

City Cast Salt Lake
City Cast
City Cast Salt Lake is SLC’s daily news podcast. Join host Ali Vallarta and a bevy of smart and entertaining locals for conversations about the issues that matter most. City Cast Salt Lake will celebrate the city’s triumphs, explore its history, (try to) solve its mysteries, and it’ll help you feel more connected to the Wasatch Front – whether you’ve lived here for six months or six generations. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at saltlake.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 10, 2025 • 23min
Is the Flu Different in Utah?
It's flu season, and we're all sniffling and miserable. But research from the University of Utah explains why we feel like trash when we're sick. Host Ali Vallarta asks neuroscientist Dr. Jessica Osterhout if flu symptoms are all in our head and how our Salt Lake environment might make them worse.
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
ICO
Harmons
Salt Lake Sewcity
Visit Walla Walla
Woodward Park City

Nov 7, 2025 • 45min
Who Is Utah's Mamdani? Local Election Results, Mezcal Nights
Even in little ol’ Salt Lake City, Zohran Mamdani fever is hitting the streets. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means and City Cast contributor Cassie Bingham, break down some local election results and what to make of them. Plus, joyful picks of the week.
Check out Edison Street Silent Movies.
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
The Shop
Canyon View Credit Union
Pantry Products
Salt Lake Harm Reductions
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Nov 6, 2025 • 24min
Is Salt Lake City Over?
Iconic haunts closing, costs increasing — is the Salt Lake City we once knew over? Host Ali Vallarta asks local comedian Pete Souvall about when the city he grew up in changed for him and what's the next iteration of Salt Lake's identity.
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
The Shop
Canyon View Credit Union
Pantry Products
Salt Lake Harm Reduction

Nov 5, 2025 • 25min
The Uproar Over the Sugar House Park Hotel
A proposed hotel above Sugar House Park has caused an uproar in the neighborhood. But it’s the third pitch that’s gotten pushback from residents. Host Ali Vallarta asks Salt Lake City planning commissioner Amy Barry what’s next for the lot and what public benefits could be negotiated.
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
The Shop
Canyon View Credit Union
Pantry Products
Salt Lake Harm Reductions

Nov 4, 2025 • 42min
Election Day Info, Utah’s Homelessness Plan, Farewell Trib Paywall
It’s Election Day! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means roundup last-minute information you should know and the 411 on special service districts. Plus, Utah's vision for homelessness contradicts service providers and some joyful local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Utah Voter Guide 2025: How To Prepare for Election Day [City Cast Salt Lake]
In Utah, Trump’s Vision for Homelessness Begins to Take Shape [New York Times]
Check out Bad Caddy in 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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
The Shop
Canyon View Credit Union
Pantry Products
Salt Lake Harm Reductions
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC
Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more

Nov 3, 2025 • 33min
Your Guide to November 2025 in Salt Lake
Utah is already hauling out Christmas decor because it’s November! Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide on how to make the most of this month, from free food programs and volunteer opportunities to local artisan markets. And, if you do go to Southern Utah, try these national park lookalikes to avoid crowds.
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 November 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, PLUNJ, The Shop, Canyon View Credit Union, Pantry Products, and Salt Lake Harm Reduction. 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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Check out our options.
Reach us at saltlake@citycast.fm.

Oct 31, 2025 • 37min
10K-Bed ICE Facility, Child Care Cuts, LDS Garment Hype
Happy Halloween! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg make sense of some scary news headlines, from a 10,000-person ICE detention center to cutting funding for child care. Plus, joyful picks of the week.
Resources and references:
Salt Lake County Council votes to cut parks and recreation child care program funding [KSL]
Utah Gov. Cox said he’d welcome an ICE detention facility. Here’s what state leaders are saying now that one is reportedly in the works. [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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
Salt Lake City Gov
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC

Oct 30, 2025 • 21min
Try These SLC Pizza Pop-Ups — if You Can Get In.
Salt Lake’s pop-up food scene is getting so exclusive, the County Health Department is reminding people about permits. Host Ali Vallarta and Salt Lake Tribune business reporter Paighten Harkins over-analyze the pizza pop-ups taking the city by storm.
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
Salt Lake City Gov

Oct 29, 2025 • 21min
Utah’s Ode to Halloween
No one gets more hyped for Halloween than Utahns. But where does our love for the holiday come from? Host Ali Vallarta asks Deseret News features writer Meg Walter to explain Utah's Halloween obsession.
This episode first aired Oct. 26, 2023.
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
Salt Lake City Gov

Oct 28, 2025 • 41min
Hall-O-Week in SLC, Two Elections Canceled, Last Chance Donuts
It’s Halloweek in Salt Lake! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means round up their best ideas to celebrate, whether you’re a scaredy cat or thrill seeker. Plus, which elections got canceled and local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Banish AIDS Patients to Antelope Island? A Legislator Proposed It. [City Cast Salt Lake]
The Most Salt Lake Halloween Costumes [City Cast Salt Lake]
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.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
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:
PLUNJ
Salt Lake City Gov
Live Crude - Get $10 off your first CRUDE purchase with promo code CITYCASTSLC
Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more


