Best Mormons On Mushrooms Podcasts (2025)

1
Sinners (#208) 1:20:11

27d ago1:20:11

1:20:11

In this live episode, we dive into the hit film Sinners, exploring its themes of soul, art and the commercialization of creativity. Seth joins us midway and things heat up as we dissect the love-and-light vampires, the Dionysian river-dance rituals, and the seductive trap of eternal youth vs. embodied humanity. Other themes we touch on: The tension…

1
SLC Policing Changes? Double Decker Tour Bus, Park City HBO Movie 38:11

2d ago38:11

38:11

It's been five years since Salt Lakers hit the streets to protest police violence, and footage of a recent SLCPD shooting was released just this week. Host Ali Vallarta, executive producer Emily Means, and UVU Center for Social Impact director Cassie Bingham break down the short and long-term changes since summer 2020. Plus, we rate the city’s late…

1
Your Guide to June 2025 in Salt Lake 27:19

3d ago27:19

27:19

June is the official start of summer in Salt Lake City, and things are heating up. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from flower markets to frozen treats to a can't-miss skyline tour. Plus, if you're looking for ways …

1
35. Terry Chang & Dr. Ulrike Kaunzner on Reimagining Hormonal Health Through Two Moons Health andSeed Cycling 28:05

3d ago28:05

28:05

Terry Chang and Dr. Ulrike Kaunzner are the founders of Two Moons Health, a wellness company on a mission to demystify hormonal health and bring natural, evidence-informed care to women navigating PMDD, PMS, and perimenopause. Terry brings deep experience from the legal and business world, while Ulrike blends Western medicine with a holistic approa…

1
Did Salt Lake Save the Wrong Bee? 19:06

4d ago19:06

19:06

The good news: We saved the honeybees. The bad news: It may have come at the expense of Utah's native pollinators. Host Ali Vallarta asks researcher Jesse Margolies to make the economic case for saving local bees and to explain how Salt Lakers can help. This episode first aired May 20, 2024. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City …

1
A Guide to Fixing Things in Your SLC Neighborhood 29:28

5d ago29:28

29:28

Need a pothole fixed or want extra signage in your neighborhood, but don’t know where to start? Weston Clark, community outreach director for the Salt Lake City Mayor’s office, and executive producer Emily Means create a practical how-to guide to getting things done in your city. Resources and references: Check out the mySLC App. Plus, who to call …

1
The Julia Reagan Billboard Debate, Permanent Farmers Market, MomTok Parody 32:36

9d ago32:36

32:36

You’ve seen her billboards, but do you know her story? Salt Lake Tribune reporter Andy Larsen, socio-pop anthropologist Cassie Bingham, and executive producer Emily Means dive into Julia Reagan’s lore. Plus, a year-round farmers market, a MomTok parody, and a cinematic summer showdown. Resources and references: How Julia Reagan's memorial billboard…

1
What Could Go at the Old Dunkin’ Donuts on 400 South? 31:44

10d ago31:44

31:44

Salt Lake City was the fastest growing city in Utah over the past year, according to new data from the U.S. Census. So, how is it that in a city with so much life, we have dozens of vacant and boarded-up buildings? Hey Salt Lake Newsletter editor Terina Ria, producer Ivana Martinez, and executive producer Emily Means dream big about what could go i…

1
34. The Cost of Ignoring Moms: Erin Erenberg and the Fight for Maternal Rights 40:01

10d ago40:01

40:01

Erin Erenberg is the CEO and Co-Founder of Chamber of Mothers, the Founder of Totum Women, an IP Attorney, and a fierce advocate for maternal rights. She has spent her career building successful ventures and championing systemic change for mothers across America. Through Chamber of Mothers, she’s rallying the collective power of 85 million moms to …

1
Is Historic Preservation a Tool for NIMBYs or Affordability? 20:55

11d ago20:55

20:55

Salt Lake’s east bench is ripe with historic districts — and just got another — but the Westside still has zero. Executive producer Emily Means asks historic preservation expert Chris Jensen about the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to preserving historic buildings, and how to get that coveted local historic district designation. Get more …

1
2034 Olympics Wishlist, Utah Republican Infighting, Camping for Free 34:46

12d ago34:46

34:46

Olympic organizers are hosting a listening tour across Utah, and they want to hear from you … kind of. Executive producer Emily Means and journalist-turned-environmental advocate Kate Groetzinger talk about their wishlists for the 2034 Winter Games. Plus, the hottest gossip from the Republican convention, volunteer camping, and an easy way to weigh…

1
‘Secret Lives’ and What It Means To Be a Modern Mormon 27:15

13d ago27:15

27:15

Did you spend your weekend binge watching season two of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives"? The women of Utah MomTok are back to start drama and challenge our ideas about what being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint is actually like. Host Ali Vallarta asks City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen, a former member of the faith…

1
1,200-Bed Homeless Shelter on Westside? Mushroom Church, Death Club 42:53

16d ago42:53

42:53

The state wants to put a 1,200-bed homeless campus somewhere in Salt Lake City, and City Cast has the scoop on one possible location. Executive producer Emily Means, producer Ivana Martinez, and community organizer Chandler Rosenberg discuss the site and its potential impacts. Plus, a psychedelic mushroom church, a new death club, and airport mice.…

1
Wanna Meet New People in Salt Lake? Here's Some Neighborly Advice. 23:59

17d ago23:59

23:59

One of the most commonly asked questions we get is, "How do you make friends here?" Our neighbors seem like the perfect place to start — if we could just work up the courage to say, "hi." Dr. Maria Blevins, associate professor of communications at Utah Valley University, joins executive producer Emily Means to share ways to cut through the awkwardn…

1
33. Brown Girl Therapy: Sahaj Kaur Kohli's Mission to Bridge Mental Health and Cultural Identity 50:23

17d ago50:23

50:23

Sahaj Kaur Kohli is an award-winning therapist, mental health educator, and founder of Brown Girl Therapy, the first and largest mental health community for adult children of immigrants. You may know her as the advice columnist behind Ask Sahaj in The Washington Post, or as the author of the powerful book But What Will People Say. In this episode, …

1
Salt Lake’s Best Hidden Gems 23:35

18d ago23:35

23:35

Where are Salt Lake’s hidden gems? Local explorer Darienne Debrule tells host Ali Vallarta about tucked away shops, restaurants and experiences you need to check out. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at m…

1
Utah’s Take on DOGE, Great Salt Lake Fatigue, Lesbian Smashburgers 38:37

19d ago38:37

38:37

Gov. Spencer Cox is taking cues from Elon Musk and rolling out Utah’s version of DOGE. Socio-pop anthropologist Cassie Bingham and executive producer Emily Means break down what government efficiency actually means. Plus, a lesbian burger joint, the Great Salt Lake hits national news (again), and a hot seat on the Salt Lake County council. Resource…

1
How Can SLC Make More Neighborhoods Like Central 9th? 24:52

20d ago24:52

24:52

The Central Ninth neighborhood is popping off while downtown SLC fights off chains. Host Ali Vallarta asks Darin Mano, the chair of Salt Lake’s Community Reinvestment Agency, what the city is doing about it. We reference the episode “How to Keep Main Street Bars From Closing.” Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake …

1
Is SLC Mayor Trolling the Legislature? More $$ for Police, Sauna Lake City 43:07

23d ago43:07

43:07

It was a big week for Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, from making national headlines over new pride flags to releasing her proposed $512 million budget. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means break down the highlights and lowlights. Plus, touring the Walker Center, a great sauna place, and tusks up for the Utah Mammoth. Resource…

1
Salt Lake Patios for This Gorgeous Weather 25:36

24d ago25:36

25:36

It’s patio season! Deck enthusiast Diana Martinez joins host Ali Vallarta to count down the best bars, restaurants, and cafes for working remotely in the sun, happy hour, or a long brunch. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events a…

1
32. From Mormonism to Mushrooms: Marcella Hill’s Journey to Radical Self-Discovery 48:40

24d ago48:40

48:40

Marcella Hill is a hormone educator, fearless truth-teller, and advocate for women waking up to their own power. You might know Marcella from her viral posts on perimenopause and hormonal health, but we’re going even deeper today. We’re talking about the healing potential of psychedelics, including mushrooms and MDMA. Yes, the taboo topics we were …

1
SLC Flag Loophole, Where To Get Fluoride, Baby Bison 31:04

25d ago31:04

31:04

Utah’s flag and fluoride bans go into effect today, but host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore some sneaky workarounds. Plus, where to see baby bison, a local savant, and Benson Boone in SLC. Resources and references: As Utah’s fluoride ban begins, health officials urge Utahns to protect their teeth [Utah News Dispatch] Here …

1
Need Medicaid? Utah Wants You To Apply for 48 Jobs. 31:22

26d ago31:22

31:22

Utah's Medicaid program has been fully expanded for five years, with no work requirements since COVID hit. But now the state's Dept. of Health and Human Services wants to add them. Host Ali Vallarta asks Stephanie Burdick, a consumer representative on Utah's Medicaid advisory committee, what's on the table and how it could impact all of us. Resourc…

1
Disaster Prepping Tips From a Pro 19:02

27d ago19:02

19:02

Did you blink and miss the 3.9-magnitude earthquake last week? It’s a gentle reminder to get ready for "the big one” scientists expect to hit Salt Lake one of these days. Host Ali Vallarta chatted with Taylorsville prepper Emily Cottam about her tips for putting together a 72-hour kit and preparing for hard times. This episode first aired March 27,…

1
Horse Gambling in Utah? Crumbl Gets Sued, Hockey Club Leak 44:53

1M ago44:53

44:53

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and our money is on Journalism! Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore Utah’s horseracing scene and why, according to Utah’s Supreme Court, horses are an exemption to gambling. Plus, SLC enforces a ban on astroturf, the leaked Hockey Club name, local May Day, and Crumbl v. Warner Music Group…

1
Your Guide to May 2025 in Salt Lake 35:45

1M ago35:45

35:45

It's May in Salt Lake, when the sunshine — or lack thereof — can make or break your patio experience. Host Ali Vallarta, producer Ivana Martinez, and Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria bring you a guide to what to expect and how to make the most of this month, from cheap margaritas to a mobile book shop to a killer zipline deal. Plus, if yo…

1
31. Why Ida Tin Coined ‘Femtech’—And What’s Still Missing in Women’s Health Innovation 46:53

1M ago46:53

46:53

Femtech pioneer and Clue co-founder Ida Tin joins us to explore the intersection of technology, equity, and women’s health. Ida shares the story behind coining the term “femtech” and how she helped shape an entire industry to address the overlooked needs of women and people with periods. We discuss the founding of Clue, the systemic barriers that p…

1
How Salt Lake ERs Compare to ‘The Pitt’ 27:51

1M ago27:51

27:51

Host Ali Vallarta is obsessed with "The Pitt," a new medical drama that chronicles one 15-hour shift in a downtown Pittsburgh emergency room. But how closely does it mirror Salt Lake ERs? Local emergency medicine Dr. Aly Smith shares how the cases and the institutional issues stack up. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast S…

1
Big Scammer Weekend, Anti-Union Law Oppo, 2026 Marathon Idea 33:44

1M ago33:44

33:44

A law that neuters Utah's public sector labor unions is getting a second chance at death. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means give the latest update on the Protect Utah Workers referendum. Plus, a huge weekend for scammers, an early Mother’s Day event, and the origins of SLC’s sticker machines. Resources and references: State audit…

1
Can the Rio Grande Plan Guys Convince Utah To Bury the Rails? 29:52

1M ago29:52

29:52

An idea to bury the train tracks dividing the east and west sides of SLC could bring $12 billion of economic impact to Salt Lake County. But that doesn't mean the Rio Grande Plan has the greenlight. Host Ali Vallarta asks Taylor Larsen, one of the project's organizers, where it fits with other big developments on the horizon and what's next. Requir…

1
Utah Nonprofits Play Defense, 20+ Years for Running Water, SLC Marathon Closures 39:55

1M ago39:55

39:55

Utah's environmental organizations were in a frenzy this week due to President Trump’s rumor mill. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the administration's latest impacts on local nonprofits. Plus, a Navajo Nation community in Utah finally gets running water, The Beach Boys' Salt Lake ties, and a Met Gala fundraiser for tea…

1
How You Can Make Salt Lake's Sidewalks Better 23:42

1M ago23:42

23:42

A new opportunity to audit your sidewalk could lead to better walking experiences across the Salt Lake valley. HEAL Utah policy analyst Katie Balakir tells host Ali Vallarta what makes a great sidewalk and how to participate in this grassroots data project. Start with HEAL Utah’s walk audit toolkit. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become…

1
30. Reproductive Rights in 2025: What’s at Stake with Caitlin Horrigan 37:59

1M ago37:59

37:59

Caitlin Horrigan is the Senior Director of Global Advocacy at Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Caitlin is the definition of a powerhouse. She has spent decades on the frontlines of reproductive rights, shaping U.S. policy at home and abroad. We’re talking about the state of reproductive rights in 2025, what’s happening post-Roe, how U.S. f…

1
Where Hot Girls Shop in SLC 26:00

1M ago26:00

26:00

Time to bury your puffy coat and refresh the wardrobe. Host Ali Vallarta and her friend Kate Groetzinger riff on the best places in Salt Lake to find a new fit, considering price, quality, and style. Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members on…

1
Masculinity (#207) 1:09:21

1M ago1:09:21

1:09:21

Shownotes compliments of our Chat-GPT girlfriends: In this fully sober, totally not drug-sponsored episode, Mike and Doug return to their roots — and by roots, we mean deep dives into Real Salt Lake fandom, the mystery of beef tallow, cum rot, and just how clean a man’s emissions can get. ✨ Expect: The entrepreneurial launch of Doug’s Numb Cum™ — a…

1
Millcreek Deportation Orders, Another Teacher Union Win, TIME100 Influential Utahn 36:55

1M ago36:55

36:55

Utah's school voucher program — a core tenant of Republicans' education strategy — has been ruled unconstitutional. Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means discuss the case and what happens next. Plus, Millcreek's mayor pushes back (again) on the Trump administration's deportation agenda, recognition for an influential local researcher…

1
How To Feed Every Utahn 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

Beginning in July, about 40,000 Utah kids will be eligible for free lunch — good news in a state where one in eight of us experience food insecurity. But there's still more work to do. Host Ali Vallarta asks Gina Cornia, executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, what it would take to eradicate hunger in Utah. Learn more about one Republican legi…

1
320K Signatures vs. #1 Economy, 'Minecraft' Chicken Jockey, Bar Egg Hunt 33:47

1M ago33:47

33:47

Utah has boasted the number one economic outlook in the nation for 18 years, but according to who? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means dive into the data and compare it to support for Utah's labor movement. Plus, chickens in theaters, two new neighborhood murals, and ideas for Easter weekend. Resources and references: For 18th year…

1
Can SLC Ride Out the Next Massive Earthquake? 23:21

2M ago23:21

23:21

It’s the Utah ShakeOut, which means you might have a friend or a kid in an earthquake drill right now. Host Ali Vallarta asks Keith Koper, director of the seismological observatory at the University of Utah, how prepared Salt Lake is for "The Big One." This episode first aired Nov. 14, 2024. Resource and references: Apply to Salt Lake City’s Fix th…

1
29. The Future of Menopause Care Starts Here: Sally Mueller on Building Womaness 39:16

2M ago39:16

39:16

Sally Mueller is the co-founder and CEO of Womaness, a groundbreaking brand revolutionizing menopause care with innovative, accessible products and much-needed education. After a long and successful career at Target and building powerhouse brands, she found herself in menopause without even realizing it. Her symptoms were dismissed, her options out…

1
A Big Idea for Salt Lake’s Nightlife 25:59

2M ago25:59

25:59

With two bars closing on Main Street, how can Salt Lake City upgrade its nightlife? Lutz Leichsenring of VibeLab makes the case to host Ali Vallarta for a "night advocate" and explains the science behind creating a vibrant city after dark. Related listening: How To Keep Main Street Bars From Closing Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’…

1
Why Four SLC Restaurants Closed, Gaga for COSMICA, New Union Hub 44:42

2M ago44:42

44:42

Four Salt Lake restaurants shut their doors this past week, which has us asking: What went wrong? Hey Salt Lake newsletter editor Terina Ria and host Ali Vallarta talk about the closures and new places they’re hyped about. Plus, a wishlist for SLC’s lesbian bar, the launch of a Utah workers’ hub, and a must-see bathroom. Resources and references: F…

1
Hate Paying Taxes? Let’s Get Hyped. 19:20

2M ago19:20

19:20

Hate filing your taxes? Jenna Williams, tax and budget policy analyst at Voices For Utah Children, joins host Ali Vallarta to explain what your taxes actually pay for and why you should be hyped. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around for years to come. Get all the detail…

1
Could Tariffs Save Great Salt Lake? Noisy Neighbors, Free Tax Help 31:12

2M ago31:12

31:12

What if these Chinese tariffs help save the Great Salt Lake? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means explore this possible silver lining. Plus, what to do about noisy neighbors, help on your taxes, and small business shoutouts. Resources and references: Next Steps for Saving the Great Salt Lake [City Cast Salt Lake] Get free tax help a…

1
How To Keep Main Street Bars From Closing 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

First Alibi, now The Ruin; why are SLC bars on Main Street closing? Former Ruin owner Rheda Fouad joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about the challenges of doing business on Main and what we can learn from Central Ninth's nightlife. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best way to support our work and help make sure we are around fo…

1
28. BRCA, Breast Cancer & the Medical Blindspot: Dr. Menn’s Journey Through the Pain Gap 46:46

2M ago46:46

46:46

Dr. Corinne Menn is a board-certified OBGYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and a leading voice in menopause and women’s health. As a 23-year breast cancer survivor, BRCA carrier, and early menopause patient, Dr. Menn has dedicated her career to advocating for women, especially cancer survivors and those at high risk, who are too often d…

1
Dripping Juicy Mangoes (#206) 1:06:33

2M ago1:06:33

1:06:33

This one starts with dried mangoes and somehow ends in existential reflection, language taboos, parenting, solo bathtime rituals, busted toilets, and Alanis Morissette. Naturally. Mike turns 45 and reflects on everything that's changed over the past five years—starting the podcast, going back to school, diving into music, navigating separation, and…

1
A Realtor’s Case Against Home Buying in SLC 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

With the news that it’s now over twice as expensive to buy than rent in Salt Lake (!), host Ali Vallarta asked local realtor Kaitlin Hannig what the housing market is offering first-time homebuyers, the toxic traits of one particular neighborhood, and why maybe you shouldn’t buy a house. Become a member of City Cast Salt Lake today! It’s the best w…

1
RFK Jr. and Bernie Visit, $300M for Parking, Central City Parrot 43:25

2M ago43:25

43:25

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by Monday, Bernie Sanders by Sunday. What are these men seeking in our city? Host Ali Vallarta and executive producer Emily Means talk about their visits, another $300 million dollars for Ryan Smith, a found parrot in Central City, and a third lottery win for a friend of the pod. Resources and references: Utah banned adding fl…

1
LDS Men and the Manosphere 27:42

2M ago27:42

27:42

Are Latter-day Saint men falling prey to the "manosphere"? With Alpha Con 2.0 coming to town, Relationscapes podcast host Blair Hodges joins host Ali Vallarta to talk about the versions of masculinity that some Utah men are buying into and why. Resources and references: How a beta like me managed to get kicked out of Salt Lake City’s ‘Alpha Con’ [D…

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