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 lives through structure, accountability and connection. 

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/WashoeCountyTV. 

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 through education and philanthropy.  Through her work, she has championed initiatives that uplift women, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. 

During our conversation you will learn the inspiration behind the Nevada Women’s Fund, the challenges of building community-driven initiatives, and Lynn’s insights on leadership and philanthropy.  

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 Nevada Women’s Fund and the significance of International Women’s Day on Saturday, March 8th. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a leader dedicated to empowering women and breaking barriers. 

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 Life.”  

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 give-away at Rancho San Rafael Park.  

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.