Small Lake City

When we think of Salt Lake City, we envision a vibrant community at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Join us for our milestone 30th episode as Councilwoman Eva Lopez Chavez, the first Gen Z leader in the area, guides us through the city's journey toward a brighter future. Her insights shed light on the immense transformation Salt Lake City has undergone since its last Olympics, painting a picture of the infrastructure developments, environmental challenges, and the intimate interplay of growth and community character preservation.

As pioneers in our own right, we walk alongside Councilwoman Chavez discussing the critical role of local governance in building community impact and resilience. Together, we uncover the significance of grassroots change and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that weaves through our city's history. From the Olympic legacy to the urgency of innovative urban planning, our chat reveals the essence of creative disruption—where being a 'guerrilla bureaucrat' might just be the key to keeping pace with our evolving needs.

Finally, we anchor our thoughts in the role of each resident in shaping the future of our city. Environmental stewardship isn't just a policy issue; it's a personal commitment to our unique ecosystem, as we confront the declining levels of the Great Salt Lake and the scourge of air pollution. Councilwoman Chavez's call to action is clear: engage, participate, and let your voice be heard. As we close, we invite you to join us in this collaborative endeavor to chart a course for a sustainable and thriving Salt Lake City, honoring its Olympic aspirations and its heart.

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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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Spring has sprung in Small Lake City, and with it, an episode brimming with the tales of transformation and tenacity from our guests Iggy and Randi. Iggy's odyssey from Argentina to America's stages as a sound and lighting maestro intertwines with Randi's graceful leap from "So You Think You Can Dance" to dazzling the ice with Olympic-level choreography. Their stories are more than just journeys; they are testaments to the power of saying "yes" to life's unexpected avenues and the beauty of Utah's ever-evolving cultural landscape.

Pull up a chair and get ready to be whisked away through the highs and lows of life on tour, from Iggy's rock 'n' roll escapades to the quieter revelations of Randi's Utah upbringing. We navigate the complexities of balancing personal beliefs with public personas, and how the backdrop of the pandemic cast a new light on the allure of Salt Lake City's quality of life. This episode isn't just about recounting memories; it's a celebration of the resilience and adaptability that propel us forward.

As we wrap up, join us at the intersection of creativity and pragmatism, where the worlds of sound design and ice choreography collide with the culinary arts and the aesthetics of space. From the delicate dance of restaurant design to the grandeur of Utah's architecture, Iggy and Randy share their insights on crafting experiences that resonate. So, whether you're a local or a listener from afar, tune in for an episode that weaves personal evolution with professional innovation, all set against the stunning backdrop of Utah's growth and potential.

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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When the complex threads of mental health, religious belief, and societal norms interweave, the tapestry that emerges can be both intricate and daunting. That's precisely why Natasha Helfer joined me to unravel these themes, particularly as they manifest in the uniquely challenging landscape of Salt Lake City. Our conversation explores the nuances of navigating mental well-being amidst the "suicide belt," the profound influence of religious institutions on personal identity, and the delicate art of maintaining professional integrity while honoring diverse beliefs.

The journey through mental health is seldom linear, and in this episode, we traverse the varied terrain of ethics in therapy, advocacy, and the impact of systemic racism and LGBTQ+ affirmation in clinical practice. Natasha brings to the table not just her expertise, but heartrending stories of mixed-faith couples striving for harmony, individuals grappling with internalized shame, and the courageous fight against the stigmas that too often plague conservative communities. These stories are not just case studies; they're raw, real-life examples of resilience and the human spirit's quest for acceptance.

Our episode doesn't shy away from the hard-hitting issues: we tackle the factors influencing mental health in Utah, from the pressures of living at high altitude to the societal expectations that weigh heavily on individuals. Experts like Lisa Diamond, Braxton Detson, and Kristen Hodson lend their voices to our probing discussion on faith and sexual identity, and we spotlight the pioneering work at Symmetry Counseling. We also touch upon emerging trends, such as psychedelic-assisted therapy, that are reshaping our understanding of mental health care. Join us for a deep and meaningful exploration into the hearts and minds of those navigating the intersection of mental health and personal belief.

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

Embark on a captivating journey with Ben Hammond, a sculptor whose hands have shaped more than just clay—they've carved a life rich in artistry and mindfulness. From his humble beginnings in Blackfoot, Idaho, to the distinguished halls of the NFL Hall of Fame and the tranquil yoga studio where he teaches, Ben's tale is a masterclass in passion-driven transformation. Alongside tales of apprenticeships and critiques that honed his craft, he shares candid insights into the pivotal moments that led him from farm life to fine sculpture, crafting a narrative as textured as his works.

Throughout our conversation, Ben's reflections on his artistic evolution are both grounding and inspiring. He details his transition from mentee to master, describing late nights in the basement turned personal studio, balancing the demands of mentorship with the pursuit of an independent artistic identity. His story isn't just about skillful hands molding masterpieces—it's about a collaborative spirit, the pursuit of mastery, and the complexities of an artist navigating the space between mentorship and individual acclaim. And it doesn't stop at the studio door; witness the intimate bond between artist and art, where personal passions are embedded into every creation, diverging from the professional to reveal the heart of the sculptor.

But Ben's narrative takes an unexpected bend, introducing the transformative role of yoga in his life. From a devastating back injury to becoming a community beacon, he illustrates how resilience and adaptability can shape not just a career, but one's entire way of living. His experience—mirroring the very sculptures he creates—serves as a reminder that within every challenge lies an opportunity for growth and renewal. Join us for an episode that's as much about molding clay as it is about molding a life, where the art of living fully converges with the fine details of sculpting a meaningful existence.

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

Ever reminisce about the good old days of mom's cooking or cringe at the memory of your first taste of college cuisine? Stuart Melling of Gastronomic SLC joins me, Eric Nielsen, to swap tales of our food journeys and how they've seasoned our lives. We traverse Stuart's transatlantic trek from the UK to Utah, his pivotal contributions to the Salt Lake Tribune, and our shared chuckles over the evolution of dining preferences shaped by childhood, college, and our inherent cultural roots.

Sneakerheads might understand the delicate balance of wearing a prized pair versus keeping them box-fresh, something comparable to the current state of food blogging. Our conversation takes a twist into the world of influencers, as Stuart and I reflect on the transformation from free meals to paid critiques, ensuring our voices remain genuine in the culinary crowd. We chew over the metamorphosis of Salt Lake City's gastronomic landscape, once a desolate food desert, now a burgeoning oasis of flavors that rivals the likes of Austin and Portland.

Capping off our culinary expedition, we muse over the ethics of food criticism versus the sheer joy of discovering a new restaurant. From the increasing allure of solo dining to the nostalgic tug of our favorite haunts, join us as we celebrate the community's role in the burgeoning Salt Lake City food scene. Stuart and I extend an invite to listeners, encouraging you to engage with our stories, discoveries, and the delectable future that awaits the city's ever-expanding palate.

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

Ever wondered how the thrill of slicing through fresh powder can lead to kneading the perfect dough? This episode invites you into the story of Eric, Cyrus, and Koby—three friends whose shared love for skiing and fresh bagels birthed Baby’s Bagels, a warm and welcoming bagel bakery in the heart of Salt Lake City. They recount the transition from snowy slopes to rising dough, and how their vibrant pink sign became a beacon for the community in search of the perfect chew.

Join us as we unwrap the day-to-day of bagel entrepreneurship, from the meticulous art of recipe refinement to the balancing act of maintaining friendships amidst the flour and ovens. Our guests peel back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes ballet of starting a business together—think of it as a "Friends" episode, but with more yeast and fewer coffee cups. Their candid stories of growth, from pop-ups to a brick-and-mortar location, will have you savoring each bite of their journey.

But it's not just bagels and schmear on the menu. We knead into the local political scene, discussing how grassroots movements and recreational interests like skiing shape regional politics. Our guests emphasize the power of community engagement, not just in shaping a successful business, but also in influencing the world outside their bakery doors. So, if you're in the mood for tales of entrepreneurship sprinkled with a bit of civic duty (and perhaps craving a bagel), this episode is freshly baked and ready for you.

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

Embarking on a familial legacy can be as daunting as it is rewarding. Micah Christensen of Anthony's Fine Art Gallery joins me to recount his transformation from an art-averse scion to a thriving art historian and connoisseur, particularly of the Spanish artist Joaquin Sorolla. Our conversation weaves through the cobblestone streets of Spain, the scholarly halls of London, and back to the surprisingly rich art scene of Utah, where local mastery commands global attention.

Every family has its stories, and Micah's is no exception. We trace his lineage back to a Jewish immigrant with a penchant for antiques, leading to a tapestry of tales that span continents and eras. As Micah reflects on his journey through art and academia, inspired by luminaries like Dr. Vern Swanson, you'll feel the passion for his craft and the serendipitous encounters that shaped his career. This chapter of his life underscores the unpredictable excitement of the art world, and how embracing one's roots can lead to unanticipated respect and recognition.

We round off our exploration with discussions on art patronage in the Utah Valley, the spiritual connection between humans and objects, and the personal touch that makes art stewardship so much more than a transaction. Micah's narrative is an invitation to view art as a conduit of history, education, and soulful engagement, challenging the digital detachment of our times. So, join us for this inspiring session, and perhaps you'll discover a newfound appreciation for the art that surrounds us and the stories it carries through the ages.

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

Savor the flavors of Salt Lake City as the Mile High Food Fairy herself, Amber, joins us for an engaging conversation that's sure to whet your appetite for the culinary treasures tucked away in Utah. From the vibrant sushi scene to the allure of Park City's Yuki Yama, Amber dishes out her must-visit eateries, weaving in tales from her gastronomic journey that spans Vegas to the Big Apple and beyond. Her dual life as a pediatric professional and a fervent food enthusiast gives us a taste of how one can passionately pursue diverse interests and how her charming Instagram persona came to life, serving up a feast for the senses and the soul.

In the rapidly evolving world of social media, small businesses are riding the rollercoaster of algorithm upheavals and content creation challenges, with Amber's insight lighting the way. She shares her strategic moves across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, revealing the secret sauce to growing a devoted audience while staying true to one's brand. With a viral dessert shop story as a case study, Amber illustrates the monumental impact of a single post and the juggling act between maintaining authenticity and monetizing a food blogging hustle.

Finally, we embark on a delicious jaunt through our favorite local haunts, from creamy gelatos to the freshest sashimi, celebrating the diversity and quality that define Utah's culinary landscape. Indulge in Amber's go-to ice cream spots and hidden gems like Bakery 43, where Korean-French fusion delights exist alongside the best Pad Thai in town. Our food-infused dialogue not only highlights the gems that make Salt Lake City a foodie's paradise but also serves up the inspiration to explore and taste the endless possibilities awaiting in Utah's burgeoning food scene.

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

Have you ever wondered how a brush with death might alter your life's trajectory? Geoff Davis, CEO of the Sorensen Impact Institute, joins me to dissect his extraordinary shift from global entrepreneur to social impact visionary, driven by a profound personal health crisis and a legacy rooted in community service. Blending intimate reflections with engaging tales of his journey, Geoff delves into his family's influence, his life-changing experiences with Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, and his philosophy of prioritizing health and meaningful relationships over unending ambition.

This episode isn't just a narrative; it's an invitation to explore the intersection of finance and philanthropy. As Geoff recounts the development of Cicero Impact Capital and the construction of the University of Utah's Impact and Prosperity Epicenter, you'll be captivated by how his commitment to social betterment weaves into every endeavor. From the living rooms of Davis, California to the forefront of global impact investment, Geoff's story is a testament to the power of integrating social purpose into business and education, cultivating a new generation of leaders.

Whether you're intrigued by the potential of microfinance or seeking inspiration for balancing life's complexities, there's something here for you. Geoff's candid discussion on the challenges of scaling social enterprises and his current efforts to shape public policy through the Sorensen Impact Institute provides a blueprint for anyone looking to make a lasting difference. Join us as we traverse Geoff's compelling story that not only traces the arc of a life well-lived but also ignites a spark for cultivating community and environmental stewardship in our own lives."looking to make a lasting difference. Join us as we traverse Jeff's compelling story that not only traces the arc of a life well-lived but also ignites a spark for cultivating community and environmental stewardship in our own lives.

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

Ever wonder what it's like to dance on the razor's edge of innovation and health? Scott Paul joins me, Erik Nilsson, on Small Lake City podcast, and we're not holding back any punches—or wigs—as we traverse his entrepreneurial journey. From catching Disney’s attention with his startup to his latest mission, Fee Health, which could very well be the start of a new AI-driven religion aimed at extending human lifespan, Scott's narrative is as captivating as it is unorthodox. We're here to share the rollercoaster ride of creativity across different work avenues, and Scott's stories are a testament to the fact that where there's passion, there's a way.

It's not every day you meet someone who has sold iPad cases to the world and contemplated the ethical implications of cryopreserving humans with the hope of immortality. Our conversation meanders through Scott’s early business ventures, the twists of fate that lead from Y2K-inspired operations to the tranquil life of ranching, juxtaposed with the thrills of city living. We're also sizing up the future of influencer marketing, van life aspirations, and the resilience of crypto ventures through industry downturns—Scott's insights are like finding a hidden trail on a familiar mountain, revealing new perspectives at every turn.

Wrap up your headphones and join us as we ponder life’s big questions: Could a health-focused religion truly elevate humanity's health span? How does one balance the urge for community with the need for personal evolution? And sometimes, it's the simple pleasures, like donning a wig or joining a OneWheel gang, that infuse life with unexpected joy and connection. If you're looking for an episode that's brimming with laughter, learning, and the occasional leap into the extraordinary, you've found your match.

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