Best Here For The Donuts Podcast Podcasts (2025)

1
Are You Falling For This Concert Ticket Scam? 16:45

1h ago16:45

16:45

Many Salt Lakers are getting ripped off when it comes to buying concert tickets. Venue professional and avid concert goer Aja Vogelman joins Ali Vallarta to break down how you can avoid getting scammed and go through ticketing basics everyone should know. Head to shows often? Listen to the best tips and tricks for concert going. Get more from City …

1
Starter Condos,‘Mountainhead’ Debrief, Pride Month Opportunity 38:23

8h ago38:23

38:23

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wants 35,000 new starter homes; could some of them be condos? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give the latest update on the housing market. Plus, "Mountainhead" movie hilarity, and shoutouts. Resources and references: ‘We desperately need to do more’: Utah Gov. Cox convenes mayors to urge more action on ho…

1
Can Kolaches Be Bigger Than Texas? 30:19

3d ago30:19

30:19

In parts of Texas, a kolache is about as common as a donut — but it’s relatively unknown outside the Lone Star State. The kolache is a traditional Czech pastry made with a sweetened, yeasty dough and filled with either fruit, cheese or sausage. It got a foothold in Texas after a wave of Czech immigrants came to the state more than a century ago. Th…

1
Why Won't Utah Arrest Fugitive Ammon Bundy? 20:13

1d ago20:13

20:13

Anti-government zealot Ammon Bundy is hiding in plain sight in southern Utah, dodging a warrant for his arrest. Host Ali Vallarta asks former journalist turned environmental advocate Kate Groetzinger why local police won't bring him in and how Bundy's extremism intersects with Utah's stance on public lands. Read: the Salt Lake Tribune's reporting a…

1
“The World Eats Here:” Stories From The Queens Night Market (Reheat) 32:17

6d ago32:17

32:17

This was supposed to be the Queens Night Market’s big summer... When the open-air market debuted in 2015, the crowds were massive. Founder John Wang selected food vendors who represented more than 90 countries. And he had one rule for them: no item could cost more than $5. That way the market would be accessible to nearly everyone, and big business…

1
SLC Policing Changes? Double Decker Tour Bus, Park City HBO Movie 38:11

4d ago38:11

38:11

It's been five years since Salt Lakers hit the streets to protest police violence, and footage of a recent SLCPD shooting was released just this week. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and UVU Center for Social Impact director Cassie Bingham break down the short and long-term changes since summer 2020. Plus, we rate the city’s late…

1
Your Guide to June 2025 in Salt Lake 27:19

5d ago27:19

27:19

June is the official start of summer in Salt Lake City, and things are heating up. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from flower markets to frozen treats to a can't-miss skyline tour. Plus, if you're looking for ways …

1
Did Salt Lake Save the Wrong Bee? 19:06

6d ago19:06

19:06

The good news: We saved the honeybees. The bad news: It may have come at the expense of Utah's native pollinators. Host Ali Vallarta asks researcher Jesse Margolies to make the economic case for saving local bees and to explain how Salt Lakers can help. This episode first aired May 20, 2024. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City …

1
A Guide to Fixing Things in Your SLC Neighborhood 29:28

8d ago29:28

29:28

Need a pothole fixed or want extra signage in your neighborhood, but don’t know where to start? Weston Clark, community outreach director for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office, and executive producer Emily Means create a practical how-to guide to getting things done in your city. Resources and references: Check out the mySLC App. Plus, who to call …

1
Raising the Bar: How Casual Dining Can Elevate the Experience with a Better Wine List 1:01:05

7d ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark sits down with Hector Ramirez, the voice behind the popular Instagram account It’s Wine Thirty, to explore why it’s time for casual dining restaurants to stop treating wine as an afterthought. Together, they break down how a well-curated wine list—featuring high-quali…

51
Sebastian Maniscalco’s First Stage Was At The Dinner Table 33:35

10d ago33:35

33:35

Sebastian Maniscalco is one of the top-grossing comedians in America, beloved for his stories about the food-obsessed family he grew up in, and his constant irritation at just about everyone around him. And in 2021, he parlayed his love of food into a new Food Network show, Well Done. Sebastian talks with Dan about what it’s like going from a worki…

1
New Jersey's Pork Roll-Taylor Ham Wars (Reheat) 25:24

13d ago25:24

25:24

A 150-year-old blood feud over processed meat... When the New Jersey State Legislature tried to designate an Official State Sandwich, a fight broke out. Should it be pork roll, egg, and cheese — or Taylor ham, egg, and cheese? Thing is, pork roll and Taylor ham are the same food. New Jerseyans just can't agree on what to call it. And this debate ha…

1
The Julia Reagan Billboard Debate, Permanent Farmers Market, MomTok Parody 32:36

12d ago32:36

32:36

You’ve seen her billboards, but do you know her story? Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen, socio-pop anthropologist Cassie Bingham, and executive producer Emily Means dive into Julia Reagan’s lore. Plus, a year-round farmers market, a MomTok parody, and a cinematic summer showdown. Resources and references: How Julia Reagan's memorial billboard…

1
What Could Go at the Old Dunkin’ Donuts on 400 South? 31:44

13d ago31:44

31:44

Salt Lake City was the fastest growing city in Utah over the past year, according to new data from the U.S. Census. So, how is it that in a city with so much life, we have dozens of vacant and boarded-up buildings? Hey Salt Lake Newsletter editor Terina Ria, producer Ivana Martinez, and executive producer Emily Means dream big about what could go i…

1
Is Historic Preservation a Tool for NIMBYs or Affordability? 20:55

14d ago20:55

20:55

Salt Lake’s east bench is ripe with historic districts — and just got another — but the Westside still has zero. Executive producer Emily Means asks historic preservation expert Chris Jensen about the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to preserving historic buildings, and how to get that coveted local historic district designation. Get more …

1
2034 Olympics Wishlist, Utah Republican Infighting, Camping for Free 34:46

15d ago34:46

34:46

Olympic organizers are hosting a listening tour across Utah, and they want to hear from you … kind of. Executive producer Emily Means and journalist-turned-environmental advocate Kate Groetzinger talk about their wishlists for the 2034 Winter Games. Plus, the hottest gossip from the Republican convention, volunteer camping, and an easy way to weigh…

1
Uncorking Victoria: A Deep Dive into Australia’s Diverse Wine Scene with Michael Lazarou 57:56

14d ago57:56

57:56

Send us a text In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, we head Down Under to explore the rich and varied wine regions of Victoria, Australia. Joining Rob is Michael Lazarou—Instagram’s very own @wines_by_michael—a passionate wine communicator with a deep love for the bottles and stories of his homeland. Together, they break down Victori…

1
How the Jalapeño Lost Its Heat 32:49

17d ago32:49

32:49

Food critic Brian Reinhart fell in love with spicy Mexican cuisine as a teenager in Texas, but over the years he started to notice that the jalapeños he’d buy in the grocery store were less and less hot. So he called up an expert who studies chili pepper genetics, and she shared a shocking revelation. In this episode from our friends at the Slate p…

1
‘Secret Lives’ and What It Means To Be a Modern Mormon 27:15

16d ago27:15

27:15

Did you spend your weekend binge watching season two of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"? The women of Utah MomTok are back to start drama and challenge our ideas about what being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint is actually like. Host Ali Vallarta asks City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen, a former member of the faith…

1
What Makes Some Seltzers Sparkle? (Reheat) 34:05

20d ago34:05

34:05

How to judge seltzers, plus the science of carbonation... Over the past decade, seltzer has exploded. Sales have doubled, and companies like Coke and Pepsi are buying up brands and creating their own sparkling waters. So in a crowded field, with a drink that doesn't have much flavor to begin with, how do you tell which one is best? We talk with the…

1
1,200-Bed Homeless Shelter on Westside? Mushroom Church, Death Club 42:53

19d ago42:53

42:53

The state wants to put a 1,200-bed homeless campus somewhere in Salt Lake City, and City Cast has the scoop on one possible location. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and community organizer Chandler Rosenberg discuss the site and its potential impacts. Plus, a psychedelic mushroom church, a new death club, and airport mice.…

1
Wanna Meet New People in Salt Lake? Here's Some Neighborly Advice. 23:59

20d ago23:59

23:59

One of the most commonly asked questions we get is, "How do you make friends here?" Our neighbors seem like the perfect place to start — if we could just work up the courage to say, "hi." Dr. Maria Blevins, associate professor of communications at Utah Valley University, joins executive producer Emily Means to share ways to cut through the awkwardn…

1
Salt Lake’s Best Hidden Gems 23:35

21d ago23:35

23:35

Where are Salt Lake’s hidden gems? Local explorer Darienne Debrule tells host Ali Vallarta about tucked away shops, restaurants and experiences you need to check out. 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 m…

1
Utah’s Take on DOGE, Great Salt Lake Fatigue, Lesbian Smashburgers 38:37

22d ago38:37

38:37

Gov. Spencer Cox is taking cues from Elon Musk and rolling out Utah’s version of DOGE. Socio-pop anthropologist Cassie Bingham and executive producer Emily Means break down what government efficiency actually means. Plus, a lesbian burger joint, the Great Salt Lake hits national news (again), and a hot seat on the Salt Lake County council. Resource…

1
Cocktails at Home: A Beginner’s Guide to Building Your Bar 46:00

21d ago46:00

46:00

Send us a text Ever wondered how to start making great cocktails at home without turning your kitchen into a full-blown speakeasy? In this fun and approachable episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, host Rob Clark is joined by his wife, Sandra, for a laid-back conversation on how to set up your home cocktail bar the smart (and stylish) way. Th…

1
How Much Should You Tip For One Muffin? 45:40

24d ago45:40

45:40

Are the vibes at a restaurant more important than the food? Would you rip a bagel and drag a piece through cream cheese, instead of slicing and spreading? Do you tip less when you get bad service? We get into these questions and a lot more in this edition of The Salad Spinner, our rapid fire roundtable discussion of food news and trends, live at Si…

1
How Can SLC Make More Neighborhoods Like Central 9th? 24:52

23d ago24:52

24:52

The Central Ninth neighborhood is popping off while downtown SLC fights off chains. Host Ali Vallarta asks Darin Mano, the chair of Salt Lake’s Community Reinvestment Agency, what the city is doing about it. We reference the episode “How to Keep Main Street Bars From Closing.” Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake …

1
Nigella Lawson Orders Food Like A Method Actor (Reheat) 31:04

27d ago31:04

31:04

Nigella Lawson is a domestic goddess of the highest order. She strikes the perfect balance between aspiration — a beautiful garden, perfect lighting — and accessibility — sheet pan dinners and a disdain for pretentiousness. Nigella reveals how her own cooking show persona comes from her discomfort in social situations, and shares the two condiments…

1
Is SLC Mayor Trolling the Legislature? More $$ for Police, Sauna Lake City 43:07

26d ago43:07

43:07

It was a big week for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, from making national headlines over new pride flags to releasing her proposed $512 million budget. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the highlights and lowlights. Plus, touring the Walker Center, a great sauna place, and tusks up for the Utah Mammoth. Resource…

1
Salt Lake Patios for This Gorgeous Weather 25:36

27d ago25:36

25:36

It’s patio season! Deck enthusiast Diana Martinez joins host Ali Vallarta to count down the best bars, restaurants, and cafes for working remotely in the sun, happy hour, or a long brunch. 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 a…

1
The Sweet Spot: Why $20–$60 Is the Magic Range for Wine 47:06

27d ago47:06

47:06

Send us a text Is it worth spending more than $20 on a bottle of wine? What do you actually get when you bump your budget up to $40—or even $60? In this episode of Bottles & Bites Without Borders, Rob breaks down the value-packed “sweet spot” for buying wine and why this price range often delivers the best bang for your buck. We explore what change…

1
SLC Flag Loophole, Where To Get Fluoride, Baby Bison 31:04

28d ago31:04

31:04

Utah’s flag and fluoride bans go into effect today, but host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore some sneaky workarounds. Plus, where to see baby bison, a local savant, and Benson Boone in SLC. Resources and references: As Utah’s fluoride ban begins, health officials urge Utahns to protect their teeth [Utah News Dispatch] Here …

1
Need Medicaid? Utah Wants You To Apply for 48 Jobs. 31:22

29d ago31:22

31:22

Utah's Medicaid program has been fully expanded for five years, with no work requirements since COVID hit. But now the state's Dept. of Health and Human Services wants to add them. Host Ali Vallarta asks Stephanie Burdick, a consumer representative on Utah's Medicaid advisory committee, what's on the table and how it could impact all of us. Resourc…

1
How The Real José Cuervo Invented Modern Tequila 33:40

1M ago33:40

33:40

José Cuervo was a real person, and he revolutionized the tequila industry in the early 1900s. He navigated bloody business rivalries, cozied up to a dictator, and survived the Mexican revolution thanks to a daring escape. After that, with his business in shambles, he had to figure out how to sell tequila in Prohibition-era America. His solution wou…

1
Disaster Prepping Tips From a Pro 19:02

30d ago19:02

19:02

Did you blink and miss the 3.9-magnitude earthquake last week? It’s a gentle reminder to get ready for "the big one” scientists expect to hit Salt Lake one of these days. Host Ali Vallarta chatted with Taylorsville prepper Emily Cottam about her tips for putting together a 72-hour kit and preparing for hard times. This episode first aired March 27,…

1
Cooking In An Immigrant Time Warp With Maangchi (Reheat) 34:04

1M ago34:04

34:04

In 2007, Maangchi was 50 years old, a single mother of adult kids, and was addicted to online gaming. Her son suggested she post a cooking video to YouTube. Today she has 4 million subscribers and has taught fans all over the world how to cook traditional Korean food. This week she tells us her story, and talks about cooking when you're in an "immi…

1
Horse Gambling in Utah? Crumbl Gets Sued, Hockey Club Leak 44:53

1M ago44:53

44:53

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and our money is on Journalism! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore Utah’s horseracing scene and why, according to Utah’s Supreme Court, horses are an exemption to gambling. Plus, SLC enforces a ban on astroturf, the leaked Hockey Club name, local May Day, and Crumbl v. Warner Music Group…

1
Your Guide to May 2025 in Salt Lake 35:45

1M ago35:45

35:45

It's May in Salt Lake, when the sunshine — or lack thereof — can make or break your patio experience. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from cheap margaritas to a mobile book shop to a killer zipline deal. Plus, if yo…

1
How Salt Lake ERs Compare to ‘The Pitt’ 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

Host Ali Vallarta is obsessed with "The Pitt," a new medical drama that chronicles one 15-hour shift in a downtown Pittsburgh emergency room. But how closely does it mirror Salt Lake ERs? Local emergency medicine Dr. Aly Smith shares how the cases and the institutional issues stack up. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast S…

1
Big Scammer Weekend, Anti-Union Law Oppo, 2026 Marathon Idea 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

A law that neuters Utah's public sector labor unions is getting a second chance at death. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give the latest update on the Protect Utah Workers referendum. Plus, a huge weekend for scammers, an early Mother’s Day event, and the origins of SLC’s sticker machines. Resources and references: State audit…

1
Hydrox, Oreo, And The Fight For Sandwich Cookie Supremacy 38:48

1M ago38:48

38:48

Hydrox cookies are known as a cheap knock-off of Oreos, to the point that Hydrox has become pop culture shorthand for “second best.” But did you know that Hydrox came first? And that these two cookies have a rivalry that goes back more than 100 years? This week Dan talks with Mackenzie Martin, a host of the KCUR Studios podcast A People’s History o…

1
Can the Rio Grande Plan Guys Convince Utah To Bury the Rails? 29:52

1M ago29:52

29:52

An idea to bury the train tracks dividing the east and west sides of SLC could bring $12 billion of economic impact to Salt Lake County. But that doesn't mean the Rio Grande Plan has the greenlight. Host Ali Vallarta asks Taylor Larsen, one of the project's organizers, where it fits with other big developments on the horizon and what's next. Requir…

1
Jason Mantzoukas Sees Every Meal As A Threat (Reheat) 33:08

1M ago33:08

33:08

Actor and comedian Jason Mantzoukas is known for playing characters that are overzealous, exuberant, and more than a little wacky. But these characters are the exact opposite of how Jason felt growing up — like a “boy made of glass.” Jason has a life-threatening allergy to eggs, and that constant threat has forced him to live a life of vigilance. D…

1
Ep. 50: What is Discovery and How is it Used in Divorce? 41:07

1M ago41:07

41:07

In this episode, Partners and Founding Members Dorothy O'Neil and Rachael Bowe discuss the "Discovery" Phase of Divorce, which can also be called the "Information Gathering" Phase of Divorce. They dive into the various discovery options, such as Interrogatories and Requests for Production of Documents, as well as Requests for Admissions, Deposition…

1
Utah Nonprofits Play Defense, 20+ Years for Running Water, SLC Marathon Closures 39:55

1M ago39:55

39:55

Utah's environmental organizations were in a frenzy this week due to President Trump’s rumor mill. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the administration's latest impacts on local nonprofits. Plus, a Navajo Nation community in Utah finally gets running water, The Beach Boys' Salt Lake ties, and a Met Gala fundraiser for tea…

1
How You Can Make Salt Lake's Sidewalks Better 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

A new opportunity to audit your sidewalk could lead to better walking experiences across the Salt Lake valley. HEAL Utah policy analyst Katie Balakir tells host Ali Vallarta what makes a great sidewalk and how to participate in this grassroots data project. Start with HEAL Utah’s walk audit toolkit. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become…

1
Where Hot Girls Shop in SLC 26:00

1M ago26:00

26:00

Time to bury your puffy coat and refresh the wardrobe. Host Ali Vallarta and her friend Kate Groetzinger riff on the best places in Salt Lake to find a new fit, considering price, quality, and style. 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 on…

1
Millcreek Deportation Orders, Another Teacher Union Win, TIME100 Influential Utahn 36:55

1M ago36:55

36:55

Utah's school voucher program — a core tenant of Republicans' education strategy — has been ruled unconstitutional. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the case and what happens next. Plus, Millcreek's mayor pushes back (again) on the Trump administration's deportation agenda, recognition for an influential local researcher…

1
Why Stay In? The Case for a Personal Chef 41:58

1M ago41:58

41:58

Send us a text Tired of overpriced appetizers and waiting 45 minutes for a table? Same. In this episode, we dive into the deliciously tempting world of personal chefs — think restaurant-quality meals without putting on pants. From romantic date nights to meal-prepped Mondays, we explore why staying in is the new going out. Spoiler alert: someone el…

1
Men Have Eating Disorders Too. Why Don’t They Seek Help? 49:17

2M ago49:17

49:17

Public discussions about eating disorders tend to focus on women, and in the past, so have our episodes on the subject. But millions of men also struggle with some form of disordered eating, though they’re far less likely to be diagnosed or to seek treatment. Today we hear stories from three men—in three different stages of life—who have complicate…

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Here For The Donuts Podcast

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