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.
51
How has the Phoenix Film Festival stuck around ...
The Phoenix Film Festival, the largest film festival in Arizona, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025.
13 min
52
Why is flight school so popular in Arizona?
A history of aviation in the Valley began to unravel around WWII. Almost a century later, pilot school continues to soar to new heights in Arizona.
16 min
53
Do people still move to Arizona for the climate?
Climate has long been one of Arizona's 5 C's, along with citrus, cotton, copper and cattle. With climate change is it still? Valley 101 looks into it.
16 min
54
What is the most iconic spring training food?
It's spring training time for baseball. With the Cactus League in full swing, Valley 101 explores most iconic baseball foods
13 min
55
Does Sedona actually have vortexes?
The red rocks of Sedona are known for their powerful energy vortexes. But are they real?
11 min
56
How do you say Casa Grande?
How do you pronounce Casa Grande? Or Mogollon? It can depend on where you're from.
15 min
57
Who was Arizona civil rights leader, Annie Watk...
She helped start the NAACP in Flagstaff and taught Black voters how to have their vote count. But her story is lost to time.
15 min
58
Can it snow in Phoenix?
It sounds like a dumb question, but as Tom Frieders of the National Weather Service explains, the answer is tricky.
10 min
59
Why are there fish in the canals?
The canals through metro Phoenix are home to a very important fish. Valley 101 talks to a scientist about how their diet ensures we have water access.
12 min
60
What is the deal with those scorpion suckers?
Do Arizonans actually eat scorpion lollipops? Oh yeah
16 min
61
What makes a restaurant essential?
In honor of the 100 essential restaurants list, Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco talks about what makes metro Phoenix restaurants essential.
10 min
62
What's coming to metro Phoenix in 2025?
What big developments are coming to metro Phoenix in travel, dining, sports and Broadway Curve construction
14 min
63
Happy Holidays from Valley 101!
1 min
64
ASU Gammage celebrates 60 years in the Valley
Frank Lloyd Wright's seminal theater in Tempe opened its doors 60 years ago. Valley 101 talks with ASU Gammage's director about its history and magic.
16 min
65
Why are tamales a Christmas tradition?
Tamales are one of the big holiday traditions in Arizona. Winner of our tamale competition explains why.
9 min
66
How was Tempe Town Lake made?
Here's how Tempe Town Lake came to be 25 years ago
11 min
67
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
68
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
69
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
70
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
71
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
72
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
73
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
74
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
75
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