City Cast Salt Lake

Latest Episodes:

Everybody Hates Mike Lee? Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Sen. Mike Lee has been getting dragged in the news recently. One, for trying to sell public lands, and two, for his tweets about the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker. But one Salt Laker has made it her mission to make life hard for Utah's senior senator. Host Ali Vallarta asks Rosie Card what her goal is as Lee's number one troll.

Listen for more on Lee's so-far unsuccessful push to sell Utah's public lands.

Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now 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:

Which City Should Salt Lakers Visit This Summer? Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

All 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Portland) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown, judged by Ali Vallarta, to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win?

Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe!

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode:

Stein Eriksen

Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.

Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Parking Rates Go Up, Fireworks Fire Season, Best of Jordan Clarkson Jul 02, 2025

Show notes

We're heading into a holiday weekend, but the news won't let up. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the biggest stories of the week, from Salt Lake City's downtown parking prices to Jordan Clarkson's departure from the Utah Jazz.

Resources and references:

What Utah Lands Are at Risk Under Mike Lee’s Newest Bill? [City Cast Salt Lake]
Salt Lake County fireworks page
Salt Lake City parking updates
Every Park SLC

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:

Stein Eriksen

Your Guide to July 2025 in Salt Lake Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

July is a month of Utah holidays, from the 4th to Pie & Beer aka Pioneer Day — but do you know about Summerween? Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from cold local treats to the rowdiest parade. If you do plan to hit the races, listen to our deep dive on horse gambling in Utah.

Everything you need to know about 801 Day 2025 at the Gallivan Center.

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 July 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 sponsor, Canyon View Credit Union, Stein Eriksen, Workshop SLC, and Live Crude. We’re also powered by our members, 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.

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 1st episode:

Stein Eriksen
Canyon View Credit Union
Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Housing, Immigration, and Activists with Salt Lake's New Rep Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

It's a great time to remind you that we have a Salt Lake County government, because the county council just got a new member! Host Ali Vallarta asks Council Member Jiro Johnson about his approach to Salt Lake's biggest issues: criminal justice, homelessness, and growth. Plus, his thoughts on the relationship between activists and electeds.

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 June 30 episode:

Stein Eriksen

ICE Targets U of U Nursing Student, SLC Construction Woes, Summer Ice Skating Jun 27, 2025

Show notes

A University of Utah student spent 15 days in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Colorado. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Cassie Bingham deconstruct the story. Plus, the construction nightmare in Sugar House and some picks for your weekend.

Resources and references:

University of Utah student arrested by ICE says 15 days in detention were ‘hardest of my life’ [Salt Lake Tribune]
Bruges' reel about construction in Sugar House [Instagram]

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 June 27th episode:

ICO
Visit Walla Walla
Cache Valley Creamery
Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.

Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

What Utah Lands Are at Risk Under Mike Lee’s Newest Bill? Jun 26, 2025

Show notes

Did Sen. Mike Lee solve the nation's partisan divide by sponsoring a bill everyone hates? Kate Groetzinger, City Cast contributor and Center for Western Priorities communications manager, joins host Ali Vallarta to explain why even conservatives dislike Lee's proposal to sell up to 1.2 million acres of public lands in the West.

For more on Utah’s public land battles, listen to Does Utah’s Public Lands Story Hold Up?

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 June 26th episode:

5 Long-Weekend Getaways From SLC Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Now that it's officially summer, you might be wondering how to swing a weekend getaway. So say hello to your unofficial travel agent: Host Ali Vallarta joins executive producer Emily Means to recommend hops to some of our favorite locations less than a three-hour flight away — plus, what to do when you touch down.

Want to hit up the Oregon Coast for a quick trip? Check out this guide from City Cast Portland.

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 June 25th episode:

‘No Kings’ Shooting Update, Provo vs. SLC, Local HIV Research Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

The man arrested after the "No Kings" protest shooting in Salt Lake City has been released from jail. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss that and other updates from the recent public shootings in SLC and West Valley. Plus, the best-run city in the country is in Utah, and local shoutouts.

Resources and references:

Suspect in West Valley City shooting facing 4 aggravated murder charges [FOX 13]
Man arrested in connection with shooting during ‘No Kings’ protest released from jail [Utah News Dispatch]
New video of Salt Lake City protest shooting appears to contradict police [FOX 13]
Why isn’t a ‘peacekeeper’ who allegedly shot a protester being detained? It’s ‘really, really complicated.’ [Salt Lake Tribune]

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 June 24th episode:

ICO
Visit Walla Walla
Cache Valley Creamery
Stein Eriksen
Workshopslc.com - use code CITYCAST for 20% off.

Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Know Your Rights When It Comes to ICE Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, has an office for Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Nevada right here in West Valley. So what should you do if you or your neighbor is stopped by them? Host Ali Vallarta asks Aaron Welcher with the ACLU of Utah what your rights are when it comes to ICE and how their power differs from local police.

Visit ACLU of Utah’s resource hub for more information about your rights and guidance for institutions.

This episode first aired Feb. 3, 2025.

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: