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
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.
Having worked for Sesame Street developing internet safety programs and taught middle school for years, Matejka's journey to Hurricane was sparked by the challenges ...
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 to governance, Crow emphasizes the importance of transparent decision-making and effective planning for Hurricane's future.
• Moved to Hurricane five years ago from...
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 community.
• Extensive background includes being an economics professor, attorney, and director of America's leading higher education program for incarcerated ...
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.
• Core leadership philosophy shaped by moments of bringing people together rather than standing apart
• Views on city government as a bottom-up approach that shou...
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 raised in St. George with deep roots in the community
• Transitioned from mortgage broker to funeral director, now owns Hughes Mortuary with his wife
• Believes the pr...
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 on city council, now running for a second full term as mayor
• Believes in an open-door policy and accessibility to constituents, handling over 1,400 city-related call...
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 handles more complex infrastructure and city management than nearly any other Utah city except Salt Lake
• Discussion of Southern Utah's pione...
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.
• Arizona native who found a fresh start in Hurricane with his wife Emily after reconnecting through Facebook
• Believes local government is where you can make the most impact...
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 and elected official offers insights into the challenges of public service in a growing municipality.
• Motivated to run again after losing his 19-year-old son during ...
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 local government and her vision for St. George’s future.
Key Topics:
- From Planning to Policy: How Natalie’s early experiences exposed the need for smarter develop...
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-making, safety management, and continuous improvement—shapes his vision for tackling the challenges of a rapidly growing community.
From starting as an aircraft mechanic at SkyWest to...
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 emergency medicine shaped her leadership: Discover how triage and critical decision-making in healthcare translate to effective governance.
- Her stand against tax increases: Learn how she helped full...
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, smart land use, and critical infrastructure upgrades—all while preserving Hurricane’s unique character.
Mayor Billings reveals the inside story on:
Reforming ...
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 dramatic transformation of Ivins, Utah, sharing his data-driven perspective on city planning, real estate, and the financial crossroads facing one of Southern Utah’s most desira...
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 not necessarily running against incumbents—I'm running for an opportunity," Johnsen explains, setting the tone for a conversation that reveals his thoughtfu...
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 of Governments and executive director of the Dixie Metropolitan Planning Organization, Theriot has spent years collaborating with communities throughout Southern Utah on budgets,...
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?
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with St. George Police Chief Kyle Whitehead and Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who bring over 50 years of combined law e...
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.
Emily Merkley, CEO of the Washington County Board of Realtors, shares eye-opening statistics that reveal a market in transition. With absorption rates hovering around...
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 GOP Chair race, where Tanner supported Rob Axson despite having previously backed Phil Lyman for governor, revealing the complex dynamics of local...
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 region.
Chris Conners shares his entrepreneurial journey, including how his French-inspired bakery found its footing in downtown St. George and the unexpected posit...
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