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. Amanda Luberto is the producer of this show.
26
How was Tempe Town Lake made?
Here's how Tempe Town Lake came to be 25 years ago
11 min
27
What makes Harkins popcorn so good?
Harkins Theatres has the best popcorn, as people who live in metro Phoenix know. Valley 101 talks to Dan Harkins about why it tastes so much better.
9 min
28
What are Arizona’s Thanksgiving traditions?
Does Arizona have any Thanksgiving traditions? More than you'd think, with an old-fashioned parade, a turkey trot race and ASU-U of A football.
12 min
29
What is it like to be a meteorologist in Phoeni...
Sean McLaughlin of Arizona's Family stations and Amber Sullins of ABC 15 answer your burning questions about climate change on the Valley 101 podcast.
14 min
30
What is there to know about Arizona scorpions?
Arizona has over 50 scorpion species, including the venomous bark scorpion. These arachnids thrive in the desert but seek indoor shelter in the winter.
11 min
31
Why is the national media obsessed with Arizona?
National media, from the Atlantic magazine to the New York Times to NBC News and more, are obsessed with all things Arizona.
16 min
32
How to celebrate Dia de los Muertos respectfully
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated by a lot of people. Disney's 'Coco' had a hand in that. Here's how to celebrate respectfully.
14 min
33
Is the Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee really haun...
The Copper Queen Hotel in Bisbee is one of Arizona's oldest hotels, and one of its most haunted. Valley 101 looks for answers to a ghostly question.
12 min
34
Will the Arizona Cardinals ever be good?
The Cardinals haven't been very good. can Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. turn it around? Bob McManaman and Theo Mackie tell Valley 101 all.
12 min
35
What happened to the Arizona Coyotes?
This is the first time in almost 30 years that Arizona is not starting a NHL season. Valley 101 breaks down what led to the Coyotes' exit.
17 min
36
Where in Arizona has the best Mexican food?
29 min
37
What is Bethany Home Road named after?
16 min
38
What happened to Phoenix's Trotting Park?
The city of Goodyear used to hold the hot ticket Friday night event. What happened to it?
20 min
39
How hard is it for Arizonans to survive the heat?
There is often a respite from record-high temperatures, but not for everyone. Here's how heat impacts us when it's consistently above 100 degrees.
31 min
40
Producer Kaely Monahan is signing off
We say thank you and good luck to our adored producer
34 min
41
No Arizona summer is complete without....
Monsoon rain, Dbacks games and Salt River tubing are some of our must-do activities for a perfect Arizona summer.
21 min
42
Arizona's Paleolithic history is just 45 minute...
11,000 years of history and more would be protected by the Great Bend of the Gila National Monument.
23 min
43
Can Arizona's power grid sustain our future?
Every year, it is getting hotter and people are needing more energy. Valley 101 finds out how the state's power grid is set to survive the future.
15 min
44
How many 'childless cat ladies' live in Arizona?
Vice President pick, JD Vance ruffled the country with his "cat ladies" comment. Will it come back to bite him?
13 min
45
Where does Arizona's political extremism come f...
Why Arizona's history with radicalism is the focus of Rediscovering season 4
75 min
46
The efforts to grow the film industry in Arizona
Even with recent developments to expand the film industry, the progress will be seen slowly but surely in the Valley.
19 min
47
Should Arizona be using its limited water on gr...
Arizona has a limited amount of water for its growing population. So how much of it is being used to grow weed? Valley 101 podcast finds out.
17 min
48
Is Arizona's Black history being erased?
Black history is intertwined with Arizona history so why is it so hard to find? Valley 101 hears from community leaders.
55 min
49
Should all fireworks be legal in Arizona?
In anticipation of Fourth of July, Valley 101 explores the different perspectives residents hold about fireworks.
18 min
50
Calling all dog lovers! Find out how to prep yo...
For most of the year, Arizona offers stunning weather and landscapes. Find out how to take Fido with you safely so you both can enjoy all that Arizona has to offer.
15 min