435 Podcast: Southern Utah

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Michelle Tanner, family nurse practitioner and current St. George City Councilwoman, as she shares her vision for re-election and the future of St. George. Michelle discusses: How emergency medicine shaped her leadership : Discover how triage and critical decision-making in healthcare translate to effective governance. Her stand against tax increases : Lea...

Southern Utah is booming—and so is the pressure on local leaders to balance growth with community values. In this episode, Hurricane Mayor Nanette Billings shares how she’s guiding one of Utah’s largest cities by area through rapid development, smart land use, and critical infrastructure upgrades—all while preserving Hurricane’s unique character. Mayor Billings reveals the inside story on: Reformi...

What does it take for a small desert town to become a booming resort destination—and what challenges come with that explosive growth? In this episode, Ivins City Councilman Mike Scott, a candidate for re-election, pulls back the curtain on the dramatic transformation of Ivins, Utah, sharing his data-driven perspective on city planning, real estate, and the financial crossroads facing one of Southe...

What drives an ordinary citizen to step into the political arena? For Shad Johnsen a kitchen designer and 20-year Ivins resident, the answer lies in a genuine desire to serve his community after his wife overcame serious health challenges. "I'm not necessarily running against incumbents—I'm running for an opportunity," Johnsen explains, setting the tone for a conversation that...

Born and raised in St. George as a fifth-generation resident, Bryan Thiriot brings a unique blend of deep local roots and extensive governmental experience to his City Council campaign. Having served as director of the Five County Association of Governments and executive director of the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization, Theriot has spent years collaborating with communities throughout Sout...

While most American cities faced intense anti-police sentiment in previous years, something remarkable happened in Washington County, Utah – the community actually rallied around their officers with unprecedented support. How did they do it? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with St. George Police Chief Kyle Whitehead and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who bring over 50 years of co...

The housing market in 2025 presents a fascinating paradox—while inventory levels climb to a ten-year high in Washington County, the fundamental affordability crisis continues to reshape how Utah families approach homeownership and life planning. Emily Merkley, CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, shares eye-opening statistics that reveal a market in transition. With absorption rates hov...

Michelle Tanner's political identity underwent a dramatic transformation overnight – from being labeled an "extreme right-wing conspiracy theorist" to a "satan worshiping establishment RINO." This fascinating shift occurred during Utah's recent GOP Chair race, where Tanner supported Rob Axson despite having previously backed Phil Lyman for governor, revealing the comp...

What does it mean when a community evolves? From Farmstead's transformation into Bonrue Bakery to the complex urban planning challenges facing St. George, this conversation explores how Southern Utah is navigating its adolescence as a growing region. Chris Conners shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how his French-inspired bakery found its footing in downtown St. George and the unex...

Government regulation in the energy sector has created significant challenges for local power companies over the past two decades, while clean coal technology developments have been largely overlooked in policy decisions. • 2005 Energy Policy Act disrupted reliability projects in Washington County for almost 15 years • Modern coal plants in Utah operate at 90% below EPA emission standards using th...

In an era of political polarization and media distrust, Willie Billings offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on local politics as the newly elected Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party. His mission? To save Utah's unique caucus system from the encroachment of outside money and influence that threatens to transform the state's political landscape. Billings passionately...

Washington County's real estate market has shifted to a more balanced position with 4.82 months of inventory, representing a 22% increase from last year, though slight downward pressure on pricing has resulted in only a 2% decrease in average sold prices. • Median sold price of $520,000 shows minimal change from last year at just 1.7% higher • Current 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.75%, dow...

Witness history in the making as the World Strength Games returns to St. George on May 23-24 2025, transforming the Dixie Convention Center into an arena where human potential collides with physical impossibility. Since its humble beginnings in 2017 with just 11 athletes, this event has exploded into an international phenomenon, officially documenting 121 world records and counting. What makes the...

Dive into the intricacies of Utah's 2025 legislative session with Washington City's Legislative Affairs Director Jordan Hess as he breaks down the bills that will reshape Southern Utah's communities. With over 582 bills passed during this session, Jordan helps navigate the complex political landscape while offering unique insights from his perspective working directly with lawmakers...

Michael Saylor transformed his company by converting $400 million in cash to Bitcoin, becoming the largest individual Bitcoin holder and pioneering the concept of a corporate Bitcoin treasury. His journey demonstrates how Bitcoin has evolved from a dismissed "internet money" to a legitimate store of value and potential foundation for our AI-driven future. • Michael Saylor initially dismi...

The transformation of Washington City from farming fields to a strategically developed urban center is unfolding before our eyes. Economic Development Director Rusty Hughes reveals the careful balancing act required to maintain the city's unique character while addressing the economic realities of growth. When we think about local development, we rarely consider the financial mechanics behind...

In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the intricate world of housing regulations, specifically focusing on a bill currently being discussed in Utah that would require home buyers to sign an affidavit pledging to live in their property within 90 days of purchasing it. This legislation has sparked a variety of opinions among locals. The implications of such a bill are vast, affecting everythi...

Ever wondered what it takes to build a tech company from scratch in Southern Utah? Meet Blake Kvarfordt, the local genius behind Blake Technologies who's shaking things up in St. George. From his early days studying business at UVU to diving headfirst into coding at Dev Mountain, Blake's story is anything but ordinary. After cutting his teeth at tech giants like T-Mobile and Nike's...

What if you could maintain a cherished family legacy amidst the relentless pressures of urban development? On this episode, Sherrie at Staheli Family Farm shares her journey of balancing tradition with innovation in Southern Utah's rapidly changing landscape. Through tales of resilience and adaptability, Sherrie reveals how her family farm has transitioned from vegetable farming to a thriving...

Unlock the complex world of Southern Utah's real estate market as we tackle the pressing issues shaping its current landscape. Have you ever wondered why some properties are skyrocketing in value while others seem to stagnate or even depreciate? We'll unravel these mysteries with insights into fluctuating home values, steady interest rates at 7.07%, and their impact on the pace of home s...

Unlock the secrets behind St. George City's economic development strategies with insights from Chad Thomas, the Economic Development Director, and David Cordero, the Communications and Marketing Director. Discover how the city's economic policies are shaped by local elections and sales taxes, and what the arrival of a second Costco means for residents and businesses across Southern Utah....

What if the intricate dance of federal land exchanges and urban development could change the landscape of Southern Utah? Join us as Kyle Pasley, the insightful Managing Director for SITLA, unpacks the complex story behind the Northern Corridor and its decade-long journey through political and logistical challenges. With tales of expired permits and the daunting tug-of-war between development and p...

Discover the profound influence of early American visionaries like Thomas Jefferson and Elbridge Gerry, who laid the groundwork for America's westward expansion and the vital role of trust lands. This episode promises insights into the Northern Corridor project in Southern Utah, tracing the roots of the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. We explore how a historical vision ha...

Is gratitude the key to finding joy amidst life's chaos, or is it just a comforting illusion? Join us as we navigate the complex dance between gratitude and self-awareness, especially during the Thanksgiving season. We open up about the struggle to appreciate both life's grand achievements and its simple joys, while often getting ensnared in the toxic trap of comparison and cynicism. It&...

Join us for a compelling discussion with two outstanding college athletes from Utah Tech University who provide a unique glimpse into the life of student-athletes and their thoughts on current political issues. We explore their transition from high school sports to the demanding world of college athletics, including the thrill of their first win and the prospect of setting records. Their journey o...