I've Got a Little Brooklyn in Me — with Jaclyn Richard

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Grit. Wit. Real Stories.

Brooklyn attitude isn’t where you’re from. It’s how you move.

I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me is hosted by Jaclyn Richard — sharp, funny, and always real. Every episode is a conversation on the stoop: no PR speak, no filters. Just the honest stories of people who’ve done extraordinary things with ordinary grit.

Season 1 features civic leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians changing Rochester and beyond. New episodes drop biweekly. Clean. Zero filler. All fire.

“I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me isn’t just a catchy line. It’s my origin story, my attitude, and your permission slip.” — Jaclyn Richard, Host

New Episodes · Biweekly

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me?

I’ve Got a Little Brooklyn in Me is a podcast based in Rochester, NY that spotlights the civic leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians who are shaping Rochester and making an impact beyond. Each episode is a conversation with someone doing remarkable things in our community.

Who hosts the podcast?

The podcast is hosted by Jaclyn Richard, a Rochester, NY-based storyteller passionate about sharing the voices and stories of the people who make this city extraordinary.

Who are the guests on the show?

Guests include Rochester-area entrepreneurs, community leaders, musicians, artists, and changemakers — people who are building businesses, driving culture, and creating positive change in Rochester, NY and the broader region.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

You can listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. New episodes drop biweekly and are announced on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

How often are new episodes released?

New episodes are released biweekly. Sign up for the newsletter to get new episode alerts delivered straight to your inbox.

What topics does the show cover?

The show covers entrepreneurship, local business, arts and music, community advocacy, and the unique culture of Rochester, NY. Every episode explores what drives our guests and what makes Rochester a city worth celebrating.

Is the podcast free to listen to?

Yes — completely free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. No subscription required.

How can I suggest a guest or get in touch?

Reach Jaclyn directly at jaclyn@brooklyninme.com or send a message via Instagram or Facebook. We’re always looking for new voices from the Rochester community.

Latest Episodes

New episodes drop regularly. Each one goes deep on what it really means to carry that Brooklyn spirit — grit, hustle, and heart — no matter where you live.

Episode 10 · June 30, 2026

The Fight Isn't Over: Carolyn Maloney on the ERA, Women's Power, and Brooklyn Grit

Former U.S. Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney spent thirty years in Congress fighting for the Equal Rights Amendment, protecting 9/11 first responders, and refusing to back down when the stakes were highest. She joins Jaclyn for a conversation about what real political power looks like, why the ERA fight isn't over, and the Brooklyn backbone that has driven her entire public life.

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Episode 9 · May 8, 2026

Still Giving, Still Playing: John Williams' Quiet Revolution in Rochester

John Williams has been a fixture in Rochester's music and community scene for decades — a pianist, educator, and tireless volunteer who never made noise about what he was building. In this episode, Jaclyn sits down with John to unpack a life lived in service, the Brooklyn attitude that fuels his giving, and why he believes Rochester's best days are still ahead. A quiet revolutionary, in every sense.

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Episode 8

Marquita Rugless and the ROC Events Revolution

Marquita Rugless built ROC Events into one of Rochester's most recognized event production brands — and she did it without a blueprint. In this episode, she talks about breaking into a male-dominated industry, staying true to her vision through setbacks, and the relentless hustle it takes to put Rochester on the map one event at a time. Her Brooklyn-in-her-bones approach to entrepreneurship is impossible not to admire.

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