Episode 189 Captain Borax True Crime Discourse

In 2019 we decided to add a monthly segment you’ve come to love called, Infamous Utahn. When we came to our Ted Bundy episode, we wanted to try to not use usual sources keep the research as local as possible. We came across a local treasure, Captain Borax True Crime You Tube Channel.

Episode 189 we had founder of Captain Borax True Crime, Chris Mortensen, Skype in with us. How did he get started with his love of true crime? How does he find the time to do his research? How has he been able to find old home pictures and stories of Ted Bundy that you wouldn’t get in a book you might pick up off the shelf or in a Netflix documentary? Ted hasn’t been his only focus, but definitely one of his biggest. Chris briefly created true crime tours through locations in Utah. He researched other local crimes such as the Trolley Square shooting, and now that he has moved out of Utah and to Las Vegas. It will be awesome to see what crazy true crime stories he finds!

You can follow Chris’ latest research and updates on his book on his Facebook Page and on his YouTube channel.

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, IHeartRadio, Google Play, and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 186 Your Guide to Utah’s Spirit Trail

Before getting started we must note, for Charles, that he was referring to a Tyler at Ogden’s Own, but it’s actually Tim. Apologies Tim.

Now that is corrected, Episode 186 we had the absolute joy of being joined by the founder and creator of Utah’s Spirit Trail Guide, Charles Johnson. We couldn’t have said it better than his press release in describing what the Utah Spirit Trail guide accomplishes, Over the past 10 months I have been writing, designing, planning, and coordinating with all of the area distillers/owners in the construction of Utah’s Spirit Trail. In just a few short days I will be launching a whole new way for Utahn’s, and visitors to our state, to explore these amazing destinations and meet with the people that are actively shaping the culture of distilling in Utah.

Charles has spent months building relationships with local distillers and creating an interactive guide for visitors and locals to discover Utah’s distilleries. What is the Utah’s Spirit Trail Guide? You can pick it up for $5 at local distillers as well as on the website, Utah Spirit Trail, and inside has 12 distilleries (with more to come each year). After you visit each of those, you get your passport/guide stamped and at the end you mail it back to Charles and you get one of the beautiful glasses in the picture (on the right). What is the purpose of this? Well, everyone has a story. Utah distillers have some of the best and this gives a chance for people to chat with them and find out their origins.

With Utah distilleries from Eden, to Park City, to South Salt Lake it also gives you a good road trip through our beautiful Wasatch Front. We look forward to seeing the other distilleries jump on board! You can follow the Utah Spirit Trail on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!

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Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 184 Philosophy before Religion

For episode 184 we had the great pleasure to record on location, and sit down with, the presidency of the Summum Organization. Yes, you may know them by their pyramid on the west side of I-15 in Salt Lake City. You may have even seen them pop up in an Atlas Obscura article. We’ve even spoken of them with Derek Rhodes, a past guest, for his one thing! We loved sitting down and getting more educated about them and their history.

Directed by Su Menu, Ron Temu, and Bernie Aua the organization was started in 1975 by Summum Bonum Amen Ra, or as many know him Corky. As Ron, Bernie, and Su told us, Corky was definitely a force to be reckoned with and was very charismatic and a great public speaker. *You can read how he started everything HERE* Summum has flourished over the years and held its spot in Salt Lake City. Summum isn’t a religious organization but a philosophical non-profit and a safe space, will you, for those who are drawn to it. What is so unique about Summum? Besides offering a peaceful place to meditate and study, they are also the only organization in the country to offer mummification for both pets and humans. Ron and Bernie, both funeral directors, explained the process and a bit of the history of mummification. It is not just tied to ancient Egypt. Also, How incredible is it that there are options for death and afterlife! It’s good to have options in your death planning. Oh, and make sure your family, your ENTIRE family, is on board with whatever plans you want for yourself!

We talked some other local items of note, like gentrification in their neighborhood and yes, it seriously bums them out.

Although we want to give you a full recap on what we learned, we also want you to take a listen to our conversation.

You can watch their weekly classes at Summum.tv, you can read more about them and their philosophies at Summum.org and Summum.us. Bernie does an incredible job making sure everything is clarified and up to date on their websites. You can also follow them on their Facebook page.

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 183 Hallmark Christmas Movies v. Lifetime Christmas Movies

You thought last week was a great debate… This week we discuss Hallmark Christmas Movies vs. Lifetime Christmas movies… vs. Law and Order SVU. Don’t worry, it’s relevant!

The end of the month marks another episode of Utah’s Infamous Criminal’s! We decided to delve into Wanda Barzee and Brian David Mitchell. There are no redeeming qualities between these two monsters. The best thing that came out of this terrible situation was Elizabeth Smart’s strength. She is a shining light!

We mentioned local community gem, Princess Kennedy, was in a bad accident over the weekend. She smashed her face pretty bad, and they had to do facial reconstruction after they waited for the brain bleed/leakage to subside. Surgery was extensive and on Tuesday. It seems to have gone well with an update that hopefully she’ll get moved out of ICU soon. Kennedy is known for her Salon at Library Square and her attention to the homeless community in Salt Lake City, most recently offering her skills to Project Homeless Connect. PK is very active in the LGBTQ+ community, always making appearances at local events and offering support. She also provides her own events through SLC’s Pride festival in the summer. There will be upcoming events and there are two Go Fund Me accounts, one by Justin Strange and one by Jordan Moore, for Kennedy, as she does not have health insurance and will need assistance. If you don’t want to deal with Go Fund me, her Venmo is @PK-Kennedy. PK’s heart is huge, she’s an important part of SLC, and we send our love and healing juju to her!

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 180 Salt Lake City Pioneer Park, its Homeless, and Gentrification

The Pioneer Park Coalition might not be an organization that you immediately know of that is working to provide a better, more safe space at the park in Downtown Salt Lake City. But you should! Episode 180 Michelle Miller, Administrative Director, joined us to talk about what the coalition has been doing and what they see for the future of the park.

Homeless issues across the world cannot be solved to a functional zero because some people are service resistant. However, community resources can be utilized in an appropriate way that can assist those who want to be assisted to reduce the numbers. Michelle let us know that the Pioneer Park Coalition is working on just that. As an advocacy group and a watchdog group they work in Salt Lake City to not “rid” Pioneer Park of it’s homeless, but find a better solution and create a safer space for the community.

Pioneer Park Coalition Mission Statement

You can read more about the Pioneer Park Coalition mission by clicking HERE.

Yes, it is true, at the end of November 2019 the Road Home SLC downtown location will be closing it’s doors. A new location, as well as a couple of others, have and will be opening. 3380 S 1000 W in SLC is the most recent! There are resources at these new locations such as medical help, employment resources, and housing resources. One of the things Michelle told us during her visit with us is that, “if you’re a hungry homeless person in SLC it is because you want to be.” She let us know that there are so many resources and it is sad to see those who don’t want to take advantage. We wanted to know, is it a myth or is it truth that it is an issue that homeless people are freezing to death? If anyone can get us backing up data from the SLC M/E’s office that would be awesome!

Alright, what about the future of Pioneer Park? Yes, in the summer we have the incredible Farmers Market put on by Urban Food Connections of Utah, which moves to the Rio Grande Station in the winter. They just overhauled the middle of the park with new walk ways and a beautiful soccer field. But what does the community really want to see from this park? Think, Union Square Park… Bryant Park… something along those lines where community can have a place to come together. The Pioneer Park Coalition has 3.4 million dollars to make some decisions with. What do you want to see happen with the park? Want to be more involved? You can reach the Pioneer Park Coalition through their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and through their website. All suggestions are welcome!

Image result for pioneer park — Photo Utah By Air

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Utah’s One Thing: Front Row Film Roast/CrowdSourced Comedy

Since we started our show in 2016, we have been asking our guests at the end of every New Utah interview, “What is the one thing that you would tell someone visiting Utah they had to do before leaving?”

Episode 154 we had the cast of the Front Row Film Roast/ CrowdSourced Comedy join us for a roaring good time! We asked Jessica, Andrew, Trevor, and Craig what the one thing the would tell someone visiting Utah they had to do before leaving! Here are there answers.

Andrew said that there is so much here but because others have mentioned national parks, etc. Andrew said to go to the Avenues! There is no rhyme or reason behind the style of homes and also in the Avenues is the Salt Lake Cemetery. It’s on a hill you can see all the city and the history connected to Utah.

Craig said, yes it sounds cliché for him to say, but if you are in Utah in the month of June go to Utah’s pride festival! SLC is unique because it has one of the most dense LGBTQ+ populations because a lot of people flock to the state because it is a place to belong.

Jessica said it depends on what you enjoy but her one thing to do in Utah, is to go to Cedar City and take in the Shakespeare Festival! It goes from June to October!

Trevor said his one thing is to go to the restaurant Five Alls, but our Jessica squashed his hopes and dreams by telling him it had recently closed. He then said, go to F***n Arches!

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Music by Folk Hogan, Bootleggers Dance

Episode 159 Agriculture is a Space Holder

In 1989, a small non-profit started in Utah that had a purpose to empower all ages by learning how to garden! After sowing for 30 years, this program is called Wasatch Community Gardens.

Episode 159 we were joined by executive director of Wasatch Community Gardens, Ashley Patterson. 30 years later there are 16 gardens throughout Salt Lake County serving kids and adults! WCG has developed relationships with the local parks departments so many of these can be possible. Speaking with Ashley, we learned what the “why” is of many people that come to garden with the community program. Nostalgia, having a hobby, holding space, and therapy are just a few of the reasons that someone is paying for a garden plot. These garden plots are $25-$50 a year and come with responsibilities and 6 hours of obligated volunteering. Who wouldn’t want to be an irrigation steward! Also, weeding, harvesting, etc. are part of those garden jobs. Ashley told us that these plots are a great way to see all types of techniques of growing! However, beware of farm wars!

*Listen below to hear what the craziest thing they’ve seen anyone grow!*

There are 7 different areas that Wasatch Community Gardens functions; Americorp, youth garden, seed education, school and community gardens, the relationships with the parks for produce, and giving. During the year the kids education program provides an educational space, teaches growing, and then offers a kitchen space to use the fruit/vegetables that have been grown to create a meal! Also, if you are wondering what grows best in Utah… Ashley says mint!

You can follow Wasatch Community Gardens on their Facebook page, Twitter, and their Instagram . Sign up for their newsletter which updates about local events such as the Urban Farm Tour, Bee Fest, and annual plant sale, workshops, and growing! Stay tuned for information on their 30th birthday party this October 24th, Out of Our Gourds at the Union Event Center!

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 153 The Bees are Coming… and so is the Queen!

**Update as of this post being live** The bees did not arrive this past weekend. Weather delayed them.

Episode 153 we had bee chat. Getting new bees. Birds and the bees. Honey. All the things. It was also our monthly segment of an infamous Utah criminal. This month we decided to pick Gary Gilmore. Stay tuned for our recap!

We brought it up quite a while ago, but the Kennecott Visitor Center is now re-opened after a landslide in the mine several years ago.

Speaking of awesome Utah events, there is plenty to do this coming up weekend (10-12th of May) with the 150th celebration of the Transcontinental Railroad. Salt Lake Magazine has a great issue “New West-Old West” on stands. Editor Mary Malouf wrote a beautiful, heart-felt letter from the editor on our strong connection to our past here in Utah. Salt Lake Tribune has a listing of all the places you can enjoy the celebrations this week!

Test Run of the Big Boy in Cheyenne May 2, 2019 @RioGrandeFan

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 152 FanX 2019 Spring Recap and drunk driving

Episode 152 recap is as short as this year’s spring FanX! We recapped Chris, Bre, and Jessica’s experience at spring FanX Convention. This years event was quite a bit smaller. You could feel it in the crowds, in the way the vendor floor was set up, and by the selection *or lack of* panels, and by the same old people on every panel. Panels are something that Chris, Bre, and Jessica really enjoy and we know that Utah has some amazing and knowledgeable geeks! We REALLY want the powers that be at FanX to utilize them! Take suggestions for panelists. Interview them! Vett them! We really hope some day we get to see a greater variety of the passionate people in our community sharing their knowledge up on those stages.

Photo: Jessica Richardson(FanX April 2019)

Also, don’t be a dick. If you are going to drink and drive *which we most definitely say, please just don’t* please stay far away from Chris and Bre’s fence and don’t do it with your kid in the car!

Here is the link to information about Utah Dark Sky parks that we talk about all the time! Summer is almost here, we hope you get some time to get out and enjoy them.

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

Episode 146 A Sit Down with DA Sim Gill

In the fall of 2018 we had a few moments to sit down with Salt Lake County District Attorney, Sim Gill, during a tag team interview pre-election for episode 126. 20 episodes, and 6 months later we we were excited to have him for a little bit longer for episode 146! We might just have to start making this a regular thing! Sit in with Sim? How does that sound?

During our time with Sim we were able to talk with him right as the brand new Hate Crimes Bill was going through the House and passed 64-9! What a moment to have him sitting there with us! Sim and a team of people have been working on getting this bill through Utah legislation for years.

We love this photo that was taken just two days after our podcast of Sen. Derek Kitchen and Sim Gill. Photo: Derek Kitchen

We wanted to know about term limits for a District Attorney. Sim explained to us that longevity is important for a DA. You cannot have someone coming in and out of that position all willy-nilly. Sim said f there is going to be change there needs to be length to get through processes, bills, etc. One of our favorite things, of the many, is that Sim has such a zen way of looking at his service to Salt Lake County. He looks at himself as a temporary caretaker. DA Gill loves serving his community, so much that every Friday night he has citizen meetings where you can call into his office and set up time to chat. Whether you want to yell in his face or talk about curry, he has made it a priority to talk to citizens face to face. You can find that number on the DA’s website HERE.

Prop 2 came up, of course! Sim is very passionate about it and told us a story on his last visit with us of a patient that helped him see how important the bill was. Sim told us not to be disheartened, don’t be depressed at what happened with the bill. Gill said don’t be apathetic and finish the conversation by voting them all out! We couldn’t agree more!

We don’t want to give all the good stuff, cause we want you to listen… But a cool little tid-bit of trivia about the office that he works in. When you drive by the building at 35 East 500 South in Downtown Salt Lake, you will notice all of the art that is on the windows. If you look closely on the east side you will see two white roses. This is DA Gill’s homage to the White Rose Society and reminding the community that “the institution belongs to you.”

We will ALWAYS love your “likes” BUT don’t forget to click that little SHARE button (or retweet) *sharing IS indeed caring* You can find us and subscribe on Soundcloud, Spotify, Stitcher, or Itunes, and Google Play and TuneIN. Leave us a review and Follow us on the Twitter @tnupodcast, Instagram @Tnupodcast, or on Facebook The New Utah Podcast

Music By: Folk Hogan. Bootleggers Dance.

The New Utah Podcast

The Utah you really want to know about.

podcasts about salt lake city

Episode 189 Captain Borax True Crime Discourse

Episode 186 Your Guide to Utah’s Spirit Trail

Episode 184 Philosophy before Religion

Episode 183 Hallmark Christmas Movies v. Lifetime Christmas Movies

Episode 180 Salt Lake City Pioneer Park, its Homeless, and Gentrification

Utah’s One Thing: Front Row Film Roast/CrowdSourced Comedy

Episode 159 Agriculture is a Space Holder

Episode 153 The Bees are Coming… and so is the Queen!

Episode 152 FanX 2019 Spring Recap and drunk driving

Episode 146 A Sit Down with DA Sim Gill