Our Town Reno
284 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratingsWith audio postcards from the streets, and inspiring interviews with community activists and heroes of Reno, we address issues of homelessness, the disappearance of public space, gentrification and the value of helping each other out from our base in Reno, Nevada. We do live reporting, micro storytelling and spoken word. As we face an affordable housing crisis, what happens to our most vulnerable? We also feature #keeprenorad musicians and artists. #Helpeachother is our motto.
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Episodes
Faded Shawties, Making Music More Inclusive in the 775
May 01, 2024 20:08 - 33 minutes - 31 MBIn this Our Town Reno episode, reporter Lauren Juillerat interviews a local Reno band, Faded Shawties, on their experience and perspectives on the local music scene. Nico, Eduardo and Daniel share their opinions on lighthearted topics such as their favorite foods to eat before a show, to more serious topics concerning the recent cancel culture in the Reno scene, as well as their mission as a band to be welcoming and more inclusive to communities around the Biggest Little City.
Jake Erwin, Rising as a Photographer and Videographer in the Reno Music Scene
April 24, 2024 15:25 - 38 minutes - 35 MBIn this Our Town Reno episode, our music reporter Lauren Juillerat hosts Reno photographer and videographer Jake Erwin on his experience in the local music scene. Jake only started pursuing photography and videography in 2021 and rapidly learned new skills that helped him gain new opportunities in northern Nevada. Success this early on in a photographer’s career is rare. Jake shares his advice on how to be successful in this creative field as well as his back story. Listen in for an inspiring...
Marketing Strategist Brandi Anderson, the Only Woman Running for Ward 6, Wants to See Smarter Growth
April 17, 2024 19:13 - 25 minutes - 23 MBA resident of Curti Ranch, now in Ward 6, since 2005, a mom who battled to get one of her son’s to overcome childhood leukemia, and a professional in marketing for decades, Brandi Anderson wants south Reno to no longer be overlooked in terms of parks and recreation, public safety, and solutions-based infrastructure. Listen to her interview as she begins her campaign for a seat on Reno's City Council.
Michaelangelo Aranda, Running for Ward 6 with Love for South Reno and Public Service
April 03, 2024 20:15 - 27 minutes - 24.7 MBBefore his mother passed away at the end of 2022, Michaelangelo Aranda remembers she used to call him “Mayor Michael.” His father, who is currently struggling with health challenges, set the bar even higher. “When I had shared with him that I'm running for city council,” Aranda says, he told him he hopes to stay alive to see him as president. “I don't know if I will career that far,” Aranda told Our Town Reno during a recent podcast interview. For now he’s one of many candidates for our...
Heather Goulding, Seeking to Champion Northern Nevada’s Working Families out of District 27
March 19, 2024 19:54 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MBHeather Goulding, running for District 27 of the Nevada State Assembly, rides bikes whenever and wherever she can, including on her commutes, and with big tires, she handles all weather and steep inclines. Goulding, currently a senior project manager in utility energy efficiency programs, is bringing that can do spirit to her campaign to become a representative for a district encompassing portions of the North Valleys including Panther Valley and Sun Valley. Listen to her reasons for runnin...
William Mantle, An "Elder Millennial" Running for a new Ward 6 in Reno
March 14, 2024 20:23 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBWith two fourth place finishes in previous citywide mayoral elections, William Mantle, a raw data person who likes to ask questions, is now running for Ward 6, the new ward in South Reno with about 40,000 residents, high home prices, wild horses and plenty of new multi-unit apartment complexes. Listen to his interview as part of an Our Town Reno podcast 2024 local election series.
Erica Roth, an Advocate for the People Running for the Nevada State Assembly
February 21, 2024 15:42 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBErica Roth, a civil rights attorney now running for Nevada Assembly seat District 24, traces back her willingness to serve in elected office to help she gave as a public defender to a now incarcerated man. Listen to her make her case as part of our series of episodes looking ahead to 2024 elections.
Nevada Forward Party Chair Explains New Party and Final Push for Ranked Choice Voting
January 10, 2024 16:12 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBSparks-based Nevada Forward Party chair Cesar Marquez explains how he went from Tesla employee to operative for the Andrew Yang led Forward Party in the Silver State, as well as strategies for the 2024 election, including a final push for ranked choice voting and open primaries to pass.
Last of Our Weeklies
December 27, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIt’s the end of an era here, the end of our weeklies, we’ve consistently produced over the past two years for podcast platforms and for KWNK. We’ve interviewed people struggling on the streets and volunteers who do good to help them out, as well as movers and shakers, artists and illuminaries of our community, radical thinkers, doers and promoters. As we’ve gone independent, we no longer have the reporter bandwidth to be able to produce one episode every week. Going forward we will have o...
Battling Health Woes While Living on the Streets
December 20, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBThis is an archive episode of people of living on the streets in Reno, Nevada, with serious health challenges and how they cope as best they can. Marcus is nearly blind and has other complications due to albinism.Tex has been given a timeline to die from cancer. Ian suffers from mental health challenges.
Living in the Shadows in the 775
December 13, 2023 13:00 - 20 minutes - 19 MBWhile the yearly point in time count in late January establishes data for the locally unhoused, many avoid the process, preferring to live in the shadows, along the river or in their car and just try to survive, rather than going to a shelter or being counted as an unhoused person. That’s why at Our Town Reno we find official numbers released by officials and repeated by media as unreliable. We will first hear from Paul from an archive interview with Michelle Baker and then from Kyle, who tr...
The Freshman Class in the 775, Up and Coming Bands in Reno
December 06, 2023 13:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBClayton Posey interviews members of four promising up and coming Reno bands, Worm Shot, Aftrprty, Wyatt Ziegler and Frank Futility.
Chaz Blackburn, a Chaplain Lifting Stigmas
November 29, 2023 13:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB“Opening a door for someone and smiling could literally save their life,” local chaplain and single dad Chaz Blackburn, 34, says. Blackburn knows what he’s talking about, as in addition to being the Spiritual Care and Director of Volunteer Services at the Circle of Life Hospice, he helps with many other worthy organizations in town including in the teen suicide realm, with organizations such as Forever 14 and The Solace Tree among many. He’s also lost too many close people to suicide. B...
Jack Barrington, a Precociously Talented Music Producer
November 22, 2023 14:00 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBReno is home to some extremely creative individuals and among those is the precocious Jack Barrington. A 20-year-old audio engineer and music producer who has been learning about sound for the last seven years. Host Lauren Juillerat interviews him more on how he acquired the skills he has today and how he utilizes them to elevate music in the Biggest Little City.
The Love and Mine Foundation non-profit and its Impact in the Reno Community
November 15, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBReporter Heather Saxe interviews the founder of the Love and Mine Foundation Sarah Peterson. The Love and Mine Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide easier access to resources for victim-survivors of power based violence in the college aged demographic in the Reno community.
Susan, Calling for Love from the Downtown Library
November 08, 2023 14:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBAfter another night of sleeping on the street, Susan strolls into the downtown public library in Reno. She has only a few bags, and one of them is full of colorful crochets she’s been working on. Susan has pretty hair— she dyed it red recently. Despite missing her teeth, she has a bright smile. Andrew Zuker and Ray Grosser find out more about her life in this Share Your Story episode from the Downtown Reno library.
Preparing the Next Great Reno Balloon Race
November 01, 2023 07:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBReporter Mia Wood sits down with Melissa Ung, the dedicated event coordinator for the Great Reno Balloon Race, to delve into the inner workings of this nonprofit organization and gain insights into the year-round planning efforts that make this spectacular event take flight every year in early September.
Behind the Scenes with Up and Coming Reno Bands
October 25, 2023 12:00 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBReno is home to some of the most creative and inspiring musical individuals. From singers to musicians to audio engineers, all three components come together to form unique bands. Local venues showcase many talented acts ranging from all girl bands, to all boy bands, to a mix of both. Reporter Lauren Juillerat goes behind the scenes as she interviews a few up and coming Reno bands on their experiences in the scene: Worm Shot, Evangeline and Doolittle Ladybug.
Gaia Osborne, Reporting on Non Profits and Ghost Towns in northern Nevada
October 18, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MBGaia Osborne looks back on her tenure with Our Town Reno, which included lots of reporting on non profits, and other documentary projects, such as delving into northern Nevada's ghost towns, as she finishes up a master's degree at the Reynolds School of Journalism, at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Bilingual Reporting: Nancy Vazquez Analyzes A Changing Reno
October 11, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBOur ace bilingual multicultural reporter Nancy Vazquez looks back on favorite stories for Our Town Reno while analyzing change in the Biggest Little City through a journalistic and social media lens.
Dealing with Addiction while Living on the Streets
October 04, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBDrugs, alcoholism and gambling are all addictions which run rampant across society. For the unhoused populations, these addictions can be especially crippling and difficult to surmount. In this archive episode we will hear from an unhoused neighbor who goes by the Greek who says he wants more out of life than being a drunk. We will also hear from Malik Muhammad who recently got caught with drugs and in the process also lost his car.
Robbed, Arrested for Sitting and Evicted While Blind, Street Stories from Reno
September 27, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBThis is an archive episode listening to people surviving on our streets. We’ll hear from Angela who came by foot from California and then was repeatedly robbed in Reno. Daniel says he was arrested for sitting. Bryan was evicted and he’s becoming blind.
Alex, On the Streets, After the Pandemic and Heartbreak
September 20, 2023 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MB"Unfortunately, I had a fallout with a significant other who chose to go elsewhere, and she gave her heart to someone else. I wasn't doing well with the breakup. And, I started looking at the bottom of a bottle and turned around and she abandoned an apartment that we were both sharing for 13 years..." Listen to Alex share his story with Aimee Arellano of how he ended up on the streets of Reno.
Mary, a Senior 86ed from Shelter and Casinos
September 13, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MB“Miss” Mary, 69, says she was kicked out of the Cares Campus shelter in Reno, and that she currently has no ID or birth certificate. She sleeps by railroad tracks and she struggles with alcohol but says she’s quit other drugs. She is trying to find a roommate, as she gets Social Security money, but not enough to cover housing expenses herself. The reporter for this episode is Aimee Arellano.
Tyler Aguilar, A Young Photographer Flying High
September 06, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBWhen COVID hit, many of us did a reset of our goals and priorities. Tyler Aguilar, 22, a Reed High School graduate, set his sights on becoming a traveling drone photographer and videographer. Several years later, he’s put the building blocks in place, getting his FAA certification, starting to get paid for his photos and videos, getting to become an expert at drone photography and setting his sights on more aerial videography.
The Reno Housing Authority Prepares 80th Birthday with New Projects
August 30, 2023 11:00 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBThe Reno Housing Authority is about to celebrate 80 years of existence, trying as best it can to provide affordable, safe and accessible housing to members of our community. Our Town Reno recently went to RHA offices to interview new executive director Hilary Lopez about this new historical anniversary amid contemporary challenges.
Angie Salcido, the Credit Doctor is Ready to See You
August 23, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB“We basically fix their credit and if you have any collections, late payments or inquiries on your credit, we can help. There's a lot of identity theft going on right now in Reno,” says Angie Salcido, who offers services in both English and Spanish to customers who can get a free introductory visit at her offices on Kietzke Lane in south Reno. “The more you look at credit, the more you get different scenarios that you can help out with. And I love helping people and educating people.” The c...
Darcy Patterson, Waking up Nevada to Confront Drug Addiction in Her Late Daughter's Name
August 16, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBThis episode was recorded inside Darcy Patterson’s home where she keeps photos, souvenirs and mementoes related to her daughter Kirsten, who died of a drug overdose alone in her car in Idlewild Park in 2017 while she was in high school in Reno. This death spurred Patterson to be an advocate for opioid awareness. She now leads Wake up Nevada which has been distributing Narcan and Fentanyl test strips to the community.
Ben Iness, Leading the Charge for Tenants from Reno, Nevada
August 09, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MBBen Iness, a local community coordinator with the Nevada Housing Justice Alliance which works for tenants recaps Nevada's recent frustrating legislative session and speaks to fights ahead, including why housing should be a universal right.
Conor McQuivey and the Renoites Podcast, Celebrating 100 Episodes
August 02, 2023 13:00 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBConor McQuivey discusses the reasons and methodology behind his interview podcast focusing on Reno's movers and shakers, as well as his other activities in the Biggest Little City as a DJ Trivia host and toastmaster.
Need Grows for Eddy House in Reno, Helping At-Risk Young Adults
July 26, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 26.3 MBThe Eddy House recently indicated it provided 1,390 bed nights in June 2023, which was 50% higher than bed nights provided in June last year. As the need grows in the community, with more local youth experiencing homelessness, the Eddy House has been expanding its services to help them. Jillian Keller, the Chief Operating Officer, recently gave us a tour of the front section of their location on Willow Street and detailed current expansion projects as well as challenges.
Nick Josten, Thriving in Voicing, Film and Theater in Reno
July 19, 2023 13:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MBSince quitting his nine to five job, Nick Josten has been thriving in the local Reno film and theater scene in addition to his voicing work. He even found time to write a novel. In this episode, he discusses being a working artist living in a pricier Reno, and how the local film and theater scenes are evolving.
A Sober-Positive Reno Couple Blocked from Selling Kava as a Tea
July 12, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutes - 25.6 MBNeil Cavanagh is the co owner with his wife of Reno Roots Kava and Tea Bar ,a cozy place across from UNR with surf on the big screen and games on the tables. Only problem is the Washoe County Health district so far is not letting them sell what they were set up for, and that’s kava as a tea. As a compromise they have kava supplements and lots more to offer but not kava as a tea. Health district officials say they can’t make the call yet on whether kava tea is safe enough for local residents. ...
Celeste Talbott-Rivera, Leading Ethaerial Studio in Midtown, Reno
July 05, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 20.7 MBCeleste Talbott-Rivera, the owner of the new Ethaerial Studio on Virginia Street at the top of Midtown, a new local spot for pole fitness and exercise, discusses what it’s like to be a young business owner, Reno and Midtown change and the value of pole dancing.
Tyler Colton and the Emerson in Midtown Reno
June 28, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBTyler Colton, the owner of the Emerson, a craft and cocktail destination in Midtown, discusses being an entrepreneur and bar owner, surviving the pandemic, the community of local business owners, medians in Midtown, drag brunch and bingo, expansion plans and more.
Reno Phil Prepares for Big Non Classical Summer Shows
June 21, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBOur guests this week are Evelyn Klatt and Matt Clark from the Reno Philharmonic. Evelyn will sell you on the value of classical music and they will both explain how the Reno Philharmonic is also much more than just that with two big shows right around the corner, to close their season 54 and open their season 55. They’ll also give us some of the fascinating history which started the Reno Philharmonic and how it helps with music education in our school district.
On the Streets of Reno and Missing their Father
June 14, 2023 12:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBPeople we encounter on the streets often have complicated family histories. One family relationship can send them into a downward spiral. In this episode we’ll look into fathers or more precisely their absence. From our archive interviews we will hear from Jody who says she is a millionaire’s daughter now fending for herself on the streets. We’ll also hear from JD who says he is from a broken family and that he’s never recovered from his father’s death.
Food Bank of Northern Nevada Helps One in Five Residents Dealing with Food Insecurity
June 07, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBAs the Food Bank of Northern Nevada commemorates 40 years, its tag line this year is "Imagine Ending Hunger." Jocelyn Lantrip, its Director of Marketing and Communications, outlines ways to help and volunteers as well as current challenges for our community.
Sara Rooker, a Reno-Based Comedian Now Organizing Don't Tell Comedy Secret Shows
May 31, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBComedian Sara Rooker steps into our studio to discuss the Reno comedy scene, tips for audiences, organizing big shows such as an upcoming June 10th Don't Tell Comedy secret show doubleheader, and why she has such a big heart for our community.
Surviving While Living in a Vehicle in Reno
May 24, 2023 13:00 - 22 minutes - 21 MBJeff Bogue recently moved back with his parents, but is trying to fix up his van to live in it again, for more independence. He believes it should be allowed to sleep in your vehicle amid this affordable housing crisis. “The cops shouldn't always go after the homeless that are not causing problems and just because they’re sleeping,” Bogue said. “[Sleeping] should not be a crime, in my opinion. For somebody who's extremely tired and doesn’t have a place to go, they should have a little com...
A Lynchian Filmmaker in Reno, Stephen George
May 17, 2023 13:00 - 23 minutes - 21.9 MBStephen George, a graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno, David Lynch afficionado and filmmaker, talks to reporter Ariel Smith about the eccentricities of the local film scene, difficulties of promotion, and how he finds inspiration. Learn about the inner workings of a film set, the director’s creative process and more on this week's episode.
Visions of Change, A Community Kickback in Reno
May 10, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBOur reporter Vanessa Ribeiro speaks to coordinators and participants of a recent event at the Holland Project, bringing together the best in Reno's non profit and mutual aid communities.
Love While Living on the Streets
May 03, 2023 12:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBLove and maintaining relationships always has challenges. What about if you are living on the streets? We’ll hear from a couple Renee and Steven staying in love despite being unhoused. We’ll also hear from Melissa whose husband had recently gotten out of jail, putting a strain on their life, and how to take care of their kids, sending them into separate shelters. Still they were staying together trying to figure it out.
E.M. Starr Revealing the Backstage Secrets of the Old Harrah's in Reno
April 26, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBElaine Sargent – also known by her penname, E.M. Starr – is the author of Rhinestone Confidential, a memoir she wrote of her memories and experiences working behind the scenes in the showroom at Harrah’s, Reno. Within the pages, Elaine recounts the golden days when Reno was a casino town full of late-night shows. She shares the juiciest moments and mishaps from backstage at Sammy’s Showroom, Harrah’s then-hot venue for cabarets and headliners where Elaine worked a wardrobe job. Our Town Reno ...
Burner Culture and Much More at the Melting Pot
April 19, 2023 12:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBReporter Ariel Smith interviews Lisa Martin the manager of The Melting Pot World Emporium in Reno, which brings burner culture year round to the Biggest Little City and much more. They discuss the importance of fair trade, sustainable fashion, and navigating selling smoking accessories after the legalization of marijuana in the state.
Debauch-A-Reno Gets Ready for Special Anniversary Edition
April 12, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBPeter Menchetti is back on the podcast to explain how he's celebrating 30 years of Sticker Guy with a special edition of Debauch-A-Reno.
Surviving with Odd Jobs While Living on the Streets
April 05, 2023 12:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBOn this episode, we have a bead maker, a man who gets by selling his blood, and a day laborer, all trying to survive with odd jobs amid rising prices in Reno. When we interviewed her, Paula said she was a starving artist who lived in a motel. She was often seen along Truckee river near Sierra Street, selling necklaces and bracelets. We'll also listen to Josh. He was sleeping outside city limits to avoid trouble, struggling with alcohol, and trying to get work by Fisherman’s Park where day lab...
Stop Cop City Gets a Hearing in Reno
March 29, 2023 13:00 - 21 minutes - 20 MBReporter Jacob Kostuchowski talks to several community members from a Stop Cop City teach-in which recently took place at the Holland Project. Hear about what cop city might become and the possible implications it could have in Reno and other localities across the United States.
Farewell to our Reporter Kingkini Sengupta
March 22, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBKingkini Sengupta, a graduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno, has completed her reporting work for Our Town Reno. Before her departure, she took the time to speak with Reynolds School of Journalism colleague and fellow Our Town Reno reporter Gaia Osborne to share what her experience has been like reporting for our street collective.
Women Barely Surviving on the Streets of Reno
March 15, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBWe recently had an episode on old men on the streets of Reno, Nevada avoiding the Nevada Cares campus and trying to survive despite the cold winter we’ve gone through. We wanted to do an episode about unhoused women, why are they living on the streets, do they stay safe , what are their hopes , what is their message to the community. All of the women you’ll hear on this episode were along the Truckee River. First from our archive audio we will hear Jaime a mother of six from Winnemucca who wa...