HEAL Utah Podcast

Vancouver-based journalist, Geoff Dembicki, joins Matt in the studio to chat about his new book, “Are We Screwed? How a New Generation is Fighting to Survive Climate Change.” Geoff explains he remains hopeful despite the current political moment, hostile to positive policy developments on climate change. His optimism is based, the … Continue reading

Matt chats with Tyler Poulson, Salt Lake City’s sustainability program manager, about several key climate and energy issues including Utah Climate Week, coming up October 8-14. First, Tyler offers his take on the recent rooftop solar settlement reached between Rocky Mountain Power and other stakeholders. He then updates us about how Salt … Continue reading

Matt chats with Suzanne, the Board President of the Escalante & Boulder Chamber of Commerce, about the possible reduction of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. She describes how that region’s economy has been growing in recent years, as she wrote in a recent Deseret News op-ed. Suzanne, who owns and runs NEMO’S … Continue reading

Matt chats with Utah State professor Paul Jakus about his recently released study which examines the economic impact of the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, critically important research given the strong possibility that the Trump Administration may propose to shrink the monument. Dr. Jakus’ study, which was covered in the Salt Lake Tribune, found that the … Continue reading

Matt chats with Michael about the historic rooftop solar agreement reached between Rocky Mountain Power, the solar industry and advocates like HEAL in late August. Michael, who worked nearly full-time on defending rooftop solar for the past nine months, describes the negotiating process that led to the recent settlement. He … Continue reading

Matt chats with Marisol Cortez, a scholar, writer and activist based in San Antonio, Texas. Since graduating from U.C. Davis with a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies, Cortez has returned to Texas to advocate for climate and social justice in her hometown. Matt and Marisol discuss gentrification in San Antonio and … Continue reading

Matt chats about current Western environmental issues with Jonathan Thompson, an accomplished environmental journalist from southwestern Colorado. Thompson has recently reported on the battle over the Bears Ears National Monument and the coal industry in the West. Matt and Jonathan discuss the value of preserving not only the artifacts at the heart … Continue reading

Ashley joins Matt in the studio to chat about the endeavors of Wasatch Community Gardens throughout the Salt Lake Valley. They discuss the mission of WCG to empower people of all ages and incomes to grow and eat healthy, organic, local food. They help refugees and women experiencing homelessness learn how … Continue reading

Matt and Ralph have a wide-ranging chat about politics and governing. The former mayor offers strong opinions on the role that Salt Lake Tribune coverage played in his 2015 electoral defeat to current mayor Jackie Biskupski (relevant stories here and here.) He also expresses sharp concerns about the policies and … Continue reading

Matt chats with Royal about his efforts on behalf of Salt Lake County to improve air quality and to work on climate change for the sake of public health. Royal discusses his involvement with the Utah Clean Cities Coalition to provide alternative fuel options and promote non-idling practices, as well … Continue reading

Anne Mariah chats with Matt about the economic and environmental impacts of uranium milling and nuclear waste storage near Blanding, Utah. Anne Mariah describes the White Mesa Mill, the last conventional uranium mill in North America. Its nuclear waste pits, nearby residents and advocates say, pose some serious concerns regarding … Continue reading

Matt chats with Will about the successful brewery he founded nearly 25 years ago which has grown steadily and now sells its brews in 34 states. Will discusses Utah’s sometimes unusual alcohol laws. Matt and Will then talk about Uinta’s impressive commitment to environmental values, including acquiring renewable energy, installing energy … Continue reading

Matt chats with Ben about the origins and current operations of Salt Lake’s bike share program, which now has 33 stations in and around downtown and 141,000 rides in 2016. They talk about how GREENbike is funded, the demographics of the program’s ridership and the challenges the program has faced, … Continue reading

Matt chats with Nazz, the CEO of Petzl America, about the outdoor company, its products and its involvement in policy issues. They talk first about Petzl’s history and products, and how the company makes gear not just for rock climbers, but for anyone who works in “a vertical environment,” from … Continue reading

The Matts chat about the very timely issues of health care and health coverage in Utah, focusing on UHPP‘s valuable advocacy. Slonaker speaks to how, while Utah’s uninsured rates has improved in recent years, it is still higher than other states with similar populations and demographics. He compares how the Affordable Care … Continue reading