Washoe Life
Washoe Life is where we connect with community members in Washoe County, NV to hear their stories and speak on topics that affect you.
Episodes
This episode of Washoe Life features Mike Wilden, longtime Nevada health and human services leader, as he shares the fascinating history of the Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services campus. From its opening in 1882 as the Nevada Insane Asylum to its evolution into modern mental health and disability services, Mike reflects on the people, policies, and stories that shaped this landmark institution.
In this episode of Washoe Life, we welcome Rick Edwards, the new Fire Chief of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Chief Edwards comes to Washoe County after more than two decades with the Stockton Fire Department in California, where he rose through every rank to become Fire Chief.
He shares his leadership journey, lessons learned from California’s wildfire seasons, and his vision for fire prevention and preparedness in ...
When crime happens, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Division steps in to uncover the truth hidden in the evidence. In this episode of Washoe Life, we sit down with Division Director Steven Johnson and Supervising Criminalist Dr. Lisa Smyth-Roam for a behind-the-scenes look at the county’s crime lab. From separating TV drama from reality, to the evolving role of DNA and forensic technology in solving cold cases, ...
Explore the awe-inspiring Fly Ranch: 3,800 acres of hot springs, wetlands, and desert beauty just north of the Black Rock Desert. Hear from Burning Man Project’s Marnee Benson and Fly Ranch General Manager Zac Cirivello as they share the story behind this unique landscape, the values guiding its care, and how community, art, and ecology are shaping its future.
Hot August Nights isn’t just an event, it’s a 10-day celebration of nostalgia, community, and classic car culture that draws more than 500,000 people to Northern Nevada each year. In this episode, Executive Director Deny Dotson shares how his decade in Virginia City tourism prepared him to steer one of the nation’s most iconic car shows. From the behind-the-scenes logistics and $100 million economic impact to preserving automotive ...
In this episode, we take a nostalgic trip under the Big Top with Phil Campbell, a gifted musician whose early career took him on the road with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. For a decade, Phil played trumpet and piano for “The Greatest Show on Earth,” performing live alongside acrobats, clowns, and exotic animals in arenas across the country.
Known for his ability to recreate music after hearing it once, Phil sh...
The 152nd Airlift Wing – the High Rollers – is a special division within the Nevada Air National Guard that can fight fires as well as it fights enemies. Lt. Col. David McNally has been flying his whole adult life, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of defending his country from the cockpit of a C-130. We sit down with McNally and Capt. Emerson Marcus to learn about the rich history of the Air Guard right here in Reno.
Scott Oxarart has become an advocate and ambassador for a disease he didn’t even know existed just a few years ago. Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) affected his dad quickly – just as it did to the most famous face of this disease, Bruce Willis – and gave Scott and his family a crash-course in understanding this aggressive type of dementia. Scott shares the signs to watch for and how to help a loved one who might be battling this...
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 now to learn how Washoe County is bu...
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 recovery, and why it continues to change ...
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/...
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 thr...
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 Neva...
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 ...
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...
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.
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