Explore Local Podcast

Joe Brough is the owner of Hive Plastics, a new plastic manufacturing company that started production in September 2025. Hive Plastics specializes in producing rotational molding plastic components and is excited to be a new member of the Cedar City community.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director.

his episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Stephen Lisonbee is the SUU Associate Vice President, Community Outreach & Engagement. He has over 20 years of experience in community, economic, and workforce development across Utah. He is the Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs to Gov. Spencer Cox. Stephen has played key leadership roles in initiatives such as the One Utah Summit, The Cedar City Business & Innovation Center, and the Iron Leaders Academy.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director.

his episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Dallas Smith, owner of Dallas Smith Media and Producer of the Explore Local Podcast, joined us this week! Dallas creates media content through photography, videography, drone work, animation and audio formats. He works with many local businesses and organizations to share their stories.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director.

This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Brad Carroll, Music Director for the Utah Shakespeare Festival and onstage performer in the Festival’s production of A Gentleman’s Guide to Murder, joined us on the podcast this week! He conducts and plays piano live as part of the show while leading the musical direction behind the scenes. Brad has been a vital part of USF since 2002, directing and music directing a wide range of productions including Emma The Musical, Ragtime, Pirates of Penzance, Much Ado About Nothing, and Les Misérables.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Drake Howell, Project Executive for BZI Innovation Park, joined us on the podcast this week! The park is a 820‑acre rail‑served industrial and logistics hub. It combines 8.5 million sq ft of industrial space, 1 million sq ft of commercial offices, affordable housing, and on‑site rail transload services.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Brennan Wood, the President of Southwest Technical College, joined us on the podcast today! Southwest Tech offers hands-on, career-focused certificate programs in fields like automotive, health professions, welding, and public safety. The college emphasizes flexible schedules, a focus on skill mastery, and strong partnerships with local business and industry, making it a key driver of workforce development in Southern Utah.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Las Vegas Raiders' Myles Hayes and Marli Bartlett joined us on the podcast this week to discuss their involvement with the Utah Summer Games and what their hopes are for Utah's future athletes. The Las Vegas Raiders are a professional NFL team known for their commitment to community, inclusion, and inspiring the next generation of athletes on and off the field!

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Utah Summer Games' Executive Director Jon Oglesby joined us on the podcast this week! Jon has been a part of USG since 2023, working to grow the games' impact, celebrate amateur athletes, and build on the event’s long-standing legacy in Southern Utah.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Mindy Benson is the 17th president of Southern Utah University, and the first woman and first SUU alum to hold the position. A Cedar City native, she has dedicated her career to SUU, previously serving as Vice President of Alumni and Community Relations and teaching courses in communication and event planning. Benson is known for her commitment to student success, community engagement, and fostering a vibrant campus culture.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc

Cedar City just got recognized as the third best small city to start a business by WalletHub! Chip Lupo joined us on the podcast this week to talk about it! Chip has worked for WalletHub since 2018, and his primary goal is to create content that appeals to both financial experts and beginners.

The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director. This episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc