City Cast Salt Lake

New year, new ideas for making the most of Salt Lake City. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria assembled a guide to January in the valley, from an inspired new bar to a $20 facial and ways to get a little more involved. If you’re wondering why we know bars so well, it’s because we’ve been to all of them. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a...

There are a host of weird and uniquely Utah things that our community tries to normalize, but have you fully adopted any of them? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means share their takes on Utah propaganda we’ve been sold and which ones we refuse to buy into.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy...

Salt Lake City is no stranger to construction and development, but there were so many projects to change the city that never even got off the ground. If those projects had been a success, how different would our city look today? Wendi Pettett, co-host of the Demolished Places podcast, joins host Ali Vallarta to share her picks for the craziest Salt Lake projects that never came to fruition. Become...

Former Utah Sen. Mitt Romney has a big idea: Tax the rich! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore his pitch and the political shift. Plus, what’s in and out for 2026 and joyful shout outs.  Read former Sen. Mitt Romney's New York Times op-ed: "Mitt Romney: Tax the Rich, Like Me"  Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make...

These are the best things we ate in 2025! Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and award-winning food writer Darby Doyle round up the best sweet, savory, coffee and cocktails Utah has to offer — and what 2026 could have in store. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only event...

Gov. Spencer Cox wants to expand aka pack the Supreme Court. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg discuss state leaders' motives. Plus, Salt Lake's word of the year and some festive picks for your weekend. Resources and references: Salt Lake’s 2025 Naughty and Nice List [City Cast Salt Lake]  A first look at Utah Republicans’ pla...

Our official naughty and nice list is here! And yeah, Santa is a listener. Host Ali Vallarta and Queen of SLC on TikTok, Kendall Rodriguez, compile what to celebrate and gentle roasts from 2025 in Utah. Join us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Utah Film Center. It’s totally free with activities for kids like face painting, Who hairdos, and stop-animation sta...

Many of us have family in town next week, whether up from St. George, in from LA, or we’re just spending an unusual amount of time together. Host Ali Vallarta and local TikTok creator Darienne Debrule assemble a list of ideas from free to kid-friendly or swanky. Join us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. at the Utah Film Center. It’s totally free with activities for...

A new plan for ski traffic in Big Cottonwood Canyon is here! Host Ali Vallarta and Save Our Canyons executive director Jack Stauss discuss why it’s so good, and what to expect. Plus, why some SLC landlords would rather give you a cruise than lower the rent, and joyful shoutouts. Resources and references: More transit and tolls? UDOT unveils plan to handle Big Cottonwood Canyon travel woes [KSL]  S...

Utah's next big homelessness idea is a 1,300-bed campus, and one national organization seems to have some influence over how it pans out. Host Ali Vallarta asks Cicero public safety policy director Devon Kurtz about his proposals, including involuntary commitment and homeless registries. Listen to our previous coverage on this issue: State Leaders Icing out Local Experts on Mega Shelter? Get more...

Tuesday was a busy night in Salt Lake! The Utah Legislature, Salt Lake County Council and Salt Lake City Council all met to make big decisions. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham break down what happened and where we go from here. Sign up to volunteer with Ali to create ICE-free zones in SLC this Saturday at 10 a.m. Become a member...

The people of Salt Lake got into it this year. Executive producer Emily Means and City Cast Salt Lake social media manager Molly Miloscia dive into the juiciest beefs of 2025 and declare the winners and losers.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at member...

Dozens of people protested Monday after Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested a man attending his green card interview at the federal immigration office in Salt Lake City. Host Ali Vallarta asks attorney Nicholle Pitt White for practical advice if you encounter ICE at your business, home, or as a bystander. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. Yo...

Big food news: MICHELIN Guide is coming to Utah, which opens the door to a local restaurant earning a coveted star. Host Ali Vallarta asks Visit Salt Lake CEO Kaitlin Eskelson and Salt Lake Area Restaurant Association executive director Michele Corigliano how MICHELIN landed in Utah and what restaurants could be awards contenders. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt...

We've all been there — enjoying a gorgeous hike when the urge to use the bathroom hits. What do you do?? Host Ali Vallarta asks Angelique Fish, cofounder of the Women's Wine Hiking Society, what to know when you've gotta go and how to keep our trails clean for everyone to enjoy. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listen...

The biggest news of the week is money — specifically, how the city and state are spending your hard-earned cash! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger share their biggest takeaways. Plus, joyful picks of the week. Resources and references: Manslaughter charge filed against ‘peacekeeper’ in No Kings protest killing [KSL] In Salt Lake...

Gift giving is the perfect excuse to support Salt Lake businesses and nonprofits! Host Ali Vallarta and Hive Mind podcast host Meg Walter made a beautiful 2025 gift guide for all ages, with plenty of ideas under $20. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at m...

Gov. Spencer Cox just announced a whole nuclear "ecosystem" is coming to Brigham City — think power plants, manufacturing, and more. But there's a lot we still don't know. Host Ali Vallarta asks Dr. Danielle Endres, director of the environmental humanities program at the University of Utah, what questions we should be asking before Utah becomes a nuclear hub.  Learn about geothermal energy, anothe...

Utah Republicans take another swing at ballot initiatives and the new congressional map. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about what they have up their sleeves. Plus, the Trumpification of our national parks, Giving Tuesday recs, and joyful shoutouts.  Resources and references:  National Parks Pass  Learn more about the Utah Women in Trades program. Become a member of City...

We made it to December (against all odds), and the holidays are in full swing. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide on how to make the most of this month, from kimchi popups to strolling down Christmas Street and ways to give back. Plus, it's avalanche season — listen to this episode on why avalanche safety isn't just for skiers.  If you're...

Join City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a must...

The 2034 Winter Games get an Olympic-sized rebrand. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk through the politics of "Utah 2034." Plus, what we're grateful for and Thanksgiving shoutouts. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm....

Are state leaders listening to local experts on the 1,300-bed homeless campus? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project executive director Mackenzie Bray discuss the highlights from Thursday's Utah Homeless Services Board meeting and lingering questions we still have.  Related listening: More background on the campus proposal: Huge Homeless Campus in...

Gov. Spencer Cox announced plans for a nuclear reactor in Brigham City. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen discuss Utah’s nuclear ambitions. Plus, a Reddit Q&A, and picks of the week to save money.  Resources and references: Utah unveils plans to bring nuclear hub to Brigham City [Salt Lake Tribune] Will Utah Be the ‘Nation’s Nuclear H...

So many films and TV shows have been filmed in Utah. Can you spot the locations? Host Ali Vallarta and Film Commission director Virginia Pearce talk about some of our most iconic scenes on the big screen and make an essential playlist of SLC films to watch this holiday season.  Check out the Utah Film locations map. This episode first aired Oct. 8, 2024.  Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you...