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Valley 101 episodes
- What can Arizona's Route 66 dive bars teach us?
Some of the best stories along Route 66 can be found inside its dive bars. From local legends to a bar with decades of history, these places have plenty of stories to tell.
This week on Valley 101, our host, Bill Goodykoontz, takes a roadtrip to learn what Arizona's historic dive bars can teach us about their history, their people, and the stories they carry.
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Guests: Mike Fox
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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13 min - What is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Hispanic culture and identity, but it isn't always easy, especially in the current political and social climate. But what is it like to be famous and Hispanic in Arizona?
On this episode of Valley 101, we discuss the challenges of navigating identity, culture, and building a successful life in Arizona.
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Guests: Vanessa Ruiz, Armando Hernandez
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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17 min - Is Scottsdale the perfect place for a reality show?
What happens when you combine Scottsdale, youth baseball and reality TV? You get "Team Moms: Baseball", a new show from Kim Kardashian and the producers of 'Love Island USA', following families at an elite baseball academy in Scottsdale.
On this episode of Valley 101, we look at why Arizona is just now becoming a reality TV destination and how the show might have an effect on youth sports.
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Guests: Dina Kaur, Paola Boivin
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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16 min - When does fall start in Arizona?
Fall officially arrives at the end of September, but in Arizona, it doesn't feel that way.
So when does fall actually start in the valley?
This week on Valley 101, we look at when Arizonans can finally expect cooler weather, and why it may be taking its time to get here.
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Guests: Tevian Whitehurst
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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14 min - Why didn’t any Arizona restaurants earn Michelin stars?
The Michelin guide has finally come to Arizona.
And not a single Arizonan restaurant received a star. Though many still appeared in the guide, a few even received their own special awards, but no stars. Why?
This week on Valley 101, we look into what it takes to get a Michelin star and why none of Arizona's restaurants received one.
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Guests: Bahar Anooshahr
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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14 min - Are backyard pools still a luxury in Arizona?
To survive an Arizona summer, most Arizonans escape the head by taking a vacation, staying inside or cooling off in a pool.
These days, having a pool at home can feel like a necessity, but it wasn't always that way.
This week on Valley 101, we learn about the increase of pools in Arizona homes and find out why it has went from a luxury to a must have.
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Guests: Skip Shasta III, Hannah Jones
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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13 min - What's with the dead bodies in Lake Mead?
Dead bodies are among the many things being revealed as Lake Mead's water levels continue to drop.
So why are bodies being found in Lake Mead? And how many are connected to crimes?
This week on Valley 101, we explore the stories behind the bodies, what the dropping water levels mean for Arizona and what the lake could reveal next.
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Guests: Shaun Mollica, John Mattos, Brandon Loomis
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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13 min - Are javelinas Arizona's wild pig?
If you have been to Arizona, chances are you’ve had a javelina encounter, maybe crossing the street or even hanging out in a backyard. They look a little like pigs, seem to be everywhere and have become an unmistakable part of Arizona life.
But what exactly are javelinas, and why are there so many of them here?
This week on Valley 101, we get to know one of Arizona’s most recognizable — and misunderstood — animals and find out how javelinas have become such an iconic piece of wildlife in our state.
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Guests: David Mizejewski
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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19 min - What happened to Salad and Go?
Salad and Go was founded in Gilbert in 2013 and quickly became a go-to spot for quick, affordable salads. On Aug. 4, 2026, the chain announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closing all of its Arizona and Nevada locations.
But what happened?
On this week's episode of Valley 101, we look at what led to the closures and what the future could hold for those stores.
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Guests: Tony Christofellis, Eddie Fontanez, Corina Vanek
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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16 min - How did Rocky Point become Arizona's beach?
There is one thing most Arizonans can agree on, we need a beach.
While it’s a borderline impossible thought, we are fortunately able to head down to Puerto Peñasco in Sonora, Mexico, nicknamed “Arizona’s beach."
On this week’s episode of Valley 101, we take a walk down the shore and answer the question: How did Puerto Peñasco become Arizona’s beach?
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Guests: Michael Salerno, Jonathan Bodow
Host: Bill Goodykoontz
Producer: Tori Weiss, Amanda Luberto
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11 min
About Valley 101
From the publisher's feed
Whether you're a longtime Arizona resident or a newcomer, chances are there's something you've always wondered about the Valley. From The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com comes Valley 101, a weekly…
podcast where our journalists find answers to your questions about metro Phoenix and beyond. From silly to serious, you tell us what to investigate. You can submit questions at valley101.azcentral.com or reach us on social media @azcentral. This show is hosted by Bill Goodykootz and produced by Amanda Luberto.
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