Whether you're a longtime Arizona resident or a newcomer, chances are there's something you've always wondered about the Valley. From The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com comes Valley 101, a weekly podcast where our journalists find answers to your questions about metro Phoenix. From silly to se…
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The Valley 101 podcast is a delightful and informative show that takes listeners on a journey through the unique and wonderful place that is the Valley of the Sun. Whether you are a native or a transplant, this podcast provides a sense of coming home and offers insights into the history, culture, and quirks of Phoenix and Arizona. The knowledgeable hosts create an atmosphere of sitting down for a chat with a local over a cup of coffee, making it easy to immerse yourself in the stories and learn more about your new or familiar home.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to cover a wide range of topics in an engaging and accessible manner. From discussing the grid system in Phoenix to exploring local history and current issues, each episode is packed with interesting information presented in a way that rivals the best podcast documentaries out there. The episodes are just the right length, making them perfect for listening during lunch breaks or any free moment you have. This podcast truly brings learning about Arizona to life.
While there are many positives to this podcast, one potential downside could be the occasional distraction caused by loud music or sound effects. However, it's worth noting that they have taken feedback from listeners into account and made improvements accordingly. The addition of captions to a video after receiving feedback on Twitter shows their dedication to creating an inclusive listening experience.
In conclusion, The Valley 101 podcast is an exceptional resource for both newcomers to Arizona and longtime residents alike. It offers insights into the past, present, and future of Phoenix and provides an opportunity to connect with your new or familiar home on a deeper level. With its high production quality, engaging content, and commitment to listener feedback, this podcast is definitely worth subscribing to if you want to learn more about what makes the Valley of the Sun such a special place.
Most people know Papago Park for the hole in the wall, or the famous Phoenix Zoo, but overlooking it all, on top of a hill, is one of the strangest landmarks in Arizona: a white pyramid. Many locals have no idea what it is — or what's in it. On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we look into the history behind the mysterious pyramid and learn what it is, and what's inside. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Steve Schumacher Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sometimes, you can instantly tell where a person is from by the way they speak. A southern drawl or a California vocal fry can give someone away. If you're around it all the time, you might not even hear that you yourself have a distinct speech pattern. So when the idea of an "Arizona accent" was floating around social media, we had to find out. This week on Valley 101, we answer the question: Do Arizonans have an accent? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Peter Joseph Torres Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Election season is about to heat up in Arizona, and everywhere else in the country. If your mailbox isn't clogged with campaign mailers already, count yourself among the lucky ones. Arizona is now a battleground state. That means more media scrutiny and more nasty campaign commercials, which is a real disappointment to those of us who enjoy turning off our brains on Sunday afternoons in the fall to watch football. On this week's episode of Valley 101, we answer the question: Is Arizona a red state? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Samara Klar, Ron Hansen Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Just off the corner of Camelback Road and Central Avenue is an old-school deli that's been there for almost 100 years. Cheese 'n Stuff first opened its doors in 1949 — less than 40 years after Arizona gained statehood — and has been feeding the Uptown Phoenix neighborhood ever since. This week we answer the question: is Cheese 'n Stuff really Uptown Phoenix's favorite sandwich? Co-owner Julie Palmer joins us to discuss the history of the longstanding deli in central Phoenix. Then, we sit down with the Republic's restaurant critic to rank their 5 bestselling sandwiches. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Julie Palmer, Bahar Anooshar Host: Amanda Luberto Producer: Tori Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arizona summers are known for their crazy high temperatures. The heat can make you want to stay inside, but where's the summer fun when you're trapped indoors? On this week's episode of Valley 101, we talk with The Arizona Republic's newsroom crew to find out how they like to continue to have fun even through the drastically hot summers. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Richard Ruelas, Itzel Rios Soto, Michael Salerno, Dina Kaur Host: Amanda Luberto Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
LGBTQ+ rights have changed significantly over time, but progress has not always been a straight line. Something that helps the community is living in a place that is LGBTQ+ friendly. But what does it mean to be LGBTQ+ friendly? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore whether Phoenix is LGBTQ+ friendly, the progress the city has made, and the challenges that still remain for the community. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Neil Giuliano, Lawrence Moore, Angela Huey Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Arizona, 78 degrees can feel perfect in the winter and surprisingly cool in the summer. So why does the same temperature feel so different depending on the season? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the science behind the air that thermostats blow into our homes and how our bodies adapt to the raging and changing temperatures that Arizona offers. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Tevian Whitehurst, Micahel Morris Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It's history is often associated with the South, but what was Arizona like when Juneteenth happened? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the significance of Juneteenth in Arizona, how it has been celebrated over the years, and why the holiday remains important today. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Treya Allen Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To a lot of people, most refer to this time as summer. Arizonans though, think of it as another season: wildfire season. The past year in Arizona has been very dry, and with little rainfall, we could have some extremely serious wildfires this season. On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talk with The Republic's climate reporter, Joan Meiners, to learn about the dangers of wildfire spread and what could cause this season to be one of our worst. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Joan Meiners Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Usually an Arizona summer means a season of monsoons, but the last few summers have been very hot and dry with less and less rainfall. Are monsoons still a thing in Arizona? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we learn about why there has been a lack of monsoons in Arizona, and what our summer could look like this year. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Amber Sullins , Tom Frieders Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's no surprise that in Arizona, it's getting hot, and what better way to cool off then to take a trip to the lake? But what lakes are safe to swim in? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we find out why algae and water clarity is important when deciding what lakes to dip into this summer. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Erin Jordan Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
There's a lot of things to be cautious about in Arizona; the sun, the monsoons, the snakes, oh and did we mention Valley Fever? But what exactly is Valley Fever, how do you catch it and what happens if you do? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we dive into the strange fungal infection that you might have already had and didn't even know it. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Dr. John Galgiani Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In Papago Park, the rocks look almost out of this world, adding charm to one of Phoenix's most iconic landscapes. On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore how those rock formations developed their unique look. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Stephen Reynolds Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mother's Day is coming, and Arizona has plenty of women who could be considered its “mother.” From pioneers to cultural icons, the list is long. But one name keeps coming up. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore who Arizona's mother is. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Karina Bland, Mary Jo West Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Back in the day, realtors gave you a checklist to fill out: pool or no pool; two bedrooms, three bedrooms, four bedrooms; one story or two story. A strange choice? Swamp cooler or no swamp cooler. Does anyone still have a swamp cooler? And what are they? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral, we talk to John Shurr, a realtor and Michael Morris, the owner of MJM Refrigeration, to answer this burning question: Whatever happened to swamp coolers? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Michael Morris, John Shurr Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Castles N' Coasters in the longest-running theme park in Arizona. It will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027. Through the brutal Arizona summers, it's still stuck around. What is the theme park's secret to success? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: What's made Castles N' Coasters the longest-running amusement park in the state? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Tiffany Acosta , George Brimhall, Darsey Grantham Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Route 66, the highway that runs 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. And a chunk of it runs through Arizona. In Bobby Troup's hit song "Route 66", it mentions "Flagstaff, Arizona/Don't forget Winona/Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino." But what about Phoenix? This week on Valley 101, we talk with historians and tour guides to hear the crazy stories about priests and lumberjacks, but most importantly: Why doesn't Route 66 go through Phoenix? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bob Boze Bell, Nick Jones, Susan Johnson Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People look to reality TV for a lot of things. Escape, entertainment, fun, maybe a touch of schadenfreude. There are a list of things you should not look for in reality TV and legal advice is at the top! This week on Valley 101, we talk with a reporter at the Arizona Republic to answer the question: Why does a 'Real Housewives' husband own an Arizona law firm? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Laura Gersony Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Baseball is back! One distinguishing feature of Chase Field is the outfield pool. But how did it get there? And who made that decision? This week on Valley 101, experts join us to answer the question: Why is there a pool at Chase Field? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Greg Schulte, Derek Montilla Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If there is one geological formation Arizona is known for, it is without a doubt ... the Grand Canyon. But it's not the only too-awesome-to-comprehend natural formation out there. There is also the Wave, the unbelievable sandstone rock formation more formally known as Coyote Buttes North. On this week's episode of Valley 101, we look into the history of the Wave — it's about 200 million years old, so it's got some — and answer the question: How was the Wave discovered? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Mike Koopsen, Light Hunter Fatali Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People are often shocked when you tell them that Phoenix is the 5th largest city in America. You can pick nits about metropolitan statistical areas, but it's clear that Arizona is not the Old West outpost people thought it was back in the day. So how many people actually live in Phoenix? This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we talk with the Republic's development reporter about some of the reasons that growth, while still happening in Arizona, may be slowing down. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Corina Vanek Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What time is it in Arizona might seem like a trick question if you don't live in Arizona. But when you do, you know what time it is, because the state doesn't mess around with Daylight Saving Time. However, Arizona did observe Daylight Saving Time once upon a time. And you know what those words mean. There's a story behind all that. This week on Valley 101, we ask the question, “What time is it in Arizona?” And we follow up with, “Why doesn't Arizona observe Daylight Saving Time?” Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guest: Calvin Schermerhorn Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producers: Amanda Luberto, Tori Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this day and age, there are so many options on where to see a movie. If you want dinner and a show, there's a theater. If you want arthouse, there's a theater. The Valley even has 4 regulated IMAX theaters. But one place in particular has created an experience for Phoenix movie goers since the 20th century. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the history of Harkins' Cine Capri Theatre. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Gayle Martin, Jason Carney Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People's impression of cowboys is largely due to Hollywood. Actors like John Wayne, Gary Cooper and Clint Eastwood cemented the image of the rugged, handsome, White cowboys throughout their films. While it made for good movies, it's not entirely accurate to how the West looked at the time. There's plenty of history on vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, in the West, but one demographic left their prints on Arizona history with their stories vastly untold: Black cowboys This week on Valley 101, we answer the question: Were there Black cowboys in Arizona? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Tricia Martineau Wagner, Tomari "TJ" Stevenson Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the interesting things about the Guthrie story is that it is so deeply rooted in Arizona. Obviously it's taking place here; Guthrie's home is north of Tucson, and the desert landscaping has played a part in how the case is progressing It just feels like an Arizona story. Because it is. This week on Valley 101, longtime the Republic reporter who has been covering the story, talks about the Guthrie case, the frustrations of making slow progress and the Arizona ties. Submit your question about Arizona! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Richard Ruelas Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When did Arizona become a state? The answer is easy enough to find. What's more interesting is how Arizona became a state, and even more interesting than that, what took so long. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we look at two different approaches to the question: When did Arizona become a state? And what took so long? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bob Boze Bell, Stuart Rosebrook Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In an unassuming dirt patch in Tucson's Barrio Viejo sits a shrine that is said to grant wishes. But this altar is not like most. It sits at the site of a brutal murder that happened when a love affair went wrong in 1800s Tucson and is said to be the only true shine to a sinner. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, you'll hear the true crime story that lead to a symbol of history and hope for the Mexican-American community in west Tucson. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Abraham Cooper Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Arizona Republic has once again come up with a list of 100 Essential Restaurants in the Valley. Like every year, there are some iconic must-visits alongside some new places. Discovery is a big part of the fun. But some places have been on the list for years. This week on Valley 101, we talk with the Chicago Hamburger Company about what makes a restaurant a staple and how it stays essential to a community. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Felicia Campbell, Bob Pappanduros Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For some people, a license plate can be something more. It's a way for some drivers to express themselves, whether through witty (and not so witty) words and names and such, or through a speciality plate. You have doubtless seen both. And in Arizona, there are over 100 ways to express yourself with a specialty plate. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: why does Arizona have so many specialty plates? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bill Lamoreaux Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most of us have seen parts of Arizona. Some of us have even seen most of Arizona. But Joan? Joan has seen all of Arizona top to bottom. In 2025, the Arizona Republic's climate reporter rode her bike along the Arizona Trail, spanning the whole state North to South, observing and documenting how climate is impacting the state. This week on Valley 101, Joan shares the story of her trip, what she learned and how she sees the future of Arizona's climate playing out. Read Joan's story here and check out her instagram here Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Joan Meiners Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Phoenix is constantly expanding. It seems like there's a new construction project popping up every day, and it looks like that's not about to change in 2026. To kick off the new year, Valley 101 explores what's to come with the help of the development reporter for the Arizona Republic, Corina Vanek. Find out what projects she's keeping an eye on and if the classic company town will be resurrected in Phoenix. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Corina Vanek Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's that time of year when every state kicks off the new year with its own "ball" drop. North Carolina has the pickle drop. Florida has the shrimp drop. Arizona is no different. The pinecone drop has been an annual tradition in Flagstaff since 1999, but why a pinecone? Valley 101 investigates this unique tradition with the help of its founder, Sam Green. Find out why the pinecone is the staple of Northern Arizona's new year, why it's lasted so long and how a trash can scandal changed the celebration. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Sam Green Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
For most of the country, Christmas time means snow. And it took host Bill Goodykoontz a while to adjust to a warm holiday season. But then Corona came along. And not how you're thinking. This week, we wish you a happy holidays and share a special memory that helped Bill grow accustomed to his new winter weather. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The struggle to park in any busy city can bring stress to commuters and visitors alike. Downtown Phoenix is no different. We've heard the same thing from Phoenicians all the time: There are no parking spots in downtown. This week, Valley 101 explores whether that is true with the help of city representatives and an urban planning expert. Find out why there seem to be fewer and fewer spots and how drivers can contend with parking in a popular city. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Jeff Stapleton, Joe Collins, David King Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Arizona Highways has chosen its Best Picture of 2025, and surprise, it isn't of the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley - although one of those panoramas did place. This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz is taking on a podcasting challenge: use audio to describe a photo. Bill talks to Arizona Highway's photo editor and the big winner about the uniqueness of the photo and the patience it took to capture it. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Jeff Kidda, Tam Ryan Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It might surprise you to know that a good amount of movies have been filmed in Arizona over the decades. And more than just westerns! But what is the "best" movie? That is subjective: a movie you love, someone else might hate and vice versa. So we called in for backup. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we're joined by a former critic and current communications manager at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School at ASU, along with another film critic at the Republic who you might recognize. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Barbara VanDenbergh, Amanda Luberto Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's Thanksgiving week, and Arizonans have food on their mind. Stores are starting to sell out of food. It's the last rush before the big meal. Something that people like to talk about during this season is food rankings. One of the biggest food debates is: What is the best Thanksgiving side? This week on Valley 101, we dive into the rankings with the help of Arizona Republic's dining and food reporter Endia Fontanez and several Arizona chefs. You'll also hear from the Valley 101 team about their Thanksgiving opinions. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Endia Fontanez, Mahfam Mooeni Alacron, Justin Beckett, Julie Moreno, Charleen Badman, Mark Tarbell, Bill Goodykoontz Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Love it or hate it, Christmas music has started playing on radio stations and in grocery stores. Beth McDonald hosts "Beth and Friends" on KEZ 99.9 FM. She's been playing Christmas music for 41 years. In the past, she would start after Thanksgiving. This year, she started music on November 5. This week on Valley 101, we explore why Arizonans are asking Beth McDonald to kick off Christmas music early. We also brought on Bill Goodykoontz to share his complicated views on the seasonal earworms. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Beth McDonald, Bill Goodykoontz Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month. According to the Department of the Interior, it's a time to recognize the contributions that indigenous communities have made to the United States. One Valley 101 listener had the question: What's the best Native American restaurant in the Valley? A quarter of Arizona is designated tribal land, and there are many different Native American restaurants. We're going to cover one in Wild Horse Pass. In this week's episode of Valley 101, reporter Martiza Dominguez explores the old and new of Native American food. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Ryan Swanson, Mario Ettsity Host: Maritza Dominguez Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Recently, two Arizona bars made it on USA Today's 29 best bar list: Carry On and Gracie's Tax Bar. These bars couldn't be more different. One is a highly themed, cocktail experience. The other is a friendly dive bar in a former tax office. However, both these bars shine bright, nonetheless. This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to Arizona Republic dining reporters about what makes these bars among the best in the country. He's also joined by the owner of Carry On Theodore Myers to discover what it's like to make it on this kind of list. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bahar Anooshahr, Endia Fontanez, Teddy Myers Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You might know what it's like to walk through a haunted house. It's exhilarating, scary and just a little bit annoying. But what is it like on the other side? This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to two people who know what it's like to be behind the scenes scaring people at the 13th Floor Haunted House. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Kyle Seichard, Lauren Garris Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You might've heard screeching outside after the rain this year. Don't fear, it's just the Sonoran Desert Toad. This toad appears during the monsoon season to reproduce. More importantly, this amphibian has a special ability. They're psychedelic! In this week's episode of Valley 101, experts join producer Madison Knutson to explore the danger and importance of this Arizona amphibian. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Thomas Jones, Blythe Kelly, Candace Lewis Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to one of the few people who can say Dwayne Johnson has played them in a biopic, extreme fighter Mark Kerr. We explore what it's like to have a superstar depict your life, the hardships of having your worst qualities displayed on the silver screen and what Kerr's time as a roadie for bands like The Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi was like. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If you find yourself thinking, "This summer wasn't that bad," you're not alone. The Valley 101 crew feels the same way But are our senses tricking us into thinking triple digits aren't that bad? ' This week, Producer Amanda Luberto sets the record straight with the help of a state climate expert and some definitive data. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Erinanne Saffell Host: Amanda Luberto Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
State fairs across the country are often known for being places full of large, fried, and trendy foods. Arizona is no different. This week, host Bill Goodykoontz and The Arizona Republic dining team explore the trendiest foods of the Arizona State Fair, including lots of hot honey and Dubai chocolate. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Dina Kaur, Tiffany Acosta, Endia Fontanez Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A story from U.S. News & World Report crossed the desk of our host Bill Goodykoontz this week that crowned the chihuahua as the most popular dog in Arizona, but why is that doggie the favorite of the Grand Canyon State? And why does Bill Goodykoontz seem to dislike cats so much? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Joe Casados Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's coming up on fall! A time where America seems to be jumping up in joy, donning their cardigans and proclaiming their love for leaves, apple cider and, of course, pumpkin everything. Arizona is no different … at least in spirit. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Roger Naylor, Jim Dublinski Host: Kaely Monahan Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto, Kaely Monahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The weather is triple digits, it's dry as a bone and the city landscape is overrun with strip malls. Yet, Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the nation and the population is growing fast. So why are people moving here and more importantly, why do they stay? This week on Valley 101, we ask an advocate and someone who returned why the Valley of the Sun has people falling in love with it every day. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Mayor Kate Gallego, Sean Mclaughlin Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Football season is finally back and the ASU Sun Devils are expected to deliver on their high expectations. At least according to Tim Healey, the longtime announcer of the Sun Devils football, basketball and baseball teams. He's called ASU football for 38 years, 10 on TV, 28 on the radio. So he'd know. This week on Valley 101 we answer the question: What's it like to call Arizona State football games for almost 40 years? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Tim Healey Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Everyone has their own definition of the well-worn phrase "comfort food." Pizza, burgers, whatever it is that takes your mind off stress and helps you chill out qualifies. How about fried chicken? This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we spoke with the winner of our fried chicken poll, the co-owner of CC's on Central about what makes good fried chicken and how to best make it at home. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Sharon Cunningham Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Something Arizonans hear a lot is that we're running out of water. While the state has enough water to not induce complete panic yet, conservation methods are being put into place and Arizona's long-term water supply is being considered more often by policymakers. But if water is such a precious resource in Arizona, is it really a smart idea to use it to grow marijuana? It's becoming a major industry in the state, leading many to joke that maybe a 6th C should be added to the state's mantra: cannabis. This week on Valley 101, we talk with the director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU, to give us a sense of where our water is being used. Then, a cannabis brand shares how their grow is using as little water as possible. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Sarah Porter, Jake Ritter Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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