Small Lake City

Imagine uncovering a world where art and innovation collide in the most unexpected ways. On our latest episode, we sit down with the extraordinary Bryan Mark Taylor, a Utah-based artist whose journey from a sixth-grader studying alongside college students to a celebrated painter and entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Bryan's story is filled with serendipitous connections, such as mee...

Discover the dynamic evolution of Salt Lake City's neighborhoods, especially the transformation of Sugar House and 9th and 9th, with insights from Helen Wade, the visionary founder of the boutique store Stockist. Helen takes us through her remarkable 15-year journey adapting to the changes, expanding her store, and celebrating its milestone anniversary. Listen in as she shares her diverse bac...

Ever wondered how a podcast can truly reflect the soul of a city? Join us as we turn the tables on Erik Nilsson, the dynamic host of the Small Lake City Podcast, who finds himself on the other side of the microphone in this special interview with Skylar Byttendorf on the Utah Daily podcast. Erik takes us behind the scenes of his own show, sharing the inspiration and journey that brought Small Lake...

What happens when a group of friends from diverse backgrounds in BMX, skateboarding, and alternative lifestyles turn their camaraderie into a thriving underground party scene in Salt Lake City? Join us as we sit down with Brandon, Randy, and Drue from Blaqvoid to uncover the evolution of their friendship into a successful business that brings unique entertainment experiences and showcases local ar...

What happens when two beloved radio personalities decide to leap into the podcasting world? Frankie and Jess share their captivating journey from 20 years of morning radio to the uncharted territories of podcasting. We'll explore why they chose Salt Lake City as their new home and how they found a sense of belonging and community there. Plus, catch intriguing tales from past guests Stuart and...

How did a Minnesota girl, who faced the tragic loss of her half-brother, transform into a fierce advocate for environmental justice and a US Senate hopeful? Join us as we share the incredible story of Caroline Gleich, whose journey from the snowy peaks of Mount Everest to the political battlegrounds of Utah embodies resilience and passion. Caroline takes us through her early years, the pivotal mov...

Stepping away from the usual buzz of national headlines, we zone in on the heartbeat of our local community with Rachelle Morris, a vibrant force aiming for the at-large seat on the Salt Lake County Council. On the Small Lake City Podcast, we're painting a picture of local governance as Rochelle, a transplant with Texas roots flourishing in Utah's tech-rich soil, shares her journey throu...

As the sizzle of Viet Pham's signature fried chicken fills the air, my taste buds tingle in anticipation of the story behind his journey from a Malaysian refugee camp to the heights of culinary fame. Alongside his wife Alexis, Viet unfurls the tapestry of his life, from early days flavored by Vietnamese home cooking to the heat of competition on Iron Chef America. Their tale is a delectable b...

Nate Rafferty, the alpine aficionado leading Ski Utah, is the special guest joining us today, bringing with him tales of snowy peaks and the intricate dance of the ski industry. We trace Nate's footsteps from his early days in Utah to creating grand ski experiences in Arizona and back, now with the wisdom and drive that helm one of the most influential ski organizations. His journey is a vivi...

Step into the vibrant world of Bobby Johnson, the Ink Master champion who's more than just a tattoo virtuoso. On our latest episode of the Small Lake City Podcast, we're graced by Bobby's presence, bringing the heat as he recounts his ascent from humble beginnings to reality TV stardom. His journey isn't just about the ink; it's a tale woven with the threads of cultural sh...

Salt Lake City's sports pulse is racing with the announcement of an NHL team joining the city's ranks! On today's episode, I'm joined by ESPN 700's sports wizard Porter Larson to tackle this game-changing development and its ripple effects throughout Utah's sports universe. We're skating past the surface of what an NHL team means for the Beehive State, dissecting...

Prepare to be swept up in a tidal wave of sports fervor as we welcome ESPN 700's own Porter Larson to the Small Lake City Podcast. This week's episode is a veritable home run for any sports aficionado, with Porter and I exploring the seismic shifts in Utah's athletic landscape—from our very own NHL team making a power play in Salt Lake to the potential expansion of Major League Base...

When we think of Salt Lake City, we envision a vibrant community at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Join us for our milestone 30th episode as Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez, the first Gen Z leader in the area, guides us through the city's journey toward a brighter future. Her insights shed light on the immense transformation Salt Lake City has undergone since its last Olympics, pai...

Spring has sprung in Small Lake City, and with it, an episode brimming with the tales of transformation and tenacity from our guests Iggy and Randi. Iggy's odyssey from Argentina to America's stages as a sound and lighting maestro intertwines with Randi's graceful leap from "So You Think You Can Dance" to dazzling the ice with Olympic-level choreography. Their stories are...

When the complex threads of mental health, religious belief, and societal norms interweave, the tapestry that emerges can be both intricate and daunting. That's precisely why Natasha Helfer joined me to unravel these themes, particularly as they manifest in the uniquely challenging landscape of Salt Lake City. Our conversation explores the nuances of navigating mental well-being amidst the &q...

Embark on a captivating journey with Ben Hammond, a sculptor whose hands have shaped more than just clay—they've carved a life rich in artistry and mindfulness. From his humble beginnings in Blackfoot, Idaho, to the distinguished halls of the NFL Hall of Fame and the tranquil yoga studio where he teaches, Ben's tale is a masterclass in passion-driven transformation. Alongside tales of ap...

Ever reminisce about the good old days of mom's cooking or cringe at the memory of your first taste of college cuisine? Stuart Melling of Gastronomic SLC joins me, Eric Nielsen, to swap tales of our food journeys and how they've seasoned our lives. We traverse Stuart's transatlantic trek from the UK to Utah, his pivotal contributions to the Salt Lake Tribune, and our shared chuckles...

Ever wondered how the thrill of slicing through fresh powder can lead to kneading the perfect dough? This episode invites you into the story of Eric, Cyrus, and Koby—three friends whose shared love for skiing and fresh bagels birthed Baby’s Bagels, a warm and welcoming bagel bakery in the heart of Salt Lake City. They recount the transition from snowy slopes to rising dough, and how their vibrant...

Embarking on a familial legacy can be as daunting as it is rewarding. Micah Christensen of Anthony's Fine Art Gallery joins me to recount his transformation from an art-averse scion to a thriving art historian and connoisseur, particularly of the Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla. Our conversation weaves through the cobblestone streets of Spain, the scholarly halls of London, and back to the sur...

Savor the flavors of Salt Lake City as the Mile High Food Fairy herself, Amber, joins us for an engaging conversation that's sure to whet your appetite for the culinary treasures tucked away in Utah. From the vibrant sushi scene to the allure of Park City's Yuki Yama, Amber dishes out her must-visit eateries, weaving in tales from her gastronomic journey that spans Vegas to the Big Apple...

Have you ever wondered how a brush with death might alter your life's trajectory? Geoff Davis, CEO of the Sorensen Impact Institute, joins me to dissect his extraordinary shift from global entrepreneur to social impact visionary, driven by a profound personal health crisis and a legacy rooted in community service. Blending intimate reflections with engaging tales of his journey, Geoff delves...

Ever wonder what it's like to dance on the razor's edge of innovation and health? Scott Paul joins me, Erik Nilsson, on Small Lake City podcast, and we're not holding back any punches—or wigs—as we traverse his entrepreneurial journey. From catching Disney’s attention with his startup to his latest mission, Fee Health, which could very well be the start of a new AI-driven religion a...

As we ignite the candles for our 20th Small Lake City podcast episode, we're joined by the visionary Adam Barker, whose lens has brought the majesty of our planet's landscapes into stunning focus. With roots deeply planted in the powdery slopes of Salt Lake City, Adam's evolution from a skier to a photographer of breathtaking vistas is a narrative steeped in passion and dedication....

Embark on a snow-capped journey with Salt Lake City's beloved guide and basketball aficionado, Kendall Rodriguez, as she recounts her sun-drenched beginnings to her reign as the Queen of SLC. Kendall's tale is a crossover dribble through continents, from the courts of Southern California to international stints in Germany and Australia, before a twist of fate brought her to the Universit...

Embark on a fantastical voyage with the illustrious Howard Lyon as he paints a vivid picture of his evolution from a dragon-doodling youngster to a masterful artist for Magic: The Gathering and Brandon Sanderson's enchanting novels. Our conversation threads through Howard's early infatuation with the artistry of fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons, revealing how these childhood passions l...