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
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
What time is it actually in Arizona?
The answer is trickier than you’d think. Valley 101 looks into the state’s complicated history with Daylight Saving Time.
16 min
11
Is Cine Capri the best movie theater in Phoenix?
Though the swanky Ralph Haver-designed movie theater was demolished, its legacy lives on through Harkins Theatres. Valley 101 breaks down the history.
18 min
12
Were there Black cowboys in Arizona?
After the Civil War, freed slaves were able to get jobs as cowboys in the Wild West. Valley 101 shares the story of Black cowboys now and then.
19 min
13
Why is the Nancy Guthrie case uniquely Arizonan?
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has made headlines worldwide. But it still feels like an Arizona story.
33 min
14
When did Arizona become a state and what took s...
When did Arizona become a state? That's easy. But why did it take so long? Valley 101 finds the answers, and they are really wild.
16 min
15
Did a murder lead to a wishing shrine in Tucson?
It started with cheating and murder, but now this sinner's shrine serves as a symbol to Tucson's Mexican-American heritage.
16 min
16
How does a restaurant stay essential?
The 2026 100 Essential Restaurants list by The Arizona Republic just came out. Valley 101 talks to the owner of one of the places that made the cut.
14 min
17
Why does Arizona have so many specialty license...
Arizona has 109 speciality license plates, which means you can get one for just about anything. Valley 101 finds out why the state has so many.
12 min
18
What is it like to bike across Arizona?
Arizona Republic climate reporter Joan Meiners biked the Arizona Trail, an over 800-mile ride. She tells Valley 101 what she learned along the way
24 min
19
What are the upcoming projects in the Valley fo...
Valley 101 explores what's new in Valley development
15 min
20
How did the Flagstaff Pinecone Drop become an A...
Valley 101 explores Arizona's pineconey new years tradition
13 min
21
Happy Holidays from Valley 101!
How can a beer commercial change your holiday fortunes? Valley 101 looks into making any place suitable for happy holidays.
4 min
22
Does downtown Phoenix have enough parking?
Valley 101 learns whether Phoenix's parking spots can keep up with its drivers
19 min
23
Who won Arizona Highway's Best Picture of 2025?
Valley 101 explores the art of taking a great photo - through the audio medium
12 min
24
What is the best movie made in Arizona?
A lot of movies have been made in Arizona, but which one is the best? Valley 101 set out to find the answer, and one film stood out above the others.
43 min
25
What Thanksgiving sides do Arizonans like best?
Valley 101 explores the differing Thanksgiving opinions of Arizonans
16 min