taylor is a graduate of the comedy writing program at Second City Chicago and has performed in sketch shows and storytelling events like Listen to Your Mother and Rochester Spoken Word.

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 episode of That Sounds Terrific in the 585, hosts Nick and Christine uncork a conversation with Susan Reuter, the vibrant and community-focused owner of Flight Wine Bar in Rochester’s scenic Corn Hill Landing. A lifelong Rochesterian, Sue shares her journey from banking to wine, and how owning Flight has become her dream job. Her passion for community building shines through, from themed wine flights like the “Bossy Flight” and “In This Moment Flight,” to regular fundraisers, art exhibits, and celebrating all that the 585 has to offer! Flight Wine Bar is more than just a wine spot. It is a hub for connection, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're seeking a cozy jazz night, wine education, or your next favorite date spot, Sue and her team have created something truly terrific in the 585.

About Susan Reuter, Owner of Flight Wine Bar

Email: flightrocdowntown@gmail.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/susan-reuter-423a4818a

Susan Reuter was born and raised in Rochester, NY, and proudly embraces everything about her hometown. Charlotte Beach has always been a special place for her, whether on good days or bad. She and her husband are proud parents to seven adult kids, four “plus ones,” and a beautiful granddaughter they babysit weekly. Owning Flight Wine Bar has become Sue’s dream job. She loves running the bar, supporting her staff, and building community in every glass poured.

Connect and Follow Flight Wine Bar:

Website: www.winebarflight.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/61030086

Instagram: www.instagram.com/flightwineroc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FlightWineROC

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!