How to Create a Four Season Garden That Thrives in Utah
Utah Stories Show
Most Utah gardens look great for a few weeks… and then fade, dry out, or turn into bare patches by mid-summer or fall. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Loreen and Heidi from Millcreek Gardens explain how to design a true four season garden that holds color, structure, and life all year — even in Utah’s harsh, desert climate. We talk about: Why so many Utah yards fail long before summer ends How to layer height, foliage, texture, and form for year-round interest Easy winter-friendly ideas like evergreen containers, branches, berries, and structure How to...
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Is Utah’s Housing Crisis Manufactured?
Utah Stories Show
Utah’s housing costs are soaring, and many wonder if the crisis is truly accidental. Richard Markosian sits down with Kimberly Burnett of Ivory Innovations to explore whether Utah’s housing shortage is manufactured—sustained by policy, regulation, and zoning that keep prices high and affordable homes out of reach. They discuss how 24% of every new home’s cost comes from regulation, why smaller homes and ADUs remain blocked, and what it will take for Utah’s next generation to finally afford a place to call home.
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A Family’s Journey Through Drug Addiction
Utah Stories Show
In this powerful episode of Utah Stories, Richard Markosian sits down with Peggy and Steve Ayers to explore the raw, emotional journey of addiction, trauma, and healing within their family. From the hidden realities behind picture-perfect appearances to the lifesaving support of community, this episode dives deep into the challenges families face when a loved one struggles with substance abuse—and what it takes to begin healing. 🎙️ Topics include: The stigma and secrecy of addiction A parent’s perspective on trauma and recovery The role of peer support and communication Reflections on...
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Michael Feldman on Music, Blues, and the Soul of Salt Lake’s Music Scene
Utah Stories Show
What do Led Zeppelin, blues clubs in the UK, and pastrami sandwiches have in common? They all helped shape the life and passions of Michael Feldman—musician, storyteller, and owner of Salt Lake’s beloved Feldman’s Deli. In this soulful episode of Utah Stories, Michael sits down with Richard Markosian to reflect on his lifelong love for music, the Utah music scene, and how his travels in Europe and deep love for the blues still influence his life and community today. 🎶 In this episode: Growing up with Led Zeppelin, Clapton, and the blues The evolution of Utah’s local music scene Why...
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Touched by a Goony: From The Goonies to Utah’s Indie Film Scene | The Utah Story Show
Utah Stories Show
What do The Goonies and Utah’s film industry have in common? 🎥 In this episode of The Utah Story Show, host Richard Markosian sits down with actor Andrew Lenz of Nuworlds Productions to talk about the highs, lows, and weird in-betweens of breaking into film. Andrew shares stories from working near Touched by an Angel, brushes with Goonies lore, and what it’s really like on a film set—why the crew matters more than the cast, and how Utah’s tight-knit production community makes all the difference. Whether you're a die-hard fan of 80s classics or looking to break into film, this...
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Compassion vs. Accountability
Utah Stories Show
In this candid and thought-provoking episode of The Utah Story Show, Richard Markosian sits down with James Behunin from the Utah Homeless Services Board to discuss the complex challenges of homelessness in Utah. Together, they examine the policy struggles, personal stories of hope and tragedy, and the delicate balance between compassion and accountability. From the inspiring transformations at The Other Side Academy to heartbreaking stories of addiction, this conversation sheds light on the human side of homelessness and the systemic changes needed for real solutions. Join us for a deep dive...
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FACES Series - Face of Numismatics - ALL ABOUT COINS
Utah Stories Show
Bob Campbell isn’t your average coin dealer. Raised in a poor family, Bob climbed to the top of the numismatic world, becoming President of the American Numismatic Association and a recognized expert in counterfeit coin detection. He has taught U.S. federal agencies like the FBI, Secret Service, IRS, Homeland Security, and collectors how to spot fake coins. In this podcast, Bob shares: How he built his coin business from nothing The secrets to finding rare, valuable coins (including the $500,000 penny!) The importance of knowledge and passion in coin collecting How to avoid scams...
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Tax the Rich? Or a Great Reset? —Why isn’t DOGE and Fiscal Responsibility Acceptable?
Utah Stories Show
Why has it become nearly impossible to discuss important political topics without resorting to personal attacks and tribalism? In this episode of Utah Stories, we dive deep into the state of public discourse, the growing political divide, and why ideas are often judged by who presents them rather than their actual merit. Join the discussion! Do you think we can return to rational, civil conversations about politics and society? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe for more deep dives into Utah’s most pressing issues, politics, and local adventures. #PublicDiscourse...
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22 States by Horseback: One Man’s Journey Across America
Utah Stories Show
What would it be like to ride across 25 states on horseback? Jake Harvath took on the challenge, leaving everything behind to embark on an epic journey that tested his resilience, connected him with incredible people, and gave him a deep bond with his horses. In this episode of Utah Stories, Jake shares: 🏇 How a childhood dream turned into a 400-day odyssey 🏕️ The challenges of camping in the wild and relying on strangers for survival 🐎 The deep connection he formed with his mustangs 🌍 How his journey made him reflect on modern society’s detachment from nature Join us as we...
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The Real Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses | Utah Stories Podcast with Scott Brown
Utah Stories Show
How are the latest tariffs impacting small businesses in America? In this episode of the Utah Stories Podcast, we sit down with Scott Brown, the founder of Paddle Smash, to discuss how rising import tariffs are threatening small businesses that rely on overseas manufacturing. Scott shares: 🔹 The challenges of manufacturing in the U.S. vs. China 🔹 How Trump's new tariffs are forcing price hikes on American consumers 🔹 The hidden complexities of moving production to other countries like Vietnam or Mexico 🔹 Why small businesses lack the cash reserves to absorb these changes 🔹...
info_outlineMost Utah gardens look great for a few weeks… and then fade, dry out, or turn into bare patches by mid-summer or fall. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, Loreen and Heidi from Millcreek Gardens explain how to design a true four season garden that holds color, structure, and life all year — even in Utah’s harsh, desert climate. We talk about:
- Why so many Utah yards fail long before summer ends
- How to layer height, foliage, texture, and form for year-round interest
- Easy winter-friendly ideas like evergreen containers, branches, berries, and structure
- How to keep plants alive in Utah soil and avoid the #1 cause of plant failure (hydration issues)
- What big-box stores get wrong about Utah’s climate
- How a three-generation local garden center built a niche by growing plants that survive here
- Special varieties you won’t find at chains — and how to choose plants that last
If you want your yard to look good in spring, summer, fall and winter — or you’re tired of wasting money on plants that don’t make it — this conversation is packed with insights Utah homeowners rarely hear.