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.
76
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
77
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
78
What is the deal with those scorpion suckers?
Do Arizonans actually eat scorpion lollipops? Oh yeah
16 min
79
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
80
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
81
Happy Holidays from Valley 101!
1 min
82
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
83
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
84
How was Tempe Town Lake made?
Here's how Tempe Town Lake came to be 25 years ago
11 min
85
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
86
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
87
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
88
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
89
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
90
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
91
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
92
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
93
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
94
Where in Arizona has the best Mexican food?
29 min
95
What is Bethany Home Road named after?
16 min
96
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
97
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
98
Producer Kaely Monahan is signing off
We say thank you and good luck to our adored producer
34 min
99
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
100
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