Valley 101
400 episodes — Page 1 of 8
Are javelinas Arizona's wild pig?
What happened to Salad and Go?
How did Rocky Point become Arizona's beach?
What is the mysterious pyramid in Papago Park?
Is there an Arizona accent?
Is Arizona a red state?
Is Cheese 'n Stuff really Uptown Phoenix's favorite sandwich?
What makes an Arizona summer complete?
Is metro Phoenix LGBTQ+ friendly?
How can 78 degrees feel so different in Arizona?
What was Arizona like when Juneteenth happened?
How extreme are Arizona wildfires?
Are monsoons still a thing in Arizona?
Are Arizona lakes safe to swim in?
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
Did a murder lead to a wishing shrine in Tucson?
In an unassuming dirt patch in Tucson's Barrio Viejo sits a shrine that is said to grant wishes. But this altar is not like most. It sits at the site of a brutal murder that happened when a love affair went wrong in 1800s Tucson and is said to be the only true shine to a sinner. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, you'll hear the true crime story that lead to a symbol of history and hope for the Mexican-American community in west Tucson. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Abraham Cooper Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How does a restaurant stay essential?
The Arizona Republic has once again come up with a list of 100 Essential Restaurants in the Valley. Like every year, there are some iconic must-visits alongside some new places. Discovery is a big part of the fun. But some places have been on the list for years. This week on Valley 101, we talk with the Chicago Hamburger Company about what makes a restaurant a staple and how it stays essential to a community. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Felicia Campbell, Bob Pappanduros Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why does Arizona have so many specialty license plates?
For some people, a license plate can be something more. It's a way for some drivers to express themselves, whether through witty (and not so witty) words and names and such, or through a speciality plate. You have doubtless seen both. And in Arizona, there are over 100 ways to express yourself with a specialty plate. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question: why does Arizona have so many specialty plates? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bill Lamoreaux Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is it like to bike across Arizona?
Most of us have seen parts of Arizona. Some of us have even seen most of Arizona. But Joan? Joan has seen all of Arizona top to bottom. In 2025, the Arizona Republic's climate reporter rode her bike along the Arizona Trail, spanning the whole state North to South, observing and documenting how climate is impacting the state. This week on Valley 101, Joan shares the story of her trip, what she learned and how she sees the future of Arizona's climate playing out. Read Joan's story here and check out her instagram here Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Joan Meiners Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What are the upcoming projects in the Valley for 2026?
Phoenix is constantly expanding. It seems like there's a new construction project popping up every day, and it looks like that's not about to change in 2026. To kick off the new year, Valley 101 explores what's to come with the help of the development reporter for the Arizona Republic, Corina Vanek. Find out what projects she's keeping an eye on and if the classic company town will be resurrected in Phoenix. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Corina Vanek Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did the Flagstaff Pinecone Drop become an Arizona tradition?
It's that time of year when every state kicks off the new year with its own "ball" drop. North Carolina has the pickle drop. Florida has the shrimp drop. Arizona is no different. The pinecone drop has been an annual tradition in Flagstaff since 1999, but why a pinecone? Valley 101 investigates this unique tradition with the help of its founder, Sam Green. Find out why the pinecone is the staple of Northern Arizona's new year, why it's lasted so long and how a trash can scandal changed the celebration. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Sam Green Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Holidays from Valley 101!
For most of the country, Christmas time means snow. And it took host Bill Goodykoontz a while to adjust to a warm holiday season. But then Corona came along. And not how you're thinking. This week, we wish you a happy holidays and share a special memory that helped Bill grow accustomed to his new winter weather. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Does downtown Phoenix have enough parking?
The struggle to park in any busy city can bring stress to commuters and visitors alike. Downtown Phoenix is no different. We've heard the same thing from Phoenicians all the time: There are no parking spots in downtown. This week, Valley 101 explores whether that is true with the help of city representatives and an urban planning expert. Find out why there seem to be fewer and fewer spots and how drivers can contend with parking in a popular city. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Jeff Stapleton, Joe Collins, David King Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who won Arizona Highway's Best Picture of 2025?
Arizona Highways has chosen its Best Picture of 2025, and surprise, it isn't of the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley - although one of those panoramas did place. This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz is taking on a podcasting challenge: use audio to describe a photo. Bill talks to Arizona Highway's photo editor and the big winner about the uniqueness of the photo and the patience it took to capture it. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Jeff Kidda, Tam Ryan Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is the best movie made in Arizona?
It might surprise you to know that a good amount of movies have been filmed in Arizona over the decades. And more than just westerns! But what is the "best" movie? That is subjective: a movie you love, someone else might hate and vice versa. So we called in for backup. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we're joined by a former critic and current communications manager at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School at ASU, along with another film critic at the Republic who you might recognize. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Barbara VanDenbergh, Amanda Luberto Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What Thanksgiving sides do Arizonans like best?
It's Thanksgiving week, and Arizonans have food on their mind. Stores are starting to sell out of food. It's the last rush before the big meal. Something that people like to talk about during this season is food rankings. One of the biggest food debates is: What is the best Thanksgiving side? This week on Valley 101, we dive into the rankings with the help of Arizona Republic's dining and food reporter Endia Fontanez and several Arizona chefs. You'll also hear from the Valley 101 team about their Thanksgiving opinions. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Endia Fontanez, Mahfam Mooeni Alacron, Justin Beckett, Julie Moreno, Charleen Badman, Mark Tarbell, Bill Goodykoontz Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why is Christmas music playing so early in Arizona?
Love it or hate it, Christmas music has started playing on radio stations and in grocery stores. Beth McDonald hosts "Beth and Friends" on KEZ 99.9 FM. She's been playing Christmas music for 41 years. In the past, she would start after Thanksgiving. This year, she started music on November 5. This week on Valley 101, we explore why Arizonans are asking Beth McDonald to kick off Christmas music early. We also brought on Bill Goodykoontz to share his complicated views on the seasonal earworms. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Beth McDonald, Bill Goodykoontz Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's the best Native American restaurant in the Valley?
November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month. According to the Department of the Interior, it's a time to recognize the contributions that indigenous communities have made to the United States. One Valley 101 listener had the question: What's the best Native American restaurant in the Valley? A quarter of Arizona is designated tribal land, and there are many different Native American restaurants. We're going to cover one in Wild Horse Pass. In this week's episode of Valley 101, reporter Martiza Dominguez explores the old and new of Native American food. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Ryan Swanson, Mario Ettsity Host: Maritza Dominguez Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What makes these Phoenix bars best in the US?
Recently, two Arizona bars made it on USA Today's 29 best bar list: Carry On and Gracie's Tax Bar. These bars couldn't be more different. One is a highly themed, cocktail experience. The other is a friendly dive bar in a former tax office. However, both these bars shine bright, nonetheless. This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to Arizona Republic dining reporters about what makes these bars among the best in the country. He's also joined by the owner of Carry On Theodore Myers to discover what it's like to make it on this kind of list. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Bahar Anooshahr, Endia Fontanez, Teddy Myers Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's it like working in an AZ haunted house?
You might know what it's like to walk through a haunted house. It's exhilarating, scary and just a little bit annoying. But what is it like on the other side? This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to two people who know what it's like to be behind the scenes scaring people at the 13th Floor Haunted House. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Kyle Seichard, Lauren Garris Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why are people licking Sonoran Desert toads?
You might've heard screeching outside after the rain this year. Don't fear, it's just the Sonoran Desert Toad. This toad appears during the monsoon season to reproduce. More importantly, this amphibian has a special ability. They're psychedelic! In this week's episode of Valley 101, experts join producer Madison Knutson to explore the danger and importance of this Arizona amphibian. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Thomas Jones, Blythe Kelly, Candace Lewis Host: Madison Knutson Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's it like to have the Rock play you in a movie?
This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz talks to one of the few people who can say Dwayne Johnson has played them in a biopic, extreme fighter Mark Kerr. We explore what it's like to have a superstar depict your life, the hardships of having your worst qualities displayed on the silver screen and what Kerr's time as a roadie for bands like The Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi was like. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Mark Kerr Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Summer felt less awful. But was it?
If you find yourself thinking, "This summer wasn't that bad," you're not alone. The Valley 101 crew feels the same way But are our senses tricking us into thinking triple digits aren't that bad? ' This week, Producer Amanda Luberto sets the record straight with the help of a state climate expert and some definitive data. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Erinanne Saffell Host: Amanda Luberto Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What's new in state fair food?
State fairs across the country are often known for being places full of large, fried, and trendy foods. Arizona is no different. This week, host Bill Goodykoontz and The Arizona Republic dining team explore the trendiest foods of the Arizona State Fair, including lots of hot honey and Dubai chocolate. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok. Guests: Dina Kaur, Tiffany Acosta, Endia Fontanez Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why is the chihuahua Arizona's most popular dog?
A story from U.S. News & World Report crossed the desk of our host Bill Goodykoontz this week that crowned the chihuahua as the most popular dog in Arizona, but why is that doggie the favorite of the Grand Canyon State? And why does Bill Goodykoontz seem to dislike cats so much? Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Joe Casados Host: Bill Goodykoontz Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where do the leaves change color in Arizona?
It’s coming up on fall! A time where America seems to be jumping up in joy, donning their cardigans and proclaiming their love for leaves, apple cider and, of course, pumpkin everything. Arizona is no different … at least in spirit. Submit your question about Phoenix! Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Roger Naylor, Jim Dublinski Host: Kaely Monahan Producer: Madison Knutson, Amanda Luberto, Kaely Monahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices