
Advertise on podcast: Valley 101
Rating
4.7from
This podcast has
409 episodes
Language
EnglishExplicit
No
Date created
2019/02/05
Latest episode
2026/10/26
Average duration
15 min.
Release period
7 days
Description
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.
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Is Arizona haunted?
2026/10/26
When you think of scary places, a spooky oak tree or a cemetery might come to mind.
But is Arizona a haunted state? The summer heat might be terrifying but there are actually plenty of ghosts haunting the desert.
This week on Valley 101 we sit down with Debe Branning, a ghost hunter and the director of the MVD Ghostchasers, as well as Eddie Fontanez, a reporter at the Arizona Republic who loves anything spooky, to talk about the most famous haunted places in Arizona and what ghosts lurk their halls.
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Debe Branning, Eddie Fontanez
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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Is Four Peaks Brewery really haunted?
2026/10/19
For people looking to go beyond the brews, Four Peaks Brewery's 8th Street Pub in Tempe offers another annual tradition: their Haunted Brewery Tours.
The ale house is thought to be one of the most haunted places in the Valley. But is it the paranormal or just good publicity?
This week on Valley 101, we sit down with the brewery's ghost expert and a supernatural professional to see if their stories check out.
Submit your question about Phoenix!
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Guests: Carter Nacke, Drew Gill
Host: Amanda Luberto
Producer: Amanda Luberto, Tori Weiss
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What can Arizona's Route 66 dive bars teach us?
2026/10/12
Some of the best stories along Route 66 can be found inside its dive bars. From local legends to a bar with decades of history, these places have plenty of stories to tell.
This week on Valley 101, our host, Bill Goodykoontz, takes a roadtrip to learn what Arizona's historic dive bars can teach us about their history, their people, and the stories they carry.
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Guests: Mike Fox
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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What is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
2026/10/05
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Hispanic culture and identity, but it isn't always easy, especially in the current political and social climate. But what is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
On this episode of Valley 101, we discuss the challenges of navigating identity, culture, and building a successful life in Arizona.
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Guests: Vanessa Ruiz, Armando Hernandez
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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Is Scottsdale the perfect place for a reality show?
2026/09/28
What happens when you combine Scottsdale, youth baseball and reality TV? You get "Team Moms: Baseball", a new show from Kim Kardashian and the producers of 'Love Island USA', following families at an elite baseball academy in Scottsdale.
On this episode of Valley 101, we look at why Arizona is just now becoming a reality TV destination and how the show might have an effect on youth sports.
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Guests: Dina Kaur, Paola Boivin
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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When does fall start in Arizona?
2026/09/21
Fall officially arrives at the end of September, but in Arizona, it doesn't feel that way.
So when does fall actually start in the valley?
This week on Valley 101, we look at when Arizonans can finally expect cooler weather, and why it may be taking its time to get here.
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Guests: Tevian Whitehurst
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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Why didn't any Arizona restaurants earn Michelin stars?
2026/09/14
The Michelin guide has finally come to Arizona.
And not a single Arizonan restaurant received a star. Though many still appeared in the guide, a few even received their own special awards, but no stars. Why?
This week on Valley 101, we look into what it takes to get a Michelin star and why none of Arizona's restaurants received one.
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Guests: Bahar Anooshahr
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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Are backyard pools still a luxury in Arizona?
2026/09/07
To survive an Arizona summer, most Arizonans escape the head by taking a vacation, staying inside or cooling off in a pool.
These days, having a pool at home can feel like a necessity, but it wasn't always that way.
This week on Valley 101, we learn about the increase of pools in Arizona homes and find out why it has went from a luxury to a must have.
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Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Skip Shasta III, Hannah Jones
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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What's with the dead bodies in Lake Mead?
2026/08/31
Dead bodies are among the many things being revealed as Lake Mead's water levels continue to drop.
So why are bodies being found in Lake Mead? And how many are connected to crimes?
This week on Valley 101, we explore the stories behind the bodies, what the dropping water levels mean for Arizona and what the lake could reveal next.
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Shaun Mollica, John Mattos, Brandon Loomis
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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Are javelinas Arizona's wild pig?
2026/08/24
If you have been to Arizona, chances are you’ve had a javelina encounter, maybe crossing the street or even hanging out in a backyard. They look a little like pigs, seem to be everywhere and have become an unmistakable part of Arizona life.
But what exactly are javelinas, and why are there so many of them here?
This week on Valley 101, we get to know one of Arizona’s most recognizable — and misunderstood — animals and find out how javelinas have become such an iconic piece of wildlife in our state.
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: David Mizejewski
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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What happened to Salad and Go?
2026/08/17
Salad and Go was founded in Gilbert in 2013 and quickly became a go-to spot for quick, affordable salads. On Aug. 4, 2026, the chain announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing all of its Arizona and Nevada locations.
But what happened?
On this week's episode of Valley 101, we look at what led to the closures and what the future could hold for those stores.
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Tony Christofellis, Eddie Fontanez, Corina Vanek
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did Rocky Point become Arizona's beach?
2026/08/10
There is one thing most Arizonans can agree on, we need a beach.
While it’s a borderline impossible thought, we are fortunately able to head down to Puerto Peñasco in Sonora, Mexico, nicknamed “Arizona’s beach."
On this week’s episode of Valley 101, we take a walk down the shore and answer the question: How did Puerto Peñasco become Arizona’s beach?
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Michael Salerno, Jonathan Bodow
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What is the mysterious pyramid in Papago Park?
2026/08/03
Most people know Papago Park for the hole in the wall, or the famous Phoenix Zoo, but overlooking it all, on top of a hill, is one of the strangest landmarks in Arizona: a white pyramid.
Many locals have no idea what it is — or what's in it.
On this week’s episode of Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we look into the history behind the mysterious pyramid and learn what it is, and what’s inside.
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Steve Schumacher
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is there an Arizona accent?
2026/07/27
Sometimes, you can instantly tell where a person is from by the way they speak. A southern drawl or a California vocal fry can give someone away.
If you're around it all the time, you might not even hear that you yourself have a distinct speech pattern. So when the idea of an "Arizona accent" was floating around social media, we had to find out.
This week on Valley 101, we answer the question: Do Arizonans have an accent?
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Peter Joseph Torres
Host, Producer: Amanda Luberto
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Is Arizona a red state?
2026/07/20
Election season is about to heat up in Arizona, and everywhere else in the country. If your mailbox isn't clogged with campaign mailers already, count yourself among the lucky ones.
Arizona is now a battleground state. That means more media scrutiny and more nasty campaign commercials, which is a real disappointment to those of us who enjoy turning off our brains on Sunday afternoons in the fall to watch football.
On this week's episode of Valley 101, we answer the question: Is Arizona a red state?
Submit your question about Phoenix!
Subscribe to The Watchlist, our Friday media newsletter.
Follow us on X, Instagram and TikTok.
Guests: Samara Klar, Ron Hansen
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Podcast reviews
Read Valley 101 podcast reviews
MelissaDflip 2026/05/28
Excellent storytelling!
I love the diversity of the content and every episode is really educational and engaging. I’ve lived in Arizona for 33 years and have learned so many ...
Bburg lady 2026/05/12
Good info for travelers
My family all live in AZ , so it’s fun to visit and have some knowledge of the things that make AZ special. Well researched and well presented materi...
Hannahdancer2 2025/12/10
Excellent episode
I loved the episode about best Arizona movies. Agree with the pics and also have a few new movies to check out!
Kaiser Soso 2024/11/20
Excellent journalism
This is an information based podcast. It is unbiased and does not humor conspiracy theories. These journalists have integrity and it shows. Plus it's...
Mtryan77 2024/11/12
Too left wing for the average listener
This is a far left wing podcast. If you’re a far left winger you’ll love this pod. I can’t wait until the AZ Republic goes out of business and all the...
cloudmarooned 2024/08/12
Great show and great to support a local paper
Looking forward to listening to this!
IwannaBnice 2024/07/24
Lived in Phoenix for 70 years. Still learning new and interesting things
A
Bilas Peles 2024/02/08
Nice mix of news and features
Valley 101
Just the right thing for an expat Arizonan
Xxlexerxx 2022/06/13
Hard to listen to
As a native, listening to a bunch of non natives giving opinions and incorrect information is unbearable. The narrators voice is as well, unbearable. ...
Wahn82 2021/11/27
Interesting, room for better story telling
Much potential. I revisit this pod every road trip and while I like the topics - execution and production leaves a lot to be desired.
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