In Episode 138 of the Community Cares podcast, a podcast inside of Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet, we interview Rob Pierce, candidate for Washoe County Commissioner District 5. In this conversation, Rob shares his background as a long-time Reno resident and Navy veteran, his priorities for Washoe County, and his vision for serving the community with integrity.

To learn more, visit getclothes.org for Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet. To visit and learn more about Rob Pierce, visit his website at robforwashoe.com. This episode is a great way to get to know Rob and explore the issues that matter most to District 5 residents.

#CommunityCaresPodcast #WashoeCounty #RobPierce #District5 #RenoNV #LocalPolitics #NavyVeteran #CommunityLeadership

In this episode of Community Cares, we sit down with longtime Reno chief meteorologist and local weather legend Mike Alger to talk about the faith and family foundations that shaped his decades on air serving Northern Nevada. He reflects on what it meant to become a trusted voice through blizzards, floods, droughts, and wildfires, and how those experiences deepened his sense of calling to serve and protect the community he and his family call home.

We explore Mike’s journey into broadcast weather, how he grew into a household name, and the practices that kept him grounded as a husband and father while working a demanding, very public job. Mike also shares stories about living out his values in everyday decisions, his longtime involvement with local nonprofits and ministries, and the ways simple acts of service can quietly change lives.

Now stepping into a new chapter as an adjunct instructor in broadcast meteorology at the University of Nevada, Reno’s Reynolds School of Journalism, Mike talks about passing nearly four decades of experience on to the next generation—helping students learn live weathercasting, science communication, and how to connect authentically with viewers. Community Cares is produced by Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet to highlight local stories, free resources, and practical ways to get involved right here in Northern Nevada—learn more at getclothes.org, and be sure to subscribe and share if this conversation encourages you.

In this episode of Community Care’s Podcast, we sit down with Steven Laden from the Reno Host Lions Club, Nevada’s oldest and one of its most active Lions clubs, long known for its leadership in sight conservation and support for people with visual impairments. Steven shares how the club’s vision-focused nonprofit work helps provide essential eye care and glasses to children and adults in need through local initiatives and partnerships in the Reno and Washoe County area. We talk about why vision health is such a critical part of overall community well-being, how the Lions’ “We Serve” motto shows up in real lives changed, and the many ways neighbors can get involved—from donating glasses to volunteering and spreading the word about free or low-cost vision services.

Learn more about Community Care’s Podcast and Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet at www.gsccreno.org, and connect with the Reno Host Lions Club and their sight charities at https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/renohostnv/

Join Ryan from MF International—a Sparks restaurant—in this special episode of CCP 135, where they spotlight their upcoming fundraiser for Good Shepherd's Clothes Closet. Ryan shares insights on the event, key community topics, and how MF International is giving back through this partnership. Tune in to learn how you can support, get involved, and make a difference locally. Visit mf-int.com for restaurant details and getclothes.org to donate today.

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 134: In‑House with Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet’s New Mobile Micro Closet Manager

In this episode of Community Cares, co-hosts Chaplain Chaz Blackburn and Dave McLaughlin welcome special guest Jaidra Branson from Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet to share an exciting update about their new Mobile Micro Closet Manager. They discuss how this role will help bring free, dignified clothing and essential items directly to families, seniors, and unsheltered neighbors across Northern Nevada, and explore the growing partnerships that make this outreach possible.

Listeners will hear real stories from the closet, learn how the Mobile Micro Closet Project is expanding services, and discover ways to volunteer, donate, or support the mission. For more information about Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet and how to get involved, visit www.gsccreno.org

In this episode of Community Cares, we sit down with Brian Wadsworth, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and longtime Northern Nevada community leader, to talk about public service, Native leadership, and what it means to give back right where you grew up. Brian reflects on growing up on the Pyramid Lake Reservation, serving his Tribe in multiple roles, and why he’s now stepping forward as a candidate for Washoe County Commissioner, District 5. We dig into his work with the Nevada Indian Commission and regional tourism and cultural preservation efforts, and explore how representation, fiscal responsibility, and collaboration can move our communities forward.

In Episode 132 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin and Chaplain Chaz Blackburn sit down with KOLO 8 Morning Break host Katey Roshetko to talk about the power of local storytelling and spotlighting community change-makers. Katey shares her journey into broadcast journalism, what she’s learned from interviewing nonprofits and neighbors across Northern Nevada, and how local media can help elevate the voices of those serving our most vulnerable. If you care about building stronger connections between nonprofits, media, and the community, this conversation will give you practical ideas, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep our region informed and inspired.

Community Cares Podcast – Episode 131: Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s New Project
In Episode 131 of the Community Cares Podcast, Dave McLaughlin talks with Chaplain Chaz, who shares the work of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the developing Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center. The episode highlights the vision for expanded grief and trauma support in the Reno-Sparks community, building on Circle of Life’s existing grief support and bereavement care.
Listeners will hear:
The heart and vision driving the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation’s new project, and how it is intended to support compassionate care and resources for local families now and in the future.
How the planned Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center is being shaped, with a focus on creating a dedicated space for ongoing grief and trauma support once it opens.
Simple, practical ways that volunteers, donors, and community partners can come alongside the Foundation during this development phase and as the project grows.
Throughout the conversation, Chaplain Chaz speaks as part of the team, consistently pointing back to the mission and future plans of the Circle of Life Hospice Foundation and the Circle of Life Grief and Trauma Resource Center rather than to himself. The episode invites listeners to stay connected, spread the word, and consider how they might support or participate in this care for Northern Nevada neighbors.
Learn more:
Circle of Life Hospice Foundation: colhospice.com/foundation
Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet: gsccreno.org
#CommunityCaresPodcast #GoodShepherdsClothesCloset #CircleOfLifeHospiceFoundation #CircleOfLifeGriefAndTraumaResourceCenter #ChaplainChaz #NorthernNevada #NewProjects #CommunityImpact #FaithInAction #RenoSparks