KWNK 97.7FM

A Writer’s World with Shaun Griffin invites you into the rich landscape of poetry and storytelling every other Sunday at 5 p.m. on KWNK. Shaun, a renowned poet and writer, shares his unique perspective, weaving words and ideas into a captivating audio experience. Whether you’re a lover of literature or just curious about the art of writing, this series offers a thoughtful glimpse into the creative process and the power of language.

In this episode, Shaun Griffin explores the work and impact of two newly appointed Poets Laureate—Lee Herrick of California and Ellen Waterston of Oregon. Herrick’s deeply personal poetry reflects on his experience as a Korean adoptee, searching for meaning, identity, and connection through the written word. Waterston’s prose and poetry paint an evocative portrait of the high desert, its people, and the shifting landscapes of rural life in the American West. Through their words, both poets illuminate the power of poetry as a tool for resilience, reflection, and transformation in their respective regions. Shaun weaves their journeys into a larger meditation on belonging, community, and the role of poetry in navigating an ever-changing world.

Missed an episode? Listen back on Spotify or catch it on 97.7FM as part of KWNK’s regularly scheduled programming.

A Writer’s World is made possible in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Our guest is Jan Zebrak. The Zebraks are back. In the 1980s and 90s they focused on trying to get safe bicycle lanes in Reno, supported by the bike shops. But the effort slowly dwindled. Now, after a bicyclist was hit by a car on Lakeside Drive south of Windy Hill, they are trying to get a protected bike path in the area. Currently, the popular bike route doesn't even have a shoulder. Now, it is about to get even more dangerous with more housing developments planned in the area. You can go to BuildABetterBikeNetwork.com to read about it and send the letter with just a click of the mouse to local government.

Jan Zebrak and her community on Lakeside Drive South of Windy Hill say the area is about to get more dangerous for cyclists. The road doesn't have any bike lanes or even a shoulder for pedestrians. Recently a cyclist was hit and went to the hospital. They would like people in Reno to send a letter to local officials asking for a protected bike path on Lakeside Drive. Use BuildABetterBikeNetwork.com to easily send that letter. There is a form letter on the site you can use. Again, that is BuildABetterBikeNetwork.com

Jerry Zebrak was on the Reno Bicycle Council in the 80’s and 90’s and he has no illusions about what happened.

“It was sponsored by all the bike stores in Reno,” Zebrak said. “At that time, no one wanted to listen to us, so we gave up.”

That explains why bike shops are not more engaged with bicycle safety advocacy today in Reno. They were crushed. What was the justification back then?

“The City Council at that time felt that they were unable to spend the money. It was the same with Washoe County.”

Now, Jan and Jerry Zebrak are back! They are trying to get the Regional Transportation Commission and City of Reno to follow Federal Bikeway Selection Guide standards on a deadly stretch of road (Lakeside Drive). It’s a popular cycling route with no shoulder or sidewalks and it is about to get even more dangerous with more traffic from planned housing developments according to Zebrak. Read about their efforts and send a form letter to local officials using BuildABetterBikeNetwork.com

Next episode, we will talk to Jan Zebrak about the effort.

A Writer’s World with Shaun Griffin invites you into the rich landscape of poetry and storytelling every other Sunday at 5 p.m. on KWNK. Shaun, a renowned poet and writer, shares his unique perspective, weaving words and ideas into a captivating audio experience. Whether you’re a lover of literature or just curious about the art of writing, this series offers a thoughtful glimpse into the creative process and the power of language.

In this episode, Shaun reflects on his recent journey to Guatemala, where he spent time with poet Gary Short and his wife, Astrid. Through vivid storytelling, he captures the rhythms of life in Panajachel, a village steeped in Mayan culture, and explores how its people, landscapes, and unspoken rules shape poetry and identity. From encounters with fish vendors and street markets to the echoes of One Hundred Years of Solitude, Shaun paints a portrait of a world where literature, history, and daily life intertwine. The episode concludes with Gary Short reading Stick Figure, a Pushcart Prize-winning poem from his forthcoming collection, The Stars That Fell.

Missed an episode? Listen back on Spotify or catch it on 97.7FM as part of KWNK’s regularly scheduled programming.

A Writer’s World is made possible in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

A one-of-a-kind poem written for whoever has your heart this Valentine's Day season. Thanks to Lauren and Alex for hosting!

A Writer’s World with Shaun Griffin invites you into the rich landscape of poetry and storytelling every other Sunday at 5 p.m. on KWNK. Shaun, a renowned poet and writer, shares his unique perspective, weaving words and ideas into a captivating audio experience. Whether you’re a lover of literature or just curious about the art of writing, this series offers a thoughtful glimpse into the creative process and the power of language.

In this episode, Shaun Griffin explores the legacy of Limberloss Press, a small press publisher dedicated to preserving the artistry of chapbooks and printed literature in the Intermountain West. He reflects on the tactile beauty of letterpress-printed chapbooks, their unique role in curating poetry and art, and the patience and craftsmanship involved in their creation. He also discusses Limberloss Review's importance in amplifying regional writers' voices, its commitment to countercultural literature, and how printed works continue to serve as vital literary touchstones, even in places like prisons where digital access is limited.

Missed an episode? Listen back on Spotify or catch it on 97.7FM as part of KWNK’s regularly scheduled programming.

A Writer’s World is made possible in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

A Writer’s World with Shaun Griffin invites you into the rich landscape of poetry and storytelling every other Sunday at 5 p.m. on KWNK. Shaun, a renowned poet and writer, shares his unique perspective, weaving words and ideas into a captivating audio experience. Whether you’re a lover of literature or just curious about the art of writing, this series offers a thoughtful glimpse into the creative process and the power of language.

Missed an episode? Listen back on Spotify or catch it on 97.7FM as part of KWNK’s regularly scheduled programming.

A Writer’s World is made possible in part by a grant from Nevada Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Herschel Goldberg woke up one day and decided to go to Cuba. He fell in love in 20 minutes and decided to start for profit and non-profit bike tours in the country. We talk to him about how he got started and why.

Bike Life Radio is produced by ⁠BikeWashoe.org⁠ and ⁠NevadaBike.org⁠ board member Ky Plaskon. Find more at ⁠Plaskon.org⁠. KWNK is owned and operated by the ⁠Reno Bike Project⁠ on Vesta Street in Reno, Nevada. The opinions expressed in this show do not represent an official stance of the organizations.

Kyle and Katie Chandler Isacksen teach how to make houses out of clay and straw. But they also visited Cuba and rode for 35 days throughout the country. Today, we continue our conversation with them about that trip.

Bike Life Radio is produced by ⁠BikeWashoe.org⁠ and ⁠NevadaBike.org⁠ board member Ky Plaskon. Find more at ⁠Plaskon.org⁠. KWNK is owned and operated by the ⁠Reno Bike Project⁠ on Vesta Street in Reno, Nevada. The opinions expressed in this show do not represent an official stance of the organizations.

You can step back in time, anytime for a safe and amazing tour of Cuba. Cob Natural Builders of Reno, Katie and Kyle Chandler-Issakson rode Cuba for 35 days in 2004. In the first of a Cuba series today, we talk to them about the experiences on relatively safe roads.

Bike Life Radio is produced by ⁠BikeWashoe.org⁠ and ⁠NevadaBike.org⁠ board member Ky Plaskon. Find more at ⁠Plaskon.org⁠. KWNK is owned and operated by the ⁠Reno Bike Project⁠ on Vesta Street in Reno, Nevada. The opinions expressed in this show do not represent an official stance of the organizations.