Travel Utah Podcast

Have you ever had the dream of skydiving out of the back of a plane, or base jump off the edge of a cliff,  but couldn't get yourself to go through with it because of that fear that you might not survive?  What if I told you that you could go and live those dreams of flying, without ever being more than just a few feet off the ground? What if you could have all of the rush and adrenaline of wingsuit jumping, with none of the risk? Well all of those dreams are about to come true. On this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast,  I speak with James Jensen, creator of JUMP, about his "hyper reality" experience that allows you to "jump" into a virtual world that is so immersive and real, that your brain thinks you're actually there.

Established in 1969, The Natural History Museum of Utah has become the Crown Jewel of the many historic and scientific institutions located in the State of Utah. In this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast, I talk with Tim Lee (Director of Exhibits), Randy Irmis (Chief Curator/Curator of Paleontology), and Jason Cryan (Museum Director), about the history of the NHMU, what makes it so special, and what we can expect in the future for this one of a kind destination. 

Because of it’s Pioneering history, Utah has some pretty incredible sites and stories to be shared with locals and visitors alike. On todays episode, we are talking about one of the most historic locations in the state of Utah when it comes to tourism. Established over 100 years ago, Ruby”s Inn is one of those gems that has stood the test of time. 
Family owned and operated since day one, it offers a long list of outdoor activities and modern amenities while maintaining that old west town charm.  
It also serves as the gateway to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is not only one of the most spectacular Geological landscapes in the state of Utah, but also the world.

Not far off of I-70 in central Utah is a small resort with a very recognizable name. While Big Rock Candy Mountain is more often associated with the old folk song by the same name,  Big Rock Candy Mountain Resort has established itself as one of Utah's must visit destinations since the 1970's. Owned and operated by the Grow family for over 25 years, it has been an outdoor adventure hotspot for people looking to get away and enjoy the simpler things in life. On this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast, I speak with Alex Grow, as he shares some of the resort's history, amenities, and activities that have defined this area for over 30 years. 

What would you do to motivate people to get outside and enjoy the outdoors more?  Back in June of 2021, Josh Paulsen of Teton Sports, embarked on a year long journey to get people  to enjoy  nature every single day, by  committing himself to camp outside, every night for an entire year.  On this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast I talk to Josh to discuss his motivation behind this Journey, his experiences so far, and why it is so important for him to invite everyone to get outside every single day. 

Utah is well known for it's prehistoric past. It is so well known in fact, that one of the most infamous and terrifying dinosaurs bares its name, The Utah Raptor.... So what do you do when you're a small town, and just outside your city limits is one of the world's  prolific dinosaur quarries, producing some of the most complete specimens in the world ? You build a museum. You build a museum featuring fossils, bones and native american artifacts that were discovered and unearthed in your own backyard to preserve, and educate for years to come. On this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast, I interview Tim Riley, Director of the Utah State University Eastern Prehistoric Museum in Price Utah, to talk about this small town museum that has made a big name for itself. 

Though the term overlanding may not be common to a lot of  the general population, the idea behind it of self sufficient adventure travel, with the journey through remote landscapes being the primary goal has certainly gained a lot of traction and interest in recent years. In this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast, we talk with Kurt Williams of Cruiser Outfitters, about  his decades of world exploration and the vehicles, the gear, the routes, and the community of passionate overlanders that call Utah home. 

Some of the biggest blockbusters in history have been filmed here in Utah, including Stagecoach, Thelma and Louise, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  In this episode of the Travel Utah Podcast, we talk with Virginia Pearce, director of the Utah Film Commission, about the history and future of film-making in Utah.

More than twenty five years after a flat tire of fate derailed his family vacation while driving through central Utah, Mike Ginsburg reflects on his journey to create one of the most unique hot springs you'll ever find.  Self proclaimed as the best "hippie hot springs" in the west, Mystic Hot Springs is a reflection of a man who finds beauty in all he sees. From repurposing old school buses into rustic cabins, to restoring 19th century claw footed tubs for soaking in the natural spring waters, Mike's love of nature, and his vision of the future are inspiring visitors from around the world.

Offering up skiing and sledding on it's snow capped peaks in the winter, and Hiking and Mountain Biking among the red rocks in the Summer, Brian Head Resort is one of the most unique destinations you'll find in southern Utah. In this episode we talk to Mark Wilder about everything there is to do at  Brian Head Resort, located in Brian Head Utah.