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
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
27
What's so great about Phoenix anyway?
Why everyone is moving to Phoenix — and why they stay
18 min
28
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
29
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
30
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
31
Can you really cook an egg on the sidewalk in A...
10 min
32
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
33
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
34
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
35
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
36
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
37
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
38
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
39
Why has the drowning death of Emilie Kiser’s so...
18 min
40
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
41
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
42
How hot is too hot to hike?
How hot is Valley 101 looks into the debate over whether trails should be closed in the summer heat.
20 min
43
Why do homes in Phoenix have air conditioning u...
As air cooling technology evolved, so did efficiency. Where an AC unit is located can be a marker of when a home in Arizona was built.
12 min
44
How did Flagstaff become the world's first inte...
Arizona’s dark sky cities are turning the state into a top astrotourism destination. Valley 101 explores why visitors prefer traveling here after dark.
17 min
45
What are the weirdest laws in Arizona?
From pigs to hinnies, Valley 101 answers the question about which of Arizona's laws are the weirdest.
14 min
46
What's changed in my 35 years at The Arizona Re...
Bill Goodykoontz, media columnist and Valley 101 host for The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, talks about changes in his 35 years in Arizona.
17 min
47
Are Phoenix drivers really the worst?
AZ drivers are often ranked among the worst in America. Valley 101 shares wild driving stories and discusses the state's plans to improve road safety.
24 min
48
What was it really like for the first female ne...
Mary Jo West, the first woman to anchor the news in Phoenix, talks about her career on Valley 101, including the harassment she suffered and more.
17 min
49
Why is the ASU journalism school named after Wa...
Walter Cronkite's name is on ASU's journalism school. Why?
14 min
50
Why is Wallace and Ladmo so important to Arizona?
Arizona kids will remember the magic of "Wallace and Ladmo." Never before heard interviews with the cast reveal why the magic stuck around.
56 min