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 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
27
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
28
What are the upcoming projects in the Valley fo...
Valley 101 explores what's new in Valley development
15 min
29
How did the Flagstaff Pinecone Drop become an A...
Valley 101 explores Arizona's pineconey new years tradition
13 min
30
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
31
Does downtown Phoenix have enough parking?
Valley 101 learns whether Phoenix's parking spots can keep up with its drivers
19 min
32
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
33
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
34
What Thanksgiving sides do Arizonans like best?
Valley 101 explores the differing Thanksgiving opinions of Arizonans
16 min
35
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
36
What's the best Native American restaurant in t...
Valley 101 learns about what makes Native American food in Arizona so special.
12 min
37
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
38
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
39
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
40
What's it like to have the Rock play you in a m...
14 min
41
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
42
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
43
Why is the chihuahua Arizona's most popular dog?
10 min
44
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
45
What's so great about Phoenix anyway?
Why everyone is moving to Phoenix — and why they stay
18 min
46
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
47
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
48
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
49
Can you really cook an egg on the sidewalk in A...
10 min
50
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