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.
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Was Sparky the Sun Devil created by a Disney an...
The now iconic ASU mascot Sparky the Sun Devil came to life in 1946. Listen to Valley 101 to learn what it took to create this new mascot.
13 min
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BONUS: Coronavirus FAQs answered
Healthcare reporter Stephanie Innes shares the essential information about COVID-19 in Arizona.
15 min
328
What is valley fever? And what are its symptoms?
18 min
329
What's a haboob and when did we start using tha...
It's a dust storm. So why not just call it that? The answer goes back to the 1970s.
14 min
330
What buildings are the most iconic in the Phoen...
11 min
331
Does light pollution threaten the night sky and...
Light at night is associated with impacting human health and the ecosystem. Listen now to learn how it can affect you and where you live.
12 min
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Why do so many Arizona mountains have letters o...
At least seven mountains in Maricopa County have letters. Why?
22 min
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Why are there rumors about a U.F.O. crash landi...
The rumors about a U.F.O. crash landing at Dreamy Draw Dam were published in 1950. But how did they start?
18 min
334
What's it like to be homeless in Maricopa County?
In 2019, there were at least 6,614 people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County.
18 min
335
Lovebirds in Arizona: How did they get here? Ar...
A feral population of lovebirds have created a new home in metro Phoenix. Listen to Valley 101 podcast to learn how.
9 min
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Why can't planes fly when it's too hot in Phoen...
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport first grounded flights in 1990 because of extreme heat. But why exactly?
12 min
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Who are some celebrities from Arizona?
21 min
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What’s it like to be an adult with autism in me...
21 min
339
Happy New Year from Valley 101 (but we're off t...
A look back at the year with Valley 101. We'll be back in 2020 with new episodes.
2 min
340
Copper, cattle and climate: Why are these inclu...
21 min
341
In 'Wallace and Ladmo,' Phoenix had one of the ...
Why was the TV show such a hit?
21 min
342
How did Phoenix get controversial giant pots as...
The public art project Wall Cycle to Ocotillo created controversy in Phoenix in the 1990s. Listen to Valley 101 podcast to learn why.
16 min
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Where do real Christmas trees in Arizona come f...
Are there Christmas tree farms here? Should we feel guilty about cutting down trees?
19 min
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What's the cake-shaped castle by Loop 202 freeway?
20 min
345
Why is cotton one of Arizona's 5 Cs?
The significance of the cash crop can be traced back to World War I.
15 min
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Why is citrus one of the 5 Cs of Arizona? What ...
The 5 C’s were a way to highlight the industries that created Arizona’s economy. Listen to Valley 101 to learn how this impacted the state.
13 min
347
Six common light rail questions answered
Why'd we get a light rail? Was it financially smart? Does it bring crime?
25 min
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What are the most haunted places in Phoenix?
Ghost hunting with a paranormal investigator
16 min
349
Why are there antique dolls in the basement of ...
The dolls weren't there when the building opened up in 1947. So how did they get there?
17 min
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Who is Winnie Ruth Judd, Phoenix's infamous mur...
Explore the murder that put Phoenix on the map in the 1930's and learn how Winnie Ruth Judd escaped so many times from the state hospital.
20 min