Small Lake City

The first snap of October hits different in the Wasatch—gold aspens flashing in the canyons, crisp air, and the urge to grab your boots and wander. We ride that energy into a story-filled update anchored by our new conversation with James Atkin, a St. George skater who spent over a decade on the road before stepping into the marketing seat at a fast-rising gear brand. The twist: what starts as a simple booking turns into a deeper look at how skate discipline, travel grit, and community building translate into real marketing wins.

We dive into the parallels that matter. Reading a spot becomes reading a market. Filming a clean line turns into cutting scroll-stopping reels. Falling, trying again, and landing the make—those rhythms map to creative work that lasts longer than a trend. James talks craft over clout, process over hype, and why loyal communities beat one-off viral spikes. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a nontraditional past into a sharp professional edge, his playbook delivers: attention to detail, a bias for iteration, and a grounded sense for what actually moves people.

We keep it local and timely, too. A quick Guardsman pass shows off peak foliage and a small moment of neighborly help—the kind of story that gives Salt Lake its heartbeat. We share plans for Red West next weekend, tease a new community event on the horizon, and flag a brief release pause while travel ramps up. In the meantime, the feed is stacked with fresh clips and highlights so you can catch up on the James Atkin episode and ride into fall with something smart in your ears.

Tune in, take a canyon drive if you can, and tell a friend who needs a push to make their pivot. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share this with someone chasing their next chapter, and drop a quick review—your notes keep this community growing.

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Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

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A broken heart, a one-way drive to Carlsbad, and a couch full of spare change turned into a first Hurley ad in Japan—and that same relentless “show up” streak later powered neighborhoods during Hurricane Sandy. James Atkin, now VP of Marketing at Nomatic, takes us through the kinetic path from 90s skate grime to global brand building, showing how falling down (and getting up) becomes a lifelong operating system.

We trace the early St. George scene where mentors traded ten minutes on a real board for candy, to the golden era of skateboarding—Barcelona clips, magazine photos, and the wild night in Tokyo that nearly ended everything. When the recession hit, James eased off the throttle, went home to help family, and found his way into Goal Zero. What started as driving a van to Crankworx became writing product copy, DIY photography, and then a bold Hurricane Sandy response: a buy-one-give-one campaign and truckloads of portable power deployed with Team Rubicon. The result wasn’t just a sales spike; it was proof that empathy, innovation, and action can define a brand’s soul.

We fast-forward through post-acquisition lessons at Black Diamond and Topo Designs, COVID’s burnout and re-centering on family, and the leap to Nomatic. James breaks down why fixing ops beats flashy campaigns—shipping speeds, service times, and consistent experience—before amplifying creators like Peter McKinnon and Dude Perfect. He shares Nomatic’s next moves: approachable premium gear, creator-first credibility, and true omnichannel growth with camera stores, Best Buy, Dillard’s, a Costco SMU, and a unified Europe push. The playbook is refreshingly human: show up, listen hard, build real relationships, and keep momentum. That’s how you turn a travel bag into a community—and a career into a story worth replaying.

If this story refuels you, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s building something, and leave a review with your favorite moment—what will you show up for next?

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Get your tickets to Strada Saturdays on Oct. 10th here

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

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Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

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https://skyslc.com/event/swimming-paul/ Code "SMALLTALK" for 10% off

Fall is finally upon us in Salt Lake City, bringing cooler temperatures, hoodie weather, and a fresh lineup of exciting events and conversations. 

First, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our live episode featuring Shereen Ghorbani. Your presence and questions made the event special, and your feedback will shape our future live recordings. Speaking of upcoming events, I'm thrilled to announce that Swimming Paul will be performing at Sky SLC this Friday! I discovered this incredible DJ whose sound reminds me of Fred Again, and I've arranged a special 10% discount for all my listeners through the link in our show notes.

Our most recent episode with Scott Haslam is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and community building. Scott's creation of Ranger Sound Car has brought hundreds of people together, earning him my nickname as "a modern-day Great Gatsby." Bookish fans should stay alert for our next event announcement – the wonderful women of Bookish and I are planning something special at Mountain West Cidery that you won't want to miss.

Mark your calendars for Red West Country Music Festival featuring Post Malone, Noah Kahn, and Kacey Musgraves! Even if country music isn't typically your jam, there's something magical about putting on boots and a hat to enjoy music amid the crisp fall leaves. But I'm perhaps most excited about our upcoming episode with James Atkin, VP of Marketing at Nomadic – a Utah-based company creating some of the world's best bags and luggage. James's journey from St. George to professional skateboarding alongside legends like Jamie Thomas and Bob Burnquist before transitioning to marketing is absolutely fascinating. It might be my favorite episode we've ever recorded.

Come say hello if you spot me at any of these events, and don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you're enjoying these Salt Lake City stories and connections!

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

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Scott Haslam stands at the intersection of entrepreneurial success and community-building creativity as the mastermind behind both King Bee Vans and Ranger Sound Car. From his junkyard office in Salt Lake City, he's crafting a legacy that transcends traditional business boundaries.

Starting with a simple question – "how can this scale?" – Scott transformed a small vehicle upfitting operation into a nationwide commercial vehicle empire. King Bee Vans began with just 80 vehicles in 2021 and has explosively grown to 6,000 vehicles today, with projections to reach 10,000 by year-end. What makes this growth remarkable isn't just the numbers but the vision driving it: identifying underserved market needs and applying technological innovation to an industry resistant to change.

But what truly sets Scott apart is his creative outlet – Ranger Sound Car. After experiencing a transformative music festival in Idaho, he purchased a 50,000-pound military Hemet truck, outfitted it with a premium sound system, and created a mobile DJ booth capable of turning any location into an unforgettable music experience. From junkyards to desert landscapes, Ranger Sound Car brings world-class electronic music to unexpected places, creating communal experiences that transcend ordinary entertainment.

The magic of these events lies in their authenticity. Artists who perform on the truck consistently describe it as unlike any venue they've played – intimate, raw, and deeply connected to the audience. For attendees, the experience provides an escape from everyday life in an environment where creativity and self-expression flourish. As Scott puts it, his goal is to help people "exit their default world for a few hours."

Through both his business ventures and creative projects, Scott embodies a philosophy captured in his mantra: "We're all in this together." His story reminds us that entrepreneurial success and community-building aren't mutually exclusive – they can beautifully complement each other when driven by genuine passion and a desire to create meaningful experiences for others.

Follow Ranger Sound Car on Instagram to catch upcoming events, including their September 13th showcase featuring an exciting up-and-coming artist. Whether you're a music lover, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates authentic community experiences, Scott Haslam's ventures offer something truly special in Salt Lake City's cultural landscape.

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Get your tickets to Strada Saturdays on Oct. 10th here

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast
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Fall is in the air, and Small Lake City is buzzing with activity! Fresh from indulging in the delights of the Greek Festival—a cultural staple featuring mouthwatering gyros, rice, and baklava—we're riding a wave of excitement about what's coming next for our community.

Our recent conversations have been nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Mallorie Craycroft shared her groundbreaking work with Uplift For Her, addressing critical women's health issues in Utah with passion and expertise. And if you missed Liddy Huntsman two weeks ago, you missed a masterclass in communication from someone who has brilliantly navigated the worlds of politics, media, and even stand-up comedy.

Mark your calendars for our can't-miss live event at Flanker on Friday, September 19th at 8 PM! We're pulling out all the stops with an exclusive raffle featuring Nomatic backpacks, Minky Couture blankets, gift cards to local hotspots, and curated gift bags. The night continues with DJ Solo at the afterparty—trust me, this is the gathering you've been waiting for. Even better? Buying a ticket automatically enters you into our giveaway for weekend passes to the Red West Country Music Festival, featuring an unbelievable lineup this year.

This week's episode spotlights Scott Haslam, Salt Lake City's modern-day Gatsby. By day, he manages a successful van outfitting and conversion business, but by night, he transforms into the mastermind behind the Ranger Sound Car—a literal tank converted into a mobile DJ booth that hosts unforgettable house music parties with world-class artists. Having experienced these events firsthand, I can attest they're absolutely electrifying.

Join our community, enter our giveaways, and come celebrate with us at Flanker on the 19th. The leaves may be starting to change, but our energy is only heating up!

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

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After fifteen years as a traditional OBGYN, Dr. Mallorie Cracroft found herself at a crossroads. Despite loving her patients and practice partners, she struggled with the impossible balance between career demands and family life. Exhausted from delivering babies all night, then falling asleep on the floor while caring for her own children, she constantly wondered: could medicine be practiced differently?

This deeply personal episode explores how Dr. Cracroft transformed her frustration into innovation by founding Uplift for Her, a groundbreaking clinic blending conventional and functional medicine approaches. Unlike the rushed 15-minute appointments and symptom-focused care that dominate healthcare today, her practice creates space for women to be truly heard, understood, and treated as whole individuals.

What emerges is a powerful critique of our current healthcare system, where insurance codes dictate care and doctors lack time to explore root causes of illness. Dr. Cracroft shares heartbreaking examples of patients whose life-altering symptoms were dismissed by multiple providers before finding validation and healing through her comprehensive approach. From treating unexplained fatigue and brain fog to addressing hormonal imbalances, she's helping women reclaim their vitality with remarkable results.

The conversation takes a particularly moving turn when Dr. Cracroft reveals how her sister's mysterious health struggles and her mother's dementia diagnosis deepened her commitment to functional medicine. These personal experiences fuel her mission to create healthcare experiences where women don't just survive but thrive.

Whether you're struggling with your own health concerns, caring for a loved one, or simply curious about the future of medicine, this episode offers both practical insights and renewed hope. Listen in and discover what's possible when doctors have the freedom to practice medicine the way it was meant to be practiced.

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Get your tickets to Strada Saturdays on Oct. 10th here

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast
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From the medical establishment to medical rebel, Mallory Cracroft's journey challenges everything we thought we knew about women's healthcare. After years as a practicing OBGYN, Cracroft found herself increasingly frustrated by a system that compartmentalizes women's health issues rather than seeing the whole person. Her response? She walked away from her medical career to found Uplift for Her, an organization dedicated to supporting women through a truly holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

Our conversation explores the critical gaps in traditional women's healthcare and how Cracroft's venture addresses them. We dive deep into the unique challenges women face during major life transitions like pregnancy and childbirth, the interconnection between physical and mental health, and why fifteen-minute appointment windows simply can't provide the comprehensive care women deserve. Cracroft shares powerful insights about why treating symptoms without addressing root causes continues to fail patients, particularly women whose concerns are often dismissed or minimized in medical settings.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is hearing a medical insider's perspective on where the system breaks down and how we might rebuild it. Whether you're navigating your own healthcare journey, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in healthcare innovation, Cracroft's story offers both validation and hope. Her courage in stepping away from the prestige and security of a medical career to build something truly aligned with women's needs demonstrates what's possible when we prioritize purpose over convention. Listen now to discover how one doctor's frustration became the catalyst for a healthcare revolution that puts women at the center of their own healing journey. Subscribe, share your thoughts, and join us for our first-ever live podcast recording on September 19th at Flanker!

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast
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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.

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Get your tickets to Strada Saturdays on Oct. 10th here

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod

Instagram: @smalllakepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast
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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!

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod

Instagram: @smalllakepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast
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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.

50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY

Get your tickets to Strada Saturdays on Oct. 10th here

Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time 

Support the show

Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK

Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod

Instagram: @smalllakepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast
TikTok: @smalllakepod