Valley 101
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.
1
Is Route 66 still the Mother Road?
Route 66 turns 100 in 2026. Is it still the Mother Road? I drove the 385 miles of the Arizona portion to find out.
12 min
2
Are Arizona's elections safe?
Donald Trump has disparaged election validity for years, including in Arizona. Do voters have anything to worry about?
12 min
3
Is Arizona haunted?
Arizona may not spring first to mind when you think of haunted places, but it's got plenty of ghosts and spirits
16 min
4
Is Four Peaks Brewery really haunted?
Four Peaks Brewery has more than just cold beer and good food. They also have ghosts! We looked into the paranormal experiences felt at the ale house.
18 min
5
What can Arizona's Route 66 dive bars teach us?
Route 66 is chock full of dive bars, and the Arizona segment is no exception. We stopped at the Sportsman's Bar, the World Famous Sultan Bar and more.
12 min
6
What is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Ar...
Vanessa Ruiz and Armando Hernadez are well-known and successful Hispanic people in Arizona. What is that like in the current political climate?
15 min
7
Is Scottsdale the perfect place for a reality s...
"Team Moms: Baseball" is a reality show set in Scottsdale. Finally. The city seems built for the genre. What took so long for a show to land there?
14 min
8
When does fall start in Arizona?
Valley of the Sun residents can look at their calendars and see when fall starts. But when does it really, with cooler weather? We asked an expert.
13 min
9
Why didn’t any Arizona restaurants earn Micheli...
The Michelin Guide finally evaluated Arizona restaurants and the state came up empty. Sort of. Valley 101 explains the process and the results.
12 min
10
Are backyard pools still a luxury in Arizona?
At one point, having a pool right in your backyard was a status symbol. But now, nearly half the homes in Arizona have one. Is it still luxurious?
11 min
11
What's with the dead bodies in Lake Mead?
Lake Mead's water levels have plunged to historic lows. That's revealing secrets, including dead bodies. Some are accidents. Some remain mysterious, Valley 101 investigates.
11 min
12
Are javelinas Arizona's wild pig?
Arizona is one of the few places in North America where javelinas live. Some think that makes them the state pig. Turns out they're not a pig at all. Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, looks into the mammal.
17 min
13
What happened to Salad and Go?
Salad and Go, the popular and affordable fast-food restaurant chain, closed suddenly in early August. What went wrong, and could it have been avoided? Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, investigates.
14 min
14
How did Rocky Point become Arizona's beach?
Puerto Peñasco, or Rocky Point, in Sonora, Mexico, is so popular with Arizona residents its nickname is "Arizona's beach." How did it earn the title?
10 min
15
What is the mysterious pyramid in Papago Park?
If you've been to Papago Park in Phoenix, you've probably seen the pyramid on a hill and wondered what it was. The answer is as weird as you'd think.
12 min
16
Is there an Arizona accent?
The Southern or Boston accent is easy to spot. But what about the Arizona accent? Valley 101 finds out more about the "Arizona mumble"
9 min
17
Is Arizona a red state?
For years, Arizona was a reliably red state, with Republican wins almost a sure thing. But politics have changed, and so has the state's identity.
11 min
18
Is Cheese 'n Stuff really Uptown Phoenix's fav...
Uptown Phoenix deli Cheese 'n Stuff has been selling sandwiches for 77 years. Valley 101 explores the rich history and ranks their top 5 sandwiches.
24 min
19
What makes an Arizona summer complete?
17 min
20
Is metro Phoenix LGBTQ+ friendly?
How LGBTQ+ friendly is Phoenix? Valley 101 spoke with Neil Giuliano, Lawrence Moore and Angela Hughey about advances and the challenges that remain.
21 min
21
How can 78 degrees feel so different in Arizona?
If 78 degrees is the perfect thermostat setting (experts say it is), then why does it feel so different in summer and winter? Valley 101 finds out.
10 min
22
What was Arizona like when Juneteenth happened?
The events of Juneteenth occurred on June 19, 1865, in Texas. Arizona wasn't even a state. But we have long observed the day. Valley 101 looks back.
12 min
23
How extreme are Arizona wildfires?
Arizona has a lot of wildfires. But is it the worst state for them? Valley 101 looks at why there are so many fires, and what might prevent more.
18 min
24
Are monsoons still a thing in Arizona?
Monsoons don't bring the rain to Arizona they once did, so much so people call them 'nonsoons.' Valley 101 finds out why that might be changing
12 min
25
Are Arizona lakes safe to swim in?
Arizona has more than 200 lakes, though most are man-made. That means a lot of swimming. Is that safe? Valley 101 finds the answer. It's tricky.
13 min