Reno as the Divorce Capital of the World

The podcast explores the history of Reno, Nevada, as the divorce capital of the world during the mid-20th century. Reno attracted divorce seekers from across the country due to its short residency period and liberal grounds for divorce. People would come to Reno, establish residency for six weeks, and secure a divorce, symbolizing their liberation as newly liberated individuals. The city offered various accommodations for divorce seekers, including luxurious dude ranches and boarding houses run by supportive women. The city's casino industry also thrived, employing unhappily married women as shills to attract customers. Reno's reign as the divorce capital came to an end as divorce laws became more liberalized, and other states offered quicker and easier divorce options. However, the impact of Reno's divorce era on the city's identity and its vibrant tourism industry remains.