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.

Michael Laird was no stranger to getting clean. And then relapsing. Then getting clean again. It wasn’t until a judge believed in him and ordered him into a Specialty Court that he found the framework to rebuild his life. Michael and his mom, Angela, share their story of second chances and a saved life.  

Drug use disorder has taken a particularly dark turn with the rise of fentanyl in Washoe County and across the country. Life Change Center Executive Director John Firestone brings the issue to light and discusses how we, as a community, can save lives through treatment and prevention.  

We’re closing season 2 of “Washoe Life” with a conversation with Mikalee Byerman, author of the book “100 Things to do in Reno Before You Die.” Celebrate the best of Washoe County including tips on local trails and restaurants with this bonus episode. 

When West Hills Hospital closed just over two years ago, the community was left with no other resource for in-patient therapy, psychiatry and rehab for adults. In August, the Washoe County Board of County Commissioners approved the purchase of the shuttered hospital and the county plans to bring it back to life to fit the growing need for behavioral health care in our community.  We are joined by County Manager Eric Brown and Interim Human Services Agency Director Ryan Gustafson to discuss future plans.

After nearly 60 years of air racing in Northern Nevada, this year brings the last National Championship Air Races to the Reno-Stead Airport. The 2023 event will be held Sept. 13-17 and will feature more than 150 planes and pilots, hands-on experiences, displays and thrills in the skies over Washoe County. Listen in on a behind-the-scenes conversation with the Reno Air Races Chief Operating Officer Tony Logoteta, as they take the final flag in Reno. 

Chief Charles Moore has more than 30 years of experience in firefighting and has been with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District for over a decade. He wants residents to be prepared for wildfires and to evacuate when ordered to do so. “You may have a matter of minutes, not hours.” Learn how to protect yourself and your home in the case of a wildfire in this episode of “Washoe Life.”  

Chris Orr and Dave Santina, hosts of the popular PBS show “Wild Nevada,” share their love for the quirky, colorful side of Nevada beyond the city lights. A fan favorite for more than 20 years, “Wild Nevada” is back with new episodes and new tales from the trails.