Valley 101

*Since this episode originally aired, the bill to make Pluto the official state planet of Arizona was passed into law.* Science was forever changed, thanks to an observatory in Flagstaff named after Percival Lowell, one of the first minds to explore the potential of water on Mars and theorize about undiscovered planets. In 1930, the Lowell Observatory announced the discovery of a ninth planet at t...

While the cactus makes a beautiful natural ornament in the Valley, the wild plant also provides nutritional benefits from its fruits and spiny pads.  Some of the cactuses, including the prickly pear and the Saguaro, bear fruit that can be eaten in a variety of ways.  Cactus is slowly seeping its way into food culture in Arizona, hidden in dishes across local restaurants and sold in grocery stores....

Did you know that cats can make nearly 300 facial expressions? Who is closer related to humans: dogs or cats? In this episode, Kaely Monahan sits down with fellow producer Amanda Luberto to discuss some surprising cat facts and where to meet Arizona's local "celebri-kitties." And don't worry if you're allergic – this episode comes cat hair free! Be sure to check out the webpage for this episode to...

When people think of Phoenix, they probably first think of heat. This goes for both Phoenix the city and Phoenix the mythological bird, said to have risen from the ashes after dying in an explosion of flames. The fire bird and the sweltering city not only have heat in common but the the concept of rebirth as well. When Jack Swilling stopped here in 1867, he saw opportunity for growth and revitaliz...

Today the nation recognizes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrates his leadership in the civil rights movement in America. It's been a national holiday since the early 1980s, after Congress deemed his unwavering commitment to equality worthy of a united time of reflection. Martin Luther King Jr. Day wasn't always a state holiday in Arizona, even after it was observed by the fede...

Before light rail, another kind of streetcar rolled on Phoenix streets. From the late 1880s until after World War II, electric trolleys connected Phoenicians with the heart of the city. Those who lived far from downtown could easily access the services and goods there without having to walk or ride a bicycle or horse into town. And it was cheap! During its heyday, hundreds of residents would ride...

Welcome to 2024!! We are off this week to celebrate the new year, but can't wait to be with you again starting next week to dive into your questions about Arizona. Have a safe and happy holiday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are off this week to celebrate the holidays with our families. Thank you so much for listening to us all year long. We have some holiday themed episodes for you to listen to in our archives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing aloud for all to hear." Journalists in the Arizona Republic newsroom have taken Buddy the Elf's motto and made it their own in our special holiday episode of Valley 101. Whether you're a grinch, scrooge or the more elf-tastic type, we have some holiday spirit to sprinkle on your ears as we ask the question, "What's your favorite holiday song?"  Le...

In the modern age, you don't have to turn to a Spanish language channel on the radio to hear Latin music. Pop, hip hop, and dance music has all gone international as Latin music is booming in popularity. In the last year, the genre has seen a 15% boost in listens, making Spanish the second most listened to language in the United States. Artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G have infused Latin music i...

Much has already been said about Sandra Day O’Connor since her passing on December 1, 2023. The humble ranch girl grew up to serve in one of the highest offices in the land – as a supreme court justice. You might have read about her early days working on the Lazy B Ranch in eastern Arizona. The wide expanse is picturesque, if not iconic. It is a place you’d imagine a cowboy film would be set. And...

Whether you just moved here or are a Valley native, new bars and restaurants are yours to discover. Metro Phoenix is home to 21 James Beard Award winners, finalists or nominees. According to the Spirited Awards this year, downtown Phoenix has the best cocktail bar in the United States. While recognition in the past few years has certainly increased, Arizona always has had excellent eateries and ch...

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Valley 101. We're serving up a fowl episode stuffed with turkey facts that you probably don't know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1971, a new art form officially premiered in Arizona. The first performance from the Tucson Opera Company was Gioachino Rossini's classic "The Barber of Seville." By 1976, the opera company had become the Arizona Opera and was performing full seasons of shows in both Tucson and Phoenix. Now housed in downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Opera is going strong almost 50 years later. In this week's episo...

You've heard of horse racing and dog racing, but what about burro racing? Each year in the town of Superior, Arizona, an adorable race filled with fuzzy donkeys takes place. Now don't expect to see jockeys riding the donkeys. Instead, the little equines are lead by their owners by a lead through Main Street and into Tonoto National Forest and back. In this episode, we find out how the race got sta...

While the rest of the nation is clocking an extra hour of sleep and making sure their oven clock matches their phone, Arizonans will continue their day like normal. Most people in Arizona, at least. In a bonus episode of our podcast, Valley 101, we explore how Daylight Saving came to be, why most of Arizona doesn't participate, and who in the state does.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

Tucked into Tucson's Barrio Viejo is an unassuming broken-down adobe wall adorned with flowers, candles and little pieces of paper containing people's deepest wishes. The shrine to El Tiradito serves not only as a landmark to a vicious and titillating murder that happened in the late 1800s but as a symbol in this predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a...

One of Halloween's most notorious ghosts is the Headless Horseman. The iconic figure on a black horse with a jack-o-lantern in place of a face can be found in books, movies, decor and more. But there is another headless ghost that haunts the western regions of our nation. And her tragic tale has been passed down by the tribe that lives near where she died. Then we'll hear a different tale. One of...

Sometimes you just need a break from the toils of life. And in Arizona, where better to go than one of the many scenic and historic lodges scattered throughout the state. Or perhaps hiding away in a remote cabin is more your style. But you might think twice about vacationing in the places in this episode. Valley 101 returns this week with another set of ghost stories the keep you up all night.  Va...

It's spooky season. And this Halloween season, Valley 101 presents a series of creepy ghost stories featuring the Phoenix Theatre Company and Vulture City guaranteed to keep you up at night. Listen if you dare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valley 101 guides you on the best places to see fall colors in Arizona. From Oak Creek Canyon to Big Lake, Arizona is full of color every fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It feels as if Arizona is finally starting to cool down after the record-setting summer.  However, according to the Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation and the state climatologist, our summer days are getting hotter, with no forecast that they will get any cooler.  As the planet is warming, the effects go beyond the environment. Multiple studies correlate violent crimes to excessive hea...

A RERUN FROM 2021: Have you ever wondered what traditional Japanese sushi and Mexican food create? Several years ago in Mexico, a combination of Mexican food ingredients and Japanese style were used to create a fusion dish known as Sonoran sushi. Traditional Japanese sushi’s main ingredient is vinegared rice. Sonoran sushi rolls have those base ingredients like rice and seaweed, but with their own...

A certain word has become standard in the past few years when discussing Arizona politics. At some point, maybe "recount" made people think of doublechecking that everyone in their group was accounted for, or the thing to do when they second-guessed the number of Easter eggs they were hiding. But politicos in Arizona, especially in Maricopa County, now associate the word “recount” with the word “b...

You know you live in Phoenix when it's still triple digits in September. If you're looking for an escape, Valley 101 has 10 cool locations to check out from Sabino Canyon, Bisbee, Verde Valley and the Mogollon Rim. You don't have to travel far to see a completely different side of Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices