

City Cast Salt Lake
City Cast
City Cast Salt Lake is SLC’s daily news podcast. Join host Ali Vallarta and a bevy of smart and entertaining locals for conversations about the issues that matter most. City Cast Salt Lake will celebrate the city’s triumphs, explore its history, (try to) solve its mysteries, and it’ll help you feel more connected to the Wasatch Front – whether you’ve lived here for six months or six generations. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at saltlake.citycast.fm.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 22, 2026 • 28min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: What Salt Lake Needs To Know about Madison's Data Centers Fight
Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Salt Lakers. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC.
We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode.
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Feb 20, 2026 • 45min
Anti-Immigrant Legislation, Mormon Wives Are Back, Queer Bookshop
Another week of the legislative session down, another set of bills we’re watching. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and social media manager Molly Miloscia dive into the ones that have our attention. Plus, national news is late to the Mormon moment and joyful shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love about Salt Lake.
Safety Tips for Avalanche Season [City Cast Salt Lake]
Why Utahns Are All Over TV Right Now [City Cast Salt Lake]
Sign up for Café Azteca’s Noche de Café y Tradición.
Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
The Watch Party
ICO
Salt Lake Sewciety

Feb 19, 2026 • 26min
Who To Complain to About Your Neighborhood Issues
Ever wondered how to fix that flickering streetlamp or fill that nasty pothole? Executive producer Emily Means and Weston Clark, community outreach director for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office, make a how-to guide to getting things done in your city.
This episode first aired May 27, 2025.
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 membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
ICO
Salt Lake Sewciety

Feb 18, 2026 • 38min
Get Earthquake-Ready, Most Neighborly City, Adopt Lil’ Ears McGee
Did you feel the earthquake over the weekend? Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and newsletter editor Terina Ria have tips for prepping for the next one. Plus, Salt Lake City is the "most neighborly" city in America and local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
Here’s what we know about Utah’s latest earthquake — including a surprising origin theory [Salt Lake Tribune]
Can SLC Ride Out the Next Massive Earthquake? [City Cast Salt Lake]
Sign up for the Community Emergency Response Team Program Training
I Lived in the “Most Neighborly City in America” for 11 Years — Here’s What That Actually Looked Like [Apartment Therapy]
Adopt Lil' Ears McGee.
Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
ICO
Salt Lake Sewciety

Feb 17, 2026 • 40min
Skiing for Newbies, Burrito Recs, Resort Deals
Can ski skeptics become true believers in just a few days on the slopes? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means tried it and shared their findings with veteran skier and City Cast social media manager Molly Miloscia. Plus, the resorts dropped some hot deals to convince you to ski.
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 membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off
ICO
Salt Lake Sewciety

Feb 14, 2026 • 33min
How Salt Lake Could Be Better: How the Twin Cities Organized. Plus, What Counts As ‘Cold’?
All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Salt Lakers’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms.
We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities.
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Feb 13, 2026 • 48min
Cox’s Bad Olympic Take, Decriminalizing Weed, $10 Lunch Special
Three weeks left in Utah’s legislative session, but who’s counting! Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and City Cast Salt Lake contributor Andy Larsen talk about the bills they're tracking. Plus, Gov. Spencer Cox's bad Olympics take and picks of the week.
Resources and references:
Help us make a list of the 1,000 things we love about Salt Lake.
A Fresh Idea to Raise Wages Just Dropped [City Cast Salt Lake]
Utah governor calls for a focus on sports, not politics, at Winter Games [KSL]
Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Harmons
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Salt Lake Sewciety
ICO
Salt Lake City’s The Watch Party

Feb 12, 2026 • 31min
What 700 Utah Lawyers Are Mad About
Is the Legislature trying to punish the courts? Host Ali Vallarta asks Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, why lawmakers are targeting the judicial branch — is it about efficiency or revenge?
Learn more about recent changes to Utah's judicial nominating process.
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 membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Harmons
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Salt Lake Sewciety
ICO

Feb 11, 2026 • 31min
Small Lake City Dating Stories 2026
Salt Lake's dating scene can be brutal, but are there glimmers of hope? Host Ali Vallarta, Becca Shapiro of Lady Flour Cakes, and Date My Mate creator Brandon Luong share your tales of dating in Small Lake City.
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 membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Harmons
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Salt Lake Sewciety
ICO

Feb 10, 2026 • 41min
Did You Sign Prop 4 Repeal by Accident? Valentine’s Ideas, Party for Public Lands
The clock is ticking for the GOP's Prop 4 repeal, and things aren't looking good. Host Ali Vallarta, newsletter editor Terina Ria, and executive producer Emily Means talk about the messy efforts to overturn something Utahns already voted on. Plus, Valentine's Day ideas for all different vibes and local shoutouts.
Resources and references:
A MAGA push to erase a Dem House seat is triggering accusations of fraud and violence in Utah [Politico]
Get a $25 ticket to the Party for Public Lands.
A Valentine's Day playlist for your listening pleasure.
Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the details and sign up at membership.citycast.fm.
Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC.
Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137
Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Harmons
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Salt Lake Sewciety
ICO
Cozy Earth - use code COZYSALTLAKE for up to 20% off


