Valley 101
277 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 257 ratingsWhether you're a longtime Arizona resident or a newcomer, chances are there's something you've always wondered about the Valley. From The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com comes Valley 101, a weekly podcast where our journalists find answers to your questions about metro Phoenix and beyond. From silly to serious, you tell us what to investigate. You can submit questions at valley101.azcentral.com or reach us on social media @azcpodcasts. Producers of the show are Amanda Luberto and Kaely Monahan.
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Episodes
What can I recycle in metro Phoenix? Depends on where you live.
April 21, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutesHappy Earth Day from Valley 101. Today we're resharing our episode on recycling in the Valley. You might have noticed that not every city recycles equally. Different cities within the Valley have different rules. Why is that? Why is there not an across-the-board set of items you can and can't recycle? In this episode of Valley 101, Amanda Luberto breaks down the reasons why where you live affects how and what you can recycle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cine Capri was an iconic movie experience in Phoenix, so what happened?
April 15, 2024 12:00 - 17 minutesWhen the Cine Capri theater opened in the mid-1960s, going to the movies was a glamorous event. It was for families, but it was also for lavish decor and a deserved night out. Before the multiplex, one movie a night would be on display. It was a high time for films. And here in Phoenix, George M. Aurelius wanted to expand his theater business as that type of theater was going out of style. They were ready to design a state-of-the-art facility that would blend in well in Uptown Phoenix and al...
Are my solar eclipse glasses legit?
April 08, 2024 12:00 - 19 minutesWhile exciting, one should never look directly at the sun, even during a solar eclipse. Instead, make sure you pick up some approved solar eclipse glasses. In recent years, there has been a rise in counterfeit eclipse glasses being sold. So how do you know if the ones you have are real? In this episode of Valley 101, producer Kaely Monahan sits down with the Republic's Ultimate Arizona reporter, Tiffany Acosta to chat eclipse safety, viewing spots, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. ...
How an elaborate student prank over land fooled UA Wildcats
April 01, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutesApril Fools' Day embodies the spirit of pranks, so in honor of the holiday, Valley 101 explored how a prank orchestrated by Arizona State University students went viral in 2015. Four ASU students spearheaded the effort to prank the University of Arizona during the football season. It was the fall of 2015, and the Territorial Cup – the rivalry game between the two colleges – was approaching. Ben Kaufman, a senior at the time, was leading the charge and wanted to do something more creative tha...
Meet Sedona Schnebly, namesake of Arizona's red rock city
March 25, 2024 12:00 - 16 minutesSedona Miller was a well-to-do woman from Gorin, Missouri. She married Theodore Carlton Schnebly, or T.C. as he was commonly called, on Feb. 20, 1897. They moved to what would later be named Sedona in 1899. At the time there were only a few families homesteading in the red rocks region. The story goes that T.C., who was the first postmaster of the area, applied to have it named either Oak Creek Crossing or Schnebly Station. But the names were rejected by the postmaster general for being too ...
Meet the 'mother of bilingual education,' Maria Urquides
March 18, 2024 12:45 - 26 minutesWhen she started teaching in the late 1920s, teachers were only allowed to educate in English, even though her students were predominately Spanish-speaking. This was enforced so heavily that students and teachers would be reprimanded for speaking in their native language. Students were expected to learn English on their own time and teachers were expected to encourage Anglo culture in the classroom. Maria Luisa Legarra Urquides of Tucson decided to change that. As the first person in her fami...
Meet Arizona's grandmother of women's sports, Ina Gittings
March 11, 2024 12:00 - 24 minutesInterest in women’s sports, particularly at the college level, is skyrocketing. According to Nielsen, which collects audience numbers across different media, the 2023 NCAA women's final drew nearly 10 million viewers – up 103% from the previous year. But this is a recent development. The story of women's sports is long and hard-fought. And one of its champions is a woman who took no guff from anyone. In this second episode of Arizona HERstory, Season 2, Valley 101 explores the life of Ina ...
Arizona HERstory's Annie Watkins, a Flagstaff woman who helped African Americans vote
March 04, 2024 12:00 - 19 minutesThis year's annual HERstory series kicks off with Annie Watkins, an impactful historical figure for Flagstaff's African American community who shaped local politics and education. She also helped found the Flagstaff chapter of the NAACP and helped integrate local institutions in the 1950s. This week's episode of Valley101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, shines a light on Annie Watkins and the role she played in Flagstaff politics and education — and how influential women...
How Black activist, Lincoln Ragsdale Sr., revolutionized Phoenix
February 26, 2024 12:00 - 49 minutesLike much of the country, Arizona had revolutionary Black activists fighting for their community during the 1950s and 1960s. It may seem like a small scale compared to more famous names like Martin Luther King Jr or Malcolm X. But like how voting in a local election impacts your day to day more than voting for President, the civil rights leaders of Phoenix and its surrounding cities changed the way Arizona is shaped today. One such revolutionary, Dr. Lincoln Ragsdale Sr., was on the forefront...
The legend of Winnie Ruth Judd, Phoenix's 'Trunk Murderess'
February 19, 2024 12:00 - 22 minutesBuried in Arizona's time capsule lies a story that continues to be dug up over time: the tale of the infamous "Trunk Murderess," or Winnie Ruth Judd, a woman accused of double murder who escaped a state hospital several times and told different accounts of the story through the years. There's been speculation over the years about whether Judd committed these violent acts by herself and the motive that prompted her to kill her friends. Did she kill them due to a scandalous affair gone wrong? ...
Why would Pluto become Arizona's official state planet?
February 12, 2024 12:00 - 20 minutes*Since this episode originally aired, the bill to make Pluto the official state planet of Arizona was passed into law.* Science was forever changed, thanks to an observatory in Flagstaff named after Percival Lowell, one of the first minds to explore the potential of water on Mars and theorize about undiscovered planets. In 1930, the Lowell Observatory announced the discovery of a ninth planet at the end of the solar system: Pluto. Now, almost 100 years later, a state representative is proposi...
How to eat cactus
February 05, 2024 12:00 - 16 minutesWhile the cactus makes a beautiful natural ornament in the Valley, the wild plant also provides nutritional benefits from its fruits and spiny pads. Some of the cactuses, including the prickly pear and the Saguaro, bear fruit that can be eaten in a variety of ways. Cactus is slowly seeping its way into food culture in Arizona, hidden in dishes across local restaurants and sold in grocery stores. Arizonans can also look one step closer for edible cactus: in their backyards. While removing a ...
El Jefe isn't the only famous Arizona cat. We explore 'celebri-kitties'
January 29, 2024 12:00 - 1 hourDid you know that cats can make nearly 300 facial expressions? Who is closer related to humans: dogs or cats? In this episode, Kaely Monahan sits down with fellow producer Amanda Luberto to discuss some surprising cat facts and where to meet Arizona's local "celebri-kitties." And don't worry if you're allergic – this episode comes cat hair free! Be sure to check out the webpage for this episode to see pictures of all the cats mentioned in this episode. Find us on azcentral.com. Learn more abo...
Why is the city named Phoenix?
January 22, 2024 12:00 - 10 minutesWhen people think of Phoenix, they probably first think of heat. This goes for both Phoenix the city and Phoenix the mythological bird, said to have risen from the ashes after dying in an explosion of flames. The fire bird and the sweltering city not only have heat in common but the the concept of rebirth as well. When Jack Swilling stopped here in 1867, he saw opportunity for growth and revitalization — if only water could be found. Inspired, he moved his canal company to the Salt River Vall...
Why Mesa has a special connection to Martin Luther King Day
January 15, 2024 12:00 - 19 minutesToday the nation recognizes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrates his leadership in the civil rights movement in America. It's been a national holiday since the early 1980s, after Congress deemed his unwavering commitment to equality worthy of a united time of reflection. Martin Luther King Jr. Day wasn't always a state holiday in Arizona, even after it was observed by the federal government. And the activists of Mesa had a specifically difficult time getting the civil rig...
Before light rail, trolley cars ran on Phoenix streets. What happened and where are they?
January 08, 2024 12:00 - 31 minutesBefore light rail, another kind of streetcar rolled on Phoenix streets. From the late 1880s until after World War II, electric trolleys connected Phoenicians with the heart of the city. Those who lived far from downtown could easily access the services and goods there without having to walk or ride a bicycle or horse into town. And it was cheap! During its heyday, hundreds of residents would ride the streetcar for just a nickel. It would take them from as far as Glendale to the state Capitol ...
Happy New Year from Valley 101!
January 01, 2024 12:00 - 58 secondsWelcome to 2024!! We are off this week to celebrate the new year, but can't wait to be with you again starting next week to dive into your questions about Arizona. Have a safe and happy holiday Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Happy Holidays from Valley 101!
December 25, 2023 12:00 - 1 minuteWe are off this week to celebrate the holidays with our families. Thank you so much for listening to us all year long. We have some holiday themed episodes for you to listen to in our archives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The best songs to get you in the holiday mood
December 18, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutes"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing aloud for all to hear." Journalists in the Arizona Republic newsroom have taken Buddy the Elf's motto and made it their own in our special holiday episode of Valley 101. Whether you're a grinch, scrooge or the more elf-tastic type, we have some holiday spirit to sprinkle on your ears as we ask the question, "What's your favorite holiday song?" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Phoenix Latinos are represented in the local music scene
December 11, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutesIn the modern age, you don't have to turn to a Spanish language channel on the radio to hear Latin music. Pop, hip hop, and dance music has all gone international as Latin music is booming in popularity. In the last year, the genre has seen a 15% boost in listens, making Spanish the second most listened to language in the United States. Artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G have infused Latin music into the mainstream for this generation. But what does that mean for the music scene in Arizona? I...
Valley 101 journeys to Lazy B Ranch to see where Sandra Day O'Connor grew up
December 04, 2023 12:00 - 28 minutesMuch has already been said about Sandra Day O’Connor since her passing on December 1, 2023. The humble ranch girl grew up to serve in one of the highest offices in the land – as a supreme court justice. You might have read about her early days working on the Lazy B Ranch in eastern Arizona. The wide expanse is picturesque, if not iconic. It is a place you’d imagine a cowboy film would be set. And indeed O’Connor’s life is one worthy of the big screen. For today’s special episode, former Va...
Where to go to eat and drink your way through Arizona history
November 27, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutesWhether you just moved here or are a Valley native, new bars and restaurants are yours to discover. Metro Phoenix is home to 21 James Beard Award winners, finalists or nominees. According to the Spirited Awards this year, downtown Phoenix has the best cocktail bar in the United States. While recognition in the past few years has certainly increased, Arizona always has had excellent eateries and chefs serving up unforgettable dishes. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and b...
Did you know that turkeys have beards? Find out the answer to that and more in our Turkey Day episode
November 20, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutesHappy Thanksgiving from all of us at Valley 101. We're serving up a fowl episode stuffed with turkey facts that you probably don't know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The history and status of opera in Arizona
November 13, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutesIn 1971, a new art form officially premiered in Arizona. The first performance from the Tucson Opera Company was Gioachino Rossini's classic "The Barber of Seville." By 1976, the opera company had become the Arizona Opera and was performing full seasons of shows in both Tucson and Phoenix. Now housed in downtown Phoenix, the Arizona Opera is going strong almost 50 years later. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we share Arizona's history...
Welcome to donkey race country. Inside this tiny Arizona mining town's annual tradition
November 06, 2023 12:00 - 11 minutesYou've heard of horse racing and dog racing, but what about burro racing? Each year in the town of Superior, Arizona, an adorable race filled with fuzzy donkeys takes place. Now don't expect to see jockeys riding the donkeys. Instead, the little equines are lead by their owners by a lead through Main Street and into Tonoto National Forest and back. In this episode, we find out how the race got started and why donkeys are so lovable, according to their owners. Learn more about your ad choices....
Why doesn't Arizona turn back their clock for Daylight Saving Time
November 05, 2023 23:25 - 7 minutesWhile the rest of the nation is clocking an extra hour of sleep and making sure their oven clock matches their phone, Arizonans will continue their day like normal. Most people in Arizona, at least. In a bonus episode of our podcast, Valley 101, we explore how Daylight Saving came to be, why most of Arizona doesn't participate, and who in the state does. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The lore behind Tucson's El Tiradito
October 30, 2023 12:00 - 17 minutesTucked into Tucson's Barrio Viejo is an unassuming broken-down adobe wall adorned with flowers, candles and little pieces of paper containing people's deepest wishes. The shrine to El Tiradito serves not only as a landmark to a vicious and titillating murder that happened in the late 1800s but as a symbol in this predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we share the true-crime story behind what coul...
Horrifically haunting ghost stories to make you lose your head
October 23, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutesOne of Halloween's most notorious ghosts is the Headless Horseman. The iconic figure on a black horse with a jack-o-lantern in place of a face can be found in books, movies, decor and more. But there is another headless ghost that haunts the western regions of our nation. And her tragic tale has been passed down by the tribe that lives near where she died. Then we'll hear a different tale. One of stuffed heads collected inside a professor's home and a question posed. How far would you go for ...
Haunted hotels and creepy campsites. Listen to these terrifying Arizona ghost stories
October 16, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutesSometimes you just need a break from the toils of life. And in Arizona, where better to go than one of the many scenic and historic lodges scattered throughout the state. Or perhaps hiding away in a remote cabin is more your style. But you might think twice about vacationing in the places in this episode. Valley 101 returns this week with another set of ghost stories the keep you up all night. Valley 101 continues its a series of creepy ghost stories to get you ready for Halloween. Get ready...
6 scary stories every Arizonan should know from a haunted movie set to a ghostly ballerina
October 09, 2023 12:00 - 49 minutesIt's spooky season. And this Halloween season, Valley 101 presents a series of creepy ghost stories featuring the Phoenix Theatre Company and Vulture City guaranteed to keep you up at night. Listen if you dare! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Where to see fall colors in Arizona
October 02, 2023 12:00 - 19 minutesValley 101 guides you on the best places to see fall colors in Arizona. From Oak Creek Canyon to Big Lake, Arizona is full of color every fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is there a connection between heat and crime?
September 25, 2023 12:00 - 13 minutesIt feels as if Arizona is finally starting to cool down after the record-setting summer. However, according to the Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation and the state climatologist, our summer days are getting hotter, with no forecast that they will get any cooler. As the planet is warming, the effects go beyond the environment. Multiple studies correlate violent crimes to excessive heat. A 2014 Department of Justice study states crimes such as rape, domestic violence and aggravate...
What is the history behind "Sonoran sushi"?
September 18, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutesA RERUN FROM 2021: Have you ever wondered what traditional Japanese sushi and Mexican food create? Several years ago in Mexico, a combination of Mexican food ingredients and Japanese style were used to create a fusion dish known as Sonoran sushi. Traditional Japanese sushi’s main ingredient is vinegared rice. Sonoran sushi rolls have those base ingredients like rice and seaweed, but with their own twist. In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast from The Arizona Republic and azcentral....
How did Arizona have two Governors in the same term?
September 11, 2023 12:00 - 16 minutesA certain word has become standard in the past few years when discussing Arizona politics. At some point, maybe "recount" made people think of doublechecking that everyone in their group was accounted for, or the thing to do when they second-guessed the number of Easter eggs they were hiding. But politicos in Arizona, especially in Maricopa County, now associate the word “recount” with the word “ballots.” In 1916, maybe it felt the same way. That year, the election for Arizona governor was wo...
Our 10 favorite road trips to escape Phoenix heat, from Bisbee to Flagstaff
September 04, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutesYou know you live in Phoenix when it's still triple digits in September. If you're looking for an escape, Valley 101 has 10 cool locations to check out from Sabino Canyon, Bisbee, Verde Valley and the Mogollon Rim. You don't have to travel far to see a completely different side of Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Meet Kenny Dillingham, one of the youngest coaches in college football
August 26, 2023 12:00 - 25 minutesThe Sun Devils, under the direction of then-coach Herm Edwards, had fallen behind in a crucial area for their future: high school recruiting. Smaller schools like Northern Illinois and Western Kentucky were finishing ahead of ASU in the recruiting rankings. There were a number of reasons for this, most notably the NCAA investigation that ASU is still under for alleged recruiting violations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, school officials began searching for a n...
Is there a new theory in the Don Bolles case?
August 21, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutesRemote-controlled bombs consisting of 6 sticks of dynamite erupted underneath the drivers side of the car. The explosion was contained, but destructive. The lower half of his body was blown off, the driver’s door ripped open, and the reporter lay waiting for help. The story goes that he uttered three things while in the parking lot injured that day: “John Adamson” “Emprise” and “Mafia.” But stories are never that simple. Almost 50 years later, there is still a debate on why Don Bolles was mur...
Examining the movie theatre industry in Arizona after the pandemic
August 14, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutesMovies used to be the dominating driving force in pop culture. Hollywood was the center of entertainment. Actors, producers, directors: dreams being made. The Silver Screen was a fantasy come true for many. But over the past decade, things have changed. That domination lessened as new players entered the game. Streaming apps gained more and more popularity, becoming the go-to spot to see a film. Numbers have jumped this year, but are still lagging behind pre-COVID levels. The impact has the ...
Did the "Meg" swim in Arizona's prehistoric waters?
August 07, 2023 16:34 - 36 minutesArizona has sharks. No, really. Around 300 million years ago, portions of the 48th state were covered in shallow seas. And prowling these primordial waters were some wild and bizarre sharks. A few might even rival the mighty megalodon. In this episode of Valley 101, we unearth which sharks called Arizona home, whether or not megalodon swam here, and what modern-day sharks you can see in the Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Think you know Arizona? Think again and consider these 3 things you probably don't know about the Grand Canyon State
July 31, 2023 19:52 - 42 minutesThink you know Arizona? You might want to think again. The 48th state is filled with weird, unusual, and just downright quirky facts that even long-time residents might not know. We found three Arizona-only oddities that just might surprise you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Are monsoons good or bad?
July 24, 2023 12:00 - 20 minutesSummers in Arizona mean heat, triple-digit temperatures, and desperately trying to stay cool. But summers in Arizona also mean monsoons - big, bright thunderstorms returning rain to the desert. During the summer monsoon season, Phoenix receives one-third of its annual rainfall, a necessary relief to help combat the drought that 83% of the state is experiencing, according to the National Weather Service. While monsoons bring reprieve from the extreme heat and aid in the drought, they are som...
It might be too hot to fly planes: why?
July 17, 2023 12:00 - 14 minutesThis past Saturday, temperatures rose to 118 degrees, breaking a 25 year old record. Excessive heat warnings are planned throughout the week. It’s that time of year when all your out of state friends ask, “Why do you live there again?” The answer is winters, but this week, they might have a point. It hasn’t been this hot for this long in almost 50 years. Arizona has now had 18 days in a row of temperatures over 110. Tomorrow will break the record from 1974. And while we don’t deal with torn...
The Corbin Carroll Effect: Looking at the 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks' season
July 10, 2023 12:00 - 26 minutesIt's no secret that the Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled a lot. But, right now, they are in first place in the National League West behind budding star outfielder Corbin Carroll. Valley 101 talks baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The farmers behind Chris Bianco's famous pizza
July 03, 2023 12:00 - 33 minutesAnyone 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 B...
The good and the bad of Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs
June 26, 2023 12:00 - 29 minutesDoctors’ 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 soci...
Hot news: How Arizona ended up supplying most of the nation's chili pepper seeds
June 19, 2023 12:00 - 32 minutesSpicy: 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...
How many saguaro cactuses grow in the Valley?
June 12, 2023 12:00 - 42 minutesThe 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 th...
The Lab on Valley 101: What is genetic testing?
June 05, 2023 12:00 - 14 minutesOur 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 the...
5 of the best places to beat the Arizona heat this summer
May 29, 2023 12:00 - 30 minutesValley 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
Arizona got a lot of rain and snow. Was it enough to ease the drought?
May 22, 2023 12:00 - 18 minutesIn 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, w...