Heber Valley Life: Building Community with Rachel Kahler

In the Season 2 finale of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, Rachel Kahler sits down with Kelsey Berg, Utah public affairs leader and member of the Utah 2034 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games team. From her experiences working in Washington, D.C. and alongside Senator Mitt Romney, to advocating for rural Utah communities and helping prepare for the 2034 Winter Olympics, Kelsey shares insights on l...

Where does Heber Valley’s water come from, and how is it managed during drought years? In this episode of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, Rachel Kahler sits down with Chris York of the Central Utah Water Conservancy District to discuss water rights, Jordanelle Reservoir, conservation efforts, growth, and the future of water in the Wasatch Back. Learn how local water systems work, why drought condit...

Spencer Coleman, owner of Signarama Heber City, joins the Heber Valley Life Podcast to share the story of growing a family business, preserving his father’s legacy, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping brands stand out through creative signage, promotional products, and innovative marketing solutions. From Swiss Days and Deer Creek High School to custom hats and community projects, this con...

Dan Ivie, owner of Wasatch Physical Therapy, joins the Heber Valley Life Podcast to talk about youth sports, injury prevention, physical therapy, athlete training, and the active lifestyle that makes Heber Valley unique. From ACL injuries and burnout in youth sports to building a community-centered clinic, Dan shares over 20 years of experience helping local families stay healthy and active. -----...

In this episode, we discuss student achievement, teacher-led learning, Deer Creek High School, dual immersion programs, career pathways through Mountainland Technical College, and the future of education in one of Utah’s fastest-growing communities. Learn how Wasatch School District is preparing students for college, careers, and life while balancing rapid growth and community connection in Heber...

In this episode of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, Rachel Kahler sits down with Lindsay Bowen, founder of ROAM Humanitarian. Discover how purpose-driven travel is transforming communities around the world—from Tanzania to Bali—through service, culture, and meaningful connection. Learn how families, teens, and individuals can travel deeper, give back, and create real impact. ------------- Intellectu...

Lana North shares her deep Heber Valley roots, growing up in a multigenerational farming family, and her work with the Wasatch County Health Department. From community growth and housing challenges to public health, prevention, and building stronger families—this episode explores how small actions at home can shape a healthier future for all. ------------- Intellectual Property & Use Disclaime...

Midway Mayor Craig Simons joins the Heber Valley Life Podcast to share his journey from local business owner to city leader. From the story behind the Homestead Crater to managing tourism, growth, and preserving Midway’s Swiss charm, this episode explores the future of one of Utah’s most unique mountain towns. Discover insights on community, development, local businesses, and what makes Midway a y...

In this episode of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Steve Richardson, CEO of the Christian Center of Park City, to talk about community support, food insecurity, mental health, and helping families thrive in Park City and Heber Valley. From mobile food pantries and counseling services to programs like Operation Hope, discover how the Christian Center is making a real impact—rest...

As Utah prepares for the 2034 Winter Olympics, what can we learn from Italy’s Olympic Games? Dallin Koecher discusses his experience visiting Olympic venues, the future of Soldier Hollow, and how Heber Valley can create an unforgettable Olympic experience. Hear how the community, events, and Olympic spirit will shape the future of the valley.

In this episode of Heber Valley Life Podcast, host Rachel Kahler interviews Matt Brower, City Manager for Heber City. Matt clarifies the often-misunderstood role of a city manager, explaining how he works to implement the policies and priorities set by the City Council. Hear about Matt’s extensive career in public administration across the country, the mechanics of the "Council-Manager"...

In Episode 6 of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, host Rachel Kahler interviews Sarah Clark, founder of The Dainty Pear and Olive Press Café in Midway, Utah. Sarah shares her journey from starting a jewelry shop on Etsy to becoming a cookbook author, boutique owner, and café entrepreneur. Hear how she built a community-driven business in Heber Valley, restored a historic barn, curated premium Italian...

Looking for educational toys, screen-free activities, and meaningful family games? In this episode of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, we talk with Amy Schulthess, founder of Wigglish Toys and Games, about building a local toy store focused on heirloom-quality toys, award-winning books, and intentional play. If you're a parent, grandparent, or educator searching for sustainable toys, wooden toys...

In this episode of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, we talk with Wyatt Woolley, Public Information Officer for UDOT Region 3, about the major transportation projects impacting Heber Valley, Utah. We cover construction on US Highway 189 in Provo Canyon, safety and traffic improvements on Highway 40, and how growth is shaping long-term transportation planning. A key focus is the Heber Valley Corridor...

In Episode 3 of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, architect Clayton Vance returns for Part 2 of our conversation, diving deeper into housing, density, zoning, and the idea of the “missing middle” in Heber Valley. We explore how design, beauty, and thoughtful planning can shape stronger, more inclusive communities—now and for generations to come. 🎙️ Part 2 of a two-part conversation

In Episode 2 of the Heber Valley Life Podcast, we sit down with architect Clayton Vance to explore how architecture, urban design, and city codes shape the way our communities grow. From timeless design and beauty to density, housing, and the future of Heber Valley, Clayton shares thoughtful insights drawn from decades of experience. 🎙️ Part 1 of a two-part conversation 👉 Part 2 will be released...

In this episode of Heber Valley Life, host Rachel Kahler talks with Kristen Fuller about her work in women’s wellness, with a focus on hormones, healing, and weight loss. Kristen shares her professional journey and her approach to supporting women’s health through informed, intentional wellness practices. 🎧 Tune in for a grounded conversation on balance, healing, and sustainable health.

A Bolder Way Forward is a statewide movement dedicated to improving the lives of Utah girls and women—and strengthening our communities in the process. In this episode, host Rachel Kahler sits down with Reggan Jastram, co-lead for the Wasatch County initiative, to discuss local needs, domestic violence awareness, mentorship, male allyship, and how each of us can get involved. Learn more about A Bo...

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Kelly, principal of the new Deer Creek High School, to talk about what it takes to build a school from the ground up. Justin shares his 26-year journey in Wasatch County education, how his mentors shaped his path, and his vision for creating a culture of belonging, opportunity, and excellence at Deer Creek. A quick, inspiring look at the heart and purpose b...

As the holidays approach, Heber Valley shines brightest when neighbors come together in gratitude and service. In this heartfelt episode, host Rachel Kahler sits down with Corbin Gordon—longtime community leader, musician, and owner of Gordon Law Group—to talk about the true meaning of giving back. From the annual Gratitude Concert to the Community Thanksgiving Dinner, coat drives, and holiday toy...

Welcome back to the Heber Valley Life Podcast! In this episode, Rachel Kahler sits down with Mia Yue, Executive Director of the Wasatch Trails Foundation, to explore the growing network of trails that connects our community to the outdoors — and to each other. Mia shares the inspiring story behind the rebirth of the Wasatch Trails Foundation and its mission to expand and maintain access to the mou...

In this episode of Heber Valley Life, Rachel Kahler sits down with Steve Anderson, co-founder of Heber Valley Entertainment, to talk about his lifelong journey through creativity, storytelling, and community building. From his early days creating backyard shows to producing major events for Disney and Nickelodeon in Hollywood, Steve shares how he and his wife, Karyn, are now bringing that same mag...

In this episode of Heber Valley Life, Rachel talks with Erika Stover, owner of Quench It Soda, about building a small business through grit, creativity, and heart. Erika shares what it’s like to lead a team made mostly of teens in their first job and how she turns a local soda shop into a place of mentorship, teamwork, and community.

In this episode of Heber Valley Life, Rachel Kahler talks with Mindy McMaster, Executive Director of Midway Playhouse—a non-profit youth theater program in Midway, Utah dedicated to nurturing creativity and confidence through the performing arts. With a background in dance, choreography, performance, and directing, Mindy shares how Midway Playhouse is becoming a creative home where young performer...

In this episode of Heber Valley Life, Rachel Kahler sits down with Scott Phillips — Heber City Council member and candidate for mayor. Scott talks about what it means to guide a growing community with both vision and care. Drawing from years of public service, he shares how that experience has shaped his perspective on key issues such as infrastructure projects, water and sewer improvements, and t...