Utah Stories Show

Most Utah gardens look great for a few weeks… and then fade, dry out, or turn into bare patches by mid-summer or fall. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, Loreen and Heidi from Millcreek Gardens explain how to design a true four season garden that holds color, structure, and life all year — even in Utah's harsh, desert climate. We talk about: Why so many Utah yards fail long befor...

Utah's housing costs are soaring, and many wonder if the crisis is truly accidental. Richard Markosian sits down with Kimberly Burnett of Ivory Innovations to explore whether Utah's housing shortage is manufactured —sustained by policy, regulation, and zoning that keep prices high and affordable homes out of reach. They discuss how 24% of every new home's cost comes from regulation, why smaller ho...

In this powerful episode of Utah Stories, Richard Markosian sits down with Peggy and Steve Ayers to explore the raw, emotional journey of addiction, trauma, and healing within their family. From the hidden realities behind picture-perfect appearances to the lifesaving support of community, this episode dives deep into the challenges families face when a loved one struggles with substance abuse—and...

What do Led Zeppelin, blues clubs in the UK, and pastrami sandwiches have in common? They all helped shape the life and passions of Michael Feldman—musician, storyteller, and owner of Salt Lake's beloved Feldman's Deli. In this soulful episode of Utah Stories, Michael sits down with Richard Markosian to reflect on his lifelong love for music, the Utah music scene, and how his travels in Europe and...

What do The Goonies and Utah's film industry have in common? 🎥 In this episode of The Utah Story Show, host Richard Markosian sits down with actor Andrew Lenz of Nuworlds Productions to talk about the highs, lows, and weird in-betweens of breaking into film. Andrew shares stories from working near Touched by an Angel, brushes with Goonies lore, and what it's really like on a film set—why the crew...

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of The Utah Story Show, Richard Markosian sits down with James Behunin from the Utah Homeless Services Board to discuss the complex challenges of homelessness in Utah. Together, they examine the policy struggles, personal stories of hope and tragedy, and the delicate balance between compassion and accountability. From the inspiring transformations at Th...

Bob Campbell isn't your average coin dealer. Raised in a poor family, Bob climbed to the top of the numismatic world, becoming President of the American Numismatic Association and a recognized expert in counterfeit coin detection. He has taught U.S. federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, IRS, Homeland Security, and collectors how to spot fake coins. In this podcast, Bob shares:  How he bui...

Why has it become nearly impossible to discuss important political topics without resorting to personal attacks and tribalism? In this episode of Utah Stories, we dive deep into the state of public discourse, the growing political divide, and why ideas are often judged by who presents them rather than their actual merit. Join the discussion! Do you think we can return to rational, civil conversati...

What would it be like to ride across 25 states on horseback? Jake Harvath took on the challenge, leaving everything behind to embark on an epic journey that tested his resilience, connected him with incredible people, and gave him a deep bond with his horses. In this episode of Utah Stories, Jake shares: 🏇 How a childhood dream turned into a 400-day odyssey 🏕️ The challenges of camping in the wil...

How are the latest tariffs impacting small businesses in America? In this episode of the Utah Stories Podcast, we sit down with Scott Brown, the founder of Paddle Smash, to discuss how rising import tariffs are threatening small businesses that rely on overseas manufacturing. Scott shares: 🔹 The challenges of manufacturing in the U.S. vs. China 🔹 How Trump's new tariffs are forcing price hikes o...

Epic Brewing has been a mainstay in Utah's craft beer scene since opening in 2009. 🍺 Epic burst onto the Utah craft beer scene with incredible high-point beers immediately loved by Utah craft beer fans. Initially, Epic could not keep up with the demand for their beer for their first two years of operation: founders, David Cole and Peter Ericson, along with brewmaster Kevin Crompton, struck paydir...

In this powerful episode of Utah Stories, we tackle the hard-to-discuss issues of homelessness, mental health, and the nonprofit system. Richard Markosian sits down with Bernie Hart, a changemaker who's been quietly transforming lives for over a decade. Bernie runs a free Tai Chi program at Library Square in Salt Lake City, offering not only breakfast but also a chance for homeless individuals to...

Meet Bryan Billmeyer, a resident of The Other Side Village who turned his life around after years of addiction and homelessness. Now a coach, Bryan helps others find their path to recovery through the Whole Person Change approach—a philosophy of accountability, authenticity, and addressing the root causes of trauma. Discover how this transformative model is creating lasting change for those overco...

Explore how The Other Side Village is transforming lives and addressing homelessness with a groundbreaking model of whole-person change and community support. In this inspiring interview, Preston Cochrane, CEO of The Other Side Village, shares insights into their mission, including vocational training, zero-tolerance policies, and creating safe, sustainable housing for chronically homeless individ...

What makes a great bourbon? Meet Brant Pounds, owner of Spirits of the Wasatch, a Utah-based craft distillery, as he shares his journey from mechanical engineer to master distiller. In this deep dive, Brant explains the science and artistry behind distilling whiskey, the unique four-grain bourbon his team produces, and what sets craft distilleries apart from industry giants. We also discuss bourbo...

Explore Utah's rapidly evolving housing market in this insightful discussion! Real estate expert Asha Klarich shares her perspective on housing affordability, rising prices, and how buyers are adapting in a competitive market. Learn about the impact of population growth, high-density developments, and strategies for first-time homebuyers to navigate the challenges of 2025. Plus, discover tips for...

Discover the incredible journey of Jesse Lapin and Yoni Karmon, co-founders of Magnum E-Bikes, as they share their story of innovation, perseverance, and passion. Starting with a life-changing accident in Israel, this duo built a thriving e-bike company that has revolutionized the cycling industry in the U.S. Learn how their complementary skills, grassroots hustle, and commitment to quality helped...

Discover why Quality Billiards is the 'Face of Game Rooms' in Utah! In this debut episode of Faces of Utah , we bring you the inspiring story of Josh Thorn , a helicopter pilot who transformed his career into a thriving business venture as the owner of Quality Billiards & Game Rooms . From flying high in the skies to redefining Utah's game room experience, Josh's journey is one of passion, grit, a...

Discover the magic behind Kevin Costner's Horizon , as actor Colin Cunningham takes us behind the scenes of one of Utah's biggest productions. From breathtaking Moab vistas to the challenges of staying grounded in Hollywood, Colin shares his journey, insights into the film industry, and the incredible talent found in Utah's community theater scene. Learn why he believes passion, persistence, and r...

Meet Rob Meyrick, a coach at The Other Side Village. Once battling addiction and facing rock bottom, Rob now helps others transform their lives. Discover his journey, the unique culture of The Other Side Academy, and how honesty, accountability, and compassion are changing lives every day.   4o

In this episode of Utah Stories, we dive deep into the shifting media landscape with Cory Hill, founder of Chill PR, as he explores the impact of recent elections on mainstream media's credibility. With the rise of independent podcasts and online platforms, Cory shares insights on how audiences are moving away from traditional sources and towards voices that aren't beholden to major advertisers or...

In this powerful interview, Tiffany Blair shares her inspiring story of transformation from a life of homelessness and addiction to becoming a mentor and coach at The Other Side Village. Tiffany's journey highlights the impact of accountability, community, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. She discusses the unique approach of The Other Side Village in helping individuals recla...

As temperatures drop in Utah, the struggle to provide adequate support for the homeless intensifies. In this episode, we're joined by Pulitzer Prize-nominated photojournalist Robin Pendergrast , who shares his insights on documenting Utah's complex social issues, including homelessness. Robin's extraordinary career has taken him across the state and beyond, with his powerful images featured in the...

In this episode of Stories From The Other Side, we sit down with Preston Cochrane from The Other Side Village to delve into their visionary approach to addressing chronic homelessness. This project isn't just about providing shelter; it's about fostering a transformative community grounded in purpose, dignity, and support. The Other Side Village goes beyond tiny homes — it's a master-planned commu...

In this episode of Utah Stories , we dive into the heated debate over book bans in Utah's K-12 public schools. What started as a battle over specific titles has evolved into a broader cultural war. We explore both sides of this contentious issue, from parent advocacy groups pushing to remove books deemed inappropriate to educators defending the need for open discussions around complex topics like...