The sweltering heat of summer has arrived in Salt Lake City, but so have a wealth of exciting events to pull us outdoors and into community. This update brings you the perfect blend of local happenings and profound conversations that define the Small Lake City podcast experience.

We kick things off with a nod to our recent conversation with Chad Hopkins, the visionary behind Hopkins Brewing Company in Sugar House. More than just a brewery founder, Chad has become the unofficial ringleader for small businesses in the area, creating a gathering space that reflects his deep roots and passion for the neighborhood he grew up in.

The coming days are packed with opportunities to connect: Global Running Day at Sugar House Park offers the chance to find your running tribe through a creative bingo-style community mixer. Whether you're new to Utah's iconic trail running scene or a seasoned enthusiast, this Wednesday evening event promises community connections and potential prizes. For the shoppers among us, Lift Threads warehouse sale brings discounts up to 70% on athletic wear, while the Dia de los Churros celebration at Lehigh Harmons delivers free churros, prizes, and unexpected delights like an "itty bitty petting zoo." The weekend culminates with Utah Pride Festival downtown—a $20 per day celebration of authenticity and community.

But perhaps the most surprising element of this update is the preview of our conversation with Jacob Badsgaard, founder of Disruptive Advertising. What began as a marketing discussion transformed into a profound exploration of mental health, spirituality, and authentic living. Jacob's journey from the brink of divorce to self-discovery offers powerful insights about shedding the person others expect you to be in favor of your true self. His forthcoming book "Authenticity Wins" captures these hard-won lessons.

Ready for running, shopping, churros, pride celebrations, and conversations that might just change your perspective? Join us this week throughout Salt Lake City as summer's energy brings us together in celebration and growth.

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From skateboarding around Sugar House as a kid to brewing award-winning beer in the same neighborhood, Chad Hopkins' journey epitomizes the heart of Salt Lake City's local business renaissance.

Growing up in Sugar House during the 80s and 90s when it was "kind of rough," Chad developed a deep connection to this eclectic neighborhood. His first job at Einstein's Bagels sparked what would become a lifelong career in hospitality. While exploring various roles in the restaurant industry, corporate life never quite satisfied his entrepreneurial spirit. "The corporate thing is boring to me," he explains. "There's no real vision there. They're not doing anything to make the world better."

Everything changed when Chad discovered craft beer and the transformative experience of trying his first Red Hook ESB. "It blew my fucking mind," he recalls. Frustrated by Utah's limited beer selection, he began homebrewing in his basement, eventually installing epoxy floors, stainless steel sinks, and multiple brewing systems to perfect his craft.

The opportunity to open Hopkins Brewing came unexpectedly. While initially scouting locations on State Street, Chad learned that a space in his beloved Sugar House was available. With just six weeks to secure a bar license, he and his team worked tirelessly, brewing during the day and developing the menu at night. That hustle paid off, creating what has become a community hub known for exceptional beer, locally-sourced food, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Chad's philosophy centers on empowering his team with creative freedom and supporting the local community. From featuring local artists without taking commission to hosting live music several nights a week, Hopkins exemplifies how businesses can strengthen neighborhoods. The hyper-local approach extends to ingredients too, with malt from Logan and grass-fed beef raised in Utah.

Despite offers to expand, Chad remains committed to maintaining Hopkins' authenticity through owner presence and personal connection. "I didn't do this to make money," he says. "I love what I'm doing." That passion shines through in every aspect of the brewery, where even employees choose to spend their days off.

Stop by Hopkins Brewing at 1048 East 2100 South to experience a true Salt Lake City success story in a pint glass. Follow them on Instagram for daily updates and to learn about their upcoming events and beer releases.

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From the football field to craft beer innovation, this week's update spans Salt Lake City's diverse community landscape. We've recently shared Mitch Matthews' compelling journey from BYU football star and NFL player to successful entrepreneur. His newest venture, Flow House in Pleasant Grove, builds community around wellness practices including hot treatment, cold therapy, and breathwork. Matthews offers profound insights about authentic community building that transcends mere social media metrics.

Summer has officially arrived in Salt Lake with the kickoff of concert season! We're celebrating by giving away tickets to Hardy's performance at Utah Credit Union Amphitheater. The cultural awakening continues with the Fireweed Market at HK Brewing this Saturday, featuring over 50 local artists, food trucks, and beverages in an all-ages friendly environment. This creative marketplace represents everything we love about Salt Lake's community spirit.

Looking ahead, our conversation with Chad Hopkins of Hopkins Brewing drops this Thursday. Recorded inside the bustling brewery itself, Chad shares how he created one of Sugar House's most beloved establishments. Hopkins Brewing embodies the perfect trifecta - exceptional craft beer, outstanding in-house food menu, and community-focused programming every night of the week. We're also continuing our Vault series this Saturday with more authentic Salt Lake stories. As we embrace the warming weather, we're also supporting the American Cancer Society's fundraising efforts - a cause close to my heart. Check the show notes to contribute to this important work and join us at the Fork Cancer event on August 8th.

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What happens when a Thai influencer and a suit entrepreneur fall in love across continents? Cam and Ying Nance's remarkable journey proves that sometimes life's sweetest opportunities arise from unexpected circumstances.

Their story begins in Thailand, where Cam was expanding his custom suit business and Ying was working as an influencer from a privileged background. Despite cultural differences and a 12-hour time difference, their connection grew through persistent FaceTime calls and visits. The relationship reached a crossroads when they had to decide who would relocate - a decision that would dramatically alter one of their lives forever.

When COVID-19 struck, Ying found herself stranded in Utah, unable to return to Thailand. During quarantine, a disappointing $4 donut delivery sparked an idea. "I think I could do better," she told Cam's mother, and Chubby Baker was born. Starting from a home kitchen with no baking experience, Ying created unique coconut-infused donuts that quickly gained a following through her savvy influencer marketing approach.

Meanwhile, Cam continued expanding his Bespoke suit business across multiple cities. Together, they navigated marriage, pregnancy, and building successful businesses while creating a life in Utah. Their parallel entrepreneurial journeys demonstrate how complementary skills and mutual support can lead to remarkable success, even when neither could have predicted their current path.

Now expecting their second child while opening their third donut shop, they reflect on finding balance between ambitious business goals and family priorities. Their story isn't just about donuts and suits - it's about taking risks, adapting to the unexpected, and building something meaningful together, no matter how improbable the beginning might seem.

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From facing the brutal cuts of NFL teams to hiking a Polish mountain in freezing temperatures wearing nothing but shorts and gloves, Mitch Matthews brings us on a remarkable journey of personal transformation that led to creating FlowHaus—a sanctuary designed to elevate human connection through hot and cold therapy.

Matthews opens up about the psychological challenges of transitioning from football stardom to the uncertainty of post-athletic life. "I'm done playing football, I just started this business, my mom had just passed away," he shares, revealing the perfect storm that pushed him toward a profound reset. When a fateful meeting with Wim Hof in Poland introduced him to breathwork and cold exposure, Matthews discovered something more valuable than physical resilience—he found a pathway to peak mental states and authentic human connection.

Flow House emerged from Matthews' realization that the transformative experiences he had in Poland could be accessible to everyone. But this isn't just another wellness trend or sauna facility. "FlowHaus is first a message and a feeling," Matthews explains. "Second, it's a community... and then, thirdly, it's a space." In a world where digital connection has replaced genuine human interaction, Matthews has created an environment where strangers become confidants through shared experiences in breath, heat, and cold.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Matthews shares his philosophy on success: "If you want a good career and you want a good business, listen to everyone who's gone before you and done it. But if you want a successful life, sometimes it means listening to nobody." This counterintuitive wisdom, along with his concept of the "celery test"—filtering all advice through your own intuition—offers a refreshing perspective on authentic living in an advice-saturated world.

Whether you're navigating a major life transition, seeking deeper community connections, or simply curious about the science behind cold plunges and sauna therapy, this conversation will leave you contemplating how intentional discomfort might be the gateway to your next level of growth. As Matthews puts it: "The feeling is like being in the zone where you just can't miss that shot—peak confidence, peak flow."

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Warm weather is making a comeback, and so is your weekly roundup of everything that matters in our community! We're fresh off an incredible weekend at Kilby Block Party where the lineup delivered unforgettable performances despite the chilly temperatures. From New Order's classic hits to Beach House's dreamy soundscapes, Weezer's nostalgic energy, and Justice's mind-blowing closing set that had everyone dancing – the festival proved worth braving the cooler weather.

Looking for your next weekend adventure? Mark your calendar for this Saturday, May 24th, when we'll be hosting our Bike and Brews Tour starting at the Bike Collective. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the returning warm weather while exploring our local brew scene in good company. Head over to our Instagram for all the details you need to join us for this community ride.

We're particularly excited about our Thursday podcast release featuring Mitch Matthew – a truly fascinating individual whose life journey has taken unexpected turns. Born and raised in Portland before becoming a wide receiver at BYU and later joining the NFL, Mitch then pivoted to entrepreneurship with his pest control business. Now, he's launching Flow Haus in Pleasant Grove, creating a space where people can experience cold plunging and saunas while building meaningful connections. His vision of creating community around wellness practices speaks to the power of shared experiences in elevating our collective vibrations. And don't miss Saturday's release of part two with Cameron and Ying Nance – one of the most compelling stories we've featured to date! Join us this week as we continue exploring the incredible people and events that make our community special.

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What happens when a comic book-loving Utah kid meets the daughter of a prominent Thai family? Something magical, as it turns out. 

Cameron and Ying Nance's story reads like the plot of a Netflix original – he was a Dragon Ball Z enthusiast from Salt Lake City who found himself teaching English to one of Thailand's most revered Buddhist monks. She was the youngest child in a family of Thai pop stars and celebrities. Their paths crossed at a temple ceremony, where the monk eerily predicted their future marriage during only their second meeting.

But this episode goes deeper than their romantic journey. Cameron shares profound wisdom learned during his time living at a Thai temple, including life-changing meditation practices that helped him overcome anxiety by learning to stay present. "People who are depressed are living in the past too much," the monk told him. "You're unhappy because you think about the future too much, which causes anxiety."

Meanwhile, Ying reveals her entrepreneurial spirit that emerged despite an uncle's discouraging words that she was "good at many things, but not specifically anything." She proved him wrong by successfully building a business importing Chicago's Garrett Popcorn to Thailand while still in college, making $10,000 without significant startup capital.

Their journey weaves through Cameron's unexpected stint as a Thai TV star (complete with a shaved head), cultural differences, family expectations, and ultimately to Salt Lake City, where they've built two thriving businesses – Chubby Baker Donuts and Bespoke Custom Clothing.

Ready to be inspired? Listen now to discover how this unlikely pair found each other across cultures and continents to create something beautiful together in the heart of Utah.

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We're excited to bring back this incredible conversation with David Garbett, founder of O2 Utah—now known as Stewardship Utah after its recent merger. This transformation marks a new chapter in local climate advocacy, continuing the mission to protect Utah's environment and improve air quality across the state.

Imagine hiking the breathtaking trails of Salt Lake Valley, the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, only to realize that the air could be cleaner, healthier, better. This very realization is what drove David, a Salt Lake native with a deep love for the outdoors, to launch a movement dedicated to environmental progress. His passion for nature, combined with his upbringing in a large, football-obsessed family, laid the groundwork for his commitment to fighting for Utah's air and open spaces.

In this episode, we retrace David's remarkable journey—from negotiating landmark public lands bills to going back to school to earn his business and law degrees. He shares insights into the political dynamics that shaped his path, the role of social and emotional learning, and the importance of creating solutions that deliver a double bottom line: environmental impact and community benefit.

You'll learn how elections can influence climate policy, the unique challenges facing Salt Lake City's air quality, and the critical role of biking and walking infrastructure. David's story is a powerful reminder of what it means to stay informed, get involved, and make a tangible difference.

We're thrilled to share this conversation again as Stewardship Utah begins its next chapter. Join us as we explore how local advocacy can transform the air we breathe and the communities we love.

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We're thrilled to take you back in time with a special re-release from the Small Lake City Vault—our captivating discussion with the dynamic duo of George and Charlie Cardon, the forces behind Salt Lake City's Edison House. This isn't just any conversation; it's an exploration of the Cardon brothers' journey from the roots of their unique upbringing in Salt Lake City to their vision of fostering meaningful social connections. This throwback episode unveils the intricacies of their entrepreneurial adventure, the creation of a 21st-century social club, and the impact of their experiences on their business choices.

Imagine the concept of a social club brought to life with the perfect blend of ambition, creativity, and an unwavering commitment. George and Charlie Cardon, armed with their diverse experiences, did just that. We navigate the inspirational journey of Edison House, shedding light on the vision that sparked its inception, the hurdles faced, and their strategies to overcome them. A real highlight of our discussion is the brothers' insights on the ever-evolving cityscape of Salt Lake City and its potential to emerge as a vibrant hub for commerce.

As part of our Small Lake City Vault series, we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations with Salt Lake City's most influential voices. This episode with the Cardon brothers is one that truly embodies the spirit of community and innovation. So, tune in, reconnect with their story, and get inspired all over again.

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