435 Podcast: Southern Utah
Explore the heartbeat of Southern Utah with the 435 Podcast, your go-to source for all things local in Washington County. Stay ahead of the curve with our in-depth coverage, expert analysis, and captivating interviews. Whether you're a resident or visitor, our podcast is your key to unlocking the latest happenings and trends in St. George and the surrounding areas. Tune in now to stay informed and connected with our thriving community!
Episodes
132 episodes
How a 31-year-old plans to balance open space, attainable housing, and smart growth in Ivins
Want to know how a small city can protect its red rock vistas and still welcome new families? We sit down with a 31-year-old Ivins candidate who makes a clear, practical case for balancing heritage, housing, and modern city management—without t...
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50:50
Managing Growth Without Losing Small-Town Soul in Hurricane
Want the real story behind “managing growth” in a fast-changing town? We sit down with Hurricane’s mayoral candidates for a candid, side-by-side look at how zoning, infrastructure, and budgets determine whether a city keeps its soul while addin...
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1:08:46
What should a mayor do when public comment turns toxic, budgets tighten, and traffic swells?
Growth doesn’t wait for perfect alignment, and neither should we. This conversation with Mayor Michele Randall digs into the choices shaping Southern Utah right now: a Northern Corridor designed to relieve real congestion, a beloved Zone Six wo...
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1:02:01
City Growth Must Protect Our Local Future
Greg Aldred shares his vision for St. George City Council as a retired general contractor with 44 years of community experience and a passion for innovative solutions to local challenges. His background in business, coaching, and community serv...
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47:18
What Data-Driven City Leadership Really Looks Like
Jimmie Hughes joins us to share his vision for St. George as he runs for mayor in the upcoming 2025 municipal election, discussing how to balance growth and development while preserving the community's character.• The importance of genu...
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1:07:06
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Cancer Fighters Unite at Black Desert
When money can fix a problem, it's not really a problem—but what about when it can't? That's the question at the heart of this powerful conversation about the American Cancer Society's upcoming fundraiser at Black Desert Resort.Patrick ...
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49:58
America's future hinges on balancing energy production, economic growth, and conservation
Congressional Representative Celeste Maloy discusses energy needs, economic policy, and public land management while reflecting on America's approaching 250th anniversary.• AI searches on smartphones require as much energy as driving an...
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37:11
Future of Utah Tech University hinges on community engagement and practical education
Shane Smeed, the 19th president of Utah Tech University, shares his vision for making education affordable, practical, and community-focused while maintaining the institution's unique polytechnic mission.• Utah Tech is the only polytech...
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50:50
The Mayor Who Didn't Want to Run Unopposed
Clark Fawcett, a Hurricane native with deep roots in the community, shares his extensive experience as Hurricane's city manager for 37.5 years and his vision for the future as a mayoral candidate. We explore the relationship between mayors and ...
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1:07:13
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Who shapes your community when no one is watching?
Dave Imlay, candidate for Hurricane City Council, shares his vision and experience after serving Hurricane City for nearly 30 years, including 17 years as Power Director. His candidacy represents an opportunity to contribute institutional knowl...
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49:27
A Scientist's Approach to Ivins City Council
Wayne Pennington brings a scientist's precision to the Ivins City Council race, drawing on his extraordinary career studying earthquakes from Pakistan to Michigan. As a former university dean and president of major scientific organizations, his...
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51:02
Teacher Cindy Matejka Running for Hurricane City Council
What happens when a dedicated educator from rural Virginia relocates to Hurricane, Utah and decides to run for city council? Cindy Matejka brings a refreshingly balanced perspective to one of Southern Utah's fastest-growing communities....
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33:19
California Refugee Wants to Be Your Mayor
Rick Crow, candidate for Hurricane City mayor, shares his vision for balancing growth, community involvement, and quality of life in this rapidly developing Southern Utah city. With a background in business leadership and a pragmatic approach t...
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43:44
What Makes a City Great? Nathan Caplin's Blueprint for St. George
Nathan Caplin, candidate for St. George City Council, shares his background in economics, law, and education while discussing his vision for balancing growth with preserving the city's unique character and addressing key challenges facing the c...
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55:10
The Swiss Girl Running for City Council: Recognizing Leadership
Jami Leavitt shares her journey from growing up in a small Swiss-inspired town with a mother in public service to running for St. George City Council, bringing perspectives shaped by experiences across the country and deep community connections...
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1:09:18
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Jimmie Hughes believes St. George needs leadership that listens.
Jimmie Hughes shares his journey from lifelong St. George resident to city council member and now mayoral candidate, discussing how his experience as a mortuary owner and cattle rancher has shaped his public service approach.• Born and ...
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54:13
The Mayor's Perspective: Michele Randall on Leadership and Growth
Mayor Michele Randall discusses her journey from ambulance company owner to St. George mayor and shares her vision for the city's future amid rapid growth and development challenges.• Originally appointed in January 2021 after serving o...
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52:41
The Intelligence Guy Who Wants Your Vote
St. George mayoral candidate Aros Mackey who shares his vision for preserving the "Dixie spirit" while fostering economic growth and community leadership.• Exploring St. George's unique position as the "800-pound gorilla" in Utah that h...
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59:48
How a Vietnam Vet's Son Went from Addiction to Serving Hurricane, Utah
Shavene Butler shares his journey from Arizona State University to Hurricane City Council candidate, discussing how his past struggles with addiction and legal troubles shaped his perspective on community service and second chances.• Ar...
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35:08
Hurricane's Future Hangs in the Balance of the 2025 Elections
Kevin Thomas, Hurricane City Council member, shares his journey in local politics from his early involvement with the Republican party to his current role serving the community of 26,000 residents. His unique perspective as both a home designer...
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44:51
Inside City Hall: Natalie Larsen on Growth, Safety, and the Future of St. George
Join Natalie Larsen for an honest and insightful look at what it really takes to shape a thriving community. In this episode, Natalie shares her journey from the planning commission to city council, revealing the behind-the-scenes realities of ...
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48:01
How an Airline Pilot Plans to Guide St. George’s Future
What if the skills that keep airplanes in the sky could help guide a city’s future? In this episode, St. George City Council candidate and veteran airline pilot Shane Losee reveals how his aviation expertise—rooted in data-driven decision-makin...
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43:20
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Michelle Tanner on St. George’s Future: Limited Government, Growth, and Defending Community Values
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Michelle Tanner, family nurse practitioner and current St. George City Councilwoman, as she shares her vision for re-election and the future of St. George.Michelle discusses:How em...
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Season 1
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38:05
Why Hurricane's Mayor Says NO to High-Density Housing
Southern Utah is booming—and so is the pressure on local leaders to balance growth with community values. In this episode, Hurricane Mayor Nanette Billings shares how she’s guiding one of Utah’s largest cities by area through rapid development,...
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52:28
Property Tax Hike vs. Infrastructure Needs: Ivins Candidate's Controversial Solution
What does it take for a small desert town to become a booming resort destination—and what challenges come with that explosive growth? In this episode, Ivins City Councilman Mike Scott, a candidate for re-election, pulls back the curtain on the ...
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Episode 105
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48:39
