KPCW The Mountain Life

Trauma therapist and parenting expert Maggie Nick discusses the hidden dramas often present within easy-going, dependable, high-achieving kids in her new book, "Good Kids -- Why You Suffered in Silence and How to Break the Cycle.”

From its roots to its future, we dive into cross-country skiing on the Wasatch Back with Nordic ski gurus Charlie Sturgis and Dave Hanscom. They talk trail access, this year's push to keep skiing alive with low snow, and why Nordic skiing is core to the identity of a true ski town.

Author Jonathan Tepper presents a memoir of radical compassion as he shares his story of being raised by missionary parents in Madrid, Spain, in one of the most notorious heroin slums. His book is titled "Shooting Up: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Addiction."

Gen Z is drinking less, smoking less, and having sex less. Dr. Nicole McNichols breaks down this 'quiet shift' and discusses her new book "You Could Be Having Better Sex."

Whether you're part of a charismatic company culture, church, fandom, or political movement, you're likely invested far more deeply than you realize, according to author Daniella Mestyanek Young in her new book "The Culting of America."

Dr. Anna Baeth discusses her new book, "Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports," which dives deep into the myths and science relevant to competitive trans athletes.

Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, calls for urgent action, with colorectal cancer now the leading cancer killer for people under 50.

Harvard psychology professor Dr. Ellen Braaten shares exercises, strategies and the science behind how a young brain works and in order to support an emerging motivation mindset in her new workbook, “The Motivation Mindset Workbook.”

The leaders of Park City's Rotary clubs, Steve Spaulding, Corrie Forsling and Julie Strople, talk about Rotary's commitment to community, service and global impact — Park City style.

Wintertime expert and researcher Kari Leibowitz shares strategies from all over the world for fostering a wintertime mindset. Find out how to shift from winter blues and instead find comfort even in the coldest, darkest months.

Andrea Simon, author of the novel “Did You Have the Life You Wanted?,” invites us to consider how our choices, desires and personal histories affect the way we feel about our lives.

Brandeis University President Arthur Levine makes the case for reinventing higher education.

Fertility expert and nutritionist Rachel Swanson discusses her new book "Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility."

Functional medicine clinician and author Dr. Josh Redd explains why chronic inflammation, one of today's most misunderstood health threats, drives everything from fatigue to heart disease, and how his science-based approach offers a practical path back to energy and clarity.

Local entrepreneur and founder of Free Living Co, Dana Grinnell, talks about choosing healthy, non-toxic, thoughtfully packaged products for home and body and an upcoming launch of a skin-care line for young people.

Longtime hydrologist and Park City resident Brian McInerney discusses the weather pattern that is making the altitude snow falls at rise and how it might impact us in the future.

Dermatologist Dr. Jen Haley unpacks the science behind red light therapy, collagen and what really works for altitude- and sun-damaged skin. She also explores skin cancer prevention and the powerful connection between what you eat and how your skin looks and heals.

From a teenage political prisoner in Iran to a billion-dollar CEO in America, Shirin Behzadi's story defies every expectation. She shares "The Unexpected CEO," — a powerful look at resilience, leadership and turning adversity into opportunity.

This month on Resilient Youth, we're joined by Live Like Sam founder Ron Jackenthal for a look back at a year spent guiding young people toward confidence, resilience and their own unique power.

Dr. Michael Greger shares the newest science from his updated bestseller "How Not to Die" — including the foods and habits most proven to prevent and even reverse chronic disease. He breaks down the simple, everyday choices that can add years to our lives and dramatically improve our long-term health.

New federal rules are changing the landscape for cannabinoid health products by tightening limits on THC in CBD. What happens when CBD is treated as true medicine? Dr. Priyanka Sharma, a chemical engineer and Co-CEO of Kazmira Therapeutics is leading innovation in high-purity, non-intoxicating cannabinoids. She breaks down what these changes mean for safety, patient care and the future of personalized CBD therapeutics.

Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Chloe Carmichael explores why so many people stay silent, how that silence affects our well-being and how her new book, "Can I Say That?," offers practical tools to communicate with confidence, clarity and compassion. If you've ever hesitated to share your true thoughts, this conversation is for you.

Turkey tips, deep-fry safety and the perfect Thanksgiving wines — Chef Joe Saladyga and wine expert Kirsten Fox get you holiday-ready. From brining basics to the bottles that make the meal, we've got your feast covered.

Turkey tips, deep-fry safety and the perfect Thanksgiving wines — Chef Joe Saladyga and wine expert Kirsten Fox get you holiday-ready. From brining basics to the bottles that make the meal, we've got your feast covered.

Lynn Ware Peek and Mary Beth Maziarz speak with Sarah Cookler of USA Skimo, who talks about the first-ever North American Skimo World Cup at Solitude. The world's top ski mountaineers race for their last chance to qualify for the 2026 Winter Games In Italy. Then, Dr. Trevor Kates and Renee Huang of Wild Women Tribe discuss their Elemental Harmony group for women's seasonal health and wellness for the changing seasons.

Longevity expert Ken Stern reveals why the secret to a longer, healthier life isn't diet or exercise — it's connection, and how social connection is the missing link in America's health span. Then, just as we have set our clocks back, science journalist Lynne Peeples tells us why our circadian rhythms deserve better! She shares the fascinating and often surprising science of our internal timekeepers in her book, "The Inner Clock: Living in Synch with Our Circadian Rhythms."

Olympic legend Bode Miller who joins for this month's Resilient Youth episode to talk about grit, growth and the power of failure. Hear his take on what it really means to build mental fitness and live with purpose. Then, Dr. Brennan Spiegel, professor of medicine, explains how gravity shapes far more than our posture — revealing how it influences our organs, cells and overall health.

Fight, flight, freeze or fawn? Psychologist Dr. Ingrid Clayton unpacks the overlooked trauma response that keeps us stuck in toxic patterns. Learn how to recognize it and how to break free. Then, author Michael O'Malley shares insider stories, local wisdom and a few spicy truths about living at elevation in his new book, "Attitude at Altitude: The People's Guide to Park City and Summit County."

Connor Darnbrough, co-founder of the Smart Fit Method in Park City, breaks down the science of personalized, data-driven training. Then, Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15th — but nearly 70% of beneficiaries don't understand the process. Health tech expert Stephanie Jones shares what you need to know.

At just 38, Park City native Meghan Kahn was diagnosed with ALS. A devoted mom, teacher and athlete, Meghan faces this challenge with extraordinary courage. She shares her story and how the community is rallying to support her and the fight against ALS on Oct. 11. Then, Park City schools have banned cell phone use during the school day for grades 6 - 12. Digital expert Devorah Heitner, author of "Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World," discusses the topic.

Journalist Mary McKenna unpacks the rise of peanut allergies and the groundbreaking treatments that may change how we prevent and even cure them. She explores what science is uncovering — and what it could mean for children's health and safety. Then, Allison Page, founder of Trailtalk, shares how walking and talking in nature helps us process emotions, reduce stress and reconnect with ourselves. With over 15 years of experience, she offers trail-tested insights for emotional tune-ups, mindfulness and lasting lifestyle change.

Our Resilient Youth series continues with Samantha Walsh, a social worker at Park City High School. She supports juniors and seniors through their most formative years and leads the "Hope Squad" — students helping students by building connection, raising awareness, and preventing suicide. Then, neuroscientist and best-selling author Daniel Levitin explores how music heals the mind and body in his book "I Heard There was a Secret Chord." From ancient traditions to modern neuroscience, he reveals why rhythm and melody remain among humanity's oldest medicines.

Researcher and educator Erica Woolway tells us what's happening to reading education in our country, when nearly half of Americans don't read a single book in a year. Then, local filmmaker Jill Orschel and producer Kirsten Spalding discuss the creative process and evolving logistics of making an independent film.

Author Ted Page discusses his new book “Good Grandpa,” which describes how the role of grandparents has evolved in recent years and ways that their presence in children's lives can be more helpful and satisfying than ever before. Then, organizational expert Vanessa Druskat dissects what makes for an “Emotionally Intelligent Team” at work and beyond, and how to help every member of a collaborative situation feel valued while creating a result that far outperforms expectations.

Carey Pickus, co-founder of Trailhead Parent Support, talks about her own family's struggles and how that led Carey to create weekend retreats to help parents of teens and young adults find tools, support and hope. Then, Caroline Miller, Executive Director of Utah Avalanche Center, previews the 32nd annual Backcountry Benefit and the ongoing mission to keep outdoor enthusiasts safe in the backcountry.

Organizational transformation expert Bree Groff, author of a new book called “Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously),” tells how fun in the workplace is about more than morale – it's the key to building a successful business. Then, journalist Heather Clark's discovery of her grandfather's WWII scrapbook led to a literary novel that asks difficult questions about love, guilt, and healing.

Journalist Mallory Tenore Tarpley provides a new framework for understanding eating disorder treatment and recovery, interweaving poignant personal stories, immersive reporting and cutting-edge science in her new book "Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery." Then, with some 60,000 medicinal plants available in the world, certified herbalist Rachelle Robinett explores modern herbalism as a complement to Western medicine in her book "Naturally: The Herbalist's Guide to Health and Transformation."

Joanna Sokol, author of “A Real Emergency – Stories from the Ambulance,” shares heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious, experiences as an EMT and describes how they've shaped her understanding of our medical care system. Then, author Jill Bialosky discusses her new book, “The End of the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother,” which explores the many facets of grief through the lens of her mother's life, losses, and extraordinary resilience.

Dr. Aaron Fischer from the University of Utah School of Psychology and Psychiatry talks about the challenges and triumphs of youth mental health. Then, science journalist Starre Vartan talks about her new book, "The Stronger Sex," which dismantles the myth that men are inherently stronger than women.

Rapper, activist, and author Sonita Alizada shares the gripping story of her escape from the Taliban regime after being sold as a child bride in Afghanistan, and her unexpected connection to Utah in her new book, “Sonita: My Fight Against Tyranny and My Escape to Freedom.” (1:13)Then, research professor and geophysicist Gidon Eshel, talks about his new book, "Planetary Eating," which dives deep into how our food choices affect the Earth—and what we can do about it. (25:57)

Microbiologist Dr. B. Brett Finlay and health geographer Dr. Jessica Finlay challenge conventional wisdom about aging by highlighting the crucial role of microbes in our health. In their new book "The Microbiome Master Key," they explore how nurturing our inner ecosystem can promote longevity, brain health and overall well-being. Then, Park City based writer, comedian and blogger Jena Kingsley discusses her new book, “Darcy Dates,” based on her blog that chronicles the experience of dating in New York City post-divorce. It's raw, real and hilarious.

Take a journey down memory lane with journalist and self-described "retrologist" Rolando Pujol as he celebrates the charm of America's vintage roadside culture. Then, award-winning New York Times journalist Susan Dominus weaves researched stories with science to explore the circumstances that set families apart including the potential effects of your birth order.

Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, author, filmmaker and thought leader in intuition and inner wisdom, discusses her book, “InnSæi: The Icelandic Art of Intuition." She describes what it means to live intuitively in a fast, noisy world. Then, linguist Michael Erard, author of a new book called "Bye Bye I Love You," explores the many ways that we think about goodbyes, the resonance of last words, and the yearnings for memory, meaning and significance that connect us all.

In an ongoing series called "Resilient Youth," Bryce Baker, co-founder of Amico Health, addresses the impact of social media on youth mental health. Then, the new Autumn Bear Wellness Collective in Park City features health-forward practitioners who provide patients with a proactive, well-rounded health and healing journey.

Speaking expert and coach Bill McGowan offers helpful strategies that make anyone's remarks more engaging, effective and memorable. Then, Murray Carpenter, the author of a new book called "Sweet and Deadly: How Coca-Cola Spreads Disinformation & Makes Us Sick," explores whether Coca-Cola could be one of the reasons Americans are sick and the alleged ways the company tries to cover it up.