KWNK is a non-profit radio station that champions music and ideas through community-driven, non-commercial radio in Reno and beyond. Broadcasting live at KWNK-LP 97.7 FM in Northern Nevada. KWNK 97.7 is a platform to amplify our community’s voice, tastes and culture through FM radio and volunteer-produced programming that authentically reflects our city, our neighborhoods and our identities
A Writer's World with Shaun Griffin // Poets Laureate and the Power of Place
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.
7 Mar 2025
Bike Life Radio: Lakeside to get more dangerous.
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
7 Mar 2025
Bike Life Radio: Reno's Failed Bicycle Advocacy
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.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
27,877
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
70
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
68
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