Utah Stories Show

How to Create a Four Season Garden That Thrives in Utah

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 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.

Is Utah's Housing Crisis Manufactured?

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.

A Family's Journey Through Drug Addiction

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 adoption, hope, and resilience This is more than just a podcast—it's a lifeline for anyone affected by addiction. 📌 Subscribe for more real stories from Utah's communities. 🎧 Full story on utahstories.com #AddictionRecovery #UtahStories #MentalHealth #FamilySupport #SubstanceAbuse #Hope #RealStories visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $5 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Michael Feldman on Music, Blues, and the Soul of Salt Lake's Music Scene

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 Salt Lake needs more intimate venues From guitar strings to deli trays—how music and food connect us 🎧 Listen in for a delicious mix of nostalgia, rhythm, and local culture. 🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from Utah's original voices. 📍 Watch more at utahstories.com #MichaelFeldman #UtahMusicScene #FeldmansDeli #Blues #LedZeppelin #UtahStoriesPodcast #SaltLakeMusic visit UtahStories.com for more and to subscribe to our free digital newsletter. There you can also support our journalism by subscribing to our print magazine for $5 per month. Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories

Touched by a Goony: From The Goonies to Utah's Indie Film Scene | The Utah Story 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 episode is for you. #TheGoonies #UtahFilm #UtahStories #AndrewLense #TouchedByAnAngel #IndieFilm #UtahStoryShow #BehindTheScenes #andrewlenz #nuworldsproductions Follow us on: Instagram @UtahStories Twitter @UtahStories