Explore Local Podcast

​Tyler Galetka serves as the Airport Manager at Cedar City Regional Airport, overseeing both commercial and general aviation operations. Under his leadership, the airport continues to connect Southern Utah to broader destinations while supporting local economic growth.​ The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Developmen...

Maria Twitchell serves as the Executive Director of the Cedar City–Brian Head Tourism Bureau, where she leads efforts to promote Iron County as a premier travel destination. She also wears another hat as the Parks and Recreation Director for Iron County, helping to shape the area’s outdoor experiences. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnso...

John DiAntonio, the Artistic Director at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, joined us on the podcast this week! With a rich background as an actor, director, playwright, and educator, he previously led Colorado's Creede Repertory Theatre as Artistic Director. Now, he brings that experience and passion to USF. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Joh...

Michael Bahr joined us on the podcast this week! Michael has been a part of the Utah Shakespeare Festival for over 25 years, beginning as the Education Director and now serving as the Executive Managing Director. The Utah Shakespeare Festival is a Tony Award-winning regional theater company here in Cedar City that brings Shakespeare and contemporary plays to life each year! The Explore Local Podca...

Southern Utah Museum of Art's Jessica Kinsey and Emily Ronquillo shared about SUMA’s incredible collections, and how the museum brings art to the community! Located on the campus of Southern Utah University, SUMA is a stunning space that showcases both regional and international artists! The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar Ci...

Tony Cocchia owns Pizanos Pizzeria in Brian Head, Utah. Established in 2003, Pizanos Pizzeria is a family-friendly restaurant specializing in hand-tossed New York-style pizza and Italian dishes right off the slopes of Brian Head Resort! The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponso...

Klay Klemic is the owner of Rising K Ranch, where he trains horses and leads trail rides near Zion National Park. With a lifetime of riding experience, Klay focuses on building a strong, willing partnership with every horse he works with. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is spon...

Jaden Reardon is co-owner of The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen with his partner, Barry Orton. The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen blends the warmth and charm of a flamboyant English pub with the culinary creativity of a modern craft kitchen. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsor...

Alyssa Smith is the Transload Sales Manager at Savage Transload Network, a rail company that hosts over 50 terminals globally. She shares the company's history and what her personal experience has been to work for such a vast company. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is spon...

Kacie co-owns Dry Lakes Ranch in Parowan, Utah, where she helps raise top-quality beef and brings it fresh to their shop on Parowan’s Historic Main Street. Jessica is one of the employees at the meat shop. They dive into what it takes to run the shop and how to raise nutrient-packed beef that’s best for consumers. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by...

Kason Myers and Brittney Worthen joined us on the podcast this week! As co-owners of Bristlecone Company, they’ve transformed a unique space that blends a cozy coffee shop with a beautiful yoga and spin studio. Kason and Brittney share their journey of working their way up through the company and eventually becoming co-owners. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head a...

Tayson Whittaker is the dynamic force behind Outdoor Vitals, a pioneering ultralight backpacking brand driven by performance and innovation. With a passion for exploration ingrained in his DNA, Tayson thrives as an avid backpacker, hiker, and runner, who works to integrate his outdoor adventures with his role as a business leader and devoted parent. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit...

Danny Stewart is the Associate Vice President of the Utah Inland Port Authority. Before working for UIPA Danny served as Director of Economic Development for Cedar City and Iron County. He continues to work to bring new businesses and growth to Utah! The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This epi...

Jeremy Waite is the Innovation Center Manager for the Cedar City Business & Innovation Center. He is also an avid pickleball player, and helps run the local pickleball leagues and tournaments in addition to teaching pickleball classes for SUU. Jeremy is also a business owner of Squatch Threads where they sell high quality pickleball paddles at an affordable price. The Explore Local Podcast is...

Kathleen Gonder started her career at Great Basin National Park in 1989. Since then she has worked at six other National Park Service sites: Dinosaur National Monument, Golden Spike National Historic Site, the Albright Training Center, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area, and Bryce Canyon National Park. She is currently the superintendent for Cedar Breaks...

Alyssa Fain is the General Manager at KJ Ice Barn, an NHL size ice rink in Enoch, Utah. Alyssa shared the story of building the facility, naming it after her late mother, and their premier league team the Iron County Yetis. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by: The C...

Diane Bealer is the owner of Little Village Retreat, a glamping resort in Kanarraville, Utah! Diane has prioritized community engagement through hosting events and collaborating with other women-owned glamping resort owners. She is firmly committed to the belief that a rising tide lifts all ships and is determined to play a pivotal role in elevating the Iron County community. The Explore Local Pod...

Jon Dail is the owner of The Grind Coffeehouse in Cedar City, Utah. The Grind Coffeehouse, located in the heart of downtown and is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Known for its inviting atmosphere and expertly crafted coffee. John also roasts his own coffee with beans sourced from all around the world, check out his roasting company Formation Coffee. The Explore Local Podcast is pres...

Kade Bryant is the owner of the Brian Head General Store and the adjacent ice-skating rink in Brian Head, Utah. He shared his involvement in the community, his love for outdoors, and what is next for Brian Head, Utah. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by: The Cedar C...

Heather Young is an entrepreneur, wife and mother. She has a “just go for it” attitude that has helped her build her current business, the award winning Women’s Clothing Boutique, Front Porch Twang, from the ground up. Her mission is all about helping women (and everyone) find confidence in who they are TODAY along with empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. The Explore Local P...

Hayden Hawks is an American professional trail and ultramarathon runner. A Southern Utah native, Hawks began running cross-country in high school after playing baseball. He won high school state championships in the 1600m and 3200m, and later went on to run in the Division I team at Southern Utah University. Among Hayden’s accomplishments, he is the two time winner of the CCC 100K World Series Fin...

Olivia & Ian Small are the owners of Dippers in downtown Cedar City. Dippers serves handmade frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and all kinds of other toppings! They started selling them in a stand at local farmers markets and have recently moved into a brick and mortar building! The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Econo...

Rolane Grinnell is the owner of Prime Adventure Outfitters, an ATV rental shop serving Brian Head, Cedar City, and Duck Creek. With a passion for outdoor exploration, Rolane helps visitors and locals alike experience Southern Utah’s stunning landscapes through unforgettable off-road adventures. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar...

Aaron Starks, CEO and President of 47G – Utah Aerospace & Defense, leads efforts to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and community organizations. Committed to realizing 47G's vision of creating Utah's premier aerospace and defense ecosystem, Starks focuses on developing the next generation of industry leaders and facilitating access to capital for innova...

Mirryn is the owner of Ganache-d, a local, family-owned, brownie shop. She is also the owner of Morr Decor and now The Venue, an event space in downtown Cedar City. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by: The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supp...