Host Ali Vallarta asks local drag queen Tara Lipsyncki how to spend Pride Month in Utah, from parties to family friendly shows and cheap ways to celebrate. Resources and references: The New Normal for All-Ages Drag Shows [City Cast Salt Lake] The Rallying Cry for Utah Gay Rodeo [City Cast Salt Lake] Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.cityca...
Jun 05, 2025•22 min
Many Salt Lakers are getting ripped off when it comes to buying concert tickets. Venue professional and avid concert goer Aja Vogelman joins Ali Vallarta to break down how you can avoid getting scammed and go through ticketing basics everyone should know. Head to shows often? Listen to the best tips and tricks for concert going. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more....
Jun 04, 2025•17 min
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wants 35,000 new starter homes; could some of them be condos? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give the latest update on the housing market. Plus, "Mountainhead" movie hilarity, and shoutouts.Resources and references: ‘We desperately need to do more’: Utah Gov. Cox convenes mayors to urge more action on housing [Utah News Dispatch] Where Condos Fit in Salt Lake’s Housing Crisis [City Cast Salt Lake] The ‘Mountainhead’ House [Realtor.com] Become a member ...
Jun 03, 2025•38 min
Anti-government zealot Ammon Bundy is hiding in plain sight in southern Utah, dodging a warrant for his arrest. Host Ali Vallarta asks former journalist turned environmental advocate Kate Groetzinger why local police won't bring him in and how Bundy's extremism intersects with Utah's stance on public lands. Read: the Salt Lake Tribune's reporting and Q&A with Ammon Bundy Related listening: Does Utah’s Public Lands Story Hold Up? [City Cast Salt Lake] Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when yo...
Jun 02, 2025•20 min
It's been five years since Salt Lakers hit the streets to protest police violence, and footage of a recent SLCPD shooting was released just this week. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and UVU Center for Social Impact director Cassie Bingham break down the short and long-term changes since summer 2020. Plus, we rate the city’s latest tourist attraction, great boba, and the new HBO movie filmed in Park City. Resources and references: 5 years after George Floyd protests, Salt Lake...
May 30, 2025•38 min
June is the official start of summer in Salt Lake City, and things are heating up. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from flower markets to frozen treats to a can't-miss skyline tour. Plus, if you're looking for ways to use your new state parks pass, don't miss our episode on alternatives to Utah's national parks. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a s...
May 29, 2025•27 min
The good news: We saved the honeybees. The bad news: It may have come at the expense of Utah's native pollinators. Host Ali Vallarta asks researcher Jesse Margolies to make the economic case for saving local bees and to explain how Salt Lakers can help. This episode first aired May 20, 2024. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. S...
May 28, 2025•19 min
Need a pothole fixed or want extra signage in your neighborhood, but don’t know where to start? Weston Clark, community outreach director for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office, and executive producer Emily Means create a practical how-to guide to getting things done in your city. Resources and references: Check out the mySLC App. Plus, who to call for even more problems in your neighborhood. [Hey Salt Lake] Is Historic Preservation a Tool for NIMBYs or Affordability? [City Cast Salt Lake] Get mo...
May 27, 2025•29 min
You’ve seen her billboards, but do you know her story? Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen, socio-pop anthropologist Cassie Bingham, and executive producer Emily Means dive into Julia Reagan’s lore. Plus, a year-round farmers market, a MomTok parody, and a cinematic summer showdown. Resources and references: How Julia Reagan's memorial billboards became an internet sensation [Axios] Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are a...
May 23, 2025•33 min
Salt Lake City was the fastest growing city in Utah over the past year, according to new data from the U.S. Census. So, how is it that in a city with so much life, we have dozens of vacant and boarded-up buildings? Hey Salt Lake Newsletter editor Terina Ria, producer Ivana Martinez, and executive producer Emily Means dream big about what could go in these spots instead. Resources and references: Why Aren’t These Vacant SLC Buildings Housing? [City Cast Salt Lake] Salt Lake City coffee shops crac...
May 22, 2025•32 min
Salt Lake’s east bench is ripe with historic districts — and just got another — but the Westside still has zero. Executive producer Emily Means asks historic preservation expert Chris Jensen about the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to preserving historic buildings, and how to get that coveted local historic district designation. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events...
May 21, 2025•21 min
Olympic organizers are hosting a listening tour across Utah, and they want to hear from you … kind of. Executive producer Emily Means and journalist-turned-environmental advocate Kate Groetzinger talk about their wishlists for the 2034 Winter Games. Plus, the hottest gossip from the Republican convention, volunteer camping, and an easy way to weigh in on Salt Lake City's budget. Resources and references: Utah Olympic organizers kick off tour to gather community ambitions for 2034 [KUER] Incumben...
May 20, 2025•35 min
Did you spend your weekend binge watching season two of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"? The women of Utah MomTok are back to start drama and challenge our ideas about what being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint is actually like. Host Ali Vallarta asks City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen, a former member of the faith, who gets to decide what it means to be a modern Mormon. This episode first aired Sept. 16, 2024. Like this episode? Try "How LDS Culture Shapes Utah...
May 19, 2025•27 min
The state wants to put a 1,200-bed homeless campus somewhere in Salt Lake City, and City Cast has the scoop on one possible location. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and community organizer Chandler Rosenberg discuss the site and its potential impacts. Plus, a psychedelic mushroom church, a new death club, and airport mice. Resources and references: State Eyes SLC's Westside For Homeless Campus [Hey Salt Lake] A psychedelic sacrament. A Provo police raid. What counts as ...
May 16, 2025•43 min
One of the most commonly asked questions we get is, "How do you make friends here?" Our neighbors seem like the perfect place to start — if we could just work up the courage to say, "hi." Dr. Maria Blevins, associate professor of communications at Utah Valley University, joins executive producer Emily Means to share ways to cut through the awkwardness and be better neighbors. Having a conflict with your neighbor? Learn how to disagree better. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a C...
May 15, 2025•24 min
Where are Salt Lake’s hidden gems? Local explorer Darienne Debrule tells host Ali Vallarta about tucked away shops, restaurants and experiences you need to check out. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Looking to advertise ...
May 14, 2025•24 min
Gov. Spencer Cox is taking cues from Elon Musk and rolling out Utah’s version of DOGE. Socio-pop anthropologist Cassie Bingham and executive producer Emily Means break down what government efficiency actually means. Plus, a lesbian burger joint, the Great Salt Lake hits national news (again), and a hot seat on the Salt Lake County council. Resources and references: Gov. Cox, ‘so excited’ about DOGE, just announced a similar initiative for Utah [Salt Lake Tribune] The Great Salt Lake is drying. H...
May 13, 2025•39 min
The Central Ninth neighborhood is popping off while downtown SLC fights off chains. Host Ali Vallarta asks Darin Mano, the chair of Salt Lake’s Community Reinvestment Agency, what the city is doing about it. We reference the episode “How to Keep Main Street Bars From Closing.” Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey...
May 12, 2025•25 min
It was a big week for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, from making national headlines over new pride flags to releasing her proposed $512 million budget. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the highlights and lowlights. Plus, touring the Walker Center, a great sauna place, and tusks up for the Utah Mammoth. Resources and references: Book a tour for the Walker Center. Check out the SLC Mayor’s budget breakdown. [Hey Salt Lake] Download PDFs of SLC's new flag desig...
May 09, 2025•43 min
It’s patio season! Deck enthusiast Diana Martinez joins host Ali Vallarta to count down the best bars, restaurants, and cafes for working remotely in the sun, happy hour, or a long brunch. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC....
May 08, 2025•26 min
Utah’s flag and fluoride bans go into effect today, but host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore some sneaky workarounds. Plus, where to see baby bison, a local savant, and Benson Boone in SLC. Resources and references: As Utah’s fluoride ban begins, health officials urge Utahns to protect their teeth [Utah News Dispatch] Here are 5 ways Utahns can get fluoride after tap water ban takes effect [Salt Lake Tribune] Baby bison at Antelope Island [KUTV 2] Become a member of City ...
May 07, 2025•31 min
Utah's Medicaid program has been fully expanded for five years, with no work requirements since COVID hit. But now the state's Dept. of Health and Human Services wants to add them. Host Ali Vallarta asks Stephanie Burdick, a consumer representative on Utah's Medicaid advisory committee, what's on the table and how it could impact all of us. Resources and references: Dental care resources for Medicaid patients ProtectMedicaidUtah.org The next public hearing for Medicaid expansion work requirement...
May 06, 2025•31 min
Did you blink and miss the 3.9-magnitude earthquake last week? It’s a gentle reminder to get ready for "the big one” scientists expect to hit Salt Lake one of these days. Host Ali Vallarta chatted with Taylorsville prepper Emily Cottam about her tips for putting together a 72-hour kit and preparing for hard times. This episode first aired March 27, 2023. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to mem...
May 05, 2025•19 min
The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and our money is on Journalism! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore Utah’s horseracing scene and why, according to Utah’s Supreme Court, horses are an exemption to gambling. Plus, SLC enforces a ban on astroturf, the leaked Hockey Club name, local May Day, and Crumbl v. Warner Music Group. Resources and references: Utah Gov. Cox issues drought executive order, urges Utahns to conserve water [Utah News Dispatch] Weekly lawn watering gui...
May 02, 2025•45 min
It's May in Salt Lake, when the sunshine — or lack thereof — can make or break your patio experience. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from cheap margaritas to a mobile book shop to a killer zipline deal. Plus, if you take advantage of the plant sales this month, don’t miss our episode on gardening advice for plant killers and renters. If you're new here, welcome!...
May 01, 2025•36 min
Host Ali Vallarta is obsessed with "The Pitt," a new medical drama that chronicles one 15-hour shift in a downtown Pittsburgh emergency room. But how closely does it mirror Salt Lake ERs? Local emergency medicine Dr. Aly Smith shares how the cases and the institutional issues stack up. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. Subscri...
Apr 30, 2025•28 min
A law that neuters Utah's public sector labor unions is getting a second chance at death. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give the latest update on the Protect Utah Workers referendum. Plus, a huge weekend for scammers, an early Mother’s Day event, and the origins of SLC’s sticker machines. Resources and references: State auditor: Employee stole more than $100,000 from a Salt Lake County liquor store over more than three years [Salt Lake Tribune] Utah couple arrested, accuse...
Apr 29, 2025•34 min
An idea to bury the train tracks dividing the east and west sides of SLC could bring $12 billion of economic impact to Salt Lake County. But that doesn't mean the Rio Grande Plan has the greenlight. Host Ali Vallarta asks Taylor Larsen, one of the project's organizers, where it fits with other big developments on the horizon and what's next. Required listening: how the Rio Grande Plan came to be. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks...
Apr 28, 2025•30 min
Utah's environmental organizations were in a frenzy this week due to President Trump’s rumor mill. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the administration's latest impacts on local nonprofits. Plus, a Navajo Nation community in Utah finally gets running water, The Beach Boys' Salt Lake ties, and a Met Gala fundraiser for teachers. Resources and references: Planned Parenthood of Utah announces clinic closures [Instagram] A Navajo Nation community has running water after wa...
Apr 25, 2025•40 min
A new opportunity to audit your sidewalk could lead to better walking experiences across the Salt Lake valley. HEAL Utah policy analyst Katie Balakir tells host Ali Vallarta what makes a great sidewalk and how to participate in this grassroots data project. Start with HEAL Utah’s walk audit toolkit. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.cityca...
Apr 24, 2025•24 min
