Valley 101

Anyone who knows pizza or even knows Arizona cuisine knows Chris Bianco. Bianco skyrocketed to fame when his pizza became world-renowned, making Phoenix an unexpected go-to destination for foodies worldwide. Back in 2003, he was the first pizza maker ever to win the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest. Bianco is often referred to as the father of the modern pizza movement. Twenty years later, he’s still winning awards. As recently as last year, Bianco collected a James Beard Award for Best Restaurateur. But what makes his pizzas so good? For this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we traveled the state visiting the farmers who work with Chris Bianco and discovered just how rich Arizona’s agricultural industry is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doctors’ offices and medical spas in Arizona are getting flooded with requests for prescriptions for new drugs. They originally were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes, but their success in helping people lose weight is what's making them a near-household name. As patients are reporting promising results, word is getting around. It’s almost impossible to avoid hearing about Ozempic, Wegovy and their active ingredient, semaglutide, in the news or on social media. But are these new so-called miracle drugs too good to be true? Who are they really for, and how can people get them? This week on The Lab at azcentral, in conjunction with Valley 101, we look into how the drugs work and the reality of how they make people feel. We spoke with doctors, patients and others to find out why the drugs are different from other weight-loss interventions and why the medications have become divisive, both culturally and socioeconomically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spicy: it's the flavor you see everywhere. Just take a look at your local convenience store. Spicy chips, spicy chicken sandwiches, spicy noodles. There's even a movie now about Flamin' Hot Cheetos. It's also culture-defining. What would Mexican, Thai or Indian food be without chili kicking up the heat? But before that spicy seasoning can be sprinkled onto your favorite foods, it starts in the ground as a chili pepper seed. One of the people producing those seeds is Ed Curry, who operates the Curry Seed and Chile Co. in Pearce, Arizona. Curry has been working on the genetics of peppers for almost his whole life. In the farming industry, most of the peppers grown commercially in the United States can be traced back to his farm. But how did chili peppers get to Arizona in the first place? And why are Arizona's chilis making such a huge impact nationwide? In this episode of Valley 101, in conjunction with The Lab, we find out these answers and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The saguaro cactus is perhaps the most iconic symbol of our state. You can find it everywhere from coffee cups to murals to tattoos. People love saguaros but we know surprisingly little about them. The Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix and other researchers are trying to fix that. The first step is to count as many of the saguaros growing in the Valley as possible. "Naively, we call this the Saguaro Census because we thought we were going to be capable of counting every single saguaro in the city. We clearly overestimated our capabilities because the Phoenix Valley is huge," Tania Hernandez says. She works as a research scientist at the Desert Botanical Gardens. For help with this task, the Gardens are turning to the public for help. In this episode of Valley 101, in conjunction with The Lab, we're exploring two questions: why does the saguaro cactus only grow in the Sonoran Desert? And how many are there? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our DNA can help tell a story about our past, present, and future through genetic testing, and that testing is becoming much more common. Solio Felix came into the emergency room last June with what he thought was heat stroke or a heart attack. This is when a nurse told him that he'd be a perfect candidate for a genetic testing study. He and his wife have no family history of cardiovascular disease, but this doesn't mean that they aren't at risk or that they didn't pass something along to their teenage daughter. Through genetic testing done in Arizona, they were able to find out their risk level and prepare for the future. But what is genetic testing, and how is it improving doctors' advice and treatment plans? This episode marks the start of the second season of our podcast The Lab at azcentral, being hosted on Valley 101, where we dive into science stories that affect everyday life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valley 101 surveyed the best places in Phoenix to keep cool this summer. From Lake Pleasant to the Salt River, Sunsplash to Hurricane Harbor, hosts Kaely Monahan and Amanda Luberto hash out their top picks for spots to beat the heat. Plus they explore pools of the past and the new water attractions coming to Phoenix. We're getting wet and wild in this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the winter of 2022 and early spring of 2023, Arizona got a lot of rain. We had the rainiest January and March in years. In addition, 2022-23 brought record snowfall for Flagstaff. As the days heat up and that snow melts, the runoff is making its way into the state's reservoirs. Did all of this rain and snow make a difference, or was it just a drop in the bucket for the state’s 29-year-long drought? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talk with weather experts about the state’s rainfall, where that precipitation goes and how it will affect the state's future. Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on Twitter and on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We love bringing you stories about metro Phoenix and the cities around us. Whether you’re a native or a transplant, answering your questions helps us discover more about what makes Arizona the way it is. One question we get a lot is “Why are the streets downtown named after Presidents?” So as we prepare a special summer series for you, we’re bringing back an episode from the archive to answer this question. In today’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we find out how this came to be and what it would take to continue it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of things are unique about Arizona. One of them is our architecture, from the beautiful buildings to the overpasses on the highway that include decorations you just don't see in other states. People from all over the world come here to be inspired by Arizona and incorporate it into their designs. And about an hour north of Phoenix is another remarkable feat of architecture. It's off the beaten path, and the signs are easy to miss. And the buildings were designed with the environment in mind, so they blend in perfectly. This is the artist collective known as Arcosanti. It was the brainchild of Italian-born architect Paolo Soleri in 1970. Today, the Valley 101 podcast will give you an audio tour. Along the way, we'll answer three key questions: What is Arcosanti? How did it get started? What are the residents up to today? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's next for Fiesta Mall? What about Metrocenter? Which brick-and-mortar shopping hubs are still hopping? In this episode, The Republic's real estate development and growth reporter Corina Vanek, reveals what's next for Valley shoppers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is the second episode on our two-part series looking at Black representation on the Phoenix City Council. Morrison F. Warren was the first Black man to ever sit on the Phoenix City Council. But he wasn't a politician. Rather Warren spent his life building bridges through education and advocating for equality. He grew up at a time when Phoenix was segregated. It was something that struck him deeply. He graduated valedictorian of his high school and attended Phoenix College before serving in the Army during World War II. He survived and came back to Phoenix to earn his bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, then called Arizona State College. He was a star player on the football team there and even had a short stint in the NFL. Later, Warren moved on to get his master's and PhD, all in education from ASU. In this episode, we hear from his son, Kevin Warren, and from Morrison Warren himself from an archived interview. The audio of Morrison Warren is provided by the Arizona Historical Society. You can watch the interview with him here. The video was directed and written by Chris Wooley. The director of photography was Wayne Dickmann. The video was produced by the Historical League, and narrated by Pat McMahon. It was made possible by a financial grant from Dr. Edward B. Diethrich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of Arizona, the images and people that come to mind are very stereotypical. Wide desert vistas and mountains, cactus and clear skies, cowboys and Native Tribes, Latinos and snowbirds…who have lived here for generations. What you probably don’t think of is the rich history of African Americans who also settled this state. At present, the Black population makes up 5.4% of Arizona’s census. That might not seem like much, but African Americas are the third largest demographic in our state. When looking at Phoenix alone, the percentage jumps up to 7.4% of the population identifying as Black or African American. The number is growing. The Arizona Republic has found that 800,000 African Americans have moved to the Valley since 2010. And that expansion hasn’t stopped, even with the pandemic. In this two-part series, we are taking a closer look at African American representation on the Phoenix City Council. We’re starting with two winners that have made history. Then, next week in episode two, we’ll go back in time to explore the first Black man to sit on the City’s council. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The phrase goes "April showers bring May flowers," but seasons in the desert don't always conform. The rainiest March in three years, with a total of 1.47 inches across Phoenix, has left the mountainsides around the Phoenix area abloom. From Mexican gold poppies and fiddlenecks, to purple scorpionweed and globe mallows, the desert landscape is more colorful than usual. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we hear from reporters and editors from our newsroom on their favorite places to see wildflowers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The lore of Arizona includes everything from Native stories to supernatural occurrences to tales of desperados. There's one style of story that gets told more than any other − that of hidden troves of gold. And nowhere does the lure of a forgotten mine echo more than in the Superstition Mountains. Jacob Waltz, commonly called "the Dutchman," came to America from Germany. Along the way, he developed an interest in prospecting in the western United States. It's here in Arizona where it's said he struck gold. Literally. Stories vary on how he found it, but Waltz supposedly discovered a mother lode of gold ore in the Superstition wilderness. Though he died more than a century ago, no one has found the Lost Dutchman Mine. Valley 101 explores the history and current state of the search for mine that has been the subject of numerous myths and legends. This topic came to us from one of our listeners, who asked a simple yet poignant question: Is there a Lost Dutchman Gold Mine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sister Clare Dunn was the only nun to serve in the Arizona Legislature and the first nun in the United States in the 20th century to enter public office. In this final episode of the 2023 Arizona HERstory series, we are exploring just how a Catholic nun from the Sisters of St. Joseph took her commitment to service all the way to the state Capitol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March is Women's History Month, and the Valley 101 podcast is taking the opportunity to explore stories of women from Arizona's history whom you might not have heard of. In the third episode of Arizona HERstory, we highlight "the most known unknown architect in the world": Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. Her Southwestern architecture can be seen at the Grand Canyon National Park, along the Santa Fe railroad and at tourist stops primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. Around the turn of the 20th century, the way she integrated nature and Indigenous art was unconventional and inventive. After attending the California School of Design, she was chosen to be a designer and architect for the famous hospitality group The Fred Harvey Company. With the surrounding environment in mind, she created numerous buildings that are still in use today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March is Women's History Month, and the Valley 101 podcast is taking the opportunity to explore the stories of women from Arizona's history whom you might not have heard of. In this second episode of Arizona HERstory, we uncover the truth behind the legend of one of the most notorious criminals in Arizona history: Pearl Hart. Dubbed the "Bandit Queen" by local papers, Pearl's history has been bit of mystery and much of that was due to her own fabrication. Pearl came to Arizona all the way from Ontario, Canada in an attempt to escape an abusive life. For women of the 1800s, options for their independence were limited. But Pearl blazed her own path, and the fire of her spirit not only burned those close to her but it also scorched her life as well. But she never apologized for how she made herself. This episode was written and produced by Thomas France. You can reach him at [email protected] and on Twitter @TFranceAZ Kaely Monahan executive produced this episode of Arizona HERstory. You can reach her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @KaelyMonahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March is Women's History Month, and we're is taking the opportunity to explore the stories of women from Arizona's history whom you might not have heard of in a special series we're calling Arizona HERstory. Opening the series is the story of Ayra Hackett. Entrepreneur, midwife and community leader, she started the first Black woman-owned newspaper in the state: the Arizona Gleam. In this episode we discuss not only her achievements but what the City of Phoenix was like during her lifetime, including racial segregation, redlining and the influence of Jim Crow Laws. You can learn more about how redlining is still impacting our communities today in this investigation by our fellow Arizona Republic reporters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first two weeks of February, Valley residents were inundated with Super Bowl festivities and Arizona was in the spotlight. Downtown Phoenix and Glendale transformed as visitors came from all over. Scottsdale featured the Waste Management Open golf tournament as well as ESPN’s live show for the football game. Metro Phoenix businesses and hotels prepared for tourists and travelers. And those tourists and travelers spent their money right here in Arizona. But how much money did the state make by hosting the Super Bowl? Was it worth all of the funding that went into getting ready for all those people? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we speak with experts to figure out what Arizona gained from being the home of Super Bowl 57. Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on Twitter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Animals of different shapes and sizes live all around us. And a lot of those critters are native-born Arizonans. Sometimes, they make their way into our cities. Last week, producer Kaely Monahan explored the birds of Arizona. It's a great look at the feathered beauties you can see right in your area. If you enjoy birdwatching or are just interested in native Arizona birds, and you haven't listened to that episode, you absolutely should give it a listen. This week, we take a look at the species in Arizona classified under the Endangered Species Act. All of the animals in this episode are native to the state and in need of some kind of assistance if they're going to continue being part of what makes Arizona such a wonderful place to live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 14th to all is Valentines Day, but to us, it's also statehood day. To show our love to you and Arizona, we are gifting you a special episode on how Arizona became a state. Producer Kaely Monahan finds out how the Arizona Territory gained its statehood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 500 bird species are in Arizona. Some just pass through on migration. Others have come to call Arizona home year-round like the Canadian Goose and Rosy-Faced Lovebird. Others are perfectly adapted to our Sonoran desert like the Cactus Wren, our state bird. In this episode, we learn and hear just a small sample of Arizona's avian species and where to find them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super Bowl LVII is coming to Arizona this weekend. The Philadelphia Eagles are facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs for the NFL title. While this is happening, the Chiefs are the next professional sports team that some say need to face the music: it's time to change the name and traditions of the team. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we unpack the details. We are joined by Arizona Republic Indigenous affairs reporter Debra Krol to discuss the offensive history of the team's name and why Native activist groups want to modify in-game customs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a lot of people, there’s one thing above all others that goes with their sports: wings. Game day and a plate of hot wings go hand in hand, so that’s probably the first thing you think about when it comes to party food. So we asked ourselves, where’s the best place to go for that perfect sports companion? Between just ourselves on the team, we got different answers. Then, we asked you, our listeners. And we got even more answers. In this week's episode of Valley 101, we take a look at just a few of the best wing places in the Phoenix area worth sinking your teeth into. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phoenix is known as the Valley of the Sun. And it’s no joke that we get a lot of sunshine year ‘round. About 300 days worth. Maybe you've noticed a subtle change in the quality of light as the seasons changed. Perhaps you've found yourself squinting more in the winter. Even sunglasses don't seem to help. Turns out it's not in your mind. The sun is truly brighter in the winter. So what is going on? Why is the sun so much brighter in the winter even though we have less hours of it? The Valley 101 team finds out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in nearly a decade, Arizona has a new governor. Former Gov. Doug Ducey cleaned out his office on the 9th floor of the state's executive tower at the end of the year to make way for newly elected leadership. He served both of his allowed terms and now, Gov. Katie Hobbs has moved in. Along with making her first State of the State address, announcing a proposed 2023 budget and being sworn into office, her and her team are settling into their offices. New art is being hung, commemorative football helmets are being moved, and updated name plates are being placed. The office has a new boss, and so does Arizona. So what all goes into moving in a new governor? Outside of the political changes, what happens when there's a new governor on the executive floor? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we unpack the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a little chilly out, and whenever the temperature dips Valley 101 gets inundated with the question: how do I protect my plants from freezing at night? In this rebroadcast, we answer the question and offer tips and tricks to keep your garden green this winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Valley 101 enters its fourth year, we look back at the stories that moved us, taught us, and helped us grow. These are a review of the best episodes from 2022. Producer Thomas France is joined by producers Amanda Luberto and Kaely Monahan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy holidays to you and yours. We’re off this week, but we didn’t want to leave you empty handed. So we’re re-wrapping a special holiday episode from our archives. We'll be back in the new year with fresh stories from Phoenix and beyond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

T’was Monday before Christmas And all through the paper The cubicles were empty No hints of any labor. But one lone producer stared off in despair For her holiday spirit just wasn’t there. Festive music and ads danced on her screen But Kaely Monahan just wasn’t keen. “Oh what to do!” She thought in her head, “I’ve gone all depressed with Scrooge-like dread.” And this is where our story begins, Gather close and hear how she changes within! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the southern edge of Gila County, snuggled into a valley surrounded by in the mountains, there is a town called Christmas. Now, the town of Christmas is a ghost town, but in the 1930s it had about 1,000 residents and a very popular post office. While people from all over the world would visit the post office to get the highly desired postmark at the holidays, the residents of Christmas lived there because of the copper mining. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we are joined by retired geologist David Briggs to tell you the history of the Christmas mine and the coveted post office in its town. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Metrocenter Mall holds a special place in Phoenix's history. Once claiming the top spot as Arizona's largest mall, it now rests empty and awaits demolition. But what awaits the 80-acre site is a rebirth into something new that will also pay homage to the mall's history. In this episode of Valley 101, we take a look at why Metrocenter is so special and what the future holds for this very special spot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanksgiving weekend brings a great Arizona tradition. The two largest universities in the state battle it out on the football field for the right to hoist a trophy that is older than the state itself: the Territorial Cup. Whether you're cheering for the Sun Devils or the Wildcats, everyone who participates in the rivalry agrees it's a very big deal. For two football programs suffering through losing seasons, it's the biggest game of the year. But why do we like rivalries, and does the Duel in the Desert matter to anyone outside of Arizona? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we dissect the competition that is awarded the oldest trophy in college football and why our brains hold onto these feuds for so long. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know that Arizona has native wild turkeys? Or how Mexico helped save America's turkey population? In this episode of Valley 101, we talk turkey with two experts who know all about Thanksgiving's most famous bird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drought. It’s a word that gets used a lot, particularly in the Southwest. During droughts, rain might still be present, but it typically is low to the point that water reserves become strained. It can be easy to look at the times when it does rain and think that the water running down the street is being wasted. A listener asked that precise question when she brought that subject to our attention: Where does all the water go that runs off the streets? Does the state capture it somewhere or does it just go into a river that empties into an ocean? In this episode of Valley 101, we explore what happens to rainfall in Arizona. The answer turned out to be more complicated than a simple yes or no. And it involves snow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now is the time where we can finally open our windows and enjoy the fresh air. The temperature actually feels like fall and you might even be remembering why we live in Arizona in the first place. We’re finally out of the heat. But something that is unique to Arizona is that sometimes the units are on the roof. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer this listener question going through the history and future of Arizona cooling systems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Halloween. While ghost stories and local hauntings are gracing many articles, Valley 101 has a different kind of ghastly story to tell. One that just might make your skin crawl. In a small shop in midtown Phoenix called Curious Nature, a sort of "Frankensteining" happens several times a month. While the front of the shop is filled with bones, stuffed and dried animals, and pinned insects, in the back, intrepid crafters meet to learn the old art of taxidermy. Taught by one of Arizona's longest working experts in the field, Doug James of Frank James Artistry, curious students learn how to skin, preserve and then stuff dead animals. It is not for the faint of heart. Valley 101 attended one such class where rabbits were transformed into jackalopes. Listen if you dare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona is home to an unlikely structure. The London Bridge. Longtime residents of our state have probably heard about it, or even visited it. Located in Lake Havasu City, it was bought and rebuilt there as a tourist attraction. But did you know that it's haunted? Very haunted in fact. Ghost chasers believe that there are dozens of ghosts, including women and children that came over with the bridge. One of the most famous Victorian-age murderers also appears to be haunting the crossing: Jack the Ripper. In this episode of Valley 101, we investigate the history and the hauntings surrounding London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuberculosis was one of the leading causes of death in the early 1900s. During this time, many people journeyed from far away to dry, arid climates like Arizona's to help them heal. In 1934, the Arizona State Tuberculosis Sanitarium in Tempe opened to the public and helped many live out their days with ease. The extravagant white building tucked in Papago Park was seen as a haven by patients and by the state. But since its closing and as other buildings have occupied that land, people are said to have had eerie experiences there. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we tell the history of this restorative hospital and the potentially otherworldly spirits that remain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve probably seen them in shops. Little bundles of silver sage leaves tied with a piece of string. Maybe you bought one of these "smudge sticks,” as they’re commonly called. But the skyrocketing popularity of “smudging” is causing a problem. Demand for California White Sage is enticing poachers who want to cash in quick. Millions of dollars are being raked in while wild sage populations are being culled at an alarming rate. In this episode of Valley 101, we speak with The Republic's Indigenous affairs reporter, Debra Krol, about her investigation into sage poaching. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ghost towns are just a natural part of living in Arizona. Miners came in during the gold rush, built up these settlements to house the workers, and then left when all the veins dried up. Some of these settlements, like Jerome and Bisbee, continued to thrive and still have residents in them today. While many of them no longer exist as actual towns, their influence can still be felt today. Just take the town of Vulture City. Founded by a man from Germany, this incredible place's influence reached all the way to Phoenix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hi Valley 101 listeners. Producer Kaely Monahan here. Spooky season is upon us. And I don’t mean just the elections. Stores are filling up with cobwebs, social media is stuffed with pumpkin spice girls and sweaters…and jokes about it being too hot to wear said sweaters, and the brave souls who don them. The podcast team is working hard to bring you fresh stories to tickle your brain cells – so this week as we pour our spirits into tales, we offer you this spine-tingling episode from our archives. In 2019, former Republic podcasters Kaila White and Katie O’Connell went on a ghost hunt through Phoenix. This is what they resurrected! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Valley has many unique features. And one of those are islands. County islands to be exact. But what are they exactly? In this episode of Valley 101, Maricopa County Watchdog Reporter Sasha Hupka joins the show to explain what county islands are, their history, and whether or not they are dying out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona has been the backdrop to many movies. From John Wayne westerns to a wacky adventure with Bill and Ted, our state is tinged with the sparkle of Hollywood. One of the romanticized spots in our state is Route 66 and it was the main inspiration for Disney-Pixar's "Cars." In this episode of Valley 101, we follow the sites that made Radiator Springs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Arizona Republic podcast team is out for the holiday weekend. Instead, we have a trailer for Season 3 of Rediscovering, an investigative podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, available for you to listen to. Rediscovering: Killed Through the Border Fence features the story of a cross-border shooting that would upend lives and change the way the U.S. Border Patrol operates forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you drive around the Phoenix area, you'll notice some special scenery. t's the environment that makes this city remarkable, from the different varieties of cactuses and the surrounding desert mountains to relics of our history and reflections of the cultures that have thrived here. One person in particular ensured that the Phoenix area was home to buildings significant and beautiful that reflected the terroir around them. That person was Frank Lloyd Wright. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we plot out a treasure map of architectural gems by the genius himself and share how his dedication to the desert landscape inspired the work he did here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phoenix has blue skies for days. About 300 of them, actually. Arizona ranks as the sunniest region in the whole United States. And that makes for great flying conditions. It also explains, in part, why there are so many flight schools in our state. But what about when the storms do roll in? How do pilots navigate monsoonal weather? And how do these storms affect operations at Sky Harbor Airport? In this episode of Valley 101, producer Kaely Monahan is joined by Tim Holt, Dean of the College of Aviation, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, and her father, now retired airline pilot, Michael Monahan, to discuss aviation in Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cotton, cattle, climate, copper, and citrus. These have been the driving forces of Arizona’s economy for generations. Flora and fauna and industries that do very well in our arid desert. While the 5 C’s won’t quickly become the 5 C’s and an O, there is another overlooked product that has nonetheless taken root here. Olives. Olive trees are among some of the oldest agricultural trees in the state from the Valley all the way down to the University of Arizona in Tucson. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the ways olive trees and their fruits have thrived in the desert for over 100 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A rebroadcast of a 2019 episode: Did you know that Phoenix had one of the most successful local children's shows of all time? "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" ran from 1954 to 1989, collecting fans like Steven Spielberg and Alice Cooper along the way. What made the show a success was its dark humor. Yes, it was a kids' show, but it featured characters like Aunt Maud, who liked reading tragic stories to children. Or Marshall Good, an unemployed "cowboy" from New Jersey who had never ridden a horse. Kids may have tuned in for the cartoon, but high schoolers and their parents got the more offbeat jokes. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, podcast editor Katie O'Connell explores the history of this Valley original. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most popular ways to beat the heat is with a scoop of ice cream. Whether it's a classic flavor like chocolate or something more adventurous like olive oil, there's always something for everybody. For some people, ice cream may not be an option. They may have learned of a recent allergy or have decided to become vegan. But plenty of shops around the Valley serve ice cream that anybody, regardless of their allergies or diets, can safely eat. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we visited ice cream shops in the Phoenix area that cater to customers with dietary restrictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices