“I’ve always wanted to highlight the parts of Nevada that often go unnoticed, and I’m proud that ‘Spirit of Nevada’ is accomplishing that mission so successfully,” said Richard “Rick” Harris, executive producer of “Spirit of Nevada.”
Rick moved to Nevada as a kid in the 1960s. His deep love for the state has shaped his path—from founding Nevada’s largest and most respected personal injury law firm to producing a show that highlights the people, places, and stories that define the Silver State.
Launched in 2017, Spirit of Nevada was born from Rick’s vision to showcase the unique culture, rich history, and natural beauty of Nevada. Hosted by Samantha “Sam” Chian, who also writes each episode, the show has now surpassed 300 episodes. It won an Emmy last year and was nominated for three more regional Emmy Awards by the Pacific Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS).
“I couldn’t be more proud of this show,” Rick continued. “The goal was always to reveal the hidden gems of our state, and Sam has been essential to that mission. She’s made the show more heartfelt, more adventurous, and more inspiring than I ever imagined.”
For Sam, working alongside Rick and her production team has been a dream come true.
“Rick’s love for Nevada is the heartbeat of this show,” said Sam. “Hosting ‘Spirit of Nevada’ has truly been one of the greatest gifts of my life. From day one, our mission has been to give back, to spotlight local heroes, nonprofits, and showcase the incredible communities that make Nevada so special. Every time we film, I feel like I’m honoring the soul of this state.”
One of her proudest accomplishments was producing and hosting the Emmy Award–winning episode “The Wild West is Alive in Virginia City, Nevada.” “It was such a fun shoot. I raced camels, reenacted old west gunfights, and dove into the town’s history with locals,” said Sam. “We really just want to help these places get the recognition and visitors they deserve.”
Other episodes have featured everything from Sam becoming a mermaid at the Silverton Casino’s aquarium in Las Vegas to guiding viewers through a haunted ghost walk in Carson City.
Beyond the show itself, Rick’s dedication to the community shines through the Annual Spirit of Nevada Award Contest, an initiative sponsored by the Richard Harris Law Firm. Each year, the contest invites students to express what makes Nevada unique through art, music, short stories, or videos. Twelve student winners receive $1,000 and an iPad, while their teachers receive a $500 Amazon gift card.
"I’m incredibly grateful to Rick and the Richard Harris Law Firm for making all this possible,” said Sam. “His support goes far beyond production. He genuinely believes in preserving the culture, history, and heart of Nevada.
All episodes of “Spirit of Nevada” are available to watch on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and on Cox YurView Channel 14/1014 HD in Southern Nevada, as well as Reno's CW Channel 8.3, Charter Channel 12 or 695 and Direct TV Channel 9 in Northern Nevada.
"The goal was always to reveal the hidden gems of the state."