The Localist Project

Listen as we go backstage with Darin Piccoli of The State Room, while we chat about how he got started in the music industry, and how The State Room, and The State Room Presents have helped to shape the culture of Salt Lake City. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Sara Vogel of Flourish Bakery, Utah's only second chance, long term recovery workforce reentry program in Utah. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Rachel Smit of SLC Chow, a local meal delivery kit focusing on plant based recipes and ingredients delivered directly to your doorstep. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Imagine a holiday shopping season where you don't have to wait for things to arrive on your porch from destinations unknown, thwarting off porch pirates every step of the way. In this episode we talk about the MANY things that Local First Utah is doing to help your gift giving (and gift getting) go just a little smoother. From Small Business Saturday to the soft launch of new app that allows our local stores to compete better against the big boys of the box stores - its an episode you NEED to listen to immediately. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Hannah Foster, owner of the one-of-a-kind Foster's Refillery, a door-to-door delivery service that helps customers reduce their consumption of single use plastics. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Kara Alden, co-owner of the Ellerbeck Bed & Breakfast about the historic charm of this century old mansion.Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Chad Linville, co-owner of Simplicity CocktailsLocal First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Romina Rasmussen, owner of Les Madeleines about how her international travels have inspired one of Utah's most beloved bakery experiences. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Barbie DeShazo, of Holystone Distilling about their one of a kind spirits, and passion for collaborating with other locals to support our independent business community. 

Listen as we chat with Kristen Lavelett, Executive Director of Local First Utah as she shares this history of the Buy Local Movement in Utah, and what's in store from Local First Utah in the future.  Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Jennifer Hamilton, of Mountain West Hard Cider about their inspiration for bringing an old world style beverage to Utah, and their commitment to elevating dozens of other locally owned independent businesses as they grow!  Join us for the 4th West Oktoberfest, on Saturday, September 25th and Sunday, September 26th. Tickets start at just $5 to this family friendly event. The 4th West Oktoberfest will include tastings from Mountain West Hard Cider, Red Rock Brewery, plus local food trucks, and lots of family friendly games and festivities. Visit www.localfirst.org/savor-the-city for to grab your tickets today!Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Adri Pachelli, Director of Education at Caputo's Market & Deli, about the history and legacy of Caputo's, and what drives their passion for connecting Utah's to exceptional food artisans from at home and abroad.Don't miss your chance to explore all the wonderful offerings of Caputo's Market & Deli, with us on Thursday, September 23rd from 7:30 to 9 pm. We'll have composed bites from local artisans, a cash bar, and a chance to tour the famous Caputo's cheese cave! Tickets are $50 per person. Purchase yours online at www.localfirst.org/savor-the-city. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Scott & Becky Lyttle about their journey as the owners of TeaZaanti, and how they accomplish their vision of creating a healthy, vibrant “communitea” in the heart of Sugar House, one cup of tea at a time. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen to perhaps our most mouthwatering episode of the Localist Project Podcasts, as we chat with Elif Ekin, owner the Kahve Cafe, about all things baklava, the elements of a Turkish Brunch, and her vision for creating as community of independent businesses owners through the Wise Dragonfly Collective.   Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Alan Scott, co-founder of Waterpocket Distillery, as we dive into the world of amaros, apertifs, digestifs, and if you're not quite sure what those words mean, Alan serves as our expert tour guide teaching us about these old world traditions. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Listen as we chat with Nicole Mariner of Salt Lake Culinary Education and Alexi Johnson, owner and founder of The Hammered Copper, about how their businesses work to educate their customers, help them develop new skills in the kitchen and expand their palates. Join us for "Dinner & A Show" on Saturday, September 18th at SLICE, featuring The Hammered Copper, part of Local First Utah's new event series, “Savor the City.” There won't be any singing and dancing (we don't think), but we promise you'll be entertained and educated by the expert chefs and mixologists of Salt Lake Culinary Education and The Hammered Copper. You'll enjoy a cooking and cocktail making demonstration, during which you'll learn how to elevate your home cooking experience, and the skills you need to complement any entree with a craft cocktail. If cocktails aren't your thing, The Hammered Copper's mixologist will also provide deftly prepared mocktails. Tickets are on sale now, at www.localfirst.org/savorthecity but act fast, there are only 20 seats available for this special event.

For decades, Caffe Molise has open its door to locals and travelers alike, giving each of their guests a dining experience that has built loyal customers who return to the table to year after year. ⁠Listen as we chat with Fred Moesinger and Aimee Sterling, the owners of Caffe Molise, as they discuss their heart for the community. Follow the link in our bio to listen now!Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

In Utah, it often feels like there are only two or three degrees of separation between people. It's a tight knit, sometimes exclusive community around these parts. While we can't prove it, it often seems like at least one of those paths of connectivity runs directly through James Jackson. Listen as we chat with James about his work establishing the Utah Black Chamber, and his commitment to broadening Utah's small business community. ⁠Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

For three generations, Maddox Ranch House has been located "in the middle of nowhere" at the mouth of Sardine Canyon in Perry, Utah. While skeptics weren't so sure about Irv Sr's location choice, Maddox is now a local institutions, serving steak dinners to thousands of families a year. ⁠ ⁠ Listen as we chat with Irv's grandson and namesake, Irv Maddox about his family's three generations of a commitment to quality food and hometown hospitality. Follow the link in our bio to listen!

In today's episode, we chat with Schuyler Northstrom, owner of Uinta Mattress, a local mattress manufacturer. Listen as we talk about his experience building lasting relationships in our local community, and how those relationships have helped him navigate the ups and downs of the manufacturing world. Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Holiday River Expeditions is a third-generation, family-owned local business that expertly crafts once in a lifetime adventures for their customers. Listen as we chat with Lauren Wood about their passion for the land, and how a commitment to preserving that land sets Holiday River Expeditions apart. Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

One trip to Salt Lake Running Company, and it's easy to see why they've been named one of the Top 10 Running Shops in America. Listen as we chat with Debbie Parry, owner of Salt Lake Running Company, about how she and her husband have built a business that treats each customer as an individual, while also helping to create a closely connected community for runners and walkers all along the Wasatch Front. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.

In today's episode, we chat with Ryan Littlefield, owner of Contender Bicycles. From starting at Contender with a part time job to support his favorite hobby to eventually purchasing the shop, Ryan's passion for cycling, and the expertise of the team at Contender as they work to help people have the best cycling experience possible. Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

Western Rivers Flyfisher is dedicated to enhancing your flyfishing experience, whether you're a lifelong caster or just getting your feet wet (literally). Listen as we chat with Steve Schmidt, owner of Western Rivers Flyfisher, and learn from him the ways that “the river gives so many treasures.” Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.

Clever Octopus Creative Reuse Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and environmental awareness through art, science, technology, engineering and math. We spoke with Melanie Espinal about Clever Octopus's wide array of programs, and their unique work in our community.  Would you like to join Local First Utah as an official business member? Or perhaps you're ready to take the Localist pledge. Visit www.localfirst.org to get involved.

 Hello!Bulk measures their impact in not just revenue, but pounds sold, because they know every pound of flour, nut butters, spices, laundry detergent and more sold in their store, keeps single use plastic products out of our waste stream.  Listen as we chat with Jamaica Trinnaman, owner of Hello!Bulk in Salt Lake City. Learn about this shop's big vision, how Hello!Bulk changes our local economy one pound at a time. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at  www.localfirst.org .

Momentum Recycling protects Utah's natural ecosystem while enhancing our economic ecosystem. Listen as we hear from John Lair, one of Momentum Recycling's founders, about how they support our independent business community and work to move us towards zero waste. Local First Utah is a non-profit organization that works to educate the public about the economic, social and cultural benefits of buying from locally owned, independent businesses, and The Localist Project is one the best ways for individuals like you to get involved! Make sure to like and subscribe to the podcast, and take the Localist Pledge, at www.localfirst.org.

Every business has a story, and when you choose to buy locally, you become a part of that story. Listen as we chat with Erika Hansen, owner of The Red Fox in Logan. Learn about this shop's special history in Downtown Logan, Utah, and how The Red Fox is building an inclusive environment for this generation of Red Fox customers. Take the "Localist Plegde"

In part three of our four part series highlight women-owned businesses for Women's History Month, we spoke with Melinda Meservy of Thyme & Place about creating a place of refuge, and how we can continue to work towards a more equitable society through our support of locally owned, independent businesses. Take the Localist Pledge

In the last decade, a wave of new distilleries have opened in Utah. These artisans are using time-honored techniques to break new ground and shatter age-old stereotypes. Listen as we speak with Ashley Cross, owner of New World Distillery, about her journey to becoming an award winning spirit maker.Take the Localist Pledge

The Stockist, located in Salt Lake City's 9th & 9th is a neighborhood gem. While owner Helen Wade set out with a simple vision, to provide quality goods for an everyday life, The Stockist is a paragon for our independent business community, setting not just local fashion trends, but also showing how to ethically lead through a complicated era.Take the Localist Pledge

Experiencing the quality of locally grown food is often how people begin their journey to becoming committed Localists. Listen as we chat with Alison Einerson about the 30 year history of the Downtown Farmers Market in Salt Lake City, the forthcoming plans for a public market in Salt Lake City, and how farmers markets serve as vital economic conduits for food growers and makers alike. Take the Localist Pledge

From their first days of selling hummus at the Downtown Farmers Market, to their brick and mortar location in Salt Lake City's Central Ninth Neighborhood, listen as Derek Kitchen shares not only the story behind Laziz, but also how engaging with the community as a small business owner led him to run for office, and his perspective on how indispensable small businesses are to the health of towns and cities. Take the Localist Pledge

Independent businesses are rarely stand alone successes. Rather, they are part of an interconnected, local economic ecosystem. We spoke with Britton Welsh, of Beehive Cheese about the unique ecosystem that supports their independent business. Listen as Britton shares how Beehive Cheese has become a nationally known cheese innovator while keeping their Utah roots strong.Take the LOCALIST PLEDGE

Locally owned businesses define our neighborhoods, and provide us with places where we can connect on a person-to-person level. We spoke with Suzy Dailey, the owner of Grounds for Coffee in Ogden, about her decades of experience behind the coffee bar and in the community. Listen as she shares what she's learned about building connections, surviving the pandemic with a business that is built on in-person interactions, and what it means to her to be a Localist.