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 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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
6
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
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
What are the upcoming projects in the Valley fo...
Valley 101 explores what's new in Valley development
15 min
11
How did the Flagstaff Pinecone Drop become an A...
Valley 101 explores Arizona's pineconey new years tradition
13 min
12
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
13
Does downtown Phoenix have enough parking?
Valley 101 learns whether Phoenix's parking spots can keep up with its drivers
19 min
14
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
15
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
16
What Thanksgiving sides do Arizonans like best?
Valley 101 explores the differing Thanksgiving opinions of Arizonans
16 min
17
Why is Christmas music playing so early in Ariz...
Valley 101 explores why Phoenicians are so eager to listen to holiday music early
15 min
18
What's the best Native American restaurant in t...
Valley 101 learns about what makes Native American food in Arizona so special.
12 min
19
What makes these Phoenix bars best in the US?
Valley 101 explores how an Arizona cocktail bar and a dive bar both became among the best in the country..
13 min
20
What's it like working in an AZ haunted house?
Valley 101 explores a spooky Halloween tradition. What does it take to scare people in an Arizona haunted house?
14 min
21
Why are people licking Sonoran Desert toads?
Valley 101 learns about the trippy Sonoran Desert Toad. Why are people trying to lick this amphibian?
16 min
22
What's it like to have the Rock play you in a m...
14 min
23
Summer felt less awful. But was it?
Valley 101 explores how hot this summer was. Were the temperatures cooler or are our Arizonan senses deceiving us?
11 min
24
What's new in state fair food?
Valley 101 samples new and weird foods at the Arizona State Fair. Think hot honey on everything, with Dubai chocolate for dessert.
23 min
25
Why is the chihuahua Arizona's most popular dog?
10 min