435 Podcast: Southern Utah

Prepare to embark on a journey through the heart of Southern Utah as we unravel the complex tapestry of urban development and nature conservation. Alongside Washington County Attorneys Eric Clarke and Courtney Sinagra, we take a deep dive into the proposed Northern Corridor project, dissecting the effects of burgeoning traffic in St. George and the implications for the fragile desert tortoise habi...

Imagine stepping into the heart of Southern Utah's educational battlegrounds with Joann Brinton, whose candidacy for the State Board of Education hinges on a rich personal narrative and a fervent desire to shape the future of our schools. Her story, stretching from South Texas to the rugged landscapes of Utah, frames a discussion that's as varied as it is vital: the balance of funding, c...

Ever found yourself captivated by the raw, unfiltered tales behind a local business's rise to success? That's precisely what we got when Chris Connors, the culinary virtuoso behind Farmstead Bakery and FS Coffee Company, pulled up a chair and offered an unvarnished look at the peaks and valleys of entrepreneurial life. From the minutiae of managing a Michelin-starred restaurant to the he...

Unlock the door to understanding the real estate market and the pivotal role of housing affordability in our communities as Neil Walter, House Representative for District 74 and a real estate connoisseur, joins me, Robert MacFarlane, in a comprehensive exploration of the intricacies of property and policy. Through Neil's seasoned perspective, we dissect how shifts in community identities cont...

Join the riveting conversation Robert McFarlane sits with the dynamic Carson Jorgensen, Utah's youngest gubernatorial hopeful, to unravel his fresh take on the political landscape. In an ever-shifting world, Carson's youthful exuberance and innovative ideas stand out, offering a glimpse into the future of Utah's conservative arena. We traverse his family's historical roots in t...

In this exciting episode of the 435 podcast, guest Phil Lyman criticizes Governor Cox's handling of COVID-19 and sheds light on the challenges of running for statewide elections in Utah. Lyman highlights the lack of GOP candidates challenging Cox due to an 'insider's club' mentality in Utah politics. He advocates for a return to a more traditional separation of powers, decentra...

Welcome back to the 435 Podcast! In this episode, host Robert Macfarlane sits down with Wendi Bulkley, the Athletic Development Officer and Executive Director of the Trail Blazer Club for Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah. Join Robert and Wendi as they delve into Wendi's new role at Utah Tech University and how the burgeoning growth in St. George, Utah, is attracting D1 athletes, conse...

On this episode of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane and Jeff Watkins dive into the Southern Utah real estate market. They discuss the stability in prices, driven by a growing population and balanced supply and demand. The hosts caution against waiting for interest rates to drop, highlighting a recent price drop followed by a quick rebound. They also touch on the impact of the NAR settlement on c...

Join Robert Macfarlane and Celeste Maloy on episode 50 as they explore the challenges faced in Congress, from recent votes on appropriation bills and defense spending to the complexities of legislative processes. They discuss issues such as smuggling, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration, expressing frustration with government inaction. The conversation also touches upon concerns about govern...

On episode 49, Robert Macfarlane engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Derek Brown, a candidate for Utah State Attorney General. Explore Brown's unique journey from music to law, and gain insights into the delicate balance between logic and creativity in the legal field. Delve into the role of attorney generals in different states, and the ongoing struggle between state and federal...

On episode 48 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Bruce Bennett, President of Saint George Musical Theater, as they discuss the significance of the arts in Southern Utah. They explore the impact of theater on individuals, particularly youth, and how it fosters creativity and valuable skills. They also delve into the vibrant theater community in the region, highlighting the differences...

On episode 47 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane sits down with Colby Jenkins, an army colonel and West Point graduate, to discuss his military background, transition to politics, and views on national security. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of leadership, judgment, and accountability in decision-making, contrasting his approach with incumbent Celeste Maloy. He also criticizes the abuse of...

On episode 46 of the 435 Podcast, Robert Macfarlane hosts a captivating discussion with guests Michele Randall and Macrae Heppler. They delve into the city's growth, challenges, and development plans, including the need for more resources like fire stations due to population expansion. The conversation also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting Santa Clara's unique herita...

On episode 45 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane sits down with Carolyn Phippen to discuss the challenges of engaging with voters and the importance of decentralized media in the political landscape. They delve into topics such as election integrity, data security, and voter registration, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the need for critical thinking. The conversation also explor...

On episode 44 of the 435 podcast host Robert Macfarlane interviews Trent Staggs, a conservative candidate for the US Senate seat in Utah. Staggs discusses his business background and experience in local government, emphasizing the importance of local governance and fiscal responsibility. He criticizes Mitt Romney for not effectively representing Utah and proposes banning lobbyist contributions to...

On episode 43 with guest Brad Wilson, Robert & Brad delve into a wide range of topics including immigration, budget, and the differences between state and federal government. Wilson, a former speaker of the house, shares his experience in cutting taxes and his belief in small government and low taxes. They also discuss the immigration crisis, the importance of border security, and the need for...

On episode 42 of the podcast, host Robert Macfarlane and guest John Curtis discuss a range of topics including Curtis's background and his campaign for the US Senate seat in Utah. They delve into the challenges and expenses of gathering signatures and the importance of finding a balance between affordable and clean energy sources. The conversation also touches on permitting reform, the role o...

On episode 41 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane sits down with Isaac Barlow, the visionary behind Tech Ridge. Robert and Isaac discuss the past of the ridge, what used to be the old St. George airport. Isaac shares the historic "tip of the hat art" pieces that will be seen at Tech Ridge. Isaac shares the vision on the steps on the west side of the ridge that will lead to a trail that...

On episode 40 of the 435 podcast, host Robert Macfarlane is joined by guests Jeff Watkins and Branden Ducharme to discuss the current state of the real estate market in Southern Utah. They provide insights into the preferences and characteristics of buyers, highlighting the two main types: young retirees and older millennials. The conversation also delves into the correlation between mortgage rate...

On episode 39 of the 435 podcast, Sharon and Robert discuss unique and complex issues surrounding Ivins, Utah. Sharon shares her career history and what brought her to Southern Utah. As soon as Sharon retired, the same day she got involved in the community.  Sharon and Robert go back and forth on SITLA, affordable housing, and wages.  Find Wealth 435 here: https://www.wealth435.com/ Find Blue Form...

On episode 38 of the 435 podcast, Robert sits down with Blake Norton. They share a cigar as a celebration for Roberts birthday. Robert shares his experience going to a military school. They also discuss the two forbidden topics, politics and religion.  Find Wealth 435 here: https://www.wealth435.com/ Find Blue Form Media here: https://www.blueformmedia.com/

On this episode of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Gary Henderson about the power of words and how they can be used to invoke emotion, the limitations of Facebook and how it can't be used for honest dialogue, and the example of George Santos, a politician who was found guilty of misusing campaign finance. They also discuss the importance of voting strategically in order to ensur...

On episode 36 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Deven Macdonald, the local franchise owner of Chick-fil-A franchises in Southern Utah. They discuss the importance of focusing on quality of life and outdoor experiences, the history and culture of the Dixie region, and the importance of giving back to the community. They also discuss the use of community tools and data in the internet...

On this episode of  the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane interviews Zach Renstrom, the General Manager of the Washington County Water Conservancy District. Zach explains the district's twenty year plan, which includes collecting impact fees and other feasible projects. He also discusses the difficulty and expense of accessing water in Pine Valley Mountain, the importance of having access to rea...

On episode 34 of the 435 podcast, Robert Macfarlane and his guests Branden and Jeff discussed the real estate market and how it affects different people in different ways. They discussed macro level data, seller finance, mortgage rates, and how to decide whether to buy or sell. They also discussed the risks associated with real estate investments and the complexities of seller financing.  Find Wea...