Explore Local Podcast

Ellen Wheeler is a three-time, Daytime Emmy Award–winning actress, director and producer. She earned the Daytime Emmys and an additional nomination for her work on All My Children, Another World, and Guiding Light, recognizing her contributions both on screen and behind the scenes. She now lives near Cedar City with her family, where she runs the Forge Center for the Arts and continues to support...

Travis Humphreys is an artist with over 35 years of experience and the co-owner of Gold River Gallery with his wife, Kathryn. Based in Cedar City, Gold River Gallery is known for its museum-quality artwork and custom framing, serving collectors from across the United States. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Devel...

Joni Anderson is the Executive Director of the SUU Business Center and the Small Business Development Center, where she supports entrepreneurs across Iron, Beaver, and Garfield counties. The SUU Business Center helps local business owners and startups grow by offering one-on-one guidance, workshops, and practical resources for every stage of business. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visi...

Mike Mower is the executive director and chief flight instructor for Southern Utah University's aviation program. Since starting the program in 2013, Mike has seen it grow to be the largest collegiate helicopter program in the United States, with 10% of all helicopter pilots coming from SUU.The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar...

Jamison Robinett is the new President of Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, leading its efforts to expand care and services for Southwest Utah. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital, and brings his experience in hospital operations, quality improvement, and strategic growth back to Cedar City. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar Cit...

Eric Schmutz is the Chair of Southern Utah Bank Corporation, the parent company of State Bank of Southern Utah. He is also the former President & CEO of the bank, a community-focused institution with 17 branches offering personal and business banking, mortgages, and commercial lending. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City...

Carylee Zwang is the music director and conductor for the Orchestra of Southern Utah. She has been a member of the orchestra since 2003, and started as a student from SUU, playing percussion. Today, she leads the ensemble in bringing high-quality, community-driven performances to Southern Utah. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar...

Heather Carter runs The Festival City Farmer's Market, which is a year-round market that features local farmers, bakers, and artisans selling a variety of goods. It is known for its high-quality local produce, handcrafted items, and community atmosphere, with live music every Saturday. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City...

Marty Warburton is a board member of Cedar City Music Arts. The organization has brought world-class live concerts and artists to Southern Utah for nearly a century, presenting diverse music styles at accessible venues for the community. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. his episode is sponso...

Gavin Dalton is the owner of D-BAT Cedar City, where he leads a premier indoor baseball and softball training facility designed to elevate athletes of all ages. With a strong focus on coaching and skill development, he’s committed to helping the Cedar City community grow in hitting, fielding, and overall athletic performance. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head an...

Ryan Paul is an Assistant Professor of History at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, specializing in public and local history as well as the history of the national parks. He also directs the A.P.E.X. Events series, which brings influential speakers and performers to campus and the community. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Ce...

Donna Christensen is the Chair of the Cedar Livestock & Heritage Festival Committee, which organizes the annual Cedar City Sheep Parade. This beloved event celebrates the historic tradition of herding sheep down Main Street and features sheep wagons, antique tractors, and other livestock. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar C...

Tessa Douglas is the new president and CEO of the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce. In 2023, Tessa was recognized as the Cedar City Chamber’s “Woman of the Year,” and was recently named one of the “Top 50 Women Leaders in Utah.” The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. his episode is sponsored by:The...

Joe Brough is the owner of Hive Plastics, a new plastic manufacturing company that started production in September 2025. Hive Plastics specializes in producing rotational molding plastic components and is excited to be a new member of the Cedar City community. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director...

Stephen Lisonbee is the SUU Associate Vice President, Community Outreach & Engagement. He has over 20 years of experience in community, economic, and workforce development across Utah. He is the Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs to Gov. Spencer Cox. Stephen has played key leadership roles in initiatives such as the One Utah Summit, The Cedar City Business & Innovation Center, and the Iron L...

Dallas Smith, owner of Dallas Smith Media and Producer of the Explore Local Podcast, joined us this week! Dallas creates media content through photography, videography, drone work, animation and audio formats. He works with many local businesses and organizations to share their stories. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Ec...

Brad Carroll, Music Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival and onstage performer in the Festival’s production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Murder , joined us on the podcast this week! He conducts and plays piano live as part of the show while leading the musical direction behind the scenes. Brad has been a vital part of USF since 2002, directing and music directing a wide range of productions inc...

Drake Howell, Project Executive for BZI Innovation Park, joined us on the podcast this week! The park is a 820‑acre rail‑served industrial and logistics hub. It combines 8.5 million sq ft of industrial space, 1 million sq ft of commercial offices, affordable housing, and on‑site rail transload services. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johns...

Brennan Wood, the President of Southwest Technical College, joined us on the podcast today! Southwest Tech offers hands-on, career-focused certificate programs in fields like automotive, health professions, welding, and public safety. The college emphasizes flexible schedules, a focus on skill mastery, and strong partnerships with local business and industry, making it a key driver of workforce de...

Las Vegas Raiders' Myles Hayes and Marli Bartlett joined us on the podcast this week to discuss their involvement with the Utah Summer Games and what their hopes are for Utah's future athletes. The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional NFL team known for their commitment to community, inclusion, and inspiring the next generation of athletes on and off the field! The Explore Local Podcast is...

Utah Summer Games' Executive Director Jon Oglesby joined us on the podcast this week! Jon has been a part of USG since 2023, working to grow the games' impact, celebrate amateur athletes, and build on the event’s long-standing legacy in Southern Utah. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director....

Mindy Benson is the 17th president of Southern Utah University, and the first woman and first SUU alum to hold the position. A Cedar City native, she has dedicated her career to SUU, previously serving as Vice President of Alumni and Community Relations and teaching courses in communication and event planning. Benson is known for her commitment to student success, community engagement, and fosteri...

Cedar City just got recognized as the third best small city to start a business by WalletHub! Chip Lupo joined us on the podcast this week to talk about it! Chip has worked for WalletHub since 2018, and his primary goal is to create content that appeals to both financial experts and beginners. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar...

Dr. Kris Griffith serves as the President of American Pacific Corporation (AMPAC), a leading supplier of specialty chemicals used in aerospace and defense applications. His leadership is focused on advancing technological capabilities, fostering strategic partnerships, and ensuring American Pacific continues to meet the evolving needs of the aerospace and defense sectors. The Explore Local Podcast...

Paul Monroe and Cyndi Wallace are members of the Cedar City Rotary Club, where they’re actively involved in serving the local community. The club supports a variety of local projects that bring people together and improve public spaces, including the construction of a water feature at West Canyon Park and the annual July Jamboree! The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian He...