City Cast Salt Lake

Latest Episodes:

Tan France on Being a Real Salt Laker Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community.

Tan France is Salt Lake's most famous neighbor! The "Queer Eye" star has lived in Utah for almost two decades, and like any good local, he has strong opinions on what he loves and loathes about his city. France joins host Ali Vallarta to dish on his hottest SLC takes and why he loves the 801.

This episode first aired June 10, 2024

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801 Day Celebration, LDS Temple Backlash, Gourmet Fast Causal Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

Happy 801 Day, Salt Lake! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen count down their favorite things about our city. Plus, Heber residents push back against a new church, a cute new avalanche pup, and gourmet fast casual.

Resources and references:

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Tracy Aviary
Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Your Guide to August 2025 in Salt Lake Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

August is hotter than Hades, but host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake editor Terina Ria made a very cool guide to the month in Salt Lake. From a Salt Lake icon’s goodbye party to what to eat and drink, and even some ideas to deepen your role in the community, we've got you covered. And, if you do go watch SLC librarians “turn the page,” get primed with our episode on the city’s prized Audubon book.

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Salt Lake community.

For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Salt Lake, check out Hey Salt Lake’s take on what to do this month.

City Cast Salt Lake is made possible by our awesome sponsors, Tracy Aviary. We’re also powered by our Neighbors, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Salt Lake.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Check out our options.

Reach us at saltlake@citycast.fm.

Utah’s Big Pivot on Public Lands Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Utah Republicans are hell-bent on taking control of our public lands. But nearly 100 years ago, federal management of those lands was actually a Utah idea! Host Ali Vallarta asks public lands historian Ben Kiser why the state's tune changed on the issue.

Resources and references:

Does Utah’s Public Lands Story Hold Up? [City Cast Salt Lake]
What Utah Lands Are at Risk Under Mike Lee’s Newest Bill? [City Cast Salt Lake]

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Tracy Aviary

Millcreek Fire Aftermath, 801 Day Game, Utah's 'F' for Quality of Life? Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

A massive fire devastated a Millcreek neighborhood this weekend, displacing about 50 residents. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss. Plus, Utah gets an "F" for quality of life, documenting Wasatch wildlife, and Bear Lake milkshakes.

Resources and references:

'It's a mass tragedy.' Several Millcreek residents to be permanently displaced after fire [FOX 13]
Salt Lake City was cited for weeds on land it owns in Millcreek days before mowing there sparked apartments fire [Salt Lake Tribune]
Help residents displaced by the Millcreek fire.
Top States for Business These states are America’s worst for quality of life in 2025 [CNBC]

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Tracy Aviary
Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Unwritten Rules for Living in the 801 Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Do you live in the 801 aka the Salt Lake Valley? Here’s what you need to know. Host Ali Vallarta and producer Ivana Martinez lay down the unofficial rules for thriving in Small Lake City.

This episode first aired May 8, 2023.

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Tracy Aviary

Something Stinks in Ogden, Public Lands Chaos, Gym Lake City Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

What’s that horrible smell plaguing Ogden? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Kate Groetzinger dive into a neighborhood nightmare. Plus, Utah's public land saga continues, recipes for cherries, and Gym Lake City.

Resources and references:

Hikers, bikers no longer need hunting licenses to use Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Utah County [FOX 13]
Utah County Helps ICE, Fishing License to Hike, $12 Driving Range [City Cast Salt Lake]
Widespread backlash killed Mike Lee’s plan to sell public lands. Utah state leaders are undeterred. [Salt Lake Tribune]
Residents in Ogden struggle with horrible smell coming from abandoned meat shop [Fox 13]
Recipe for cherry clafoutis
Salt Lake has no shortage of gyms [Axios]

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Rocky Mountain Power
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST
Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

We Can Have Better Development in SLC. Here’s How. Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Sometimes it feels like it's small businesses versus developers in Salt Lake City. But is the Milk Block, a new neighborhood hub on 900 South, flipping the switch? Host Ali Vallarta asks Milk Block developer Kathia Dang about her approach to creating spaces for Salt Lake locals.

Resources and references:

How Can SLC Make More Neighborhoods Like Central 9th? [City Cast Salt Lake]
How To Keep Main Street Bars From Closing [City Cast Salt Lake]

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Rocky Mountain Power
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Utah Propaganda We’re Not (and Are) Falling For Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

Are you falling for Utah propaganda? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means share their takes on local propaganda we’ve been sold and what we are and aren't buying into.

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Rocky Mountain Power
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Utah County Helps ICE, Fishing License to Hike, $12 Driving Range Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

After hours of public comment, the Utah County Sheriff's Office will enter a partnership with ICE. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means dive into the details of the agreement. Plus, an update on the "No Kings" shooting, fishing licenses to hike, and $12 for a bucket of golf balls.

Resources and references:

Listen to our past coverage ‘No Kings’ Shooting Update, Provo vs. SLC, Local HIV Research [City Cast Salt Lake]
Salt Lake City police present case to district attorney's office in deadly 'No Kings' protest shooting [FOX 13]
Why isn’t a ‘peacekeeper’ who allegedly shot a protester being detained? It’s ‘really, really complicated.’ [Salt Lake Tribune]
Utah County Sheriff’s Office agrees to work with ICE, but says no to labor raids [Salt Lake Tribune]
ICE raids disrupt Utah restaurants, fuel fear [Axios Salt Lake]
‘Guess I Gotta Buy a Fishing Permit.’ Trail Runner Stopped in Utah for Not Having a Hunting or Fishing License [OutdoorLife]

Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!

Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.

Subscribe to Hey Salt Lake, our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.

Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: