Up In The Mix

This week on the show, the boys are joined by Daniel Vargas from Reno City Guide to talk about the city we call home. They get into how Reno City Guide got started, Daniel’s connection to the community, his favorite places around town, and some of the people, businesses, and experiences that make the Biggest Little City unique. They also talk about how Reno has changed, what’s happening around town, and what makes this such an interesting time to be here.Whether you’ve lived in Reno your whole life or you’re still discovering the city, this is a conversation about getting to know the place we call home.

This week on Up in the Mix, Shaughn and Cesar sit down with Reno photographer and Half Lit founder Rachel Dickson for a conversation about photography, creativity, and building an artistic community.Rachel shares how she got her start behind the camera, the first camera she ever owned, the photographers who have inspired her work, and the styles of photography she's most passionate about. We also take a deep dive into Half Lit, her independently produced photography zine, discussing what inspired her to create it, the challenges of publishing an independent magazine, and some of the unexpected lessons she's learned along the way.Whether you're a photographer, an artist, or simply someone who appreciates creative storytelling, this episode offers an inside look at the passion and dedication behind documenting the world through a lens.🎧 Listen, subscribe, leave a review, and help us keep sharing the artists, creatives, politicians, and others who are helping to improve our community and world.Follow Up in the Mix for new episodes, and catch our radio show every Friday at 9 PM on 97.7 KWNK FM.

This week on Up In The Mix, the boys break down who actually wins when the public's resources get handed over for private gain. From right here in Nevada to all across the country, they take a look at what the Public is actually getting from these private subsidies.Also in this episode:They dissect the US Men’s overall World Cup performance. Are we building a soccer powerhouse, or just spinning our wheels on the world stage?The News: Lindsey Graham’s passing, Mitch McConnell’s future, and the active corporate threats to Utah's stunning National Parks.The Deep Dive: Corporate tax breaks are the ultimate shell game. They explain why "incentivizing business" is actually a multi-billion-dollar scam on the taxpayer.Take It or Leave It: No more "hot take culture". Plus, a hard look at how extreme capitalism is actively eroding our public spaces and peace of mind.The Final Word: No. More. Remakes. Unless a piece of media is at least 75 years old and mostly forgotten, let it lie. We need original human ideas more than ever—especially with the current trajectory of AI.All of this, plus a random social studies lesson, a quick look at the racism storm surrounding Argentina, and Binge or Skip picks for X-Men '97, Sleeping with Other People, and Supergirl.Up In The Mix is an independent, corporate-free podcast. If you love the show, hit that follow button on wherever you get the podcast, leave us a 5-star rating, and share this episode with a friend.

With November’s election locked in and no opposition on the ballot, Zee Bogale is officially set to become Reno’s next City Attorney. But what does that actually mean for the community, and what is his vision for the city’s legal future?In Episode 204, the boys sit down with Zee to go beyond the campaign talking points. We dig into the actual mechanics of the City Attorney’s office, his priorities for accountability, and how his leadership will impact the day-to-day lives of Reno residents starting this winter. He also explains the local court systems here in Nevada and how they function, and he talks about his side job teaching at the University of Nevada, Reno. Whether you follow local politics closely or just want to know who is running the city's legal landscape, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.Connect with the Show & Support:Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it’s the fastest way to help new listeners find the show.Follow Us: Stay locked into our socials for episode clips, behind-the-scenes updates, and community highlights. Up in the Mix on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Summer is officially here, and the boys are kicking things off with a massive week in sports and culture. First, New York stands up—the Knicks are your 2026 NBA Champions! They discuss the historic run, ask if Wemby is being positioned as the league's ultimate villain, celebrate Lewis Hamilton’s legendary first win in Ferrari red, and explain why New York is still the most American city.Next, they argue the greatest summer movie ever made — Jaws, Back to the Future, Independence Day, Dark Knight, and Infinity War all in the ring — and break down why coming-of-age movies hit different when it's hot outside. Plus Invincible vs. Mando, a sneaker remix, and a Final Word on the Giants players who said no to Pride Night. If you’re feeling the vibe, tap those 5 stars on Spotify, leave a quick review, and share this episode with a friend.New episodes drop every week. Peace!

School is officially out, summer is here, and the boys are kicking off the break with a heavy reality check. On this episode of Up in the Mix, they take a long look at the state of the world—diving deep into the evolution of AI and the decline of adult literacy in America. They also take a moment to pay respects to two monumental music icons who recently passed: hip-hop pioneer Rob Base and the legendary jazz giant Sonny Rollins.Plus, these topics are debated and discussed:The Headlines: Trump’s wild new intelligence director appointment, rumors of a brand new Jay-Z album, and whether the Knicks going deep into the playoffs is actually dropping city crime rates.Binge or Skip: Takes on Office Romance and Daredevil.There Can Be Only One: The ultimate, definitive debate over the absolute best meat to throw on the grill for a summer session.Pop Culture Remix: Settling the score on the ultimate childhood memory—was the legendary 90s TGIF lineup better than Saturday Morning Cartoons?We wrap it all up with a massive final shout-out to all our fellow teachers, educators, and students out there surviving the school year. Grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and enjoy all the easy living of summer.🔗 Connect with Up in the Mix:Instagram: @upinthemix.liveTikTok: @up.in.the.mixIf you rock with us, tap that 5-star rating on Spotify to help us grow the community!

If you can't afford a house in Nevada, this episode explains exactly why.One corporate investor bought 264 homes in Nevada in a single day. Nevada ranks dead last in affordable housing. And the politicians who could have stopped it — didn't. This week the boys break down how Wall Street quietly bought up your neighborhood, why your landlord might be a New York hedge fund, and what Nevada's lawmakers keep failing to do about it.But this episode isn't just about housing. They also expose the dirty history behind America's tipping culture — a system designed after the Civil War to avoid paying Black workers a living wage that's still extracting money from working people today.Plus:The most overrated movie since 2000 The case for bringing back third places — and why their disappearance is making us lonelier and more dividedEverything you need to know about Reno's June 9th primary — who's running for mayor, who's endorsed by who and where to find your voting resourcesUp in the Mix is for the people — bringing you entertaining and educational discussions about culture, politics and community through a hip hop lens. Hosted by Shaughn Richardson and Cesar Lopez on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Their weekly hip hop radio show can be heard every Friday at 9pm on 97.7 KWNK FM in Reno, Nevada, and at kwnkradio.org anywhere in the world where good hip hop is needed.New here? Start with this episode. You won't be disappointed.

Two hundred episodes deep! The boys kick off this landmark session by looking back at some of the wildest, funniest memories from the last 199 episodes.This week's topics include tracking the final collapse of Spirit Airlines, a bizarre hazmat situation in the sky, and Drake’s latest drop. Plus, we look at Kash Patel's luxury VIP snorkeling packages, check in on AI agents rebelling against the system, and drop a random social studies lesson you didn't know you needed.Later on, we deliver a heavy deep dive into how private equity is quietly dismantling democracy, and draft the Top 5 most iconic HBO characters of all time.To all of our listeners—whether you’ve been riding with us since Episode 1 or you just discovered us today—thank you. If you enjoy the culture and the conversation, don't be shy: comment on our social pages, like and share the posts, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and keep interacting with the content. We appreciate the love!

In this special episode, artist Orlando Oh describes his journey to Israel and then Palestine on the eve of war. He visits Hebron and a refugee camp on the West Bank to visit a friend and help do some art workshops with students, but his journey is cut short when Israeli and US strikes on Iran begin. He must then leave behind his new friends and find a way back to the US.

This week, the boys discuss the shooting at the White House Press Dinner, the NBA playoffs, Klay Thompson's generational fumble, and the best comic movies of all time.

This week sees the return of the Slam Queen Elisa Garcia to the show. Now she's the newly anointed Poet Laureate for the City of Reno! April is National Poetry Month, so she shares how she's spent this month in her new capacity, explains her creative process, and even shares a poem!

This week, Shaughn and Cesar are joined by Brandon Deriso, the promoter for music venue Club Underground. He joins the show to talk about the upcoming Reno Residency of Brooklyn Emcee Talib Kweli and how they hope to support Reno's local hip-hop scene.

This week, the boys examine the increasing chaos in the Trump Administration, the effect tariffs and increased oil prices will have on everyday goods, and they begin the long process of explaining how Private Equity ruins everything.

This week the boys discuss the Afroman civil trial, a groundbreaking streaming fraud case, and the importance of community.

This week the boys discuss the war/not war with Iran, and its effects on gas prices, geopolitical stability and American's sanity. They also check in to see how AI companies are doing at not making money, debate the best Gangster movie of all time and tell you what you need to be streaming.

Which comes first?

This week, the boys discuss how the US is the only country where no one is being held to account for the Epstein Files, cheating in the Olympics, and reflect upon the life of Jesse Jackson. They also debate which sneaker is the most iconic in streetwear history, and react to the casting news about Heat 2.

This week on the show, we've got Hosway and Los from the Peavine Prophets, joined by their collaborators on their upcoming album Mocosos. Besides Los and Sway we've got Keeper of the Universe, Alex Heem, and DJ Twist, and together we have a deep conversation about what it's like to be an independent artist in the time of AI, nerd out on hip hop, and explore the historical origins of pozole.

This week, we are joined by Joe Harness, the Nevada Market Manager for Long Drink. He shares how his lifetime experience in the service industry got him his dream job with the company. He also shares how he helped Reno become the number one Long Drink market in the world.

This week the boys talk about some of the questionable actions of the President and his cronies in office, discuss the historical origins of Fascism, and share their thoughts on Starbucks and holding your friends accountable for unacceptable behavior.

The boys are back this week after their summer break, and there is a lot to talk about! From political violence, to NBA scandals to the prevalence of anxiety in Gen Z, to the future of the X-Men in the Marvel Universe, they've got little something for everyone!

This week, there's a returning guest on the show, Jenny Calzada, the Program and Prevention Manager at local non-profit Our Center. She explains her role working with LGBTQ youth, providing resources and programming for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. She also sticks up for her fellow Gen Zers and commiserates with her Millennial hosts about the current state of the world.

This week, the boys are joined by Jerry Abasto, photographer, graphic designer, and owner of the creative media agency Abasto Co. He shares his journey from occasional photographer to business owner and the sacrifices made along the way. He explains his business philosophy, how he manages his work-life balance, and how he carefully chooses who he works with.

This week, the boys discuss Trumpito going to battle against Harvard, the fantastic NBA playoffs, and internet trolls. They also express their frustration at the recent break-in at Reno High School, which included vandalism, hate symbols, and destruction of property. Lastly, they discuss and say goodbye to Around the Horn, the sports talk TV show that ended last week after over two decades on the air.

This week, the boys are joined by a group of teachers to discuss education in Nevada, the use of cell phones and AI in the classroom, and how students have changed over time.

This week, educator, activist, lobbyist, and former candidate for Reno City Council Tara Webster joins the show. She shares why she decided to get into politics, what it was like to run as an outsider, and gives insight into the current Nevada legislative session.

This week, the boys are joined by the City of Reno's Poet Laureate, Jesse James Zieglar. They discuss seeing Cypress Hill with the Reno Philharmonic, Jesse's role as an ambassador of the arts, and the important part that art can play in one's life—plus a bunch more!

This week the boys discuss Shaughn's spring break road trip, government group chat struggles, the best basketball movies and more.

This week, the boys discuss how to make and maintain friends as adults, why parking lots are low-key terrible, and the prevalence of ignorance in modern society. It's way funnier than it sounds.

This week the boys react to the craziest trade in NBA history, Elon and Trump's awkward team-up, and learn about the Egg black market. Watch out for Mr. Huevos!

Friend of the show and returning guest DJ Elzo is back this week to talk about his new business, Chrome Coffee Works. He also gives pro tips on how to interact with a DJ, the wildest things he's seen in his many late nights, and how he got his start as a teenager and earned his unique and secretive nickname.

This week the boys spotlight some of the questionable relief efforts with the LA wildfires, call out greedy corporate landlords, and examine Martin Luther King Jr's relationship with the FBI and J. Edgar Hoover.

The boys reflect on the past 12 months and discuss their mindset as we begin the new year.

Season 6 is Here! The boys discuss some of the things that went on while they were away.

Shaughn explains why they had to take a long break from recording.

The boys return after a long hiatus! Shaughn explains his medical journey over the last year and a half and Delafoto explains what he was doing while Shaughn was healing.

In this episode, the boys say goodbye to the Honeycomb Hideout II. They discuss Shaughn's pending move, finish the state rankings and rant about a group of hateful people.

This week friend of the show Iain Watson is back to talk about Reno's slam poetry team. He shares what it's like to be a mentor to so many young poets, how Spoken Views Reno's Monday Night Poetry at Shims has really taken off, and how he balances all of this with being a teacher.

The Vice President came to town and the boys were invited to see her.

This week musician and educator Gina Rose joins the boys to share her experience as a singer-songwriter and her growth as an artist. She also talks about the process of pursuing a career in education, and how she hopes to reach her future students.

This week the fellas are joined by Rory and Nick, two of the many people that bring Reno's longest running podcast to life, The Worst Little Podcast. Having recently celebrated their 500th episode, listen to them describe their humble beginnings, how they have evolved and what it has been like documenting Reno's music scene for over a decade!

In this episode, the boys learn how ChatGPT feels about their podcast, and how it protects their identities on the web by giving them fake names. They also discuss Ja Morant's messy life choices, Jon Stewart embarrassing politicians, and review the HBO show The Last of Us and the AppleTV show Shrinking.

This week returning guest Edward Coleman is back to talk about his new non-profit organization the Black Community Collective.  Listen in to hear all about this new community organization's plans to promote justice, freedom, happiness, and opportunity in the Reno-Sparks area!

This week the fellas are joined by Vanessa Vancour, a journalist and media consultant.  She shares her journey from TV anchor to starting her own consulting business.  They discuss the value of knowing your worth, not compromising your integrity for the sake of business and the leap of faith it takes to truly do what you want in life professionally. 

It's cold.  And the boys are over winter.  They discuss what you should be streaming right now, Elon taking another L and Shaughn reveals the worst 10 states in the country. 

This week the boys are joined by Dennis Terry creator of Heem, a beard care product line that uses all-natural ingredients.  He tells the story of his brand, talks about his process, and shares his grooming tips.

This week the boys are joined by friend of the show Chris Catoner and his son Noah.  Noah shares how he balances his musical ambitions with everyday life as a high school senior and gives a peek into the life of a modern teenager.  Chris gets to brag about his son and share what it's like raising kids in today's environment. 

This week the boys discuss Nike's never-ending battle against bots, how Teslas are actually hurting the environment, the World Cup fallout, and another sign of the pending ascension of Skynet. 

Season 5 is here!  The boys talk about the World Cup, Elon, and Ye.

This week's guest is running for Sparks Justice Court.  Listen in as she explains the role of the Justice Court, what she would bring to the bench if elected, and why she's running in the first place.  You can hear her passion as she describes her journey from college to law to school to the ballot.  Tune in and get educated!