Valley 101

Latest Episodes:

How hot is too hot to hike? May 26, 2025

Show notes

It gets hot in the Valley. Perhaps you’ve noticed. But no matter how hot it gets, even on a 118-degree day in the middle of August, someone is going to be out jogging. You can count on it.

But if they end up on the mountain, and they end up not being able to bare the heat, what should be done about it?

In this week’s episode of Valley 101, we talked with Caitlin McGlade, a reporter for The Arizona Republic who wrote about trail closures, and Rob McDade, the public information officer for the Phoenix Fire Department, about the pros and cons of closing down the mountain trails in the summer.

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Guest: ⁠Caitlin McGlade, Rob McDade

Host: ⁠⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠⁠

Producers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto

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Why do homes in Phoenix have air conditioning units on the roof? May 19, 2025

Show notes

Windows-open season is about done. Now it's all on the mighty air conditioner, the reason we can all make it through another desert summer. But something about air conditioning units in Phoenix is a little different than the rest of the country.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and ⁠⁠azcentral.com⁠⁠, we answer the question: Why do homes in Phoenix have air conditioning units on the roof?

⁠⁠Submit your question⁠⁠ about Phoenix!

Guests: Joe Granado

Producers: ⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto, ⁠Abby Bessinger

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How did Flagstaff become the world's first international dark sky city? May 12, 2025

Show notes

Flagstaff makes it easier to see the stars and explore the galaxies.

It has also set the standard for how we should care and protect our night skies.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and ⁠azcentral.com⁠, we answer the question: How did Flagstaff become the world's first international dark sky city?

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Guests: Christian Luginbuhl, Josh Coddington

Producer, Host: ⁠ Abby Bessinger

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What are the weirdest laws in Arizona? May 05, 2025

Show notes

Among the known laws like following the speed limit or no drinking in public places, Arizona also has a bunch of wacky laws. Some are particular to Arizona like laws against saguaros and some are just...odd.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, Bill Goodykoontz is joined by Stephanie Innes to go over the 8 weirdest laws on Arizona's books.

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Subscribe to ⁠The Watchlist⁠, our Friday media newsletter.

Guest: Stephanie Innes

Host: ⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠

Producers: ⁠Abby Bessinger⁠, ⁠Amanda Luberto

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What's changed in my 35 years at The Arizona Republic? Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

April 2, 2025 marked Bill's 35th year at The Arizona Republic. That's a long time to do anything, much less work at the same media company. So much has changed in those 35 years, in media, in Arizona and in his own life, it seemed like a good time to sit back and take stock for a moment.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, he sits down with producer Amanda Luberto to share what's changed in 35 years at the Republic.

Submit your question⁠ about Phoenix!

Subscribe to ⁠The Watchlist⁠, our Friday media newsletter.

Host: ⁠Bill Goodykoontz⁠

Producer: ⁠Amanda Luberto⁠

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Are Phoenix drivers really the worst? Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Continuously, Arizona drivers are ranked among the worst in the nation. Just last year, a Forbes study using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Phoenix and Tucson in the top 10 cities with the worst drivers.

So why are the roads in Arizona particularly dangerous, and what is being done about it?

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we are joined by Sgt. Eric Andrews, an officer at the Department of Public Safety, to discuss driver safety in Phoenix, explain what AZ DPS is doing to help people on the road and tips for ensuring the safest ride.

Also, Arizona Republic staff share some of their craziest driving stories.

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Guests: Sgt. Eric Andrews

Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto

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What was it really like for the first female news anchor in Phoenix? Apr 14, 2025

Show notes

Few people know the power of local TV more than Mary Jo West. She was a Phoenix news anchor for years, which of course cemented a place for her in the Valley's consciousness.

She was the Valley's first woman news anchor, co-anchoring with Phoenix legend Bill Close — who was not thrilled about having her around. She battled sexual harassment, depression and more. But West is far more than all of that.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: What was it really like for the first female news anchor in Phoenix?

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Guests: Mary Jo West

Host: Bill Goodykoontz

Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger

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Why is the ASU journalism school named after Walter Cronkite? Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Walter Cronkite, the longtime anchor of the "CBS Evening News," was often called "the most trusted man in America" and he probably was, certainly in terms of media figures. Arizonans might be familiar with the ASU journalism school: The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

But Cronkite, a graduate of the University of Texas, has no ties to Arizona.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: Why is the ASU journalism school named after Walter Cronkite?

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Guests: Doug Anderson and Leonard Downie Jr.

Host: Bill Goodykoontz

Producers: Abby Bessinger, Amanda Luberto

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Why is Wallace and Ladmo so important to Arizona? Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Wallace and Ladmo was a television show unique to Arizona. Yes, it was technically a kids show. But not like any other kids show you have seen. It was funny. Not cute funny. But really funny. And it is an important part of Arizona history.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, using never before heard interviews, we answer the question: Why is Wallace and Ladmo so important to Arizona?

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Guests: Pat McMahon, Bill Thompson, Ladimir Kwiatkowski

Guest host: Richard Ruelas

Producers: Amanda Luberto, Abby Bessinger

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How has the Phoenix Film Festival stuck around for 25 years? Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

A lot of things make a city cool: great bookstores, a thriving food scene, good local music, that kind of thing. But a film festival really puts it over the top.

This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: How has the Phoenix Film Festival stuck around for 25 years? And how has it changed?

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Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.

Guest: Jason Carney, the CEO and executive director of the Phoenix Film Festival

Host: Bill Goodykoontz

Producers: Abby Bessinger, Amanda Luberto

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