Community Conversations captures a wide-ranging discussion led by Dom Genova while Peter Vazquez is away. The conversation centers on local culture, Rochester’s music legacy, honoring veterans, media credibility, and practical life wisdom. Rather than argument, the hour focuses on listening, recognizing people, and preserving the human stories that hold communities together.
Peter Vazquez got summoned to Albany, so the microphone passed to Dom Genova of the No Nonsense Roundtable, and the day turned into a reminder of what real community sounds like: imperfect, funny, human, and unexpectedly profound.
Dom does not “interview” people so much as sit with them, like two strangers at an airport bar, and ask the question that cracks open a life story: What did you want to be at ten years old? From Rochester broadcasters and music makers to the quiet builders of local culture, the thread is simple: everybody wants to be noticed, and the best leaders notice people on purpose.
A caller demanded commercial-free fairness, another spiraled into civil-war talk, and Dom answered with a hard truth about incentives and responsibility. Then the tone shifted when veteran Steve McAlpin called in, grateful for a platform that honored his service and helped push his long-delayed book toward the finish line. In between: Rochester music history, venues that still matter, and a sober nod to a world drowning in a 24/7 information flood.
Even the “car guy” wisdom landed like a civic lesson: know the Monroney label, watch for dealer gimmicks, and learn which problems are real and which are noise. Open Door Mission and Youth for Christ hover in the background as the quiet call to action: restore hope, invest locally, tell the stories that keep a city alive.
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This episode of The Next Steps Show features Dom Genova filling in for host Peter Vazquez, who is away in Albany. The broadcast unfolds as a long-form, conversational discussion centered on community, culture, media trust, music, business experience, and human nature, with an emphasis on lived experience over ideology.
Dom Genova introduces himself as the host of the No Nonsense Roundtable and explains his philosophy of radio: conversation rather than confrontation. A former car dealer in Avon, New York, Dom draws on decades of business and broadcasting experience to frame discussions that are practical, human, and grounded in real life.
He explains that many of his guests are people the public believes they already know, but whose deeper stories are rarely told. He references figures such as Don Alhart, Jack Palvino, and Carl Porta, highlighting how ordinary individuals often shape a city’s culture in extraordinary ways. Carl Porta’s role in founding the Rochester Music Hall of Fame is presented as an example of grassroots civic initiative.
A recurring theme throughout the discussion is the human desire to be noticed and understood. Dom credits Don Alhart with articulating this truth and explains that his interviews often begin with a simple question: what someone wanted to be at ten years old. This approach opens memory, vulnerability, and authenticity.
The conversation turns to Rochester’s music culture and creative history. Dom discusses the city’s legacy of musicians, producers, venues, and institutions, emphasizing that culture is sustained locally. He reflects on how cities thrive when they preserve their artistic identity and support grassroots creativity.
Dom recounts a conversation with Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Jeff Tyzik about the role of politics in art. Tyzik’s view, as shared on air, is that music should be the message, and that art loses its power when it becomes a political billboard. This principle is used to reinforce the value of restraint and professionalism in cultural spaces.
Callers contribute to the discussion with a range of perspectives. One caller questions the fairness of commercial-free programming. Dom explains that his program is commercial-free because he personally absorbs the cost, viewing it as a contribution to the community rather than a business strategy.
Dom references the work of Dale Carnegie to explain that even charitable acts are often aligned with self-interest, not as a moral failing, but as an honest recognition of human motivation. He argues that understanding incentives helps people navigate relationships and disagreements more effectively.
The tone briefly shifts when a caller raises concerns about political instability and societal conflict. Dom responds by emphasizing proportionality, personal responsibility, and the importance of resisting fear-driven narratives.
A significant moment occurs when veteran Steve McAlpin calls in. Steve expresses gratitude for being featured on Dom’s program and for the support he received in telling his story. Dom recounts Steve’s military service, post-service struggles, and recovery, including the role of an emotional support dog during his transition home. Dom emphasizes the importance of honoring veterans as individuals rather than symbols.
The discussion later turns to consumer education. Dom explains the purpose of his book, Don’t Be Taken for a Ride, which focuses on helping consumers understand the car-buying process. He introduces the Monroney label and warns listeners about misleading add-on stickers designed to inflate vehicle prices. These lessons are framed as broader principles about transparency, skepticism, and informed decision-making.
Dom shares what he calls the “seven percent rule,” explaining that a small percentage of people are unreasonable or malicious, and that energy is better spent serving the majority who act in good faith. He illustrates this principle with real examples from his time running a dealership.
The conversation also addresses the modern media environment. Dom and callers reflect on the erosion of trust in journalism, the impact of the 24-hour news cycle, and how earlier generations consumed news more deliberately. Walter Cronkite is referenced as an example of a time when credibility outweighed speed.
Throughout the broadcast, Dom repeatedly returns to the idea that strong communities are built through relationships, local engagement, and shared culture. He praises Rochester’s music scene, cultural venues, and nonprofit organizations that continue to invest in people.
The program concludes with Dom reaffirming his commitment to conversation over confrontation, service over ego, and truth over noise. Listeners are encouraged to remain engaged locally, support cultural institutions, and remember that meaningful change often begins with paying attention to one another.
Broadcaster and Consumer Advocate
Dom Genova is a Rochester-area radio host, author, and longtime business owner known for his practical, no-nonsense approach to conversation and community engagement. A former car dealer in Avon, New York, Dom brings decades of real-world business experience to the microphone, shaping his belief that honest dialogue matters more than ideological confrontation.
He is the creator and host of the No Nonsense Roundtable; a conversational radio program built on listening rather than debate. Dom is known for highlighting local voices, unsung community contributors, musicians, veterans, and cultural figures whose stories often go unheard. His interviews are intentionally politics-light and people-focused, centered on lived experience and personal insight.
Dom is also the author of Don’t Be Taken for a Ride: Know What Your Dealer Knows and Drive Home Happy, a consumer-education book drawn from his years inside the automotive industry. He regularly speaks to civic groups and nonprofits, offering practical guidance on consumer awareness, trust, and decision-making.
Across his work, Dom emphasizes service, transparency, and human connection, with a deep appreciation for Rochester’s cultural history and creative community.