City Cast Salt Lake

Latest Episodes:

The Best Salt Lake Spots for a Holiday Cry Dec 27, 2023

Show notes

The holidays can be fraught, from family stress or loneliness to overwhelming joy and nostalgia. Sometimes the tears well up, and you can’t control it! So, where are the best places in Salt Lake to comfortably cry in public? With help from City Cast listeners and Hey Salt Lake readers, newsletter editor Terina Ria and producer Ivana Martinez join host Ali Vallarta to compile a list and map of the best local spots to find comfort or solace from strangers.

This episode originally aired on Aug. 24, 2023.

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A Hater’s Guide to Salt Lake Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

We all love our city, but nobody’s perfect! Host Ali Vallarta asks Kendall Rodriguez, the Queen of SLC, for the best Salt Lake spots to take your enemies. Buckle in, haters.

This episode originally aired on Feb. 6, 2023.

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SLC’s Micro Shelter Opens, 2024 Construction Plans, and Last-Minute Gifts Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

The state’s first-ever sanctioned homeless camp has opened, offering 25 heated pods in downtown Salt Lake City. Executive producer Emily Means and host Ali Vallarta discuss its met and unmet needs. Plus, what to expect in the way of construction in 2024, and our picks of the week.

Volunteer for “Code Blue” with the Second and Second Coalition.

Become a founding City Cast member yourself or gift a membership.

Visit Atelier at 337 Pierpont Ave. for last minute gifts.

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Dating Advice for Salt Lake’s Cozy Season Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

“Cuffing season” — a term of endearment for locking down a cold-weather fling — is in full swing. Does that inspire panic? Producer Ivana Martinez joins host Ali Vallarta to share cozy date ideas, advice for winter dating, and a few do’s and don’ts.

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We Drank at Every Bar in Salt Lake. Here’s What We Learned. Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

New Year’s resolutions are tough to keep, especially ambitious ones. But at the start of 2023, host Ali Vallarta made it her mission to get a drink at every bar in Salt Lake County — all 216 of them — before the year’s end. We’re proud to announce: She did it. Ali shares her takeaways with executive producer Emily Means and looks ahead to her next great challenge.

Details for the end of journey celebration, Thursday, Dec. 21 from 7-9 p.m. at The Green Room.

Ali’s report from all the ‘Bout Times in Salt Lake.

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Booze News We Can Use in 2024 Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

How will Utah make buying and serving alcohol easier in 2024? Fox 13 reporter Ben Winslow tells host Ali Vallarta how lawmakers and the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services — our state alcohol regulator — could change how we raise a glass next year.

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Who Is On Salt Lake’s Naughty and Nice Lists? Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

TikTok’s own Queen of SLC, Kendall Rodriguez, joins host Ali Vallarta to count down who was good and who is getting coal this year in Salt Lake City. From newsmakers to benevolent visionaries, we ask Santa to #takenote.

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Gondola v. Drinking Water, Our ‘Haphazard’ AG, and $50 for $600 Dec 15, 2023

Show notes

Salt Lake City and Sandy are suing the Utah Department of Transportation over the gondola. Plus, it’s not even 2024 yet, and it’s already election season again. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means chat about this week’s stories and share their picks of the week.

Listen to our 2023 Local Gift Guide.

Drop blanket donations for Salt Lake’s temporary shelter community at 2333 W. North Temple.

Buy the Queen of SLC’s City Card.

Learn about Switchpoint’s approach to homelessness.

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With Empty Apartments, Are We Really in a Housing Crisis? Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Utah’s housing crisis is one of the central topics we’ve explored on this show; what we’ve heard for years is there just isn’t enough housing supply to meet demand. So, imagine our surprise at recent reporting that points to an oversupply of Salt Lake apartments, sitting empty in our city. On City Cast Salt Lake’s second anniversary, Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson joins host Ali Vallarta to answer the question: Are we in a housing crisis or not?

Related listening: It’s officially cheaper to rent than buy. Why?

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Local Gift Ideas, From Thrifty to Spendy Dec 13, 2023

Show notes

‘Tis the season for gift giving! If you’re seeking inspiration, Deseret News columnist Meg Walter joins host Ali Vallarta to assemble a thoughtful, hyper-local gift guide — from $0 to $200 an item. Plus, how do you know if you need to buy someone a holiday gift?

Gift ideas mentioned:

Under $20

Solstice Chocolate

Beehive Cheese

Salt Lake Coloring Book

Childcare

Under $50

Maileg Mice

Candy Lab Toys

Cactus & Tropicals Venus Flytrap

Pantry Products Refillable Candles

AllTrails+