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
122 episodes
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
"I'm Running for Opportunity": Why This 20-Year Ivins Resident is Seeking City Council
What drives an ordinary citizen to step into the political arena? For Shad Johnsen a kitchen designer and 20-year Ivins resident, the answer lies in a genuine desire to serve his community after his wife overcame serious health challenges. "I'm...
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Season 1
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Episode 104
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40:19
Building a Better St. George: Bryan Thiriot's Vision for the Future
Born and raised in St. George as a fifth-generation resident, Bryan Thiriot brings a unique blend of deep local roots and extensive governmental experience to his City Council campaign. Having served as director of the Five County Association o...
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Episode 103
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39:32
How St. George Gained Community Support During Anti-Police Protests
While most American cities faced intense anti-police sentiment in previous years, something remarkable happened in Washington County, Utah – the community actually rallied around their officers with unprecedented support. How did they do it?
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Episode 102
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1:17:19
The Housing Market Squeeze
The housing market in 2025 presents a fascinating paradox—while inventory levels climb to a ten-year high in Washington County, the fundamental affordability crisis continues to reshape how Utah families approach homeownership and life planning...
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Season 1
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Episode 101
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1:21:39
Newly crowned "Queen RINO" And City Budgets: What Actually Matters in Local Government
Michelle Tanner's political identity underwent a dramatic transformation overnight – from being labeled an "extreme right-wing conspiracy theorist" to a "satan worshiping establishment RINO." This fascinating shift occurred during Utah's recent...
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Season 1
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Episode 100
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1:14:37
Downtown Revitalized Including Bonrue Bakery
What does it mean when a community evolves? From Farmstead's transformation into Bonrue Bakery to the complex urban planning challenges facing St. George, this conversation explores how Southern Utah is navigating its adolescence as a growing r...
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Season 1
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Episode 99
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1:37:03
What's Utah's Energy Future: Coal, Nuclear, or Geothermal Solutions?
Government regulation in the energy sector has created significant challenges for local power companies over the past two decades, while clean coal technology developments have been largely overlooked in policy decisions.• 2005 Energy P...
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Season 1
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Episode 98
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1:17:08
The Last Line of Defense: Willie Billings on Utah's Endangered Caucus System
In an era of political polarization and media distrust, Willie Billings offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on local politics as the newly elected Chairman of the Washington County Republican Party. His mission? To save Utah's unique cauc...
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Season 1
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Episode 97
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1:32:58
The Disconnect Between Interest Rates & Housing Prices Is Breaking Traditional Market Patterns
Washington County's real estate market has shifted to a more balanced position with 4.82 months of inventory, representing a 22% increase from last year, though slight downward pressure on pricing has resulted in only a 2% decrease in average s...
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Season 1
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Episode 96
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59:30
Stem Cells and Superhuman Strength: The World Strength Games Coming to St. George
Witness history in the making as the World Strength Games returns to St. George on May 23-24 2025, transforming the Dixie Convention Center into an arena where human potential collides with physical impossibility. Since its humble beginnings in...
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Season 1
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Episode 95
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1:21:18
