City Cast Salt Lake

There are several things Utahns are known for, but should we be adding “Disney adults” to the list? Jodi Eichler-Levine, religion and culture professor at Lehigh University, joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze why Utahns relate so strongly to the Walt Disney experience and how it became its own sort of religion. This episode originally aired on Aug. 6, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake t...

The Point development in southern Salt Lake County is finally seeing some action after Gov. Spencer Cox and legislators broke ground this week. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss what’s in store for the state’s 600-acre project. Plus, possible celebrity sightings at Sundance, a volunteer opportunity, and honoring a legendary Salt Laker.  Resources and references: Utah’s o...

Host Ali Vallarta made a resolution this year to visit every park in Salt Lake County. As we approach the end of 2024, we have to ask: Did she do it? Ali joins executive producer Emily Means to share insights from her quest, including picks for the best dog parks, date spots, and public bathrooms. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sur...

The Washington Post called 2024 “the year of Mormon women,” and we could credit our local reality TV stars for that. KUER politics reporter Saige Miller joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze Salt Lake’s big year on the small screen, from reality unions to what the future brings.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for ye...

What do Utah’s most viral moments say about us? Salt Lake Tribune reporter Anastasia Hufham joins host Ali Vallarta to break down some of the biggest and most memorable local stories to hit the zeitgeist in 2024.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.cityc...

Tired of cooking for the holidays? Hey Salt Lake Newsletter editor Terina Ria joins host Ali Vallarta to drum up cheap and swanky recommendations for restaurants that are open on Christmas and New Years Day, as well as ideas to impress out of towners. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the d...

We finally have plans for the Smith’s Ballpark! Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss what options are on the table and how they could change the vibe of the neighborhood. Plus, several winter markets to check out this weekend, SLC’s soft pretzel joint, and train depot turned hotel bar.  Resources and references: Salt Lake City narrows down 3 options for future of Smith's Ba...

Who’s on Salt Lake’s naughty and nice lists for 2024? TikTok’s Queen of SLC Kendall Rodriguez joins host Ali Vallarta to discuss who’s been good and who’s been especially bad, from Gatorade tables to hot maestros.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.city...

‘Tis the season for gift giving! If you’re seeking inspiration, Deseret News columnist Meg Walter joins host Ali Vallarta to assemble a thoughtful, hyper-local gift guide — from $0 to $200 an item.  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscri...

Sen. Mitt Romney gave his final speech in Congress last week. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss why we’re so obsessed with this man and what his departure says about the state of politics. Plus, a local Hallmark love story and where to find the cheapest beer in the valley.   Resources and references: Salt Lake Political Nepo Babies You Should Know [City Cast Salt Lake] ...

Holiday travel season is about to put Salt Lake City’s shiny new airport to the test. Going founder Scott Keyes joins host Ali Vallarta to share the best flight deals coming out of Salt Lake and his hacks for a smooth journey. Join the waitlist for the SLC Airport holiday open house on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5-9 p.m. Related listening: The Future of SLC Airport, From B Gates to Korean Air [City Ca...

What is Gov. Spencer Cox prioritizing in his new budget proposal? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta make sense of the highlights. Plus, time is ticking for Salt Lake City to approve the Major League Baseball stadium deal, Festival of Trees transit options, and glowing reviews for local businesses.  Resources and references: SLC negotiates with Fairpark District to avoid unintend...

After the election you might be wondering, “What’s up with Utah’s gerrymandering lawsuit?” Good question, and we’ve got answers. Salt Lake Tribune news columnist Robert Gehrke joins host Ali Vallarta to catch us up on the case and preview what lawmakers might do to ballot initiatives during the upcoming general session. By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Sal...

In the 2024 election Salt Lakers overwhelmingly voted against Trump. But his policies will land at our doorsteps. Ivan Luevanos-Elms, executive director of Local Progress, joins host Ali Vallarta to explain how local governments can step in to protect immigrants, reproductive health, and LGBTQ+ rights.  Related listening: What Trump 2.0 Means in Utah [City Cast Salt Lake] By focusing on the storie...

Why is Utah spending so much of our money on PR? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta ask who is winning the public lands lawsuit? Plus, the Salt Lake County Council argues over staff cuts, cute clothes in Central City, and a new housing initiative.  Resources and references: How much is Utah’s public lands lawsuit and PR campaign costing taxpayers? [Utah News Dispatch]  Salt Lake...

Our city gets merry and bright in December. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from DIY Christmas trees to festive food and drink. Plus, if you missed Ali’s quest to drink at every bar in Salt Lake, listen to her takeaways. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put togeth...

One in three westerners are ready to live without Lake Powell, the gorgeous and glamorous boating destination on the Utah/Arizona border. Journalist and author Zak Podmore joins host Ali Vallarta to explore why this radical idea is gaining traction and what it could mean for life in the West.   Buy Zak Podmore’s book, “Life After Dead Pool,” through local publisher Torrey House Press or from a loc...

Why are people still obsessed with the Nutty Putty Cave accident 15 years later? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta revisit the story. Plus, ski-town drama, four holiday pop-up bars to check out, and a new downtown bike lane.   Resources and references: 15 years after a man died in the Nutty Putty Cave, his family and rescuers still struggle to escape the darkness [Salt Lake Trib...

Anxious about getting into a heated debate at Thanksgiving dinner? You can stop worrying! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and journalist Lindsay Aerts are bringing you local stories that are apolitical but still juicy — perfect for sharing with friends and family over turkey. Read our picks: Let there be lingerie: West Valley City must allow retailer to sell intimate apparel [Sa...

The Great Salt Lake water has shrunk again. Will water get more expensive!? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss the state’s next steps. Plus, the housing-to-food crisis, a hot new maestro, and your birthday party invite.  Resources and references: Great Salt Lake drops back down to 2021 levels [FOX 13] Utah’s food banks still see high demand. Housing costs are a contributi...

Gov. Spencer Cox has asked Utahns to “Disagree Better” in an effort to cool down our politics. But what if conflict is actually the good stuff? Host Ali Vallarta asks Utah Valley University professor and conflict specialist Dr. Maria Blevins what the Governor’s campaign gets right and what it’s missing. Plus, tips for when Salt Lakers are feeling feisty — whether with a state legislator or a frien...

What worked well for local Democrats who pulled off slim victories in red Utah? Natalie Pinkney, incoming at-large Salt Lake County Council member, joins host Ali Vallarta to share lessons from her Democratic campaign and what she thinks voters really want. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all...

Attorney General Sean Reyes’ calendar was finally released, revealing how he’s spent his time these last five years. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what the documents reveal. Plus Midvale’s mayor affair and an out-of-the-box gift idea.  Resources and references: Utah A.G. Sean Reyes fought to keep his calendar private. Here’s what it shows. [Salt Lake Tribune] Wife...

Salt Lake City is on the verge of some enormous construction projects: a downtown sports and entertainment district, a new hospital, and a potential MLB stadium. But why haven’t unions been at the table for these city-negotiated projects? Brandon Dew, president of the Central Utah Federation of Labor, joins host Ali Vallarta to break down how labor organizing could affect local development and ben...

KSL laid off reporters and other staff this week. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what we know so far and what to make of this moment. Plus, Mayor Erin Mendenhall really doesn’t like the Utah Transit Authority’s downtown hub design, Crumbl cereal in stores, and local recs for ice skating rinks.   Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to sup...