Lawmakers have labor unions in their crosshairs this legislative session. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means connect dots up at the Capitol. Plus, the vibes at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, new public art on State Street, and an all-time comedy at the Broadway. Resources and references: ‘No better than working at 7-Eleven’: Unions oppose bill to end collective bargaining for Utah public employees [Salt Lake Tribune] Sundance 2025 Films Sold So Far [IndieWire] Sundance Tip...
Jan 28, 2025•32 min
The Republican National Party has a big agenda for schools: closing the Department of Education and sending it back to the states. Meanwhile, the Utah legislature is slowly chipping away at public school funding. Utah State Board of Education member Sarah Reale joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about what’s in store for teachers, students and public education in this year’s legislative session. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at cityc...
Jan 27, 2025•26 min
President Trump’s deportation policies are hitting Salt Lake, just as residents report immigration enforcement sightings. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss what local officials, like the SLC School District, have said they will and won’t do. Plus, the Utah Hockey Club keeps searching for a name, a neighborhood org gets the documentary treatment, and a $25 Star Wars date night. Resources and references: Local Solutions to Trump Policies [City Cast Salt Lake] What to do ...
Jan 24, 2025•32 min
The 2025 Sundance Film Festival starts today, and if you don’t have tickets or tons of money to spend, we’ve got you. Former staffers Emily Samore and host Ali Vallarta share insider tips for accessing screenings, spotting celebs, and taking advantage of the fest as a local. Resources and references: Local Lens Beyond Film Films discussed: “Omaha," “The Wedding Banquet,” “The Dating Game," and “SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)” Plus, check out Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ri...
Jan 23, 2025•29 min
Freezing temps, inversion, and ski pass prices make it hard to get off the couch this winter. But there are lots of ways to move your body and lift your spirits while we wait for spring to arrive. Host Ali Vallarta and newsletter editor Terina Ria share a few ideas for beating the winter blues, from cheap class deals to local social clubs and indoor pickleball. Do the “Whale to Wales” 5K, and check out local runners’ tips for hitting the pavement. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It...
Jan 22, 2025•29 min
Utah’s sex education syllabus was given a D- grade by a national sexual health council. So, what does good sex ed look like? Ocean Candler, a Colorado-based sexual health expert, joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about ways to discuss sexual health at home or at school, from porn to pleasure and everything in between. Here are some resources for parents and adults: Sex Positive Families Amaze Planned Parenthood National Sex Education Standards The Porn Conversation Become a member of City Cast Sal...
Jan 21, 2025•33 min
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall unveiled a 50-page public safety plan responding to the state’s threat of intervention. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means breakdown the highlights and their big takeaways. Plus, Crumbl deodorant, a clean slate opportunity, and National Popcorn Day. Resources and references: Read the mayor’s public safety plan and catch up on the letter that prompted it. Will Utahns stop changing their clocks twice a year? Legislature may explore the idea th...
Jan 17, 2025•37 min
It’s host Ali Vallarta’s birthday! In the spirit of celebrating, executive producer Emily Means and Ali assembled a guide to the free stuff you can get around town on your birthday. Plus, creative ideas for affordable celebrations at all ages and stages. Enjoy Ali’s friend Renee’s spreadsheet of Salt Lake Birthday Freebies. This year we’re giving $1,500 worth of gift cards to one lucky winner for the chance to enjoy some of the best SLC eats in every month of 2025. Follow the steps on this Insta...
Jan 16, 2025•29 min
The Upper Avenues are well-known for their expensive views, but did you know they’re also hunting grounds? Perry Hall, chair of the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Utah Chapter, joins host Ali Vallarta to tell us how hunters, hikers, and dogs can safely coexist in our city’s backyard. This episode originally aired on Jan. 3, 2024. Learn more about the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources’ hunting mentorship program and about the BHA’s Hunting for Sustainability course. This year we’re giving $1,5...
Jan 15, 2025•23 min
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Utah’s public lands lawsuit. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means make sense of the surprising decision and what’s next for the state’s fight against the feds. Plus, Salt Lake’s 2034 Olympics could be at risk, a pet volunteer opportunity, and goodbye to the state’s superintendent. Resources and references: SCOTUS won’t hear Utah’s public lands lawsuit [Salt Lake Tribune] U.S. funding dispute with world anti-doping agency boils over; Salt Lake Olymp...
Jan 14, 2025•32 min
Utah lawmakers have continued to prop up coal in our state, but now Gov. Spencer Cox is eyeing another energy option: geothermal. So … what the heck is it? And can it cause earthquakes?? Dr. Joseph Moore, principal researcher at Utah FORGE, joins host Ali Vallarta to demystify this renewable resource. Resources and references: What's in Cox's $30.6B Budget? MLB District Deadline Nears, Holiday Transit Plans [City Cast Salt Lake] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to ...
Jan 13, 2025•27 min
The Park City ski patrol strike is finally over, so what’s in their contract? Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss the union’s wins and Vail’s losses. Plus, a slew of immigration bills just dropped, hut-to-hut hiking, and an important public notice. Resources and references: Skiers file class action lawsuit against Vail Resorts over Park City strike [KPCW] New SLC garbage collection schedule starts Feb. 3, 2025 The Western Uinta Hut System This year we’re giving $1,500 wo...
Jan 10, 2025•37 min
We may think of extremism as a national issue (think Jan. 6 insurrection), but new reporting from ProPublica shows how right-wing militias are operating in Utah. Chase Thomas, senior policy advisor at Better Utah Institute, joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about a new tool that tracks these groups and the next steps for addressing it. Resources and references: The Militia and the Mole [ProPublica] Extremism Watch Utah [Better Utah Institute] This year we’re giving $1,500 worth of gift cards to on...
Jan 09, 2025•22 min
Homelessness is at a record high across the country, and Utah leaders have eyes on how Salt Lake City is handling the issue. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Rep. Tyler Clancy, R-Provo, discuss local headlines and set expectations for homeless-related bills this upcoming legislation session. Resources and references: After prolonged delays, long-promised SLC tiny-home village for homeless Utahns finally gets its first residents [Salt Lake Tribune] State leaders slam SLC pol...
Jan 08, 2025•37 min
Where’s the best coffee in Salt Lake City? Rose Park resident Andy Moray visited every coffee shop in town last year — more than 70 of them. Today, he joins host Ali Vallarta to share his favorites and lessons learned from his quest. Check out Andy’s spreadsheet to discover new coffee shops. This year we’re giving $1,500 worth of gift cards to one lucky winner for the chance to enjoy some of the best SLC eats in every month of 2025. Follow the steps on this Instagram post to enter to win a year’...
Jan 07, 2025•23 min
Senators and representatives from around Utah will convene at the Capitol from Jan. 21 to March 7 for the annual legislative session. What new laws or programs will come of it? Fox 13 politics reporter Ben Winslow sets expectations for host Ali Vallarta about everything from the Great Salt Lake to revenge on Sugar House Pub and the Utah Supreme Court. This year we’re giving $1,500 worth of gift cards to one lucky winner for the chance to enjoy some of the best SLC eats in every month of 2025. Fo...
Jan 06, 2025•31 min
Why did hundreds of Park City ski patrollers go on strike? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about their demands and the impacts. Plus, local “ins and outs” for 2025, ancient bones, and become the next South Salt Lake city council member. Resources and references: Park City ski patrol ‘disappointed’ in Vail counter offer as strike continues [KPCW] Apply for the open seat on the South Salt Lake City Council. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way t...
Jan 03, 2025•42 min
New year, new rendezvous! This is your guide to January in Salt Lake City. Host Ali Vallarta, Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria, and producer Ivana Martinez assemble a lineup of restaurants to try, local spectacles, and ideas for getting outside (without a thousand-dollar ski pass). And if you are headed to the movies this month, don’t miss our episode on the fate of the Sundance Film Festival. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to we...
Jan 02, 2025•33 min
Which of Salt Lake City’s tourist attractions are worth bringing your family to this holiday season? From Temple Square to Park City Main Street, TikTok’s Queen of SLC Kendall Rodriguez and host Ali Vallarta separate the must-sees from the avoid-at-all-costs. Plus, what’s in it for locals? This episode originally aired on July 25, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and si...
Dec 30, 2024•25 min
There’s nothing more fabulously Salt Lake than a Tan France sighting. The Queer Eye star has called Utah home for almost two decades — so we decided to test him on his local credentials. Tan joins host Ali Vallarta to dish on the best and worst our town has to offer and the most Salt Lake thing about him. This episode originally aired on June 10, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all th...
Dec 26, 2024•28 min
There are several things Utahns are known for, but should we be adding “Disney adults” to the list? Jodi Eichler-Levine, religion and culture professor at Lehigh University, joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze why Utahns relate so strongly to the Walt Disney experience and how it became its own sort of religion. This episode originally aired on Aug. 6, 2024. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get a...
Dec 23, 2024•25 min
The Point development in southern Salt Lake County is finally seeing some action after Gov. Spencer Cox and legislators broke ground this week. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss what’s in store for the state’s 600-acre project. Plus, possible celebrity sightings at Sundance, a volunteer opportunity, and honoring a legendary Salt Laker. Resources and references: Utah’s old prison now gone, leaders break ground on ‘The Point,’ a huge state-run development [Utah News Disp...
Dec 20, 2024•37 min
Host Ali Vallarta made a resolution this year to visit every park in Salt Lake County. As we approach the end of 2024, we have to ask: Did she do it? Ali joins executive producer Emily Means to share insights from her quest, including picks for the best dog parks, date spots, and public bathrooms. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscri...
Dec 19, 2024•26 min
The Washington Post called 2024 “the year of Mormon women,” and we could credit our local reality TV stars for that. KUER politics reporter Saige Miller joins host Ali Vallarta to analyze Salt Lake’s big year on the small screen, from reality unions to what the future brings. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, o...
Dec 18, 2024•28 min
What do Utah’s most viral moments say about us? Salt Lake Tribune reporter Anastasia Hufham joins host Ali Vallarta to break down some of the biggest and most memorable local stories to hit the zeitgeist in 2024. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @...
Dec 17, 2024•30 min
Tired of cooking for the holidays? Hey Salt Lake Newsletter editor Terina Ria joins host Ali Vallarta to drum up cheap and swanky recommendations for restaurants that are open on Christmas and New Years Day, as well as ideas to impress out of towners. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newslett...
Dec 16, 2024•25 min
We finally have plans for the Smith’s Ballpark! Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss what options are on the table and how they could change the vibe of the neighborhood. Plus, several winter markets to check out this weekend, SLC’s soft pretzel joint, and train depot turned hotel bar. Resources and references: Salt Lake City narrows down 3 options for future of Smith's Ballpark [KSL.com] Salt Lake’s 2024 Naughty and Nice List [City Cast Salt Lake] Last-Minute Local Gift ...
Dec 13, 2024•32 min
Who’s on Salt Lake’s naughty and nice lists for 2024? TikTok’s Queen of SLC Kendall Rodriguez joins host Ali Vallarta to discuss who’s been good and who’s been especially bad, from Gatorade tables to hot maestros. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram ...
Dec 12, 2024•33 min
‘Tis the season for gift giving! If you’re seeking inspiration, Deseret News columnist Meg Walter joins host Ali Vallarta to assemble a thoughtful, hyper-local gift guide — from $0 to $200 an item. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we’re around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Lo...
Dec 11, 2024•39 min
Sen. Mitt Romney gave his final speech in Congress last week. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss why we’re so obsessed with this man and what his departure says about the state of politics. Plus, a local Hallmark love story and where to find the cheapest beer in the valley. Resources and references: Salt Lake Political Nepo Babies You Should Know [City Cast Salt Lake] ‘What would Mitt Romney do?’: Senators praise outgoing colleague’s character, wit [Deseret News] Longti...
Dec 10, 2024•32 min
