Show overview
Valley 101 has been publishing since 2019, and across the 7 years since has built a catalogue of 391 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode. That works out to roughly 130 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 14 min and 22 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language News show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 25 episodes already out so far this year. Published by azcentral podcasts.
From the publisher
Whether you're a longtime Arizona resident or a newcomer, chances are there's something you've always wondered about the Valley. From The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com comes Valley 101, a weekly podcast where our journalists find answers to your questions about metro Phoenix and beyond. From silly to serious, you tell us what to investigate. You can submit questions at valley101.azcentral.com or reach us on social media @azcentral. This show is hosted by Bill Goodykootz and produced by Amanda Luberto.
Latest Episodes
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What is Valley Fever?
Why does Papago Park look like another planet?
Who is Arizona's mother?
Do people still use swamp coolers in Arizona?
Why has Castles N' Coasters lasted while other parks fail?
Why doesn't Route 66 go through Phoenix?
Why does a 'Real Housewives' husband own an Arizona law firm?
Why is there a pool at Chase Field?
Baseball is back! One distinguishing feature of Chase Field is the outfield pool. But how did it get there? And who made that decision? This week on Valley 101, experts join us to answer the question: Why is there a pool at Chase Field? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Greg Schulte, Derek Montilla Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How was The Wave discovered?
If there is one geological formation Arizona is known for, it is without a doubt ... the Grand Canyon. But it's not the only too-awesome-to-comprehend natural formation out there. There is also the Wave, the unbelievable sandstone rock formation more formally known as Coyote Buttes North. On this week's episode of Valley 101, we look into the history of the Wave — it's about 200 million years old, so it's got some — and answer the question: How was the Wave discovered? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Mike Koopsen, Light Hunter Fatali Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How many people live in Phoenix?
People are often shocked when you tell them that Phoenix is the 5th largest city in America. You can pick nits about metropolitan statistical areas, but it's clear that Arizona is not the Old West outpost people thought it was back in the day. So how many people actually live in Phoenix? This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we talk with the Republic's development reporter about some of the reasons that growth, while still happening in Arizona, may be slowing down. Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter. Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Corina Vanek Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Tori Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What time is it actually in Arizona?
What time is it in Arizona might seem like a trick question if you don’t live in Arizona. But when you do, you know what time it is, because the state doesn’t mess around with Daylight Saving Time. However, Arizona did observe Daylight Saving Time once upon a time. And you know what those words mean. There’s a story behind all that. This week on Valley 101, we ask the question, “What time is it in Arizona?” And we follow up with, “Why doesn’t Arizona observe Daylight Saving Time?” Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guest: Calvin Schermerhorn Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producers: Amanda Luberto, Tori Weiss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Cine Capri the best movie theater in Phoenix?
In this day and age, there are so many options on where to see a movie. If you want dinner and a show, there's a theater. If you want arthouse, there's a theater. The Valley even has 4 regulated IMAX theaters. But one place in particular has created an experience for Phoenix movie goers since the 20th century. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the history of Harkins' Cine Capri Theatre. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Gayle Martin, Jason Carney Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Were there Black cowboys in Arizona?
People's impression of cowboys is largely due to Hollywood. Actors like John Wayne, Gary Cooper and Clint Eastwood cemented the image of the rugged, handsome, White cowboys throughout their films. While it made for good movies, it's not entirely accurate to how the West looked at the time. There's plenty of history on vaqueros, or Mexican cowboys, in the West, but one demographic left their prints on Arizona history with their stories vastly untold: Black cowboys This week on Valley 101, we answer the question: Were there Black cowboys in Arizona? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Tricia Martineau Wagner, Tomari "TJ" Stevenson Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why is the Nancy Guthrie case uniquely Arizonan?
One of the interesting things about the Guthrie story is that it is so deeply rooted in Arizona. Obviously it's taking place here; Guthrie's home is north of Tucson, and the desert landscaping has played a part in how the case is progressing It just feels like an Arizona story. Because it is. This week on Valley 101, longtime the Republic reporter who has been covering the story, talks about the Guthrie case, the frustrations of making slow progress and the Arizona ties. Submit your question about Arizona! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Richard Ruelas Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When did Arizona become a state and what took so long?
When did Arizona become a state? The answer is easy enough to find. What’s more interesting is how Arizona became a state, and even more interesting than that, what took so long. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we look at two different approaches to the question: When did Arizona become a state? And what took so long? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bob Boze Bell, Stuart Rosebrook Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices