LIFE + CULTURE PUPS ON PATIOS
FOOD + BEVERAGE
RENO'S OWN WILLY WONKA
FIT TO LEARN EDUCATION INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
THE PREMIER PRACTICE IN NORTHERN NEVADA FOR AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENT
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A Dynamic Duo
I'll be honest, every time I see "Kids and Pets" coming up on the editorial calendar, my first thought is always that combining the two is asking for trouble. My kids have always loved laying on the floor with our dogs, scratching their ears, and generally treating them like big stuffed animals with a heartbeat. What they have never loved with any of our pets is feeding them, walking them, or remembering that they exist at 6 a.m. That part still requires a fair amount of nagging on my end, and I suspect I'm not alone in that.
And yet, somehow, it still works. Despite the reminders and the eye-rolls, my kids have picked up real lessons from having a dog around. Patience when he's stubborn on a walk, compassion when they’re not feeling well, and the basic understanding that something else's needs sometimes have to come before their own. They didn't get there by being naturally responsible. They got there by being asked, repeatedly, until it became habit. That's most of parenting, honestly. Less inspiration, more repetition. So while I won't pretend my kids are eagerly scooping dog food every morning without being asked, I will say that having pets around has taught them something that's stuck.
This issue leans into that same mix of charm and chaos that comes with kids and pets. Sometimes the partnership is effortless, sometimes it takes a little prodding. Either way, turn the page and enjoy another great issue.
MIKE MCCARTHY, PUBLISHER @CITYLIFESTYLERENO
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Mike McCarthy | mike.mccarthy@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Nora Tarte | nora.tarte@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kasey Christensen | kasey.christensen@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Liza Belka, Dan Eckles, Erin Hanna-Butros Meyering, Angela Rudolph Tayour
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Willis Bretz, Eric Marks
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Tails From the Trail
Pets Come in all Shapes and Sizes!
We are all familiar with the many therapeutic benefits of having a pet, like a dog or cat, but did you know horses are amazing therapy animals too? The folks at Reno Rescue provide equine therapy to foster youth and more. We are so grateful to have them in our local community.
Learn More About Reno Rescue
Speaking of furry friends, here are our tips to sell a home with pets:
• Sni Test: Ensure your home smells fresh to visitors.
• Check for Damage: Repair pet-related damages like scratches and torn carpets.
• Sanitation Sweep: Clean the yard, scoop litter boxes, and change HVAC filters regularly.
• Safety First: Secure pets during showings and be cautious around them.
Successful showings require cooperation from both sellers and buyers. Let's make it smooth for everyone! For more info, contact us today!
DAVID MORRIS, BREANNA BURSELL
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Jaime Chapman poses with her pup in Reno's MidTown.
Photography: Eric Marks
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The Discovery celebrated the opening of its new Above and Beyond exhibition May 30. 2: Heather Neal (Dickson Realty) attended a spring Reno Aces games. 3: "Shucked" played at The Pioneer Center May 26-31. 4: Squeeze In hosted a sneak peak of its eighth restaurant June 20.
5: Amici Pizzeria and Bar celebrated its grand opening June 11. 6: The May Arboretum Society hosted its second annual Garden Gala June 13. 7: Urban Roots hosted Soil Palooza May 30 at its teaching farm.
THE DISCOVERY
NINA DROBUSHEV
HEATHER NEAL
JOE DUTRA SHARES JOY AND CHOCOLATE THROUGH KIMMIE CANDY
ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIS BRETZ
WILLY WONKA RENO'S OWN
Joe Dutra wasn't looking for a career in candy.
The third-generation farmer grew up surrounded by tomatoes, rice, sugar beets, and seed crops. He never imagined that one day he'd be known around Reno for a purple suit inspired by Gene Wilder and a factory filled with brightly colored chocolate. But, as it turned out, life had something sweet in mind.
After helping out a friend, Dutra was offered an unconventional form of repayment: a shipping container holding 40,000 pounds of candy-coated chocolate sunflower kernels sitting at the Port of Oakland. From then, his plan was simple: buy the candy, sell it, get paid back.
Instead, he sold the candy and, along the way, also started Kimmie Candy.
"I never planned to be in the candy business," Dutra says. "[But] sometimes the best things in life find you."
Kimmie Candy started in a small 20-foot trailer on the family farm, where his children and their friends manually packed candy into jars. Today, it has expanded into one of Reno's best hidden gems. The Edison Way factory now produces over 10,000 pounds of candy each day, with vibrant confections shipped to stores internationally. Despite this growth, Kimmie Candy maintains a charming, local feel.
Families are invited inside for free factory tours, where visitors sample candy before stepping onto the production floor to watch chocolate tumble through giant polishing drums until it emerges in its familiar, delicious form. It's the kind of “behind-thescenes” experience that leaves children pressed against windows and adults feeling like kids again.
“We're basically Reno's version of Willy Wonka's factory," Dutra says.
And the comparison isn't hard to make. His signature purple suit, has become nearly as recognizable as the candy itself.
"When people see the purple suit, they know something fun is about to happen," he says.
At its core, Kimmie Candy is a family business. Dutra's children, John and Kathryn, are part of the team, joined by many employees who have been with the company since production moved to Reno in 2008. Without hesitation, he calls them the most rewarding part of the journey.
As Kimmie Candy continues to grow, Dutra hopes more Northern Nevadans discover what's happening just off Edison Way. The tours are free, the samples are plentiful, and, if you're lucky, Reno's own Willy Wonka might be the one welcoming you through the door.
MONDAY SEPT 14 th 2026
JOIN THE RENO PHIL FOR OUR ANNUAL MUSIC & MULLIGANS GOLF CLASSIC LAST YEAR’S HOLE-IN-ONE WINNER OF A BMW!
Enjoy a beautiful day at Somersett Golf & Country Club, live music, and unexpected surprises on the course. The scramble begins with a shotgun start; golfers can expect a delicious breakfast, lunch, libations, and an afternoon reception following play. Proceeds from the tournament support the Reno Phil & ensure we have a community with a thriving music scene.
REGISTER BY SEPT. 1 AT RENOPHIL.COM
ONE OF A KIND. ONE OF 24.
Nestled at the highest elevation in Glenhaven, this private residence o ers a rare combination of modern design, natural beauty, and sweeping views of downtown Reno. Thoughtfully planned, this home embraces the landscape, creating a serene retreat just minutes from city life.
Reno’s newest and most exciting luxury community. An exclusive enclave of just 24 expansive homesites with privacy and views, all just moments away from city life. Please be in touch to schedule your private tour to explore our homesites, completed homes, or Buy & Build packages.
GET WILD
From wild horses to cuddly shelter pets, Northern Nevada offers animal encounters for every age
Lions and tigers and broncos, oh my! Nevada wildlife is abundant and diverse. But you don’t only have to admire them from afar. Want to get up-close-and-personal with your favorite animals? Here is your guide to family-friendly encounters that will help you get in touch with your wild side.
EDUCATION AND APPRECIATION
Put on your sunhat and hiking boots and take a walk on the wild side with Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary. Established in 1994, and a scenic 30-minute drive
ARTICLE BY ANGELA RUDOLPH TAYOUR | SELECT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIC MARKS
north of Reno, the Ark rescues injured and otherwise non-releasable animals, giving them a second chance at life. The animal caretakers are passionate about conservation, wildlife education, and environmental stewardship as they care for a wide variety of creatures, including cheetahs, lions, tigers, jaguars, bears, wolves, foxes, owls, hawks, invertebrates, and many more.
In addition to standard admission to the park, where you can visit all the animals’ enriching enclosures, hear daily keeper talks, and observe feedings, there are private animal meet-and-greets available for those looking to get a little closer to the wildlife.
Quillber, the North American porcupine, loves to nibble on peanuts… and he;s keen to let visitors participate in feedings. Alternatively, you could take him for a stroll through the park in his favorite ride, a cozy wagon.
If scales are more your speed, book an experience with Jonnie, the 34-year-old desert tortoise, and learn all about him and his fellow reptilian friends, giving him a gentle shell scratch while you’re at it.
Want to be put to work? Roll up your sleeves and book an experience to participate in a training session with Zuri, the African serval, or with Amani and Jabari, the Ark’s two cheetah boys. These sessions come with an education-focused keeper talk about the animals, including how the keepers design and practice enrichment exercises to keep them happy and healthy.
There are additional experiences available with more furry, feathered, or scaly friends.
You may also be familiar with the wild horses that roam the hills and valleys surrounding Reno. While you probably have seen them while driving through Damonte Ranch, Hidden Valley, or Washoe Valley, you can gain an entirely new appreciation by booking a wild horse tour.
The tours are an excellent way to learn the history and nuances of the intricate lives and family dynamics of wild horses in Nevada. Excursions through Sonny Boys Tours offer private, small-group options and are held year-round, in multiple locations throughout Nevada. The most popular choice is Washoe Lake, where you and your group will get an insider’s perspective into the lives of the mustangs.
CONTINUED >
"The tours are very educational. We strive to provide context, history, and a true understanding of the issues wild horses face,"
- Tina Brodrick
“We truly feel that our farm provides a uniquely interactive place where connecting with nature through animals and crops provides connection and creates core memories,”
- Natalie Andelin
Photo Supplied by Sonny Boys Tours
Photo Supplied by Sonny Boys Tours
“Being there, seeing them in their environment, it touches your heart,” Tina Brodrick from Sonny Boys explains. “It helps to build a real appreciation for their lives.”
FURRY FAMILY FUN
Put on your overalls and step into farm life with Andelin Family Farm, located in Sparks. Throughout the year, Andelin provides seasonal events and animal encounters.
August is the start of the Sunflower Festival, highlighting the farm’s vibrant 7-acre sunflower field. Additionally, Andelin offers the Adventure Farm with Animal Aces, where visitors can feed and interact with everything from goats and llamas to capybaras, camels, and other farm animals.
If a little less action is more your style, the purrrfect spot to grab a drink and snuggle up with a feline friend is Kitty Kisses Cat Café located in south Reno. The café doubles as a nonprofit organization and boasts a full menu with drinks and snacks. From the café, patrons can peek through a viewing window to the Cat Lounge, a large open space available for booking, where adorable, adoptable cats roam freely. Kitty Kisses Cat Café partners with several rescue organizations, helping to care for cats and find them loving homes.
Kitty Kisses Cat Lounge usually features about 15–20 kitties at a time and can host up to 10 people at a time. A 50-minute session in the Cat Lounge costs about $15, while the Café is free of charge and open to all, no booking required.
The café is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, to people of all ages.
MAKING FRIENDS AND SAVING LIVES
If spending time with animals while making a difference sounds appealing, both the SPCA of Northern Nevada and Nevada Humane Society offer opportunities to help homeless pets.
Both organizations run programs where visitors can take an adoptable dog out on an adventure. Through the SPCA of Northern Nevada's Day Tripper program and Nevada Humane Society's Dog Dates program, volunteers can spend time with shelter dogs outside the adoption center, whether that means taking a walk, exploring a local park, grabbing a pup cup, or simply enjoying some quality time together. These outings provide valuable enrichment, exercise, and socialization for the dogs while helping staff learn more about each animal's personality and needs, leading to better adoption matches.
Both organizations also rely on volunteers to support their missions through dog walking, cat enrichment, adoption assistance, housekeeping, special events, and other programs that improve the lives of shelter pets while they wait for adoption.
For those looking for a lower-commitment way to get involved, the SPCA of Northern Nevada's Reading with Rescues program invites participants to read aloud to shelter dogs. Open to ages 4–94, the program does wonders to help dogs relax and build positive associations with people.
"It's like free therapy for both the humans and the canines," says Nayla Garcia, community engagement and volunteer manager at the SPCA of Northern Nevada.
Photo Supplied by SPCA of Northern Nevada
Pups on Patios
ARTICLE BY ERIN HANNA-BUTROS MEYERING | SELECT PHOTOS BY ERIC MARKS
RENO'S DOG-FRIENDLY DINING SCENE
There is something undeniably Reno about finishing a river walk with a leash in one hand and a cold drink in the other. Maybe it's our abundance of sunshine, maybe it's our love of outdoor living, or maybe it's simply that Northern Nevadans tend to treat their dogs less like pets and more like family members… I know I do.
Fortunately, a growing number of local restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and gathering spaces feel exactly the same way.
Whether your four-legged companion is a social butterfly who loves meeting new friends or a laid-back patio lounger
content to nap beneath the table, Reno offers plenty of opportunities to dine, sip, and explore together.
DINING FOR DOGS
Some patios allow dogs. Others go a step further and welcome them as guests.
At Skyline Kitchen & Vine in northwest Reno, dogs aren't simply tolerated, they’re celebrated. The restaurant offers a dedicated "Patio Pup Menu" featuring options like The Green Paw, a vegetable medley of carrots, peas, cauliflower,
"For many of our guests (ourselves included), that experience isn't complete without their four-legged companions," - Colby Johnson
Opposite page, starting from the top left and going left to right: Gypsy, a 6-year-old shepherd mix, is available for adoption through the Nevada Humane Society | Taz, a 5-year-old retriever/labrador mix, is available for adoption through the Nevada Humane Society
Above: Lambo, the Reno Aces’ bat dog
Jessica, 3-year-old female husky, is available for adoption through the Nevada Humane Society
and celery; Daisy's Patty, an eight-ounce Kobe beef patty; and the Bark Bowl with a choice of chicken, beef, or salmon served alongside rice and vegetables. Plus, water bowls are always available on the patio, even for pups simply passing by during a neighborhood walk.
"We welcome dogs because they're part of the family. Our goal has always been to create a place where people can relax, connect, and enjoy great food and drink," says Colby Johnson, owner of Skyline Kitchen. "For many of our guests (ourselves included), that experience isn't complete without their fourlegged companions."
Downtown, Wild River Grille has built an entire tradition around canine companionship. While the restaurant hosts seasonal fundraising initiatives benefiting local animal welfare organizations throughout the year, its spacious Riverwalk patio remains one of the city's favorite spots for dining with dogs. Water bowls, treats, shade, and a welcoming atmosphere help make the experience enjoyable for both ends of the leash.
"Everyone on our staff is a big animal lover, and with so many residents enjoying dining and visiting the Riverwalk daily, we take pride in... hosting our great patio to benefit local animal shelters. This has been a cherished tradition for over 15 summers, and we have no intention of stopping anytime soon," says owner Chuck Shapiro.
For dog owners, these thoughtful touches make all the difference.
PATIOS MADE FOR DOG WATCHING
Ask any dog owner and they'll tell you: half the fun of patio dining is the people watching. The other half is dog watching.
Few places showcase that better than Noble Pie Parlor in Midtown. On nearly any given afternoon or evening, you'll find at least one happy dog settled beside its owner on the Center Street patio. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and perfectly suited for pups observing the bustling Midtown scene. Bonus points if a few pizza crusts happen to find their way under the table.
A short “window’s down, tongue out” drive away, Pignic Pub & Patio offers another canine-friendly experience with a unique twist. Guests can reserve one of the venue's grilling stations and cook their own meals while relaxing outdoors. The spacious patio creates plenty of room for dogs to stretch out while their humans socialize.
Over near Riverside Drive, The Hub Coffee Roasters has become a gathering place for both coffee lovers and dog owners. Its proximity to the Truckee River makes it an ideal stop before or after a walk, and it's not uncommon to see pups greeting one another while their humans enjoy a latte and a few moments of sunshine.
Similarly, the original Walden's Coffeehouse on McCarran Boulevard remains a favorite neighborhood destination where dogs are frequent patio companions. The relaxed setting encourages visitors to linger, whether they're catching up with friends, reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet morning with their best friend curled nearby.
"Baseball is better when fans can enjoy it alongside their best furry friend!"
- Collin Robinson
BEYOND THE PATIO
Sometimes bringing your dog along means expanding the outing beyond lunch or dinner.
The Eddy has long been one of Reno's most dog-friendly gathering places, thanks to its open-air layout, community atmosphere, and ample space for pups to mingle while their owners enjoy food trucks, drinks, and live entertainment. Dogs are often just as much a part of the scene as the people.
For sports fans, Reno Aces Dog Days offer a chance to combine America's pastime with man's best friend. Throughout the summer, dog owners can bring their pups to designated games, creating one of the most unique spectator experiences in town. Leashed dogs and their owners gather on the field and in designated seating areas, creating a social event that's equal parts baseball game and canine meet-and-greet.
"Dog Days are all about bringing the community together in a fun, family-friendly way," says Collin Robinson, communications manager for the Reno Aces. "Baseball is better when fans can enjoy it alongside their best furry friend!"
It's hard not to smile while watching dozens of dogs wagging their tails in anticipation of first pitch.
A COMMUNITY BUILT FOR DOGS
What stands out most about Reno's dog-friendly dining scene isn't any single patio or menu item. It's the sense of community these spaces create.
Dogs have a remarkable ability to start conversations between strangers. One compliment on a rescue mutt's floppy ears can
quickly turn into a twenty-minute conversation. A shared water bowl station becomes an introduction. A patio turns into a neighborhood gathering place.
So, the next time your pup gives you that hopeful look as you're heading out the door, consider bringing them along. Whether you're sharing pizza in Midtown, enjoying coffee by the river, ordering from a dedicated dog menu, or catching a baseball game together, Reno offers plenty of ways to make your four-legged family member part of the adventure.
After all, the best patio seat in town might just be the one beside your dog.
ISHAN PANDA IS IN THE BUSINESS OF CONFIDENCE AND CREATIVITY
ARTICLE BY LIZA BELKA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIS BRETZ
INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION
Most high school juniors spend their free time hanging out with friends, watching movies, or thinking about potential future colleges.
For Ishan Panda, however, free time is often spent building opportunities for thousands of young writers.
The Washoe County student is the founder of Young Author’s Anthology, a growing initiative that gives elementary and middle school students the chance to see their writing published in professionally designed collections. What began as a conversation with a single elementary school has expanded to 14 schools, with anthologies reaching more than 10,000 students.
For Panda, the idea grew out of his own love of storytelling.
"I like to write my own fiction stories," he says. "Movies and books give me creative fuel for things I could publish."
As he learned more about the traditional publishing process, he realized how difficult it can be for new writers to find an audience. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, he decided to create one.
After teaching himself Adobe InDesign, Panda developed a process that allows student work to move quickly from submission to a complete, printed anthology. More than simply publishing stories, his ultimate goal is to help young writers recognize that their voices have value.
"Writing is still the backbone of any good idea," he says. "Maybe Young Author’s Anthology isn't the be-all and end-all way of inspiring passion, but maybe it's the first step."
Building the program required persistence. Early on, Panda made multiple trips to meet with an elementary school principal before getting the opportunity to present his idea. Support from dedicated educators eventually helped the initiative expand from a single school into a countywide effort, with funding from local Rotary and Optimist clubs further supporting its growth.
But Panda shares that the impact is often found in small moments. One story that stands out came from a participating student who proudly carried their anthology everywhere from home to school and even to a local baseball game.
"That's what we're all about," Panda says. "Showing that Washoe County supports some of the best writers ever."
Today, the program is supported by a team of 22 students who help with funding, media outreach, and presentations. While Panda is already planning for leadership after graduation, he hopes the foundation they're building will allow the program to continue growing through district partnerships, educational resources, and expanded community support.
This fall, Young Author's Anthology will launch another submission cycle, with selected students’ works finding their way into libraries and classrooms across Northern Nevada. For Panda, every new anthology represents another opportunity for a young writer to discover that their ideas matter and deserve to be shared.
And his advice to other young people? "If you're able to put all you've got into your idea and still not be exhausted by the work, then you know you have a winner."
AT WESTSIDE DENTAL STUDIO, WE BELIEVE THAT THE TINIEST DETAILS TRULY MAKE THE BIGGEST IMPACT WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING AND MAINTAINING STELLAR SMILES. THAT’S WHY IT’S OUR MISSION TO PLACE EACH PATIENT AT THE CENTER OF THEIR ORAL HEALTH BY LOOKING AFTER EVERY DETAIL. THROUGH TAILORED CARE, CONTINUED EDUCATION, AND INDUSTRYLEADING TECHNOLOGY, WE STRIVE TO BUILD LIFELONG, MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR PATIENT FAMILY. westsidedentalstudionv.com
Fit to Learn
Kendra Newsome moved to the Truckee Meadows from Florida in 2002 to attend the University of Nevada as a graduate student. Her future was wide-open but she knew she wanted to help kids through behavioral based, data-driven science.
Twenty years later, she and her husband Donny, are contributing to the education scene in northern Nevada in a big way. They opened Fit Learning centers in Reno and 25 other locations across the country. Fit Learning is not just an after-school tutor program. It’s more about applying the science of learning to students.
“We are not trained educators. We are behavioral scientists,” Newsome says. "The curriculum is modeled to impact the students we serve. We can move students a grade level in 8-to-10 weeks.”
Kendra and Donny Newsome want all kids to have access to education assistance
ARTICLE BY DAN ECKLES PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED BY FIT LEARNING
“We’re about discovering why a student is struggling. Usually that answer lies in their academic history. Our job is to find out what tools and skills are there and what’s missing or not strong enough. For example, multiplying fractions, there are so many skills involved. Our job is to look at all the pieces and parts that go into that. We identify what’s slowing the process or inaccurate and that’s what we target.”
Newsome’s general critique of mainstream education is that it throws kids into an arena and asks them to figure it out as they go. She compared that flawed system to athletics and music, stressing that in those genres we give kids basic skills to start and slowly build on them, rather than asking a beginning athlete to be an all-star or a novice musician to immediately play Beethoven.
In August of 2025, the Newsomes sold their Fit Learning Reno location, but they still sit on its board of directors. They also still manage the Fit Learning national brand. Newsome says a long-time invested and qualified employee made the pitch to buy the Reno venue, admitting if it wasn’t a special fit, she and her husband would likely still be its owners. However, the transition has worked out well and it’s freed up Kendra and Donny to spend more time on a deeper passion.
The dynamic married duo started up a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization – Empower Youth. Its mission is to use the Fit Learning model to give underprivileged students educational opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them. The Foundation’s website says Empower Youth wants to “ensure that all children are being afforded the same opportunities that allow for young minds to development and thrive.”
“We have really started to allocate more time and effort to Empower Youth to broaden our community impact beyond just those individuals
who can afford to attend Fit Learning,”
Newsome says. “We feel like we’re fighting an uphill battle in trying to really make a difference for kids in schools. Fit Learning is an afterschool program, but with Empower Youth we’re trying to meet kids where they are.”
Newsome points out that Fit Learning works with kids as young as three and with other youths into their high school years and even some into their college careers. She added that the majority of students growing in the curriculum are elementary school age.
“When you have a science-based approach, it’s so incredibly powerful,” Newsome says. "We didn’t invent the science. It’s been here since the 70s. I’m happy about the number of kids we’ve been able to impact and also disappointed we have not been able to impact more.”
-Cj Johnson Owner Bubbles & Brews Reno Tahoe
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TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
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events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
AUGUST 1ST
Ty's Let'm Buck Rodeo
Nevada State Fairgrounds
Held in memory of Tyler Crystal, this family friendly rodeo event will help you get your fix while you await next year's Reno Rodeo. Stop by the Nevada State Fairgrounds Aug. 1 for team roping, bull riding, and ranch bronc riding.
AUGUST 12TH - 16TH
30th Anniversary of America’s Legendary Desert Race
Reno to Las Vegas
“The Other Way,” the 2026 edition of the iconic desert race will reverse its traditional route and begin in Northern Nevada before heading south, creating a brand-new challenge for competitors and a once-in-a-generation opportunity for fans to witness history in the making. Locals can celebrate with pre-race events including a festival at the J Resort and a parade through Reno.
AUGUST 14TH - 16TH
Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
The Pioneer Center’s Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival is a three-night performance event featuring a variety of local dance companies. Presented on our outdoor plaza, this free, family-friendly event is perfect for all ages. The plaza and food trucks open at 5:30 p.m. and performances start at 7:30 p.m.
AUGUST 20TH - 22ND
Cosmic Baseball
Greater Nevada Field
Get ready for baseball’s newest event - Cosmic Baseball! More than a game, the event will turn Greater Nevada Field into a glow-in-thedark ballpark as the Chili Peppers face off against the Glow Mojis.
AUGUST 26TH
Little Shop of Horrors 40th Anniversary Screening
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | 7:00 PM
Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Little Shop of Horrors with a screening hosted by the original Audrey, Ellen Greene! This is a rare appearance by Ellen Greene, who originated the role in the stage musical and continued on to star in everyone's favorite film adaptation. There will also be exclusive meet-and-greet packages including signed memorabilia and photo-ops.
AUGUST 30TH
Jewish Nevada's 5th Annual 'Milk & Honey' Festival
McKinley Arts & Cultural Center | 11:00 AM
The all-ages cultural festival will feature musician Joe Buchanan while culinary efforts will be led by Chef Chris Baldwin of Liberty Food & Wine and the Reno Local Food Group.
