Liddy Huntsman brings a unique perspective to Salt Lake City politics as she transitions from comedy stages to the campaign trail. In this captivating conversation, she opens up about growing up as the self-proclaimed "black sheep" of the politically prominent Huntsman family, sharing hilarious stories of hosting High School Musical dancers at the Governor's mansion and navigating life in the public eye.

After fleeing Utah to pursue comedy in New York and working at Saturday Night Live, Liddy's journey took unexpected turns through Washington D.C. and the Dominican Republic before the magnetic pull of Salt Lake City brought her home. "Salt Lake City is the black sheep of Utah," she explains, "and to understand a black sheep, you really have to understand what makes them a black sheep." This insight fuels her passion for building bridges in a city experiencing tremendous growth and change.

At the heart of Liddy's campaign for City Council is her commitment to addressing mental health challenges in the community. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven, she brings personal understanding to discussions about chronic conditions and mental wellbeing. Her late-night research of police scanner calls revealed a startling statistic: 40% of 911 calls are mental health-related. This discovery sparked her mission to create better systems connecting law enforcement with mental health resources.

Liddy's approach to community building centers on authentic connection – bringing diverse lived experiences to leadership positions and creating spaces where people feel truly understood. Her vision for Salt Lake City acknowledges both its challenges and potential, embracing the uniqueness that makes it special. As she puts it, "I know what it has been, I know what it can be, and I want to be a part of that process."

Ready to hear more about Liddy's plans for Salt Lake City? Follow her campaign at electliddy.com and join the conversation about building a more connected, compassionate community where everyone feels they belong.

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Exciting changes are brewing at Small Lake City podcast! We're thrilled to announce our first-ever live podcast recording happening Friday, September 19th at Flanker at Gateway Downtown. The event kicks off at 8 PM and will be followed by an incredible after-party right at Flanker. Space is limited, so grab your tickets through the link in our show notes. While we're keeping our special guest under wraps for now, trust me – you won't want to miss this historic night.

For those looking to show some Salt Lake pride, we've just launched a collection of Utah-themed stickers featuring local favorites like funeral potatoes, dirty soda, and "the whale." They're perfect for water bottles, laptops, or anywhere you want to display your Utah connections. We're running a buy-three-get-one-free special, so now's the perfect time to stock up. Keep an eye on our Instagram for more merchandise dropping soon!

This weekend's episode features a fascinating conversation with Liddy Huntsman, daughter of former governor and presidential candidate John Huntsman Jr. Liddy shares her unconventional journey from growing up in the governor's mansion to breaking family expectations by pursuing comedy in New York, living in Haiti, and ultimately returning to Salt Lake to run for local office. It's a candid look at finding your own path while maintaining deep connections to your hometown. The episode offers unique insights into Salt Lake's political landscape through the eyes of someone who's seen it from multiple perspectives. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and let us know your thoughts!

Want to connect with other Small Lake City listeners? RSVP for our live event, follow us on social media, and don't forget to check out our conversation with Marcio Buffalo, now head brewmaster at Mountain West Cider. Thanks for being part of our community – we can't wait to see you in person!

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What happens when you move to a new city and can't find the community you're searching for? For Michelda Castro, the answer was simple: build it yourself.

In this illuminating conversation, Michelda shares her journey from South Florida to Salt Lake City and the culture shock that inspired her to create Unity Block Party—now celebrating its third year. Drawing from cherished childhood memories of neighborhood gatherings with boom boxes and street basketball, Michelda crafted an event that brings authentic connection to Utah's Black community and beyond.

"I was always the person behind several projects, helping people's dreams come true," Michelda reveals, discussing how she transitioned from financial services to nonprofit leadership. With remarkable candor, she opens up about the mental health challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and George Floyd's murder, and how these struggles ultimately fueled her commitment to creating spaces where people feel seen.

Now expanded to a three-day festival featuring Grammy-nominated artists, film screenings, marketplace vendors, and a creatives brunch, Unity Block Party exemplifies Michelda's philosophy that "arts always equaled economics." The event intentionally bridges creative expression with business development, helping participants build sustainable careers while celebrating Black culture.

Michelda also offers fascinating insights into Utah's little-known Black history, including the Black pioneers who explored the territory before Brigham Young arrived—a narrative often missing from mainstream accounts of the state's settlement.

Whether you're interested in community building, cultural events, or the experience of Black Americans in predominantly white spaces, this conversation provides a blueprint for creating meaningful connection in unexpected places. Follow Unity Block Party on social media or visit unityblockparty.com to experience this remarkable celebration for yourself.

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Ready for your Tuesday update from Small Lake City? Exciting things are brewing in our podcast community this week!

Have you heard the remarkable story of Dendrick Estate yet? Our latest episode features founders Carly and Brendan Coyle, who've created something truly special in our local cider scene. From growing their own fruit to fermenting and bottling - all in Camas - they've built an authentic, farm-to-glass operation that stands out in Utah's craft beverage landscape. Their journey from dream to reality showcases the innovative spirit thriving in our community.

For those looking to show some Small Lake City pride, our merchandise store has officially launched with stickers featuring iconic designs: Julia Reagan, funeral potatoes, whales, and dirty soda! With our buy-three-get-one-free deal, you can treat yourself and share with friends or family. These visual tokens of our shared conversations make perfect gifts for anyone connected to our Salt Lake City community.

Mark your calendars for August 19th! We're collaborating with Bookish for a unique reading party at Mountain West Cider. Grab your current read, sip on local cider, and connect with fellow book lovers in a relaxed setting. I'll be there too, and can't wait to meet you in person - just follow the link in our bio to secure your spot before tickets sell out.

This weekend's episode features the inspiring Michelle DeCastro, who followed a sign from Fort Lauderdale to Salt Lake City in 2019. When 2020's challenges hit, Michelle created something beautiful - the Unity Block Party - inspired by neighborhood traditions from her Florida upbringing. We discuss what drew her to Utah, her favorite Small Lake City moments, and how she's building bridges through her annual community gathering at Liberty Square.

Subscribe now so you don't miss Michelle's story dropping this weekend! Leave a review to help more Salt Lake City residents discover these local stories that make our community special.

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When master distiller Brendan Coyle stepped away from his global role at Constellation Brands, he wasn't retreating – he was pursuing a vision that had been quietly taking shape for years. Together with his wife Carly, he's crafted something extraordinary in Utah's Camas Valley: Dendric Estate, a high-elevation cidery producing sophisticated, wine-style ciders from their meticulously cultivated orchard.

Their story begins at High West Distillery, where Brendan served as head distiller and Carly handled operations and finance. Though their careers flourished separately – Brendan eventually overseeing spirits production globally and Carly moving to the outdoor industry – they missed working together and dreamed of building something truly their own.

The couple's six-year journey to their first bottle release reveals the patience required when agriculture meets artisanal beverage production. They've pioneered methods for growing cider apples at 7,000 feet, researching similar climate regions and enduring years of trial and error to develop what Brendan calls their "playbook" for high-elevation orcharding.

What makes Dendric Estate truly distinctive is their approach to cider itself. Rather than producing the sweet, simple ciders that dominate the American market, they're creating bone-dry sparkling ciders using traditional winemaking methods. Their debut release features zero residual sugar, bright acidity, and mineral notes that have led visiting sommeliers to compare it to Sauvignon Blanc.

"In some ways, America has done the cider industry a disservice over the past 100 years," Brendan explains, contrasting commercial offerings with the fine cider traditions of Spain and the UK. The Coyles aim to showcase cider's sophistication while keeping it approachable – creating a product that's equally at home at backyard gatherings or fine dining establishments.

Looking ahead, they're planning a tasting room for 2027 where visitors can experience their cider amid the very orchards that produced it. It's all part of their vision to deepen connections to the Camas Valley community while introducing people to cider as they believe it should be: complex, terroir-driven, and utterly delicious.

Experience Dendric Estate at select restaurants in Park City and Salt Lake City, or visit their property on Fridays and Saturdays to taste what happens when world-class beverage expertise meets Utah's spectacular mountain landscape.

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Fork Cancer Tickets Here: https://utah.acscanforkcancer.org/food-drink-entertainment-2/ (Tastemaker Erik Nilsson at checkout)

Susan Gatrell and Brook Carlisle from the American Cancer Society pull back the curtain on what this 112-year-old organization actually does beyond its familiar name recognition. Their passionate insights reveal how ACS serves as the essential but often invisible scaffolding supporting both cancer patients and the healthcare system itself.

Did you know the American Cancer Society conducted the groundbreaking research that established the connection between smoking and cancer? This revelation sparked worldwide policy changes that have saved countless lives – from banning smoking on airplanes to creating smoke-free restaurants. It's just one example of how ACS operates at multiple levels simultaneously to create lasting change.

The conversation brings to light Utah's Hope Lodge, celebrating its tenth anniversary as the second busiest such facility in the nation. This sanctuary provides free lodging for patients traveling more than 40 miles for treatment, creating not just a place to stay but a community where patients and caregivers find understanding among others walking the same difficult path. At just $70 per night in operating costs, donations directly translate to tangible support for patients at their most vulnerable moments.

Against a backdrop of threatened research funding and alarming increases in cancer diagnoses among younger populations, the urgency of ACS's mission becomes clear. With over 80% of donations directly impacting patients through research, advocacy, prevention programs, and direct services, ACS touches approximately 55 million people annually. From gas cards for transportation to patient navigators guiding the newly diagnosed, these services extend far beyond what most people realize.

The upcoming Fort Cancer event represents an innovative approach to fundraising – creating an experience people would enjoy regardless of the cause while supporting critical advocacy work. With unlimited food and drinks from local vendors, this community gathering transforms giving into a celebration.

Join us next Friday at the Gallivan Center for Fort Cancer, where your ticket directly supports ACS's mission to reduce suffering and death from cancer – a disease that may not discriminate, but an organization determined to meet it with equal force through research, advocacy, and compassion.

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Ready to dive into all things Utah this Pioneer Day? We've packed this Tuesday update with everything you need to know about celebrating the holiday in style, whether you prefer the traditional approach or the more spirited "Pie and Beer Day" alternative.

Tomorrow's the big day! Join us at Kiito's Brewing for our Pie and Beer Day celebration featuring sweet treats from Pie Fight and savory options from Bum Bakes. Beyond the delicious pies and craft beer, we're giving away some serious concert swag. Scan a QR code and you could win seated tickets (not grass passes!) to see Russ and Big Sean at Utah First Amphitheater on August 8th. We're also giving away tickets to catch Two Friends, Surf Mesa, Lavern, and Salt Lake's own Goyk performing live. The podcast merch collection is growing too—check out our website for new Julia Reagan stickers sized perfectly for water bottles and laptops.

Looking for more Pioneer Day festivities? The Days of 47 Parade kicks off at 9am from South Temple and State Street, This is the Place Heritage Park hosts special events from 10:30am to 5pm, and both the Salt Lake Bees and Real Salt Lake will cap their games with fireworks displays. But I'm most excited about this weekend's upcoming episode featuring Brendan and Carly Coyle of Dendrick Estate, Utah's newest cidery. I recorded on their beautiful property in Camas where they grow all the fruits for their craft ciders and are building what promises to be an exceptional tasting room experience. Enable notifications on your podcast app now so you don't miss this fascinating look at Utah's growing craft beverage scene when it drops this weekend!

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Dive into Utah's vibrant craft beverage scene with host Eric Nilsson as he connects the dots between fascinating local makers revolutionizing what we drink in the Beehive State.

The podcast recently featured Marcio Buflo, Mountain West Cider's innovative head brewmaster, whose journey from studying in Brazil to creating beloved shade sours (think pecan pie and even spaghetti dinner flavors!) showcases the international influences enriching Salt Lake's craft beverage landscape. Mountain West Cider has become more than just a place for drinks – it's a community hub in the Marmalade District where locals gather for live music, food, and connection.

Looking ahead, Eric announces several exciting events, including the cleverly-named "Pie and Beer Day" celebrations at Keto's Brewing (a playful twist on Utah's Pioneer Day). This pre-holiday gathering will feature craft beers paired with delicious pies from Pie Fight. Additionally, the Fork Cancer fundraiser on August 8th at the Galvin Center demonstrates how the local beverage community supports important causes, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society's research and patient support programs.

The upcoming episode spotlights Carly and Brendan Coyle, founders of Dendrick Estate – Utah's newest cidery with a distinctive farm-to-glass approach. What sets them apart? They grow all their apples on-site before transforming them into exceptional ciders. Their recent product launch represents an exciting new chapter in Utah's evolving craft beverage story, one where quality, sustainability, and local sourcing take center stage.

Join the conversation about Utah's craft beverage innovators by listening to new episodes every Saturday, and connect with the community at upcoming events. Your support helps tell these important local stories!

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When Marcio Buffolo arrived in Salt Lake City from Brazil, a career making alcohol wasn't part of his plan. With a master's degree in cell biology, he followed his scientist wife to Utah where he worked in university research. But a chance opportunity to solve contamination problems at Shades Brewing changed everything. Marcio's scientific background proved invaluable as he built a quality control lab, identified bacterial culprits, and eventually took over as head brewer when his predecessor unexpectedly departed.

The pandemic transformed Marcio's brewing approach. With taprooms closed and distribution channels disrupted, he pioneered an ambitious strategy: creating a new beer flavor every single week for eighteen months straight. From pie-inspired concoctions to savory experiments like jalapeno popper and spaghetti dinner beers, this creative explosion earned Shades three World Beer Cup medals—the pinnacle of brewing recognition.

Despite this success, Marcio found himself yearning for change. Industry pressures, inflation concerns, and shifting consumer preferences left him questioning his future. That's when Mountain West Cider entered the picture. Though initially unfamiliar with craft cider (despite unknowingly drinking it during Brazilian Christmas celebrations), Marcio discovered a beverage category that perfectly balanced his scientific mindset with creative possibilities.

Now as head cidermaker at Mountain West, he's applying his experimental approach to a new medium—crafting everything from traditional single-varietal ciders aged for months to playful innovations like Bloody Mary cider. He recently earned his Pommelier certification (cider's equivalent to a sommelier) and delights in educating visitors about cider's surprising complexity and diverse styles.

Ready to experience Marcio's craft firsthand? Visit Mountain West's garden in the Marmalade District, where you'll find live music, events, and newly added food options alongside an impressive range of craft beverages. As Mountain West celebrates its 10th anniversary, there's never been a better time to discover how science and creativity converge in every glass.

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