Donate Here: https://acscan.donordrive.com/participants/3216

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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Food has an extraordinary power to connect us across cultures, create community, and transform cities—a truth Lorin Warner discovered during his years traveling the world as a consultant. After meeting his wife abroad and experiencing diverse food cultures, the couple recognized something essential missing from Salt Lake City's culinary landscape.

This episode revisits my fascinating conversation with Lorin, the visionary founder behind Honest Eatery, who shares how his global experiences directly shaped the creation of this beloved local establishment. His story weaves together international influences, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep belief that authentic food experiences can bring people together in meaningful ways. Lauren's journey from world traveler to local food pioneer offers a compelling lens through which to understand how global perspectives can transform local communities.

Since our original conversation, Honest Eatery has continued to thrive and expand, recently opening their newest location in South Jordan—a testament to how powerfully their vision of health-focused, community-oriented dining resonates with Salt Lake residents. Whether you're craving a smoothie, an açaí bowl, or simply a welcoming space to connect, Lauren's creation offers something special. If you haven't experienced Honest Eatery yet, consider this your invitation to discover one of Salt Lake's most authentic food destinations. Listen to discover how one entrepreneur's global journey created a local culinary landmark that continues to nourish our community.

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Summer has arrived in Salt Lake City, bringing an exciting lineup of events, festivals, and cultural celebrations worth marking on your calendar. 

Just released is our conversation with Manoli Katsanevas, founder of the beloved Manoli's and Perea restaurants. This deep dive explores his culinary journey and significant contributions to Salt Lake's food scene, while highlighting the upcoming Greek Festival that promises authentic cuisine, vibrant performances, and cultural traditions whether you're attending for the first or twentieth time.

The city is buzzing with activity as concert season hits its peak – from Halsey and Kesha to local performances, music lovers have plenty to celebrate. Wine enthusiasts won't want to miss our Wine Wednesday event at Nona Bistro featuring Jimmy Santangelo of Wine Academy of Utah, promising an evening of exceptional tastings and knowledge. Meanwhile, foodies should clear their schedules for July 9th when the Food Truck Cheese Fest takes over Mill Creek Common from 5-8pm, offering a family-friendly opportunity to indulge in creative, cheese-filled creations from local vendors.

With both July 4th and Pioneer Day (July 24th) approaching, Salt Lake City will transform with parades, fireworks, rodeos, and community gatherings. Our Thursday newsletter will feature comprehensive guides to these celebrations, ensuring you don't miss the festivities around our beautiful city. Whether you're celebrating Independence Day traditionally or embracing the uniquely Utah "Pie and Beer Day" alternative to Pioneer Day, there's something for everyone.

Stay connected with us on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter at smalllakepod.com to receive these updates directly. Be sure to follow Small Lake City on your favorite podcast platform so you'll always have our latest episodes ready when you need some local inspiration or entertainment.

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Ever wonder what it takes to build a thriving business from scratch? Ethan Cisneros, founder of Thirst Drinks, reveals the raw, unfiltered journey behind creating one of Utah's most beloved soda empires.

Ethan's entrepreneurial spirit ignited early when he started a lawn mowing business at age 11, leaving personalized notes for customers after each service. This fundamental lesson – that exceptional customer experiences drive business success – became the cornerstone of his future ventures. By 16, he had launched Olympus Ice, recognizing that snow cone shacks weren't just selling frozen treats but creating social hubs for teens.

When Ethan founded Thirst Drinks in 2016, success was anything but guaranteed. After an exciting grand opening, daily sales plummeted to just $100. With no outside funding and rapidly depleting resources, Ethan worked every shift for two years while relentlessly marketing on Instagram, personally messaging countless locals to invite them for free drinks. There was no overnight success – just persistent, brick-by-brick growth fueled by genuine connections and unwavering determination.

A breakthrough came when Ethan secured a vendor spot in the Vivint Arena (now Delta Center) through sheer persistence and relationship-building. Today, Thirst operates six locations across Utah, plus venue spots and a production bakery with 200 employees. Yet Ethan remains committed to authenticity, documenting his entrepreneurial journey through social media and his podcast "Learning by Doing."

What makes this story particularly compelling is Ethan's current challenge: transitioning from hands-on operator to leader while maintaining the brand's standards and experience. His philosophy of "nail it before you scale it" emphasizes perfecting operations before pursuing aggressive expansion – a refreshing perspective in today's growth-at-all-costs business culture.

Want to follow Ethan's entrepreneurial journey? Find him on Instagram @ethanfromthirst, check out his podcast, or watch his weekly YouTube vlogs where he continues to share the real, unvarnished truth about building a business from the ground up.

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Greek food isn't simply a cuisine in Salt Lake City—it's a cultural foundation that has shaped our dining landscape for generations. This week, we sit down with Manoli Katsanevas, the culinary force behind Manoli's and Parea, to explore how his family legacy evolved from Crown Burger to James Beard-nominated fine dining.

Born into the family that founded Salt Lake's beloved Crown Burger chain, Manoli shares how scrubbing floors and working the line as a teenager sparked his passion for restaurants. The conversation takes us through his culinary education, the launch of a catering business with his wife Katrina, and the eventual opening of Manoli's on 9th South—a restaurant that would elevate Greek cuisine while honoring traditional flavors and techniques.

What truly resonates throughout our discussion is how deeply intertwined food and community are in Greek culture. "Everything in Greek culture is around food, food and gathering together," Manoli explains. This philosophy guided his pandemic pivot when Manoli's temporarily closed, leading to take-and-bake meal kits that eventually inspired their newest venture, Parea—a fast-casual concept serving authentic Greek street food just half a block from their flagship restaurant.

We also explore Salt Lake's surprisingly robust Greek community, which traces back to early mining operations in Carbon County and has maintained strong traditions through generations. The Greek Festival (mark your calendars for September 5-7) stands as the largest Greek festival west of the Mississippi and showcases the community's enduring cultural pride.

Whether you're already a fan of Manoli's lamb riblets and charred octopus or you've yet to discover authentic Greek cuisine beyond gyros, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how one family's culinary traditions have become woven into Salt Lake City's identity. Listen now to understand why quality ingredients and authentic preparation remain non-negotiable, regardless of whether you're enjoying fine dining or street food—and why a Greek wedding with dollar bills flying and ouzo flowing is an experience you shouldn't miss.

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Summer in Salt Lake City is heating up, and we've got your insider guide to all the can't-miss happenings! Tomorrow's episode features Manoli Katsanevas, the culinary force behind Manoli's and Perea restaurants, sharing his remarkable journey from working in his family's Crown Burger empire to forging his own path in the restaurant world. His story of passion and dedication to his craft offers inspiration for anyone following their dreams.

Music lovers won't want to miss this Saturday's show at the Ranger lot in West Valley, where Ranger, Soundcar, and Doof are bringing in Coachella performer Cole Knight for what promises to be an unforgettable night. July 9th brings a double-header of events for both wine enthusiasts and cheese aficionados – join Jimmy Santangelo of the Wine Academy of Utah for Wine Wednesday at Nona Bistro, or bring the whole family to the Food Truck Cheese Fest at Mill Creek Common for prizes, giveaways, and deliciously cheesy creations.

Looking ahead to August 19th, we're thrilled to announce our partnership with Bookish for a special community gathering at Mountain West Cidery's gorgeous garden patio. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow podcast listeners while enjoying ciders, cocktails, and typically some live music under the summer sky. We're also bringing back a vault episode this week, showcasing one of our favorite conversations from the early days of Small Lake City. Whether you're planning for the 4th of July, Pioneer Day, or just looking to make the most of these beautiful summer days, subscribe to our newsletter for comprehensive guides to local events that will keep you in the know about everything happening in our vibrant city.

Ranger Soundcar: https://posh.vip/f/304c9?a=eriknilsson248

Small Lake City Newsletter: https://www.smalllakepod.com/subscribe

Food Truck Cheese Fest: https://www.cachevalleycreamery.com/

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