Community Cares

In this uplifting episode of the  Community Cares Podcast , co-hosts  Dave McLaughlin  and  Chaplain Chaz Blackburn  sit down with  Gabrielle Torres  from  Freedom In Faith , a local ministry bringing hope and spiritual transformation to inmates across Reno and Sparks. Through community groups, discipleship classes, and the gift of Bibles, Freedom In Faith offers encouragement and a pathway to ren...

🎉 Happy New Year from the Community Cares Podcast! 🎉 Kick off 2025 with the CCP crew as we ring in the New Year and reveal a HUGE project that will shape how we serve our neighbors in the Reno–Sparks community. In Episode 122, “Happy New Year! HUGE PROJECT ANNOUNCEMENT,” Dave and Chaplain Chaz reflect on last year’s impact—celebrating our partners, volunteers, and donors—and share an exciting ne...

Merry Christmas! - CCP 121Celebrate the heart of Christmas with this week’s episode of Community Cares Podcast. Executive Director Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn gather around the mic to reflect on the hope, generosity, and faith that make this season so meaningful for our Reno/Sparks community.​They share how simple acts of kindness can change a life, and highlight ways to support fa...

Ray from SilverSummit Healthplan joins co-hosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn for a powerful conversation about how healthcare and community support work together to serve Nevada families. Together, they unpack the ways SilverSummit connects members to medical, behavioral health, and supportive services, and why removing barriers to care is so critical in our region. The episode also...

Foster The City with Pastor Gregg Katz In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and co-host Dave McLaughlin sit down with Pastor Gregg Katz to talk about Foster The City and the powerful impact it is having on vulnerable children and families in our region. Pastor Gregg shares how churches and individuals can step into the foster care crisis with practical support, m...

Community Cares Podcast welcomes Jose Gomez to the show alongside cohosts Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn for an inspiring conversation about caring for our neighbors and strengthening community support. In this episode, they share stories from the front lines of service, talk about partnerships that make a real difference, and highlight practical ways listeners can get involved right...

Community Cares Podcast | Featuring Valeria Koss of RennerVation Foundation In this inspiring episode of Community Cares, Executive Director Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet sit down with Valeria Koss, Executive Director of the RennerVation Foundation. Together, they explore how her team is transforming lives across Northern Nevada through housing rehab...

Community Cares Podcast, Ep. 116 Explore another episode of the Community Cares Podcast featuring Dave as host, with special guest Mark Teachout. Mark shares his role as an ambassador for Business 4 Transformation, discussing community involvement and business impact. Tune in for an insightful conversation on local engagement and innovative business approaches—Chaz is off this episode, but the dia...

In this episode, we honor the spirit of Veterans Day by reflecting on its origins as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. We explore how the meaning of the day evolved to celebrate and recognize all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Join us as we share stories of service, sacrifice, and gratitude from our community and beyond — reminding us why this day of remembrance continues t...

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 114, featuring Hunter Rand In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and Sparks City Council candidate Hunter Rand, who is running to represent Ward 2. Hunter shares his vision for a vibrant, connected Sparks community and talks about how his creative background shapes his approach to leadership and problem-solving. Join us as we discuss local issues, community...

Julie M Lane - CCP 113 Community Cares Podcast 113 features Julie M Lane, a talented musician who performed at Disney and built a remarkable career in the arts. In this episode, Julie shares her personal story of overcoming trauma and transforming her pain into purpose. She opens up about the lessons learned along the way, the healing power of creativity, and her exciting plans to launch a future...

Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet - CCP 112 Community Cares Podcast Episode 112 features a heartfelt conversation between Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Executive Director Dave McLaughlin, exploring the vital role Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet plays in serving the Reno/Sparks community. From providing free clothing to those in need to fostering dignity and hope, learn how this nonprofit makes a las...

Lily Blackburn - CCP 111 Community Cares Podcast Episode 111 features Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and host Dave McLaughlin in a heartfelt conversation with early teen guest Lily Blackburn. Together, they explore the challenges and personal experiences that come with growing up, touching on themes of resilience, self-discovery, and support. This candid dialogue offers insight into the emotional journey...

Nevada Day Dinner - CCP 110 Nevada Day is almost here, and we’re celebrating in style! In Episode 110 of the  Community Cares Podcast , Chaplain Chaz and Dave host an in-house Nevada Day Dinner conversation packed with state history, fun facts, and a few hidden gems you may not know about the Silver State. From the origins of Nevada Day to quirky bits of local lore, this lively discussion is all a...

Matt Bruback, co-founder of Compassionate Business Networking, joins Community Cares to discuss his transition from professional baseball to social entrepreneurship. After inventing the Sensory Belt to aid children with developmental disabilities, he launched monthly Reno networking events that pair business connections with charitable giving—spotlighting organizations like Good Shepherd’s Clothes...

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 108 In this episode of the Community Cares Podcast, host Dave McLaughlin sits down with  December Watts  from  Give Hope NV  and  Councilman Donald Abbott . December shares the mission and heart behind  Give Hope NV , a nonprofit dedicated to serving families and individuals in crisis with compassion and resources that bring dignity and renewed hope. She explains...

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 107 Guest: Tom Graham Episode Overview In this episode, Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin talk with Tom Graham about his journey, his passion for serving others, and the impact he’s had on our community. Tom shares valuable stories from his career, lessons he’s learned, and how giving back has shaped his path. This conversation is filled with inspiration...

Join hosts Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin as they sit down with the remarkable Sarah Wilkinson, a true force for change in the Reno-Sparks community. As Executive Director and founder of Carolynn's Children & Family Foundation, Sarah shares her deeply personal journey that began when her daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2021. This life-changing experience opened her eye...

Maria's Story - Community Cares Podcast Episode 105 Experience a story behind homelessness in Episode 105 of the Community Cares Podcast. In this special story-driven episode, we follow the path of an everyday individual facing challenges that can lead anyone into homelessness. Through powerful storytelling, learn what it means to truly get close to the issue—empathy, understanding, and a call...

Community Cares Podcast | Episode 104 Guest: Mara Langer, Jewish Nevada In this episode of the  Community Cares Podcast , we sit down with  Mara Langer , Chief Development Officer at  Jewish Nevada , to explore the powerful ways her organization strengthens community, builds connections, and provides meaningful support across Northern Nevada. Mara shares insight into Jewish Nevada’s mission to ens...

Mari Hutchinson, STEP 2 - Community Cares Podcast Ep. 103 Join us for an inspiring conversation in episode 103 of the Community Cares Podcast, hosted at Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet. Our special guest, Mari Hutcheson, Executive Director of STEP2, shares the life-changing work happening at her organization, supporting women and families in their journey toward recovery and self-sufficiency. In th...

Natalie Stevenson, Cancer Community Clubhouse - CCP 102 In this heartfelt episode of the Community Care Podcast, we sit down with Natalie Stevenson, co-founder and Executive Director of Cancer Community Clubhouse in northern Nevada. Natalie shares her inspiring journey as a metastatic breast cancer survivor and reveals how her personal experiences have shaped her commitment to building a supportiv...

Back To School Event! Community Cares Podcast will resume next week!

🎙️ New on Community Cares Podcast: Ep. 101 with Alli Villines from She Means Business! Discover how Alli empowers women to lead, grow, and support local causes right here in our community. Her story is packed with inspiration, honest advice, and the power of coming together for good. Special thanks to our sponsors: Spherion Staffing – www.spherion.com/our-offices/reno_1128/ Shelley's Hardware...

Hunter Rand - CCP 100