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.
26
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
27
What's the best Native American restaurant in t...
Valley 101 learns about what makes Native American food in Arizona so special.
12 min
28
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
29
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
30
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
31
What's it like to have the Rock play you in a m...
14 min
32
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
33
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
34
Why is the chihuahua Arizona's most popular dog?
10 min
35
Where do the leaves change color in Arizona?
The best places around Arizona's desert to get the fall vibes and changing colored leaves.
14 min
36
What's so great about Phoenix anyway?
Why everyone is moving to Phoenix — and why they stay
18 min
37
What’s it like to call ASU football games?
Tim Healey has called Arizona State University football for nearly 40 years on TV and radio. He thinks the Sun Devils can deliver on expectations.
13 min
38
What's the secret to the best fried chicken in ...
CC's on Central won The Arizona Republic's Finest Fried Chicken poll. Valley 101 talks with one of the owners about the secret to making it and more.
14 min
39
How much water does it take to grow weed in Ari...
Arizona has a limited amount of water for its growing population. So how much of it is being used to grow weed?
16 min
40
Can you really cook an egg on the sidewalk in A...
10 min
41
What is the most scenic view in Arizona?
Arizona has a surprising amount of stunning views, and The Arizona Republic readers have chosen the best of them. Valley 101 talks about the winner.
13 min
42
Why do the Grand Canyon fires feel personal?
The Dragon Bravo Fires have burned nearly 17,000 acres at the Grand Canyon. The destruction has this editor romanticizing her home state on Valley 101
9 min
43
What is the controversy behind an Arizona “Love...
Arizona’s Cierra Ortega went viral after her dramatic ‘Love Island’ exit. Here’s why her removal sparked a bigger reaction than usual.
16 min
44
What's it like to be the Dbacks organist?
Bobby Freeman has been the organist for the Arizona Diamondbacks since the team started. Valley 101 caught up with him at Chase Field recently.
20 min
45
Where's the best pizza in Phoenix?
Valley 101 talks with the winner of The Arizona Republic's 2025 Phoenix Pizza Poll, and Endia Fontanez, a Republic reporter, explains the contest.
13 min
46
What's the biggest band to come out of Arizona?
Alice Cooper? Stevie Nicks? Linda Ronstadt? Valley 101 delves into who the biggest musical act from Arizona is. The answer might surprise you.
20 min
47
When does the monsoon REALLY start?
What is the Arizona monsoon, and is June 15 really the start? Valley 101 answers your questions, with the help of Sean McLaughlin and Tom Frieders.
19 min
48
Why has the drowning death of Emilie Kiser’s so...
18 min
49
How can wine grow in Arizona's changing climate?
With rising temperatures, how can wine grow in Arizona? Wine makers and experts join Valley 101 to talk about adapting to climate change.
20 min
50
Where do Arizona's chefs like to eat?
When they're not serving up the best meals in Arizona, where do our renowned chefs like to dine? Valley 101 dishes about Chef's Night Out
14 min