The Rural Towns Project Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dax Jacobson
In the Rural Towns Project Podcast, Dax Jacobson combines his day job as a business professor with his love for the rural American West he grew up in. He talks to the people who are actually trying to make a living in - and to the researchers, artists, and others inspired by - the rural towns of the American West. He hopes to help himself and others understand the past, appreciate the present, and positively impact the future of rural towns and the American West.
I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with the delightful Dr. Robert McPherson, emeritus Professor of History at Utah State University - Blanding and a Utah State Historical Society Fellow. Bob spent 45 years in Blanding and he talks about how his mother reading stories to him as a child in Massachusetts led to a lifetime love of Native American culture and an incredible career researching, writing, and exploring the Navajo Nation from Blanding. We talk about trading posts and Bob uses the trading post at Aneth (the oldest continuous business in San Juan County - it started as a trading post and is now a convenience store) to provide a detailed account of a typical interaction and negotiation that came from a trading post shopping experience that was essentially a community event that could last hours to a full day. Bob talks about pawning, pawn rooms, and how the trader needed to know national prices and the state of the market and how some trading posts even had their own money and banking system. Bob’s career full of interviews and oral histories focused on the place he loved and called home for decades has me really excited about an oral history project I’m starting on soon. We end with a fun answer to the Road Trip Music Question that leads to even more incredible stories about road trips with his Navajo interpreter friends.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Sara Weissman to learn more about her recent story on rural apprenticeships for Inside Higher Ed (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/alternative-credentials/2026/05/26/rural-opportunity-through-apprenticeship). Sara shares a bit about her background and what brought her to her current role as a journalist (it includes a big thanks to an 8th grade English teacher!). We talk about how Sara decides to pursue stories like this one, which is part of a larger series on apprenticeships, and the importance of actually showing up in rural communities to meet with people face-to-face, of building trust, and of being curious. Sara shares what surprised her from her reporting (a program doesn’t need to be big to have a big impact), the lessons learned about designing effective programs (the programs can’t just be an add-on to a full-time job, there needs to be intentional integration and thoughtful flexibility from all sides), and the tremendous potential of these programs if colleges are willing to step up. Sara asks a very thoughtful question regarding the work I am doing as Dean that I really appreciated and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Tyler Bailey - nurse, entrepreneur, and one of the “glue” guys and girls found in any successful rural community. Tyler seems to be everywhere and does a little bit of everything (including giving my car a jump!) in Blanding. We talk about Tyler’s role as case manager and nurse helping those dealing with lung and respiratory issues from uranium mining. He talks about how connections and knowing and caring for each other is how businesses form and things get done in rural small towns - and how a business idea came from eating lunch one day and getting to know some tourists from the UK. Tyler shares a classic rural small town (and Hallmark worthy) meet cute with his wife that he almost screwed up later by taking her to shoot rabbits - and the history of the old building he bought for her spa and other businesses he rents to. We talk about retiring with a purpose, rural chambers of commerce, and our conversation includes shout outs to former podcast guests Josh Nielson and Talia Hansen. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Logan Monson. I wanted to chat with Logan to learn more about balancing work, family, and being a rural elected official in a district covering 29,000 square miles as a State Representative. Logan’s roots run deep in Blanding and he shares how how his son’s heart problems inspired him to first stay at home and then to pursue healthcare as a profession (and how he could get all the education he needed without leaving Blanding through Utah State University Extension). He reflects on how being student body president just might have inspired him to be of service as an elected official. We discuss the major issue on people’s minds - affordability - and how so much of the work happens when they are not in legislative session through showing up in his vast district and building relationships. Logan shares some highlights from the most recent legislative session and talks about the importance of including his family in his work, and of listening to, and investing in, rural Utah. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Josh Nielson, owner of Sunrise Outfitting - Scenic Adventures, a family-owned business in Blanding that has been passed down from generation to generation. I wanted to chat with Josh to learn more about running a family business in a rural community and about balancing business, family, and fun. We talk about all that and more - about wealth vs. dollars, about creating a better cake for everyone in the community, about roads and memories, and about the challenges and opportunities of living and working in a remote rural town. We end, as always, with The Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Bayley Hedglin (Associate Director of Development for Utah State University). I wanted to chat with Bayley to learn more about her background in rural economic development and her unique role as a university development director living in a rural community doing development work for rural extension campuses for a land grant university. Bayley shares her background story and coming home to San Juan County. She explains how her unique role in university development combines her passions for economic development and student and community impact. She shares a couple of incredible examples - the Four Corners Creative Vision and the Monument Valley Indigenous LaunchPad - as well as her thoughts on what higher education could be doing differently and better in rural communities. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I continue to be captivated by San Juan County, Utah and I’m currently focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Debra McKee, Rural Economic Development Manager for four Utah counties, including San Juan County, for the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). I wanted to chat with Debra to learn more about how she came to her role and to learn more about how GOED works in rural communities like Blanding. We cover all that and more (including the Road Trip Music Question) in this fun and enlightening conversation. Thanks for listening.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Maria Sykes, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Epicenter (https://ruralandproud.org/) in Green River, UT. Maria shares with me how and why she came to Green River from the Deep South 16 years ago and why she stays. We talk about the nonprofit Maria co-founded and leads, Epicenter, and its focus on art, affordable housing, and rural investment in Green River. Maria describes art residencies and events, like Green River Rocks, and housing design and development through programs like Fix-it First, Frontier House and Canal Commons. We talk about development that takes time and avoids booms and busts and Maria gives a great playbook for communities to follow to develop their own Epicenter as well as advice that all funding agencies should follow. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Quesion.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Markie Vetere, teacher, barrel racer, and entrepreneur in Green River (UT). Markie talks about how she balances those three passions and how they influence and reinforce each other. Markie talks about the importance of loving the kids she teaches, giving them experiences, and showing them what is possible. She talks about how and why she started her business - Rare Renegade Boutique - and the importance to her of being authentic and supporting local. Markie gets real about the challenges of growth (like trying to find a store front or even a physical presence) and understanding her market of fellow working women. We end with learning about Markie’s horses and with the Road Trip Music Question and some suggestions to get us through long barrel racing road trips.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Edward Castro Bennett, Green River (UT) City Manager. Edward explains how he came to be city manager (it includes having Green River roots, his economic development background, and LinkedIn actually working). We talk about Green River’s history and future as part of the Wild West (connections to Butch Cassidy, John Wesley Powell, and of course, melons and Ray’s Tavern). Edward highlights Green River’s potential as a transportation hub (planes - a municipal airport, trains - one of only 4 Amtrak stops in Utah, and automobiles - right off I70) and how he is focused on listening, building trust, and representing Green River and other rural small Utah towns. We end with very fitting, and classic, Road Trip Music choices.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Louis Williams, river and backcountry guide and owner of Ancient Wayves (the only indigenous owned and operated outfit commercially permitted to provide guided tours within the Bears Ears National Monument). Louis shares how he caught the river guiding bug (through a Navajo friend in Bluff, UT), branching out on his own, and how it’s community that sustains him and his growing business. Louis explains that what he really does with clients on guided trips is time travel and help people connect with the land and his language and culture - the ancient ways! He wants people to understand the importance of preservation, conservation, and education and he is hoping to inspire both guests and other Navajo entrepreneurs. We end with a favorite place (Goosenecks!) and a native band recommendation (Native Roots) for the Road Trip Music.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Sarah Burak (Education Director for the Bears Ears Partnership) about what brought her to the Bluff (UT) area from Alabama and why she never left. We talk about her journey to the Bears Ears Partnership and what she does in her current role as Education Director. We talk about what a Dark Sky designation means and requires (a commitment to dark skies, education, and monitoring light pollution) and what it can do for a community like Bluff. Sarah also shares the Dark Sky initiatives she and her colleagues are working on (field trips for elementary schools, star parties, a Night Sky Festival, and Dark Sky Ambassadors - go be one, you don’t have to be local to Bluff!). We also talk about the increased interest in Bears Ears and the importance of visiting with respect and working with Native American tribes. Sarah shares a surprising but awesome favorite place (along with Natural Bridges National Monument) and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Erin Nelson, owner of Canyon Smokehouse in Bluff (UT) and Bluff Town Manager. Erin shares how she came to live in Bluff and own Canyon Smokehouse (it involves dark skies, small town life, marrying a chef and chasing their joint dreams). We talk about how hard it is to get financing in a rural, remote, small town, and how creative you have to be. Erin talks about how often they have to DIY solutions and the importance of community. With her town manager hat on, Erin shares the importance of pursuing mindful growth, a deliberate focus on small and medium sized businesses, and how she hopes for a diversification of economic opportunity (not relying on one industry) for all rural communities. Before we get to the Road Trip Music Question, Erin recommends the Smokehouse tacos with brisket and the Sand Island Recreation Area just outside Bluff.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Talia Hansen, Economic Development Manager for San Juan County. Talia shares a little of her traumatic childhood story of escape and survival and how she learned from it to take risks, “jump on the truck”, and to be curious and put people first. Talia also talks about how her work with nonprofits, with design thinking, and with running her own business prepared her for her economic development role. We talk about the San Juan County Basecamp conference and the goal to bring people together who aren’t typically able to come together because of the size of the county (it’s not just rural, it’s frontier rural) and then get them out in their own community through immersive experiences. Talia shares some incredible recent grant awardees (including the county’s first to a native-owned business) and how her work with the Ute and Navajo tribes is an honor that has helped her learn more about her own identity. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Michael Powell, currently a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of Canyon Dreams: A Basketball Season on the Navajo Nation (which was the inspiration for the Netflix movie Rez Ball). Michael and I talk about our brief experiences playing rez ball (he calls it a “fast flowing stream”) and Michael talks about the inspiration for the book, the reservation basketball gyms that hold more people than the population of the towns they are built in, hours long road trips with hitchhikers to games, and how basketball on the Navajo reservation is a community and generational thing where everyone knows basketball and everyone has an opinion on how it should be played. We also talk about how entrepreneurial the Navajo people are but how tribal and federal government bureaucracies, clan control of land, spirituality, history, and suspicions around change make economic development and entrepreneurship difficult on the Navajo reservation. And yet, despite the challenges, entrepreneurial activity can be found in the cracks - jewelry in the beautiful canyons and sushi in the desert! We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Allison Yamamoto-Sparks, Visitor Services Manager for San Juan County, UT. Allison gives an overview of the geography of San Juan County/Utah’s Canyon Country and describes her role (a little bit of everything related to marketing and tourism for San Juan County). We talk about the county’s new “Head South to Go West” campaign and the evolution from casting a wide net to targeted marketing to places like Salt Lake City, Denver, Phoenix, Canada, France, and Germany.
Bears Ears is in San Juan County and we talk about the impact of the Bears Ears controversy on tourism and how COVID led her office to change from focusing only on destination marketing to destination management (educating people on how to recreate responsibly). We also talk about the impact of the current political climate on international tourism and finding the balance between tourism and growth and maintaining the identities of rural communities. Allison shares some lesser-known must-sees (Goosenecks State Park and the Moki Dugway) and hikes (Needles District of Canyonlands National Park). We end with one of my favorite Road Trip Music suggestions ever!
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Marci Goodwin, rural entrepreneur, rural microbusiness advocate, and co-founder of SmartStart Business Development. Marci talks about her entrepreneurial background (including starting an online home school science curriculum) and how she came to co-found SmartStart Business Development. SmartStart is focused on helping rural main street and microbusinesses (less than 5 employees and less than $250K in revenue each year) start and thrive. We talk about how each rural community is different and how important it is to get that right mix of micro, small, and even big business for each rural community. Marci mentions impactful microbusiness research from GoDaddy and her own Micro-Catalyst Newsletter. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Teresa McKnight, CEO of REDI (Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho). Teresa shares her interesting background - from accountant at Pepperidge Farm in Cache Valley, Utah to technology transfer positions to leading Research Parks in Utah, South Dakota, and Montana. We talk about the work REDI is doing in 16 SE/E Idaho counties related to economic development and highlight Idaho success stories like Melaleuca, Lamb Weston, and Chobani. We also touch on the federal SBIR and STTR programs and the challenges and opportunities of doing all of this work in rural Idaho communities. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
Sticking with the theme of back where this all started, for the second episode of the return of the Rural Towns Project Podcast, I talk to my favorite historian, HannaLore Hein, State Historian for the State of Idaho and friend of the podcast. HannaLore and I spend most of the episode talking about America 250 - the 250th birthday of the United States of America on July 2026. HannaLore explains what is happening at the federal, state, and local levels to celebrate and mentions oral histories, volunteerism, state parks, potlucks, what it means to be an Idahoan and the role of the American West in modern America. She also talks about ways people and communities can get involved and even stays on brand with her Road Trip Music choice!
https://america250.idaho.gov/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
And I’m back! I apologize. It’s been too long. Life got busy but my passion for the rural American West has only increased and I’ve got a number of other projects related to rural towns, rural entrepreneurship, and rural economic development going on (if you really want to follow along with the other things I’m working on, the best option is probably to follow me on LinkedIn). I’ll be publishing episodes every two weeks with a similar plan as before - with several episodes dedicated to and inspired by small towns in the rural American West with a focus on Idaho and Utah.
I figured the best way to get things rolling again was to start where it all started the first time - with Aaron Hunsaker and the Harkness Hotel in my hometown of McCammon, Idaho. Aaron starts with updates about the Harkness and his plans for McCammon’s main street/”downtown” and then we get into a great discussion that has him reflecting on lessons learned, advice for others wanting to make things happen in their own rural small town, and how he brought a pharmacy, a new fire station, and emergency services to small, rural McCammon. Thanks Aaron!
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
As promised, this is Part 2 of my conversation with HannaLore Hein (Idaho State Historian) on the history of Bear Lake. As usual, HannaLore takes us on a well-researched ride on the history of place as this time we talk about the actual Bear Lake and the Bear River - the largest river in the US that doesn’t empty into an ocean. It empties into the Great Salt Lake and we talk about how the Bear River watershed will play a key role in the future of the Great Salt Lake. HannaLore educates me on all things water in the Bear Lake Valley and the American West as we talk about cooperative development, irrigation and water diversion, prior appropriation (first in time, first in right) vs. riparian use, and the separation of water and land rights in the American West. We cover the Desert Land Act, the Carey Act, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Weston South Field Irrigation Company. HannaLore shares the history of the Bear Lake Monster (first sighting in 1868!) and we end with HannaLore’s recommendations for something to watch, read, and listen to.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/ or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I chat with Natalie Randall, Executive Director of the Utah Tourism Industry Association (UTIA). Natalie and I talk about her interesting background in tourism and economic development and what brought her to her current position. We talk about life in Monticello and the thousands of miles she drives across Utah focusing on the the work of tourism advocacy and education for UTIA. Natalie explains the Transient Room Tax and the debates over how it should be used, the Tourism Marketing Performance Fund, Foreign Independent Travelers, and the Red Emerald Initiative (an extension of Utah’s Mighty 5 campaign). We talk about the growth in rural tourism in Utah, rural tourism challenges and opportunities, rural main streets, and the loss of rural youth to Utah’s cities. Natalie explains how her rancher father-in-law serves as sounding board and reality check for rural issues. We talk about Natalie’s favorite stretch of Utah highway and end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I chat with Mark Smoot (Owner of Epic Recreation, Bear Lake Lodge, Sunrise Resort & Event Center and more!). Mark and I talk about what brought him to Bear Lake as a second career and what keeps him there (he’s become a serial entrepreneur). Mark highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and relationships with employees, customers, business owners, and elected officials and how he uses the Bear Lake Chamber of Commerce (he’s currently the Executive Director) to start conversations and build relationships. We talk about the tension that exists in moving from a primarily ranching and farming economy to a tourism economy and how growth in general (parking, housing, short-term vacation rentals, etc.) is both a challenge and an opportunity (for example, transient room tax has grown by 34% year-over-year since 2014; there are over 1,000 vacation home rentals and less than 400 people servicing all those visits). We talk about the healing power of being in the great outdoors and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I’m taking a slightly different approach to podcast episodes as I work to align some of my professional and academic interests with my personal interest in the rural American West. Rather than focus on one particular town, I will be focusing on the entrepreneurial and small business ecosystems that exist in and around rural small towns. I’ll still be talking to historians, small business owners, entrepreneurs and artists but I’m trying to get a better understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that connects each of them and their communities. First up, and as an example, I’m headed back to Bear Lake and rather than focus on one small town again (Garden City, UT), I’ll be using several more episodes to try and understand the forces and issues connecting the small businesses and communities in the larger valley (from Montpelier, ID to Laketown, UT).
I start off this new approach with a conversation with regular guest and friend of the podcast HannaLore Hein (Idaho State Historian). HannaLore gives an update on some of the work she is doing on Idaho history, including the upcoming America 250 initiative. In this first of two Bear Lake-focused conversations with HannaLore, we focus on Montpelier and the Idaho section of the Bear Lake Valley. We talk about the role of the LDS church in the strategic settling of the valley (e.g. Franklin to Paris to Montpelier) and find parallels in the new, smaller, more rural locations for LDS Temples. We learn that Montpelier got its name from Montpelier, Vermont (because it was the home state of Brigham Young). HannaLore uses the story of Edward Burgoyne, successful Montpelier merchant - and his very successful candy making wife - to illustrate the process and tools (Zotero, Archives West, and more) for doing history, especially community, business, and businessperson history. We end, not with the Road Trip Music Question, but with HannaLore drawing parallels between the polio vaccine in the 1950s and vaccines today. Stay tuned for part 2, where we’ll focus on the actual Bear Lake and water in the Bear Lake Valley.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I chat with Shawn Milne, Cache Valley Economic Development Director. Shawn is a friend and a graduate of Westminster College and one of the most interesting people I know. Shawn and I talk about his background as a small business owner and county commissioner and how those experiences inform his new role in Cache Valley. We also talk about the role of economic development directors, chambers of commerce, and higher ed. institutions in rural economic development. Shawn tells a story about election cycles and density and growth to illustrate the challenges of balancing urban and rural and young and old. Shawn shares what keeps him up at night and what gives him hope (hint: both have to do with the how successful Cache Valley has been). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
Hi. It’s been a minute. There have been some life and work changes keeping me busy the last several months but the Rural Towns Project Podcast is back! I’ll be sharing this episode and one more focused on Richmond, Utah that were recorded earlier this year before moving on (and back) to Bear Lake (Idaho AND Utah sides) in the new year. So please stay tuned for even more episodes of the podcast and be on the lookout for updates on a slightly different approach I’m taking.
In this episode, I chat with Paul Erickson, Mayor of Richmond, Utah and Chief Credit Officer of Cache Valley Bank. Paul comes from a family with a history of public service and we talk about the importance of getting involved in our local communities. Given Paul’s dual roles, he also has a unique and thoughtful perspective on growth, taxes, small businesses, the labor market, and shopping locally in rural communities. We talk about all those things and more and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I chat with Cameron Blevins, a history professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Cameron recently wrote the fascinating and important book, Paper Trails: The US Post and the Making of the American West. I loved this book and was thrilled to have Cameron on the podcast to talk about the outsized but often overlooked role the US postal service played in the settling of the American West. We talk a lot about the history of rural post offices but we also talk about the Pony Express, the mythology of the American West, the role of government in rural America, how UPS and FedEx now rely on the rural postal network for last mile package delivery, and the return of the village post office idea in rural America. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question - and I learn that Cameron asks a similar question to his students!
The Rural Towns Project Newsletter is live! You can sign up here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com The newsletter includes thoughts on each week's podcast episode (including Road Trip Music) as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I chat once again with HannaLore Hein (Idaho State Historian). The focus this time is Arimo, Idaho and as usual HannaLore has done some amazing research. She shares stories about Marsh Valley, the Hudspeth Cutoff, Chief Arimo, the Fort Fall Indian Reservation, the General Land Office, Arimo Ranches, sheep and turkey grazing, trains, cold storage and more! We also talk about how HannaLore approaches doing research for our conversations and public history in general and she shares some amazing resources like the David Rumsey Map Collection. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
The Rural Towns Project Newsletter is live! You can sign up here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com The newsletter includes thoughts on each week's podcast episode (including Road Trip Music) as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West.
If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I chat with Rosie Williams, Manager of the Lewiston Theatre, in Lewiston, UT. Rosie and I chat about her long history with the Lewiston Theatre and why she’s still there showing movies and still loving it. We talk about how the Lewiston Theatre is run, how it is uniquely owned by the city of Lewiston, and the importance of cheap tickets, cheap concessions, and community. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
Remember that newsletter I mentioned? It really is going to happen starting this month (March 2022) as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast episode as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com
In this episode, I chat with Dale Buxton of AltaBank (formerly Lewiston State Bank) in Lewiston, UT. Dale has been with the bank for over 30 years and in that time has spent time in pretty much every role, including President. Dale and I talk about his background and the history of Lewiston State Bank. We talk about the changes he’s seen in the banking industry generally and in rural banking specifically. We talk about the opportunities and challenges facing rural banks and small businesses and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
Remember that newsletter I mentioned? It really is going to happen starting this month (March 2022) as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast episode as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com
In this episode, I chat with Jamie Andrus, President & CEO of the Cache Chamber of Commerce. Jamie and I talk about her background and rural roots and how she came to lead the Cache Chamber of Commerce. We talk about the important roles chambers play in rural communities and the relationship between her chamber and the state legislature. We talk about the issues facing rural and urban Cache Valley - things like roads, traffic, water, the growth of Bear Lake and the coming of In-N-Out(!). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
Remember that newsletter I mentioned? It really is going to happen starting this month (March 2022) as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast episode as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com
And we're back! Sorry for the delay. In this episode, I talk to Patrick Mullen, Vice President of Arctaris Impact Investors. Patrick has a fascinating background in finance and impact investing with a recent focus on rural communities and Opportunity Zones. Patrick and I talk about Opportunity Zones - what they are, how they work, and what he would like to see them do better. We talk about the importance of regional planning, public/private partnerships, why he was in Malad recently, and how you have to show up and listen, time and again, in rural communities if you want to build trust and help. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
In this episode, I talk to Chris Jensen, florist and owner of Daisy Hollow Floral in Malad, Idaho. Chris and his shop are beloved in Malad and throughout rural Southeast Idaho. We talk about how Chris came to be a florist and rural small business owner (he bought and took over the shop at age 21!) and the importance of family and community. Chris also provides some interesting insights on the behind-the-scenes of how flowers get from wholesalers to an arrangement on a rural kitchen table. We talk about the most popular flowers and flower holidays in Malad and we end, as always, with the Road Trop Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I will soon (starting January 2022) be emailing out a short newsletter each Friday as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com
Welcome to Season 3 of the Rural Towns Project Podcast! Season 3 will have even more Idaho and Utah towns, even more episodes, and soon a companion newsletter and a few other things I’m working on so stay tuned. I’m starting Season 3 with Malad, Idaho and kick things off by welcoming back to the podcast Idaho State Historian HannaLore Hein. HannaLore and I talk about the history of Malad generally but quickly get into the fascinating role Malad played in the political history of both Idaho and Utah. HannaLore shares stories from the history of Malad that range from the meaning of the name Malad to the right to vote for women to railroads and electricity. We end the episode not with the Road Trip Music Question but with a book recommendation from HannaLore.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
I will soon (starting January 2022) be emailing out a short newsletter each Friday as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast as well as highlights from what I’ve been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com
In this episode, I talk to Jake Powell, a professor at Utah State University in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, and a leader of the newly formed GNAR (Gateway & Natural Amenity Region) Initiative. Jake and I talk about his background in the rural West and what led him to the GNAR Initiative. We talk about what the GNAR Initiative is all about and the work Jake and his colleagues are doing to help gateway communities “prepare for and respond to planning, development, natural resource management, and public policy challenges”. (Spoiler alert: 60% of rural Intermountain West communities are gateway communities). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to TJ Davis of the Pickleville Playhouse in Garden City, Utah. TJ and his family founded and run the Pickleville Playhouse and TJ writes for, and acts in, the plays and deals with the business side of the Playhouse and the Pickleville brand. We talk about how TJ came to be involved in the family business (hint: it wasn’t in his first or second plan), the growth of Pickleville, Garden City, and Bear Lake, and the joys and challenges of live theater in a rural community. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
In this episode, I welcome HannaLore Hein back to the podcast. Regular podcast listeners will recall that HannaLore is the Idaho State Historian and great friend of the podcast. HannaLore and I start by checking in on recent Idaho State History Department events. We then jump right in and have another wide ranging and fascinating conversation, this time about the history of Soda Springs Idaho. We talk about how Soda Springs got its name and the role of trapping, religion, agriculture, mining, Simplot, and more in the history of the development of the area. We also talk about the history of movie theaters and entertainment in the American West. We end, this time, not with the Road Trip Music Question, but with what movie HannaLore would watch at one of the movie theaters in Soda Springs.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Jared Davis, owner and operator of the Idan-Ha Drive-In Theatre (yes, a rural drive-in!) in Soda Springs, Idaho. Jared and I talk about the unique challenges of running a drive-in theater in general (there are only a few hundred left in the U.S.) and in a rural community in particular - especially now that he lives 1.5 hours away from Soda but is at the drive-in every weekend in the summer. We talk about other opportunities and challenges that come with providing rural entertainment and discuss the importance of community. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Shane and Camille Petersen, owners, operators, and do everything-ers for the Idan-Ha Theatre in Soda Springs, Idaho. Shane and Camille talk about how they came to own the movie theater in Soda Springs (and now another one in Montpelier!), the unique challenges facing rural movie theaters, and what it takes to run a business essentially as a hobby and community service. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Brandon Schrand, author and Director of Communications for the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. Brandon grew up in Soda Springs, Idaho and wrote a wonderful memoir about it - The Enders Hotel - that I highly recommend. Brandon and I use that book to frame our discussion about life in a rural town and the opportunities and challenges facing rural businesses and communities. We talk about our concerns and hopes for communities like Soda Springs and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to John Patterson, CPA, rural business and building owner on Morgan’s historic Commercial Street. John and I talk about the old bank building he bought and restored and the changes happening on Commercial Street. We talk about the changes - and the challenges that come with trying to manage those changes - happening in rural communities across the West. We also talk about ideas for the local level management of change and growth. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Roger Roper from the Historic Preservation Program for the State of Utah. Preservation of buildings on rural main streets is something that keeps coming up on the podcast, including this month with the focus on Morgan, UT. Roger and I talk about his role with the Historic Preservation Office, how he got the position, and his decades long preservation work in Utah and elsewhere. We talk about the work happening now in Utah related to main street preservation and his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges associated with historic rural preservation. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
For those interested in contacting Roger and learning about Utah’s renewed focus on rural main streets, you can find out more at https://history.utah.gov/shpo/preservation/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Teresa Lake, owner of Morgan Mercantile as well as owner of, and baker for, Mama Lake’s Bakery, in Morgan, Utah. Teresa shares her story of growing up in Morgan and becoming a rural entrepreneur and business owner later in life. We talk about the importance of main streets in rural towns and about the challenges and opportunities that come with being a rural business owner. Teresa makes a strong case for visiting Morgan - hint, it includes a free cinnamon role for Rural Towns Project Podcast listeners - and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Project website (and contact information) at: https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Rachel Turk, County Historian, Morgan County Historical Society, Morgan, Utah. That’s right, Utah. The podcast is expanding to rural towns in Utah! The plan is to alternate between rural Idaho and rural Utah towns each month and I’m thrilled to have Morgan as the first rural Utah town on the podcast. Rachel and I talk about her role as County Historian, how she got the position, and the pros and cons of coming to it as an outsider. We talk about her work assisting with the preservation and redevelopment of Morgan’s Commercial Street and about the opportunities and challenges facing Morgan and towns like it. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Heidi Khokhar,Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives (RDI). RDI is an organization focused on revitalizing rural economies, developing rural leaders, and elevating rural voices in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. I chose to make my conversation with Heidi part of this month’s focus on Inkom, Idaho because of the grassroots effort of folks in Inkom and elsewhere towards revitalization. Heidi and I talk about her passion for rural issues, what drew her to RDI, and the important and impactful work the organization is currently doing not only on the ground in the Pacific Northwest but in elevating the work and conversation nationally. We talk about what worries her and what gives her hope about the future of rural communities. And we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Lindi Jo Howell, an entrepreneur in the small rural town of Inkom, Idaho. Lindi has started multiple small businesses. She is a grassroots community developer, and an avid skier and outdoorswoman. Lindi and I talk about being an entrepreneur and business owner in rural Inkom, including why she came back home, why she stays, and work/life balance. We talk about her starting the Inkom Revitalization Commission and the work that organization is doing. We talk about the challenges and opportunities that are part of life for businesses in a rural community and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this first episode of Season 2 I talk to HannaLore Hein, Idaho State Historian, about the history of Inkom, Idaho - the rural town that is the focus of this month’s podcast episodes. HannaLore and I have a wide-ranging conversation about not only the history of Inkom but of southeast Idaho in general. We talk about the Native American tribes who first used and lived on the land, about the trappers who came later, and about the railroad, cement plant, and Pebble Creek ski area that came even later and played important roles in the history of Inkom. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode - the companion to the episode with Devanee Morrison about the Lava Hot Springs Foundation - I talk to Matt Borud, Chief Business Development Officer for the Idaho Department of Commerce. Matt and I talk about the interesting things going on in the Idaho Department of Commerce and his role there but we spend most of our time on Idaho tourism. We talk about the incredible growth over the last decade in Idaho tourism and the opportunities and challenges that growth represents. Matt explains how is department works to be a partner with Idaho communities to both market tourism but also share a significant amount of money back out to communities in the forms of grants. We talk about how tourism supports small businesses and rural communities as well as the infrastructure needs - like broadband - in rural communities for not only tourism but also for schools, small businesses, agriculture and first responders. We talk about what gives Matt hope about Idaho (hint, it’s really about the people) and what he worries about (the urban/rural divide). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Devanee Morrison, Executive Director of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. If you want to sound like a local make sure that first "a" in Lava sounds more like "rad" than "rod" when you visit. And you should visit because Lava’s hot baths and swimming pools are amazing and have long been a tourist destination for folks in Idaho, Utah and beyond. Devanee and I talk about the history of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation and the pros and cons of its unique status as a state agency. We talk about the many challenges and opportunities that come from having nearly 500,000 annual visitors descend on a town of 400 and we discuss the joys of working and living in a rural small town. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
This is the companion episode to the one with Dr. Stephen Sutton about Marsh Valley Dental and Downey, Idaho. In this episode I talk to Rita Osborn, who is among many other things, the Executive Director of the Utah Center for Rural Health at Southern Utah University. Rita wears many hats but it’s safe to say she has dedicated decades to improving rural health. We talk about the work Rita and her colleagues are doing to improve health care access in rural communities and how they work to recruit rural students to go to medical and dental school and come back to rural communities. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Rita and I had some Internet connection issues so I apologize for the moments where we cut out a bit but I hope you enjoy this episode.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
In this episode, I talk to Stephen Sutton, dentist and owner of Marsh Valley Dental in Downey, Idaho. Stephen is a good friend and we graduated in the same class at Marsh Valley High School. We talk about Stephen’s idyllic childhood and decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and the privilege and burden of living up to a father’s name and example. We talk about the history of Downey, how his clinic ended up there, the town’s current challenges, and how he is trying to make difference. We also talk about corporatization and consolidation in the dental industry and his approach to fighting it - including his inspiring view on collaboration and focusing on his employees - so that he can maintain his unique rural practice and lifestyle. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.
Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
This second episode of the Rural Towns Project Podcast is the companion to the episode with Aaron Hunsaker on the Harkness Hotel in McCammon, Idaho. In this episode I talk to Dr. Susan Rugh, Professor of History and Dean of Undergraduate Education at BYU. We talk about Susan’s background and love for the rural American West, her research interests related to the history of family farms, family businesses, and family vacations in the American West (including her fascinating book Are We There Yet? The Golden Age of American Family Vacations). We also talk about the increasing number of immigrant families who own hotels in the West - including Vic Patel, who owns a hotel off of every I-15 off-ramp in Utah! We talk about McCammon, Idaho, the Harkness Hotel, and the blood, sweat, tears and sense of place that it takes to make a business work in small rural towns. We end with talking about areas ready for research and exploration in the rural American West (like restaurants and other mom and pop businesses), a resurgence in the American West road trip, and end, of course, with my Road Trip Music Question.
In this (first ever!) episode of the Rural Towns Project Podcast I talk to Aaron Hunsaker, owner, founder, creator, maintenance...basically he does anything that needs doing for the beautiful Harkness Hotel in McCammon, Idaho. I grew up in McCammon and know Aaron and his family. I also grew up knowing the building that is now the Harkness Hotel as Howell’s Big Store and to say I never imagined that store becoming a boutique hotel would be a serious understatement. The Harkness Hotel is an unexpected, beautiful boutique hotel in tiny McCammon and you have to see it to believe it so please go stay a night or two. Aaron is also a bit of a renaissance man. We talk about his education and background, what brought him back home to McCammon, the process of getting the Harkness Hotel up and running, and the joys and challenges of running a business in a rural small town in the American West.