Washoe Life

In part one of this two-part Washoe Life podcast, we're on site at the Men's Crossroads facility, where up to 70 residents live in a structured, sober community while receiving case management, life skills training, and health care support. During this powerful sit-down with residents – some of whom are now staff members—find out what led them to Crossroads, how the program has shaped their recovery, and why it continues to change lives through structure, accountability and connection. 

In honor of National Donate Life Month, this episode features Aleah Hartung, a two-time kidney transplant recipient, and her boyfriend and kidney donor, Blake Lalli. Aleah shares her lifelong health journey, and Blake—former Reno Aces manager and now third base coach for the Miami Marlins—talks about becoming her perfect match. Their inspiring story of love, strength, and second chances is one you won't want to miss. 

The Washoe Life podcast is on location at the May Arboretum Greenhouse as we talk all things plants with Washoe County Horticulturist Luke Sorenson and Parks Superintendent Stephanie D'Arcy. Learn what you can do for your garden to encourage a burst of spring and summer blooms, and join us as we talk about what we can look forward to at Regional Parks this summer.  You can watch the video version of this podcast at www.YouTube.com/WashoeCountyTV. 

Meet Lynn Atcheson, a native Nevadan whose leadership and advocacy have left a lasting mark on Reno and Washoe County as we commemorate Women's History Month.  Lynn has played pivotal roles in some of Nevada's most influential organizations, including Sierra Pacific Power Co., Harrah's, and Washoe Health System—now Renown Health. She is also a founding member of the Nevada Women's Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women through education and philanthropy.  Through her work, she has championed initiatives that uplift women, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. During our conversation you will learn the inspiration behind the Nevada Women's Fund, the challenges of building community-driven initiatives, and Lynn's insights on leadership and philanthropy.   

During this episode of Washoe Life, we sit down with Emily Jaenson, a trailblazing sports executive, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and advocate for women's leadership. As the first female general manager in Triple-A baseball and a champion for confidence-building, Jaenson reflects on her journey to Northern Nevada, her career milestones, and the challenges women face in the workforce. She also shares her work with the Nevada Women's Fund and the significance of International Women's Day on Saturday, March 8th. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a leader dedicated to empowering women and breaking barriers. 

Pat Hickey is a natural storyteller and has entertained and informed Reno Gazette-Journal readers with his opinion column for the last five years. But his favorite story to tell is his own love story with his wife of 50 years, Myung-hee. He is taking a break from his column to pen this very special story for his beloved, and he shares this project and his most recent book, Here and the Hereafter, on this special episode of “Washoe Life.”  

On any given day, this small group of dedicated of chaplains are working alongside our Washoe County Sheriff's deputies offering their services following an unexpected trauma or crisis situation. What is it like to reach out to our community members during what is most likely one of the darkest days of their lives? Two of the chaplains joined us to share those experiences.  

Join us as we kick off 2025 and the new season of the “Washoe Life” podcast Listeners can now watch new episodes on YouTube with our added video option, and we will spend time this year in the field, gathering stories of life in Washoe County right where it happens. And as a treat for this first episode, we are joined by Jim Redding, better known to our foster families and parks staff as Santa Claus at the annual foster family tree give-away at Rancho San Rafael Park.  

In this final episode of season 3 of “Washoe Life,” Grant Denton of Karma Box and Monica DuPea of the Nevada Youth Empowerment Project discuss the misconceptions and criticisms often heard about homeless shelters.  

What is a “low barrier” homeless shelter? Are shelters dangerous? Aren't we just warehousing people? In this two-episode series, Grant Denton of Karma Box and Monica DuPea of the Nevada Youth Empowerment Project set the record straight on how shelters care for the unhoused.

Join us for part 2 of this conversation with 2News Nevada anchor Kyle Lowder, as he shares what might surprise listeners about daytime TV, morning news, and making the move from Los Angeles to northern Nevada. 

You may recognize Kyle Lowder from his starring role on “Days of Our Lives” or more recently from the morning news desk at 2News Nevada. Join us for part 1 of this two-part conversation with new Nevada neighbor, Kyle Lowder, about reinventing, relocating, and reflecting on life. 

There are roughly 300 million refugees in the world today and only about 1 percent will be resettled to a new home country. The Northern Nevada International Center is the conduit for refugees coming to northern Nevada, and Executive Director Dr. Carina Black shares with us the organization's mission, while Erasme shares her story of resettlement in Reno from Kenya.  

Khalilah Cage dreams of ways to encourage kids to speak what's on their hearts and minds. This summer, she is hosting a special event to do just that. Let the Kids Speak Jamboree will be a day of art, music, discussions about mental health and coping, and some good old-fashioned fun for kids of all ages. Listen to featured performer 8-year-old Juliette Leong tease out the fun on her violin in this special episode! 

It's summertime, and that means s'mores, adventure, and summer camp! Sierra Nevada Journeys is a nonprofit that provides summer programming for kids, particularly the underserved children in our community. But this year they're also holding a Grown Up Getaway Camp, packed full of camp nostalgia and adventure. Get all the inside info on the great outdoors at Sierra Nevada Journeys! 

We owe veterans for our freedom and safety, but so many come home from duty with trauma that leads them to substance abuse and legal trouble. Chief Justice Lynne Jones and veteran Jessica Greer share their insights into how Veterans Treatment Court can give back to those who have already given so much for their country.

In May we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Jan Evans Juvenile Justice Center. But who was Jan Evans? What role did she play in rethinking how we detain and rehabilitate juvenile offenders?  

We know that music can make us happy, sad, hopeful, or energized. It can flood us with memories and inspire us to dance and sing. Note-Able Music Therapy Services harnesses the power of music to bring therapy to the traumatized, return memory to those battling dementia, and spur movement in those with limited mobility. 

Hunter Weiss was only 20 when he tragically passed away, but he had already decided to be an organ and tissue donor. His mom shares the story of his gift of sight through cornea donation as we celebrate National Donate Life Month in April. Register to be a donor at www.nvdonor.org/washoe.  

There are more than 600 youth in foster care in Washoe County, but only about 250 foster families to take them. This is Mariah's story, a young woman who spent most of her childhood and teen years in foster care and is now building a new life for herself and her own children. It only takes one caring and willing adult to change a life. Listen and learn how you can help.  

Restaurant inspectors play an important role in keeping us safe and healthy. We're joined by two inspectors with Northern Nevada Public Health to talk about what they look for in restaurant kitchens, what health ratings mean, why food safety is so important, and how we can adopt safe food handling practices at home. And yes, they still go out to eat, just very carefully.  

In this Part 2 of our conversation about Washoe County's Specialty Courts, we talk with Judge Scott Pearson and Probation Officer Mark Wickman about the legal and law enforcement sides of addiction, recovery and rehabilitation. Learn how drug court has evolved to provide a support system for those who need it most, how it can be a liability to others, and how Judge Pearson navigates the difference.

Michael Laird was no stranger to getting clean. And then relapsing. Then getting clean again. It wasn't until a judge believed in him and ordered him into a Specialty Court that he found the framework to rebuild his life. Michael and his mom, Angela, share their story of second chances and a saved life.  

Drug use disorder has taken a particularly dark turn with the rise of fentanyl in Washoe County and across the country. Life Change Center Executive Director John Firestone brings the issue to light and discusses how we, as a community, can save lives through treatment and prevention.  

We're closing season 2 of “Washoe Life” with a conversation with Mikalee Byerman, author of the book “100 Things to do in Reno Before You Die.” Celebrate the best of Washoe County including tips on local trails and restaurants with this bonus episode. 

When West Hills Hospital closed just over two years ago, the community was left with no other resource for in-patient therapy, psychiatry and rehab for adults. In August, the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of the shuttered hospital and the county plans to bring it back to life to fit the growing need for behavioral health care in our community.  We are joined by County Manager Eric Brown and Interim Human Services Agency Director Ryan Gustafson to discuss future plans.

After nearly 60 years of air racing in Northern Nevada, this year brings the last National Championship Air Races to the Reno-Stead Airport. The 2023 event will be held Sept. 13-17 and will feature more than 150 planes and pilots, hands-on experiences, displays and thrills in the skies over Washoe County. Listen in on a behind-the-scenes conversation with the Reno Air Races Chief Operating Officer Tony Logoteta, as they take the final flag in Reno. 

Chief Charles Moore has more than 30 years of experience in firefighting and has been with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District for over a decade. He wants residents to be prepared for wildfires and to evacuate when ordered to do so. “You may have a matter of minutes, not hours.” Learn how to protect yourself and your home in the case of a wildfire in this episode of “Washoe Life.”  

Chris Orr and Dave Santina, hosts of the popular PBS show “Wild Nevada,” share their love for the quirky, colorful side of Nevada beyond the city lights. A fan favorite for more than 20 years, “Wild Nevada” is back with new episodes and new tales from the trails.  

"We are the generation. We are the people we've been waiting for, and so we are the ones who are going to choose what the future looks like." This is Brian Beffort's philosophy that he brings to his new role as Sustainability Manager for Washoe County. From planting pollinator gardens to changing lightbulbs, we can all make small contributions to a healthier, happier, and more economically vibrant future. 

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and Washoe County Trails Coordinator Christina Thayer shares her insight into the vast trail systems in and around Washoe County. Lace up those boots and take a stroll as you learn safety tips, the future for trails in Washoe County, and some of the best views in northern Nevada.  

Kurt Thigpen is an accomplished marketing and advertising expert, respected small-business owner, former school board trustee, and proud gay man hailing from a small town in the Deep South. He has encountered bruising hate for who he is and what he represents, but he shares his story of coming out and facing challenges in order to make it easier for those who follow in his footsteps.  

The Historic Washoe County Courthouse in downtown Reno turned 150 years old this year, and professional historian and author Dr. Alicia Barber describes the building's history and local lore. From its unlikely location to its storied role in the divorce trade, the stately building is an important character in Washoe County's history.  

May is Older Americans Month, and we are joined by Kay Bonzer, a volunteer at the Washoe County Senior Center. Kay began volunteering when her husband passed away three years ago, and she discovered purpose, community, and just a fun way to spend her time. Learn about the Senior Center and Senior Services, and help us commemorate Older Americans Month.  

Longtime Nevada newsman Richard Moreno shares tall tales, hoaxes, and practical jokes from the Old West in his latest book, “Frontier Fake News.” From Mark Twain to Dan DeQuille, Nevada has had more than its share of jokesters and clever conmen, and Moreno is the expert in Nevada history and trivia.  

Washoe County has a new horticulturist/arborist, Luke Sorenson, and for this bonus episode on Arbor Day, he shares tips on what grows here in Washoe County, what our growing climate is like, and his favorite places to enjoy the beauty of Washoe County's flora.  

Lavender McKillip is a funny, witty, insightful teen whose life was extended by the donation of a liver. While we celebrate National Donate Life Month, Lavender's mom, Theresa, shares the gratitude she feels every day toward the family who lost their child and saved hers.  

Regional Medical Examiner and Coroner Dr. Laura Knight gives us a peek into her day as a Medical Examiner, and describes the gift of life that can come out of the tragedy of death. Then Monica Myles with the Nevada Donor Network shares how easy it is to register as an organ donor, and the importance of doing so. This is a life-saving episode you don't want to miss.  

It was only eight short years ago that women were allowed to serve in combat positions in the military. 1st Lt. Courtney McKimmey is only the second woman to serve in her Cavalry position at the Nevada Army National Guard and shares her insight on equality in the service and in life. We've come a long way, baby, but it's taken a long time to get here.  

Melissa Shaffer's 21-year-old son, Hayden, brings light, joy, and humor to her life. His diagnosis of Down Syndrome came as a surprise when he was a baby, but she soon learned to lean on her support system and cherish the joy of life. Melissa and Hayden share with us their lives and stories to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day.  

“DEIB” is not just a buzz phrase in HR circles, but also is a strategic approach to fostering work environments where people are appreciated, and all viewpoints are welcomed.  Diaz Dixon, local diversity expert and consultant, shares his insight on those tough conversations around discrimination, equality, and first impressions. 

Valentine's Day is a day of love or just a really great excuse to go out for dinner, and we are joined this month by two local foodies who give us the scoop on their favorite restaurants. Be sure to follow BLC Bites & Bevs, and Hungry in Reno for the latest and greatest on Washoe County's culinary scene.  

One of the inevitable things of life in northern Nevada is those dreaded snow berms. Community Services Department Roads Maintenance Worker Pete Lange shares his perspective from the driver's seat of a snowplow, and explains why those berms sometimes just can't be avoided and how to share the road to keep everyone safe in a snowstorm. 

A New Year and new season of “Washoe Life” is here, and we're joined by the National Weather Service's Meteorologist Chris Smallcomb. Chris describes the weather pattern we're in now and how this fits into northern Nevada's climate patterns. Spoiler alert: flood and drought cycles are more normal than you (or we) realize.

Ted Moore, host of “Paranormal NV,” returns for a bonus episode to talk about his favorite haunts in Washoe County. This special Halloween episode is the season finale of the first season of Washoe Life.  

Teresa Aquila has served Washoe County as a sworn deputy for 45 years and continues to work for the Sheriff's Office. She's a mechanic, author, radio host, lifelong volunteer for numerous community programs and she is chair of her neighborhood Citizen Advisory Board. Prepare to be inspired to step up and serve as Theresa shares what motivates her to give back to her community.  

University of Nevada Reno President Brian Sandoval has dedicated his career to public service as a legislator, attorney general, federal judge, governor, and now university president. Once a student at UNR, he now has big plans for his alma mater, including a prestigious ranking in the Association of American Universities.  

The Great Reno Balloon Race takes to the skies above Rancho San Rafael Regional Park this weekend, but did you know that it takes hundreds of volunteers and even the federal government to pull this event off? Executive Director Pete Copeland and Flight Director Katie Griggs share what goes into planning an event that welcomes 120,000 people every year, and why they keep coming back.  

Washoe County has a very special relationship with Burning Man, as Matthew “Chef” Kwatinetz explains in this episode of “Washoe Life.” Chef is on the Board of Directors for Burning Man Project and Senior Director of Nevada Operations, and he is an advocate for ensuring that the community of Gerlach benefits from the annual city built on the neighboring playa.  

Jessica Locke is a local mom of four whose life took a turn when she was faced with a threat and decided to learn self-defense. She now competes in and teaches martial arts, and shares her story about learning new things, testing one's limits, and making the whole experience a family affair. Oh, and on top of that, she is an author who just released an e-book on dispelling myths about homeschooling.

Guy Clifton is about as Nevadan as it gets. He literally wrote the book “You Know You're a Nevadan If...” and the longtime newsman shares stories from his life growing up in Gabbs, Nevada, and covering decades of news at the Reno Gazette-Journal.