HEAL Utah Podcast

Laura joins Matt in the studio to discuss all things related to water in the Salt Lake Valley. As the Director of the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities, her role is focused on ensuring that 350,000 residents reliably receive clean drinking water and can flush their toilets with … Continue reading

NOTE: Because Joan joined Matt via SKYPE, the audio quality at the beginning is less than idea. Because it’s such a good interview and the sound balances out after some time, we’re still posting it. We hope you enjoy! This week, Joan speaks with Matt about her time as the … Continue reading

Matt chats with the founder and namesake of Ken Sanders Rare Books. They discuss how the history of environmentalism and literature in Utah have often gone together, discussing such literary giants such as Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner. Ken reminisces about his time spent with these great writers, and describes … Continue reading

Natalie joins Matt to chat about Sage Mountain Farm Animal Sanctuary. As the Director of Communications (and a doctoral student within Environmental Sociology and Gender at the University of Utah), Natalie works to challenge the current food system through educational programs and creating a physical space for rescued farm animals. This organization … Continue reading

Matt chats with Cheryl about her organization’s work protecting and preserving land in Park City, Summit County and beyond. They talk primarily about the current drive to preserve Bonanza Flats, a 1,350 acre parcel in the Wasatch which will be developed if local governments and nonprofits can’t raise $38 million by … Continue reading

Gina, the Executive Director for Utahns Against Hunger, joins Matt in the studio to discuss her work fighting to limit food insecurity in Utah. Gina discusses the groups that face the biggest hunger problem and the barriers that prevent people from accessing benefits. Gina and Matt discuss some of the … Continue reading

Matt chats with Ryan about his work advocating for clean air and for the Utah solar industry over the past few years. First, Ryan talked about his efforts with the Salt Lake Chamber pushing good clean air programs. Ryan then discusses how he came to be the solar association’s new … Continue reading

Matt has a wide-ranging chat with Erin about air quality, politics and homelessness. They discuss Erin’s tenure at Breathe Utah and the historic climate goals Salt Lake City has committed to. They then turn to discussing a high profile local issue — homeless shelters and Erin’s concerns about the (now cancelled) … Continue reading

Matt chats with Tyler, the city’s Sustainability Program Manager, about SLC’s’s efforts to push effective climate change policies. First, they talk about the greenhouse gas inventory the city did, which found that the biggest part of the carbon footprint of the average city resident comes from buying power from Rocky Mountain … Continue reading

Matt and Dave, SUWA’s Utah organizer, chat about the organization’s efforts to protect Utah’s redrock wilderness, especially Bears Ears. He discussed the group’s collaboration with local Native groups, particularly the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. Dave also described the key role that SUWA’s grassroots supporter play in their legal battles. For more information, visit SUWA’s website … Continue reading

Matt chats with Ashley about her work with Breathe Utah, a local clean air nonprofit that focuses on education and policy. Ashley describes Project Skyline, a project she’s been working on for several years to boost energy efficiency in buildings, to help reduce the emissions which foul our air. They … Continue reading

Matt sits down with Brody, a professional skier, storyteller and activist, to discuss his career traveling across the globe skiing and embarking upon outdoor adventures, while also advocating for environmental issues. A graduate of Westminster College, Brody has built a career chronicling far-flung trips on his website and on Instagram, … Continue reading

Matt flies solo this week and describes the 19-point plan which HEAL and other groups released to offer specific policy solutions which Utah should embrace to “ensure a healthy, prosperous future.” Matt goes into a bit of detail about each of the three main sources of emissions — vehicles, buildings … Continue reading

Matt chats with Gehrke, the Trib’s newly minted columnist, his new gig after years spent as a reporter covering the Utah Legislature, as well as writing about politics in D.C. They discuss what Gehrke has learned about how the Legislature works after years of close observation, from the role that Gov. Herbert … Continue reading

Matt chats with Philip about his new book chronicling the sharp growth in America’s solar industry. He compares the current reality of solar to wind, which he wrote about in his previous book “Harvest the Wind.” They talk about the fights over tax credits that have supported solar’s growth and the … Continue reading