

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

Jul 11, 2025 • 43min
Bizarre AI Streets Story, New Utah Rankings, Free Slurpees Today
Is AI responsible for taking away SLC's power to make its streets safer? Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Chandler Rosenberg dive into the controversial story. Plus, Utah power rankings, hummingbird sightseeing, and free Slurpees!
Resources and references:
Shadow lobbying, an AI paper and a willing Senator. The story behind the bill that took SLC’s streets away [Building Salt Lake]
Utah ranked as the 9th most expensive housing market in the country in 2024 [Kem C. Gardner]
Connections and Collaborations: How Civic Participation Plugs Into Social Capital [Utah Foundation]
Utah jumps two spots in chemical releases, EPA says. Here’s why. [Salt Lake Tribune]
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:
The Shop
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

Jul 10, 2025 • 20min
Utah Fights Pornhub
It’s been two years since Utah sent Pornhub packing in protest of a law that the U.S. Supreme Court just ok’d! The man to blame? State Sen. Todd Weiler (R-Woods Cross). Host Ali Vallarta asks him if this is the war he planned to wage — and if it’s still worth the fight?
This episode first aired on May 9, 2023.
Just a note this episode makes mention of sexual violence.
U.S. Teen Girls Experiencing Increased Sadness and Violence by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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:
The Shop
Stein Eriksen
Canyon View Credit Union

Jul 9, 2025 • 24min
Can Utah Manage Overtourism?
From Venice to Mexico City, much of the world is protesting overtourism. So how can Utah manage tensions between visitors and locals in hotspots like Moab and Park City? Host Ali Vallarta asks Jennifer Leaver, senior tourism analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, about the state of tourism in Utah right now.
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:
The Shop
Stein Eriksen
Canyon View Credit Union

Jul 8, 2025 • 33min
A Plan for Ballpark! Hazing at U of U Frat, SLC Lost Streets to AI?
The Smith’s Ballpark stadium finally has a game plan! Host Ali Vallarta and Building Salt Lake editor Taylor Anderson discuss the design highlights and construction timeline for the 13.5-acres in the middle of SLC. Plus, the University of Utah shuts down a frat, and local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Shadow lobbying, an AI paper and a willing Senator. The story behind the bill that took SLC’s streets away [Building Salt Lake]
See the design for Ballpark NEXT and submit a comment.
Here’s what the University of Utah found to shut down a fraternity: A strip club visit, death videos and more hazing [Salt Lake Tribune]
Book a coffee appointment with Joe the Barista.
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:
The Shop
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
Cozy Earth - Go to cozyearth.com and use code COZYSALTLAKE for 40% off all men's apparel and more

Jul 7, 2025 • 23min
Everybody Hates Mike Lee?
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:
The Shop
Stein Eriksen
Canyon View Credit Union

Jul 3, 2025 • 46min
Which City Should Salt Lakers Visit This Summer?
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

Jul 2, 2025 • 39min
Parking Rates Go Up, Fireworks Fire Season, Best of Jordan Clarkson
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

Jul 1, 2025 • 34min
Your Guide to July 2025 in Salt Lake
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

Jun 30, 2025 • 29min
Housing, Immigration, and Activists with Salt Lake's New Rep
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.
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 June 30 episode:
Stein Eriksen

Jun 27, 2025 • 40min
ICE Targets U of U Nursing Student, SLC Construction Woes, Summer Ice Skating
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


