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
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
What makes an Arizona summer complete?
17 min
10
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
What is Valley Fever?
More than two-thirds of the 500,000 cases of Valley Fever that occur in the West every year are in Arizona. Valley 101 finds out why.
16 min
17
Why does Papago Park look like another planet?
The rocks at Papago Park look like you've landed on the moon right in the middle of the Valley. At Valley 101, we found out the secrets to why.
13 min
18
Who is Arizona's mother?
Who is Arizona's mother? It's an unofficial title, but Valley 101 looked into it and one candidate came up over and over.
13 min
19
Do people still use swamp coolers in Arizona?
Swamp coolers were once ubiquitous in homes in the great Phoenix area. But are they still? Not so much. Valley 101 finds out what happened to them.
9 min
20
Why has Castles N' Coasters lasted while other ...
Castles N' Coasters is the longest-running amusement park in Arizona. Valley 101 learns how it's lasted, talking with George Brimhall, who built it.
13 min
21
Why doesn't Route 66 go through Phoenix?
Route 66 is an important road to America, and to Arizona. Flagstaff, Winona, Kingman - you know the song. So where's Phoenix? Valley 101 finds out.
16 min
22
Why does a 'Real Housewives' husband own an Ari...
You can see Joe Gorga, a husband on 'Real Housewives of New Jersey,' touts his law firm in Arizona TV commercials. How? Valley 101 explains it.
14 min
23
Why is there a pool at Chase Field?
The Arizona Diamondbacks have something no other team in baseball can offer: a pool in the outfield of Chase Field. Valley 101 looks at its history.
13 min
24
How was The Wave discovered?
The Wave is an awesome sandstone formation in Arizona that almost has to be seen to be believed. But who discovered it? Valley 101 has some answers.
15 min
25
How many people live in Phoenix?
Probably more than you think. Phoenix is the fifth-largest city, after all. But the explosive growth may be slowing.
15 min