

City Cast Salt Lake
City Cast
City Cast Salt Lake is Salt Lake City’s daily news podcast. Host Ali Vallarta and a bevy of smart and entertaining locals will bring you conversations about the issues that matter most to SLC. Some days City Cast will make you proud; other days it’ll make you angry. It will celebrate Salt Lake’s triumphs, (try to) solve its mysteries, and explore its history. City Cast will help you feel more connected to the Wasatch Front – whether you’ve lived here for 6 months or 6 generations.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 1, 2025 • 38min
801 Day Celebration, LDS Temple Backlash, Gourmet Fast Causal
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:
Residents to appeal Heber Valley temple decision to Utah Supreme Court [KPCW]
Updated guidance on banned books in Utah schools: you own it, you can bring it [KUER]
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

Jul 31, 2025 • 33min
Your Guide to August 2025 in Salt Lake
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 26min
Utah’s Big Pivot on Public Lands
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!
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:
Tracy Aviary

Jul 29, 2025 • 34min
Millcreek Fire Aftermath, 801 Day Game, Utah's 'F' for Quality of Life?
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

Jul 28, 2025 • 27min
Unwritten Rules for Living in the 801
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!
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:
Tracy Aviary

Jul 25, 2025 • 38min
Something Stinks in Ogden, Public Lands Chaos, Gym Lake City
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

Jul 24, 2025 • 23min
We Can Have Better Development in SLC. Here’s How.
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!
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:
Rocky Mountain Power
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Jul 23, 2025 • 29min
Utah Propaganda We’re Not (and Are) Falling For
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!
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:
Rocky Mountain Power
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Jul 22, 2025 • 34min
Utah County Helps ICE, Fishing License to Hike, $12 Driving Range
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:
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

Jul 21, 2025 • 22min
Utah Finally Invests in Bikes
Hate getting stuck in I-15 traffic? Utah is inching closer toward building out a network of paved trails that will connect the entire state, so someday you may be able to bike from Logan to St. George. Utah Dept. of Transportation Trails Division director Stephanie Tomlin joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about the shift from car-centric commuting and what these investments will bring.
This episode originally aired on June 12, 2024.
Related listening: Will A New Strategy Change Where We Recreate? [City Cast Salt Lake]
Join us for 801 Day at the Gallivan Center on Friday, Aug. 1. RSVP here!
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:
Rocky Mountain Power
Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST