Washoe Life

For the first time in many years, Washoe County has opened a new recreation site, and Trails Coordinator Christina Thayer explains how and why a new recreation site comes to be. Join us on the banks of the Truckee River for a first look at the new Riverbend Trailhead, a brand-new access point to the river and portage area for rafters. 

The Washoe County Senior Center has been a cornerstone of our community since 1978—and now, it’s getting a much-needed refresh. In the latest Washoe Life podcast, we take you inside the $2.8 million renovation that’s transforming this vital space. Hear from Washoe County Human Services leaders about what’s changing, why it matters, and how it supports the seniors who rely on it every day.  Listen...

We go behind the scenes of the CrossRoads program with Frankie Lemus and Jimmie Drury to talk about what makes this place work—from case management to community support. Hear how structure, connection, and care are helping residents rebuild their lives.

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 recove...

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 yo...

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...

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 nonprof...

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. Sh...

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 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 Cla...

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...

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...