PODCAST · news
Valley 101
by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com
Whether 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 @azcentral. This show is hosted by Bill Goodykootz and produced by Amanda Luberto.
Episodes
-
What can Arizona's Route 66 dive bars teach us?
Some of the best stories along Route 66 can be found inside its dive bars. From local legends to a bar with decades of history, these places have plenty of stories to tell. This week on Valley 101, our host, Bill Goodykoontz, takes a roadtrip to learn what Arizona's historic dive bars can teach…
more -
What is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Hispanic culture and identity, but it isn't always easy, especially in the current political and social climate. But what is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona? On this episode of Valley 101, we discuss the challenges of navigating…
more -
Is Scottsdale the perfect place for a reality show?
What happens when you combine Scottsdale, youth baseball and reality TV? You get "Team Moms: Baseball", a new show from Kim Kardashian and the producers of 'Love Island USA', following families at an elite baseball academy in Scottsdale. On this episode of Valley 101, we look at why Arizona is…
more -
When does fall start in Arizona?
Fall officially arrives at the end of September, but in Arizona, it doesn't feel that way. So when does fall actually start in the valley? This week on Valley 101, we look at when Arizonans can finally expect cooler weather, and why it may be taking its time to get here. Submit your...
-
Why didn’t any Arizona restaurants earn Michelin stars?
The Michelin guide has finally come to Arizona. And not a single Arizonan restaurant received a star. Though many still appeared in the guide, a few even received their own special awards, but no stars. Why? This week on Valley 101, we look into what it takes to get a Michelin star and why none…
more -
Are backyard pools still a luxury in Arizona?
To survive an Arizona summer, most Arizonans escape the head by taking a vacation, staying inside or cooling off in a pool. These days, having a pool at home can feel like a necessity, but it wasn't always that way. This week on Valley 101, we learn about the increase of pools in Arizona homes…
more -
What's with the dead bodies in Lake Mead?
Dead bodies are among the many things being revealed as Lake Mead's water levels continue to drop. So why are bodies being found in Lake Mead? And how many are connected to crimes? This week on Valley 101, we explore the stories behind the bodies, what the dropping water levels mean for Arizona…
more -
Are javelinas Arizona's wild pig?
If you have been to Arizona, chances are you’ve had a javelina encounter, maybe crossing the street or even hanging out in a backyard. They look a little like pigs, seem to be everywhere and have become an unmistakable part of Arizona life. But what exactly are javelinas, and why are there so…
more -
What happened to Salad and Go?
Salad and Go was founded in Gilbert in 2013 and quickly became a go-to spot for quick, affordable salads. On Aug. 4, 2026, the chain announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing all of its Arizona and Nevada locations. But what happened? On this week's episode of Valley 101, we...
-
How did Rocky Point become Arizona's beach?
There is one thing most Arizonans can agree on, we need a beach. While it’s a borderline impossible thought, we are fortunately able to head down to Puerto Peñasco in Sonora, Mexico, nicknamed “Arizona’s beach." On this week’s episode of Valley 101, we take a walk down the shore and answer the...
-
What is the mysterious pyramid in Papago Park?
Most people know Papago Park for the hole in the wall, or the famous Phoenix Zoo, but overlooking it all, on top of a hill, is one of the strangest landmarks in Arizona: a white pyramid. Many locals have no idea what it is — or what's in it. On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The...
-
Is there an Arizona accent?
Sometimes, you can instantly tell where a person is from by the way they speak. A southern drawl or a California vocal fry can give someone away. If you're around it all the time, you might not even hear that you yourself have a distinct speech pattern. So when the idea of an "Arizona accent" was...
-
Is Arizona a red state?
Election season is about to heat up in Arizona, and everywhere else in the country. If your mailbox isn't clogged with campaign mailers already, count yourself among the lucky ones. Arizona is now a battleground state. That means more media scrutiny and more nasty campaign commercials, which is a...
-
Is Cheese 'n Stuff really Uptown Phoenix's favorite sandwich?
Just off the corner of Camelback Road and Central Avenue is an old-school deli that's been there for almost 100 years. Cheese 'n Stuff first opened its doors in 1949 — less than 40 years after Arizona gained statehood — and has been feeding the Uptown Phoenix neighborhood ever since. This week we...
-
What makes an Arizona summer complete?
Arizona summers are known for their crazy high temperatures. The heat can make you want to stay inside, but where’s the summer fun when you’re trapped indoors? On this week’s episode of Valley 101, we talk with The Arizona Republic’s newsroom crew to find out how they like to continue to have fun...
-
Is metro Phoenix LGBTQ+ friendly?
LGBTQ+ rights have changed significantly over time, but progress has not always been a straight line. Something that helps the community is living in a place that is LGBTQ+ friendly. But what does it mean to be LGBTQ+ friendly? On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona…
more -
How can 78 degrees feel so different in Arizona?
In Arizona, 78 degrees can feel perfect in the winter and surprisingly cool in the summer. So why does the same temperature feel so different depending on the season? On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the science behind the air...
-
What was Arizona like when Juneteenth happened?
Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It’s history is often associated with the South, but what was Arizona like when Juneteenth happened? On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore the significance of…
more -
How extreme are Arizona wildfires?
To a lot of people, most refer to this time as summer. Arizonans though, think of it as another season: wildfire season. The past year in Arizona has been very dry, and with little rainfall, we could have some extremely serious wildfires this season. On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a…
more -
Are monsoons still a thing in Arizona?
Usually an Arizona summer means a season of monsoons, but the last few summers have been very hot and dry with less and less rainfall. Are monsoons still a thing in Arizona? On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we learn about why there has…
more -
Are Arizona lakes safe to swim in?
It's no surprise that in Arizona, it's getting hot, and what better way to cool off then to take a trip to the lake? But what lakes are safe to swim in? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we find out why algae and water clarity is important...
-
What is Valley Fever?
There’s a lot of things to be cautious about in Arizona; the sun, the monsoons, the snakes, oh and did we mention Valley Fever? But what exactly is Valley Fever, how do you catch it and what happens if you do? On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and...
-
Why does Papago Park look like another planet?
In Papago Park, the rocks look almost out of this world, adding charm to one of Phoenix’s most iconic landscapes. On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore how those rock formations developed their unique look. Submit your...
-
Who is Arizona's mother?
Mother’s Day is coming, and Arizona has plenty of women who could be considered its “mother.” From pioneers to cultural icons, the list is long. But one name keeps coming up. This week on Valley 101, a podcast by the Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we explore who Arizona's mother is. Submit...
-
Do people still use swamp coolers in Arizona?
Back in the day, realtors gave you a checklist to fill out: pool or no pool; two bedrooms, three bedrooms, four bedrooms; one story or two story. A strange choice? Swamp cooler or no swamp cooler. Does anyone still have a swamp cooler? And what are they? On this week's episode of Valley 101, a...
-
Why has Castles N' Coasters lasted while other parks fail?
Castles N' Coasters in the longest-running theme park in Arizona. It will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2027. Through the brutal Arizona summers, it's still stuck around. What is the theme park's secret to success? In this week's episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic…
more -
Why doesn't Route 66 go through Phoenix?
Route 66, the highway that runs 2,448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. And a chunk of it runs through Arizona. In Bobby Troup's hit song "Route 66", it mentions "Flagstaff, Arizona/Don't forget Winona/Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino." But what about Phoenix? This week on Valley 101, we talk...
-
Why does a 'Real Housewives' husband own an Arizona law firm?
People look to reality TV for a lot of things. Escape, entertainment, fun, maybe a touch of schadenfreude. There are a list of things you should not look for in reality TV and legal advice is at the top! This week on Valley 101, we talk with a reporter at the Arizona Republic to answer the...
-
Why is there a pool at Chase Field?
Baseball is back! One distinguishing feature of Chase Field is the outfield pool. But how did it get there? And who made that decision? This week on Valley 101, experts join us to answer the question: Why is there a pool at Chase Field? Submit your question about Phoenix! Subscribe...
-
How was The Wave discovered?
If there is one geological formation Arizona is known for, it is without a doubt ... the Grand Canyon. But it's not the only too-awesome-to-comprehend natural formation out there. There is also the Wave, the unbelievable sandstone rock formation more formally known as Coyote Buttes North. On this...
-
How many people live in Phoenix?
People are often shocked when you tell them that Phoenix is the 5th largest city in America. You can pick nits about metropolitan statistical areas, but it's clear that Arizona is not the Old West outpost people thought it was back in the day. So how many people actually live in Phoenix? This…
more -
What time is it actually in Arizona?
What time is it in Arizona might seem like a trick question if you don’t live in Arizona. But when you do, you know what time it is, because the state doesn’t mess around with Daylight Saving Time. However, Arizona did observe Daylight Saving Time once upon a time. And you know what those words...
-
Is Cine Capri the best movie theater in Phoenix?
In this day and age, there are so many options on where to see a movie. If you want dinner and a show, there's a theater. If you want arthouse, there's a theater. The Valley even has 4 regulated IMAX theaters. But one place in particular has created an experience for Phoenix movie goers since the...
-
Were there Black cowboys in Arizona?
People's impression of cowboys is largely due to Hollywood. Actors like John Wayne, Gary Cooper and Clint Eastwood cemented the image of the rugged, handsome, White cowboys throughout their films. While it made for good movies, it's not entirely accurate to how the West looked at the time.…
more -
Why is the Nancy Guthrie case uniquely Arizonan?
One of the interesting things about the Guthrie story is that it is so deeply rooted in Arizona. Obviously it's taking place here; Guthrie's home is north of Tucson, and the desert landscaping has played a part in how the case is progressing It just feels like an Arizona story. Because it is.…
more -
When did Arizona become a state and what took so long?
When did Arizona become a state? The answer is easy enough to find. What’s more interesting is how Arizona became a state, and even more interesting than that, what took so long. This week on Valley 101, a podcast about metro Phoenix and beyond, we look at two different approaches to the…
more -
Did a murder lead to a wishing shrine in Tucson?
In an unassuming dirt patch in Tucson's Barrio Viejo sits a shrine that is said to grant wishes. But this altar is not like most. It sits at the site of a brutal murder that happened when a love affair went wrong in 1800s Tucson and is said to be the only true shine to a sinner. This week on…
more -
How does a restaurant stay essential?
The Arizona Republic has once again come up with a list of 100 Essential Restaurants in the Valley. Like every year, there are some iconic must-visits alongside some new places. Discovery is a big part of the fun. But some places have been on the list for years. This week on Valley 101, we talk...
-
Why does Arizona have so many specialty license plates?
For some people, a license plate can be something more. It's a way for some drivers to express themselves, whether through witty (and not so witty) words and names and such, or through a speciality plate. You have doubtless seen both. And in Arizona, there are over 100 ways to express yourself…
more -
What is it like to bike across Arizona?
Most of us have seen parts of Arizona. Some of us have even seen most of Arizona. But Joan? Joan has seen all of Arizona top to bottom. In 2025, the Arizona Republic's climate reporter rode her bike along the Arizona Trail, spanning the whole state North to South, observing and documenting how...
-
What are the upcoming projects in the Valley for 2026?
Phoenix is constantly expanding. It seems like there's a new construction project popping up every day, and it looks like that's not about to change in 2026. To kick off the new year, Valley 101 explores what's to come with the help of the development reporter for the Arizona Republic, Corina...
-
How did the Flagstaff Pinecone Drop become an Arizona tradition?
It's that time of year when every state kicks off the new year with its own "ball" drop. North Carolina has the pickle drop. Florida has the shrimp drop. Arizona is no different. The pinecone drop has been an annual tradition in Flagstaff since 1999, but why a pinecone? Valley 101 investigates…
more -
Happy Holidays from Valley 101!
For most of the country, Christmas time means snow. And it took host Bill Goodykoontz a while to adjust to a warm holiday season. But then Corona came along. And not how you're thinking. This week, we wish you a happy holidays and share a special memory that helped Bill grow accustomed to his new...
-
Does downtown Phoenix have enough parking?
The struggle to park in any busy city can bring stress to commuters and visitors alike. Downtown Phoenix is no different. We've heard the same thing from Phoenicians all the time: There are no parking spots in downtown. This week, Valley 101 explores whether that is true with the help of city...
-
Who won Arizona Highway's Best Picture of 2025?
Arizona Highways has chosen its Best Picture of 2025, and surprise, it isn't of the Grand Canyon or Monument Valley - although one of those panoramas did place. This week on Valley 101, host Bill Goodykoontz is taking on a podcasting challenge: use audio to describe a photo. Bill talks to Arizona...
-
What is the best movie made in Arizona?
It might surprise you to know that a good amount of movies have been filmed in Arizona over the decades. And more than just westerns! But what is the "best" movie? That is subjective: a movie you love, someone else might hate and vice versa. So we called in for backup. This week on Valley 101, a...
-
What Thanksgiving sides do Arizonans like best?
It's Thanksgiving week, and Arizonans have food on their mind. Stores are starting to sell out of food. It's the last rush before the big meal. Something that people like to talk about during this season is food rankings. One of the biggest food debates is: What is the best Thanksgiving side?…
more -
Why is Christmas music playing so early in Arizona?
Love it or hate it, Christmas music has started playing on radio stations and in grocery stores. Beth McDonald hosts "Beth and Friends" on KEZ 99.9 FM. She's been playing Christmas music for 41 years. In the past, she would start after Thanksgiving. This year, she started music on November 5.…
more -
What's the best Native American restaurant in the Valley?
November is designated as National Native American Heritage Month. According to the Department of the Interior, it's a time to recognize the contributions that indigenous communities have made to the United States. One Valley 101 listener had the question: What's the best Native American…
more -
What makes these Phoenix bars best in the US?
Recently, two Arizona bars made it on USA Today's 29 best bar list: Carry On and Gracie's Tax Bar. These bars couldn't be more different. One is a highly themed, cocktail experience. The other is a friendly dive bar in a former tax office. However, both these bars shine bright, nonetheless. This...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Whether 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 @azcentral. This show is hosted by Bill Goodykootz and produced by Amanda Luberto.
HOSTED BY
The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Valley 101 have?
Valley 101 currently has 407 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Valley 101 about?
Whether 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...
How often does Valley 101 release new episodes?
Valley 101 publishes regularly with 407 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Valley 101?
You can listen to Valley 101 on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Valley 101?
Valley 101 is created and hosted by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.
URL copied to clipboard!