KPCW The Mountain Life

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.

Dr. Kevin Tracey, a leading expert on the vagus nerve, highlights its role in regulating inflammation and its potential to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and depression through bioelectronic stimulation.

Financial advisor Steve Spaulding shares practical advice for navigating Park City's high cost of living, emphasizing purpose, relationships and legacy alongside financial planning for residents at all income levels. Then, wine expert Scott Greenberg, known as “The Vine Guy,” shares his passion for approachable, affordable wines, offers summer pairing tips and explores trends like canned wine, while celebrating the joy of wine as a social and evolving experience.

In a new monthly segment called Resilient Youth — which explores all the forces that shape and influence our young people to become healthy, happy and to thrive — Live Like Sam co-founder Skylar Jackenthal talks about her new podcast, "Good Grief: Life After Loss." Then, Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician, discusses her new book, "Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them."

Locke Hughes, a Park City-based journalist and head of content at Oura, shares how health wearables empower users to understand their bodies better — tracking everything from sleep quality to heart health and fertility— while emphasizing a compassionate, data-driven approach to wellness and self-awareness. Then, Kendra Wyckoff, executive director of Peace House, discusses the prevalence and complexity of domestic violence, the wide range of services Peace House provides to those in crisis and how community members can support survivors with compassion and care.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein shares a holistic approach to preventing and treating osteoporosis and arthritis. Then, former pro baseball player Jim Murphy has helped other professional athletes find their "Inner Excellence" and shares how we all can find it as well.

Leaders from the Park City and Summit County Arts Council talk about the importance of arts and culture in building community, the upcoming Latino Arts Festival, and the vision for a stronger, year-round creative economy in Summit County. They also discuss the evolving future of arts spaces in Park City and how public support can help artists and residents thrive.

America's "Anti-Fat Pastor," Steve Reynolds says Christians are the most overweight demographic, and he is out to change that after he lost 100 pounds.Then, the Get Ahead of Stroke® campaign is celebrating Survive Stroke Week, May 4 through May 10, an observance aimed at increasing awareness of stroke symptoms and the importance of immediate action.

Rebecca Brenner, local author and mindfulness teacher, talks about how parents and loved ones can navigate new terrain with a queer child or teenager. She also speaks about what's happening with Summit Pride and gives a sneak peek at her upcoming book. Then the Running with Ed team, Park City Education Foundation Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow, Volunteer Chair Christine Grenney and Fundraising Chair Noah Singer, inspire listeners to get a team, a costume and your running legs ready to benefit education in Park City.

Stanford University psychologist Caroline Fleck explains why validation, the act of showing someone that you understand their experience and accept it as valid, is a catalyst for transformation. Then, doctors John Eliot and Jim Guinn discuss how to get along with anyone. Guess what? Most of us either don't know these skills or don't actively employ them. Their book on the topic is "How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home."

College Admissions Coach Andrea Juskaitis talks about navigating the emotional and logistical roller-coaster of receiving admissions decisions and how to choose the right school for you. Then, Jess Kimura, one of the most influential snowboarders of the past decade, highlights “The Uninvited,” a four-day event at Woodward Park City April 10-13, in which top women snowboarders compete for $60K purse.

Dr. Candice Hargons, an award-winning psychologist and associate professor at Emory University, explores communication, intimacy and what makes for good sex. Then, local author and "gratitude tiger," Joel Zuckerman shares how to, not only feel gratitude, but express it and create joy through the art of impactful letters.

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and Professor Christian Van Nieuwerburgh talk about their new book, "Radical Listening," that offers new ways of hearing others for more fulfilling conversations and deeper, more authentic connections. Then, Park City locals Griffin Briley, Josh Itoi and Sam Kirschner explain the exciting and grueling sport of SkiMo.

Davy Ratchford the General Manager of Snowbasin Resort talks about the alpine that Snowbasin will host for the 2034 Olympics, the No. 1 status of the resort and how their great culture and team keep him excited about going to work every day. Then, veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson discovered the first new essential fatty acid in nearly a hundred years – in bottlenose dolphins. She explains how that nutrient, C-15, plays a role in reversing the current trajectory of aging and disease.

Veteran educator Dr. Mort Sherman and accomplished musician and educator Sara Sherman discuss how music can be integrated in our daily lives in a more conscious and purposeful way. Then, Avanto Spa owners Cayden Ottley and Phillippe Mousques highlight the benefits of "Contrast Therapy," a method of temperature-based water therapy.

Dr. Ethan Kross, psychologist, neuroscientist and director of the Emotion and Self-Control Laboratory at the University of Michigan, gives tips on how to manage your emotions so they don't manage you. Then, Dr. Jake Viegel, a sports medicine physician at Intermountain Park City Hospital's Lifestyle Medicine and Wellness Center, talks about weight management, what's new with GLP-1 drugs and how to manage your metabolism.

Author and minimalist Courtney Carver discusses her new book, “Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want.” Then, the Ski Utah Interconnect Tour has shared the Wasatch Mountains with clients since 1984. Director and guide Luke Ratto tells all about this mountain adventure.

Author Kay Smith-Blum talks about the inspiration for her new book of historical fiction, "Tangles," as well as insights about writing and how to get published in today's literary market. Then, Renee Huang of Park City's Wild Women Tribe discusses the unique value and benefits of women-centric gatherings and why they've never been more important to women's well-being.

Dr. Sunita Sah explores the profound impact of everyday acquiescence on our health in her new book, "Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes." Then, nutritionist Kara Shirey of Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness Center at Intermountain Park City Hospital explores the concept of food as medicine.

Dr. Marc Schulz, the associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, talks about his book, “The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness.” Then, therapist Dr. Christy Kane discusses digital detox and how hormones like oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin interact with how we balance our use of electronics.

Ron Jackenthal, founder of Live Like Sam, explores what he has learned since the loss of his son and how Live Like Sam has evolved over nearly a decade in existence. Then, nutrition writer Reyna Gobel talks about how the FDA is changing which foods can be called "healthy" after 30 years of flawed dietary recommendations.

Entrepreneur and bestselling author Shira Gill shares strategies for being more intentional with your life in 2025 using the principles of minimalism. Then, John Kim blogs as "The Angry Therapist," but he's not really angry. Kim just practices complete authenticity and transparency, drawing on his extensive experience as a therapist.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Paul Sunseri talks about gentle parenting reimagined and how to make it work with oppositional and defiant kids. Then, a conversation for those who have experienced trauma-based dissociation and moving from "disconnecting to survive" to "reconnecting to thrive."

Physical therapist and pelvic floor expert Dr. Kristina Hanson of Uplift Pelvic Health and Wellness joins the show.Then, Abundant Ever After podcast host, book author and transformational coach Cathy Heller points us toward a life of abundance and away from scarcity as we wrap up this year and move into the next.

Naturopathic physician Dr. Nicole Cain is a pioneer in integrative approaches for mental and emotional wellness. She explores a holistic approach to ridding ourselves of anxiety. Then, cultural historian Elsa Richardson takes a deep dive into the history of what she calls the most fascinating organ — the gut.

Authors Diane Ehrensaft and Michelle Jerkiewicz talk about their new book, "Gender Explained: A New Understanding of Identity in a Gender Creative World." Then, Summit Pride Board of Directors Chair Dr. Virginia Solomon talks about local LGBTQ+ group Summit Pride and their rebranding.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Hear great tips about the foods so many of us enjoy for the Thanksgiving meal from Joe Saladyga of Savoury Kitchens, along with fun wine facts and interesting pairing ideas from Kirsten Fox of Fox School of Wine.

Dr. Partha Nandi, who specializes in gastroenterology and internal medicine, talks about the five pillars of enhancing your gut and optimizing your cognitive health. Then, in the ongoing series featuring print media that is thriving, Kade Krichko of ORI Magazine talks about how his magazine for travelers and curiosity seekers is powered by local creatives around the world.

Alexis Brown of the Park City Community Foudnation along with Ryan Midiri of Ski Butlers and Garrett Barner of JP Morgan explore how Live PC Give PC has shaped a community through philanthropy. Then, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, an OB/GYN and menopause expert, shares effective navigation skills for perimenopause and menopause in her book "Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause."

Get creative with renowned creativity and performance coach Sam Bennett, author of the new book, “The 15-Minute Method.” Then, Si Hutt, president of Intermountain Heber Valley Hospital, celebrates 25 years of health care.

Local mountain biker, and Olympic silver medalist from the Paris Olympics, Haley Batten talks about winning her medal, growing up in Park City, and why she continues to love and be an ambassador for the sport. Then, naturopathic physician Dr. Nicole Cain is a pioneer in integrative approaches for mental and emotional wellness. She explores a holistic approach to ridding ourselves of anxiety.

Dave Asprey the founder of biohacking, the Bulletproof Diet and Upgrade Labs in Park City talks about upgraded longevity, cognition and recovery in human performance. Then, filmmaker Iz La Motte and Park City local filmmaker and skier Sierra Schlag preview the Girl Winter Film Tour coming up on Oct. 28 at the Jim Santy Auditorium at the Park City Library.

Local resident and author Dr. Tom Schwenk, who was the only physician in Park City in the 70s and 80s when the mines closed, talks about his new book, "Beyond the False Summit." Then, members of the Park City Walkability Committee from 2009 look back at how walkability and bikeability took shape and the continued need for safety improvements. And, Gina Cox and Sonja Nordstrom of Great Basin K9 Search and Rescue in Kamas talk about the organization and how you can support their efforts to win a Landrover Defender.

Cultural historian Elsa Richardson takes a deep dive into the history of what she calls the most fascinating organ — the gut. Then, therapist Natasha Daniels describes the difficulties of having social anxiety in her vulnerable memoir, "Out of my Shell: Overcoming Social Anxiety from Childhood to Adulthood."

Nick Como, ski bum at heart and vice president of marketing at Sundance Mountain Resort, takes part in our ongoing series on iconic local residents from the past, present and in between. Then, sociolinguist Julie Sedivy tracks the path that language takes through a human life: from a baby's first intuition of the pure mathematics of sound, to the vulnerabilities and limitations of language that come with aging.

Author, poet and podcast host Jarod Anderson explores his lifelong struggle with depression through a lens of love and gratitude for the natural world in his memoir, "Something in the Woods Loves You." Then, law enforcement veteran and best-selling author Ron Stallworth discovers an unlikely scenario — Bloods and Crips infiltrating the Salt Lake City region, threatening to turn the conservative community into a hotbed of crime.

Long-time pediatric dietitian Jill Castle discusses her new book, "Kids Thrive at Every Size: How to Nourish Your Big, Small, or In-Between Child for a Lifetime of Health and Happiness." Then, local physical therapist and concussion expert Annie Howard of Happy Brain PT talks about important updates on treating concussions.