
Utah Stories Show
byRichard Markosian
SocietyCulturePlacesTravel
The Utah Stories Show fosters conversations about important issues that relate to the quality of life for all Utahns. We will be hosting guests who are government leaders, industry leaders, entrepreneurs and those who are the thought leaders in Utah's changing culture, especially those who are seeking to make Utah into a better place. A large part of what we seek to do is hold government leaders accountable to the people, and have them answer the tough questions related to policy and quality of life in Utah. While this show is political, we plan on keeping our approach balanced and...
Episodes(40 episodes)
Season 8 - Episode 2
Utah's Housing Market: Challenges, Trends, and Smart Buying Tips for 2025
Explore Utah's rapidly evolving housing market in this insightful discussion! Real estate expert Asha Klarich shares her perspective on housing affordability, rising prices, and how buyers are adapting in a competitive market. Learn about the impact of population growth, high-density developments, and strategies for first-time homebuyers to navigate the challenges of 2025. Plus, discover tips for leveraging ADUs, finding off-market properties, and making smart investments in Utah's booming housing scene. 📌 Topics Covered: Utah's rising home prices and affordability crisis ADU regulations and high-density housing solutions Smart tips for first-time buyers and house hacking strategies How population growth and...
Published: Jan 10, 2025Duration: 34m 33s
Season 8 - Episode 1
FACES Series - Face of E-bikes - Magnum Bikes
Discover the incredible journey of Jesse Lapin and Yoni Karmon, co-founders of Magnum E-Bikes, as they share their story of innovation, perseverance, and passion. Starting with a life-changing accident in Israel, this duo built a thriving e-bike company that has revolutionized the cycling industry in the U.S. Learn how their complementary skills, grassroots hustle, and commitment to quality helped them scale from selling bikes door-to-door to partnering with major retailers like Costco. Hear their insights on bootstrapping a business, the future of e-bikes, and the importance of loving your work and team. 📖 Read more ins...
Published: Jan 3, 2025Duration: 43m 25s
Season 7 - Episode 15
Quality Billiards & Game Rooms: Helicopter Pilot's Journey to Game Room Empire | Faces of Utah Ep. 1
Discover why Quality Billiards is the 'Face of Game Rooms' in Utah! In this debut episode of Faces of Utah, we bring you the inspiring story of Josh Thorn, a helicopter pilot who transformed his career into a thriving business venture as the owner of Quality Billiards & Game Rooms. From flying high in the skies to redefining Utah's game room experience, Josh's journey is one of passion, grit, and entrepreneurial brilliance. Josh's story is a masterclass in pivoting careers, taking risks, and pursuing dreams with confidence. Whether you're an entrepreneur, game room enthusiast, or someone searching for...
Published: Dec 11, 2024Duration: 39m 17s
Season 7 - Episode 14
Inside Kevin Costner's "Horizon": Acting, Adrenaline, and Utah's Hidden Talent
Discover the magic behind Kevin Costner's Horizon, as actor Colin Cunningham takes us behind the scenes of one of Utah's biggest productions. From breathtaking Moab vistas to the challenges of staying grounded in Hollywood, Colin shares his journey, insights into the film industry, and the incredible talent found in Utah's community theater scene. Learn why he believes passion, persistence, and resourcefulness are key to success in filmmaking.
Published: Nov 27, 2024Duration: 48m 35s
Season 7 - Episode 13
From Addiction to Hope: Coaching at The Other Side Village
Meet Rob Meyrick, a coach at The Other Side Village. Once battling addiction and facing rock bottom, Rob now helps others transform their lives. Discover his journey, the unique culture of The Other Side Academy, and how honesty, accountability, and compassion are changing lives every day. 4o
Published: Nov 25, 2024Duration: 13m 53s
Season 7 - Episode 12
Has The Mainstream Media Lost Its Relevance?
In this episode of Utah Stories, we dive deep into the shifting media landscape with Cory Hill, founder of Chill PR, as he explores the impact of recent elections on mainstream media's credibility. With the rise of independent podcasts and online platforms, Cory shares insights on how audiences are moving away from traditional sources and towards voices that aren't beholden to major advertisers or political agendas. We discuss the public's growing distrust in major news networks, the challenges of separating fact from fiction, and the evolution of political discourse in America. From the emergence of "media tribes" to the...
Published: Nov 22, 2024Duration: 1h 4m 13s
Season 7 - Episode 11
From Homelessness to Hope: Tiffany Blair's Journey with The Other Side Village
In this powerful interview, Tiffany Blair shares her inspiring story of transformation from a life of homelessness and addiction to becoming a mentor and coach at The Other Side Village. Tiffany's journey highlights the impact of accountability, community, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. She discusses the unique approach of The Other Side Village in helping individuals reclaim their lives, find stability, and discover their potential.
Published: Nov 13, 2024Duration: 25m 6s
Season 7 - Episode 10
Utah's Growing Homeless Crisis: Community Efforts and Government Roadblocks
As temperatures drop in Utah, the struggle to provide adequate support for the homeless intensifies. In this episode, we're joined by Pulitzer Prize-nominated photojournalist Robin Pendergrast, who shares his insights on documenting Utah's complex social issues, including homelessness. Robin's extraordinary career has taken him across the state and beyond, with his powerful images featured in the Washington Post, Time Magazine, NBC News, and numerous Utah publications. We explore the efforts of local heroes like Wendy Garvin and dedicated organizations that provide life-saving resources beyond simple handouts—offering essentials like blankets, hand sanitizer, and temporary shelter. But while th...
Published: Nov 8, 2024Duration: 25m 8s
Season 7 - Episode 9
A Village Project For Homeless: The Other Side Village
In this episode of Stories From The Other Side, we sit down with Preston Cochrane from The Other Side Village to delve into their visionary approach to addressing chronic homelessness. This project isn't just about providing shelter; it's about fostering a transformative community grounded in purpose, dignity, and support. The Other Side Village goes beyond tiny homes — it's a master-planned community where social connections and meaningful work are the heart of daily life. Here, work isn't just a task; it's seen as essential to happiness and self-respect. This Village empowers residents to build self-reliance through cooperative efforts an...
Published: Oct 31, 2024Duration: 31m 36s
Season 7 - Episode 8
"Utah's Book Ban Battle: A Teacher's Perspective on Culture Wars in Schools"
In this episode of Utah Stories, we dive into the heated debate over book bans in Utah's K-12 public schools. What started as a battle over specific titles has evolved into a broader cultural war. We explore both sides of this contentious issue, from parent advocacy groups pushing to remove books deemed inappropriate to educators defending the need for open discussions around complex topics like sexuality and trauma. Our guest, John Arthur, 2020 Utah Teacher of the Year and current candidate for the Utah School Board, shares his insights on this issue. He reflects on the challenges educators...
Published: Oct 21, 2024Duration: 46m 50s
Season 7 - Episode 7
Stories From The Other Side Series: Full Interview with Jordan Holdaway
Just a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a program that is saving taxpayers millions of dollars to reform the lives of criminals and ex-convicts. This organization is called the Other Side Academy, and it's growing here in Utah and it's changing and shaping the way we think about prison and prison reform. I'll be sharing with you over the next few months stories of people from that program.
Published: Oct 8, 2024Duration: 1h 5m 32s
Season 7 - Episode 6
Supreme Court Rules No Camping — What Does this Mean For Utah's Homeless?
Dale Keller from Solutions Utah comes on the Utah Stories podcast to discuss Utah's homeless, the Supreme's Court's decision, Housing First, affordable housing, and more. Here is Solutions Utah's website for more info: https://solutionsutah.org. Here is The Other Side Academy's website for more info: https://www.theothersideacademy.com. Visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $3 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories
Published: Jul 17, 2024Duration: 39m 34s
Season 7 - Episode 5
Utah Housing Has Risen Among Top in the U.S.—State Leader Answers Your Questions
Utah is in the midst of a housing and homeless crisis. Gov. Cox appointed Steve Waldrip as new Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation, which is similar to a special task force created to solve the problem. Waldrip is a former Utah State legislator, developer and attorney. Visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $3 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories
Published: Jul 3, 2024Duration: 53m 5s
Season 7 - Episode 4
Housing Tzar Answers What Utah State Legislature is Doing to Lower Costs
Utah is in the midst of a housing and homeless crisis. Gov. Cox appointed Steve Waldrip as new Senior Advisor for Housing Strategy and Innovation, which is similar to a special task force created to solve the problem. Wadrip is a former Utah State legislator, developer and attorney. Here he is on the Utah Stories podcast. Visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $3 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories
Published: Jul 3, 2024Duration: 27m 18s
Season 7 - Episode 3
Are Modern Agriculture and Chemical "Solutions" Causing Chronic Disease?
Infertility rates have nearly doubled in the past decade, accompanied by a sharp rise in chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions, yet public awareness remains limited. Despite an $11.5 billion budget and extensive resources, the CDC focuses on who and where rather than why Americans are increasingly unhealthy. Socio-economic status emerges as the primary predictor of chronic disease prevalence, overshadowing factors like diet and processed food consumption. The Amish and Mennonite communities, with their traditional farming and low-processed diets, offer contrasting health outcomes, raising questions about the impact of modern food processing practices on public health. Visit...
Published: Jun 26, 2024Duration: 7m 23s
Season 7 - Episode 2
Why Not Build Tiny Homes To Solve The Affordable Housing Crisis?
Housing is getting increasingly more expensive, could tiny homes be the solution? Richard Markosian discusses this in this episode of the podcast. Visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $3 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories
Published: Jun 19, 2024Duration: 16m 0s
Season 7 - Episode 1
Fentanyl Is Causing Homelessness: What Utah Governor Cox Wants To Do About It
Despite TOSA's remarkable success in aiding homeless individuals without government funding, state-funded homeless services in Utah face significant challenges, including lack of accountability and ineffective implementation. The Solutions Utah conference shed light on the increasing homelessness crisis in Salt Lake City, fueled by rising housing prices and scarcity. Governor Spencer Cox endorsed TOSA's approach, emphasizing personal accountability and community support over Housing First policies. The conference highlighted the need for effective and accountable homeless services, contrasting the success of organizations like TOSA and Switchpoint with the failures of government-funded programs. To learn more go to utahstories.com...
Published: Jun 13, 2024Duration: 17m 39s
Season 6 - Episode 84
Grandparents Brave Parenting Their Grandchildren Amidst Drug Addiction Crisis Part Two
We continue our discussion with these brave women from Grandparents with Open Arms. Visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $3 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories
Published: Jun 3, 2024Duration: 18m 54s
Season 6 - Episode 83
Grandparents Brave Parenting Their Grandchildren Amidst Drug Addiction Crisis
Today on Utah Stories we welcome Theresa Ellis and Melonie Trujillo who are part of the group Grandparents with Open Arms. We have an open and honest discussion about the struggles of adoption especially as a grandparent. Please go to their website to check out this amazing organization. Visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $3 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories
Published: Jun 3, 2024Duration: 33m 42s
Season 6 - Episode 82
Do Utah Residents Live In Rural Areas?
On today's top 5: Do Utah Residents Live In Rural Areas? How Much Will It Cost Salt Lake City Residents To Fund The NHL Sports District? Who's Running to fill the Democrat spot for Utah's 2nd Congressional District? Utah's Best Outdoor Burger Spots Utah's New Homeless Board Faces Warning of Severe Mental Health Bed Shortage
Published: May 23, 2024Duration: 5m 22s