Utah Stories Show

Most Utah gardens look great for a few weeks… and then fade, dry out, or turn into bare patches by mid-summer or fall. But it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode, Loreen and Heidi from Millcreek Gardens explain how to design a true four season garden that holds color, structure, and life all year — even in Utah's harsh, desert climate. We talk about: Why so many Utah yards fail long before summer ends How to layer height, foliage, texture, and form for year-round interest Easy winter-friendly ideas like evergreen containers, branches, berries, and structure How to keep plants alive in Utah soil and avoid the #1 cause of plant failure (hydration issues) What big-box stores get wrong about Utah's climate How a three-generation local garden center built a niche by growing plants that survive here Special varieties you won't find at chains — and how to choose plants that last If you want your yard to look good in spring, summer, fall and winter — or you're tired of wasting money on plants that don't make it — this conversation is packed with insights Utah homeowners rarely hear.

In this powerful episode of Utah Stories, Richard Markosian sits down with Peggy and Steve Ayers to explore the raw, emotional journey of addiction, trauma, and healing within their family. From the hidden realities behind picture-perfect appearances to the lifesaving support of community, this episode dives deep into the challenges families face when a loved one struggles with substance abuse—and what it takes to begin healing. 🎙️ Topics include: The stigma and secrecy of addiction A parent's perspective on trauma and recovery The role of peer support and communication Reflections on adoption, hope, and resilience This is more than just a podcast—it's a lifeline for anyone affected by addiction. 📌 Subscribe for more real stories from Utah's communities. 🎧 Full story on utahstories.com #AddictionRecovery #UtahStories #MentalHealth #FamilySupport #SubstanceAbuse #Hope #RealStories 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 $5 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

What do The Goonies and Utah's film industry have in common? 🎥 In this episode of The Utah Story Show, host Richard Markosian sits down with actor Andrew Lenz of Nuworlds Productions to talk about the highs, lows, and weird in-betweens of breaking into film. Andrew shares stories from working near Touched by an Angel, brushes with Goonies lore, and what it's really like on a film set—why the crew matters more than the cast, and how Utah's tight-knit production community makes all the difference. Whether you're a die-hard fan of 80s classics or looking to break into film, this episode is for you. #TheGoonies #UtahFilm #UtahStories #AndrewLense #TouchedByAnAngel #IndieFilm #UtahStoryShow #BehindTheScenes #andrewlenz #nuworldsproductions Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Bob Campbell isn't your average coin dealer. Raised in a poor family, Bob climbed to the top of the numismatic world, becoming President of the American Numismatic Association and a recognized expert in counterfeit coin detection. He has taught U.S. federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, IRS, Homeland Security, and collectors how to spot fake coins. In this podcast, Bob shares: How he built his coin business from nothing The secrets to finding rare, valuable coins (including the $500,000 penny!) The importance of knowledge and passion in coin collecting How to avoid scams in the coin and gold market Plus, hear fascinating stories about Mormon gold coins, the infamous 1943 copper penny, and Mark Hoffman's counterfeiting schemes. Learn how to get into coin collecting and protect your wealth with precious metals. 👉 If you're a coin enthusiast or want to protect your investments, this video is a must-watch! Like, comment, and subscribe to Utah Stories for more expert interviews and deep dives into local history, business, and collectibles. #CoinCollecting #RareCoins #GoldInvesting #Numismatics #AvoidScams #UtahStories #BobCampbell 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 $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

What would it be like to ride across 25 states on horseback? Jake Harvath took on the challenge, leaving everything behind to embark on an epic journey that tested his resilience, connected him with incredible people, and gave him a deep bond with his horses. In this episode of Utah Stories, Jake shares: 🏇 How a childhood dream turned into a 400-day odyssey 🏕️ The challenges of camping in the wild and relying on strangers for survival 🐎 The deep connection he formed with his mustangs 🌍 How his journey made him reflect on modern society's detachment from nature Join us as we explore what it means to truly live on the road, connect with the land, and push personal limits. 📢 Watch the full episode and subscribe for more untold Utah stories! 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe to Utah Stories for more incredible journeys and real-life adventures. #UtahStories #YearOfTheMustang #WildHorses #TravelByHorse #Adventure #Podcast #AmericanWest 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 $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Epic Brewing has been a mainstay in Utah's craft beer scene since opening in 2009. 🍺 Epic burst onto the Utah craft beer scene with incredible high-point beers immediately loved by Utah craft beer fans. Initially, Epic could not keep up with the demand for their beer for their first two years of operation: founders, David Cole and Peter Ericson, along with brewmaster Kevin Crompton, struck paydirt with a simple formula — beers with more than 3.2% ABV that tasted fantastic, offering a massive variety of beers along with standard offerings. By 2012 Epic had outgrown their humble State Street facility in just a few years of operation and looked to expand. They decided to join Denver's massive craft beer scene in the River North or RiNo District. Epic thrived for a long time in RiNo. They expanded to more markets throughout the U.S. But after a decade the craft beer market began shifting dramatically. The biggest shifts were away from beer and towards seltzers and canned cocktails. What created this shift is hard to pinpoint. However, consumers turning away from microbreweries might have something to do with how so many were being bought out by private equity. Utah's most renowned brands such as Wasatch, Squatters, and Uinta took venture capital deals that would pump money into these big brands to increase their visibility and market share and take advantage of greater distribution channels and economies of scale. Epic kept plugging away making great beers and chose not to cash out. How does Epic compete in today's craft beer scene? Ryan Kluh and Clay Turnbow sat down with us on the Utah Stories podcast to explain how Epic has found a new niche in the craft beer world. Epic has consolidated its brewing operations, closing its River North facility in Denver Colorado focusing just on the Utah market. Epic's line-up of beers changes seasonally. Turnbow let us sample the beers that they are most proud of at the moment. The one I found the most surprising was their "Pineapple Express." Which requires a huge amount of pineapple juice to create each barrel. It tastes how it sounds, it's fruity, sweet and it's like drinking a tropical drink on this snowy afternoon. They also brought their big double IPA called Chasing Ghosts. It's a hoppy, traditional IPA that offers a high-gravity beer more accustomed to Epic's initial claim to fame. And of course their "Big-Bad Baptist". The beer that made them famous. It contains chocolate, and coffee and is aged in whiskey barrels. This is a beer to be slowly sipped to be properly enjoyed. I liken it to drinking a bourbon. Like the badness on the label, it is rich and big. Kluh and Turnbow are having a great time doing what Epic has always been great a doing: brewing a massive assortment of craft beers that Utah consumers enjoy. Their success in their State Street facility is due to its remaining local and true to the spirit of what makes craft beer beloved by Salt Lakers: you can see the brewers working; fans get a constant update on beer offerings, and the proof is in the sampling of their products: they are unique and delicious! Follow Epic @epicbrewingslc @epicbrewingslc #epic #craftbeer #utahcraft #utahbeer #utahstories Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Meet Bryan Billmeyer, a resident of The Other Side Village who turned his life around after years of addiction and homelessness. Now a coach, Bryan helps others find their path to recovery through the Whole Person Change approach—a philosophy of accountability, authenticity, and addressing the root causes of trauma. Discover how this transformative model is creating lasting change for those overcoming life's toughest challenges. 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 $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

What makes a great bourbon? Meet Brant Pounds, owner of Spirits of the Wasatch, a Utah-based craft distillery, as he shares his journey from mechanical engineer to master distiller. In this deep dive, Brant explains the science and artistry behind distilling whiskey, the unique four-grain bourbon his team produces, and what sets craft distilleries apart from industry giants. We also discuss bourbon's regional protection, the impact of barrels on flavor, and why whiskey tasting is both an art and a science. Plus, Brant reveals his experience at Moonshine University and how he turned a passion for whiskey into a thriving business. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of spirits and craft distilling! 🥃🔥 #Whiskey #Bourbon #Distilling #CraftSpirits 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 $2 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

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 inspiring stories of Utah's entrepreneurs in Faces of Utah Magazine at UtahStories.com. 👍 Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! #MagnumEBikes #Entrepreneurship #CyclingRevolution #UtahBusiness

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.

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 decline of objective reporting, Cory and Richard explore the societal shifts that are reshaping how people consume news. Can the media regain its integrity, or is the age of independent podcasters here to stay? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts: Is mainstream media still relevant, or do you rely more on alternative voices? #UtahStories #MediaEvolution #Podcasting #Election2024 #PoliticalDialogue #MainstreamMedia #Podcasts #IndependentMedia #PoliticalTribes #FutureOfDemocracy

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 the community steps up, government bureaucracy presents challenges, with policies that hinder access to resources and delay the establishment of much-needed shelters.

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 face, his views on the book ban movement, and his experiences teaching during the pandemic. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the future of education in Utah and how this cultural battle could shape it. Don't miss out on this important discussion!