The Mountain Life

Dr. Aaron Fischer from the University of Utah School of Psychology and Psychiatry talks about the challenges and triumphs of youth mental health. Then, science journalist Starre Vartan talks about her new book, "The Stronger Sex," which dismantles the myth that men are inherently stronger than women.

Rapper, activist, and author Sonita Alizada shares the gripping story of her escape from the Taliban regime after being sold as a child bride in Afghanistan, and her unexpected connection to Utah in her new book, “Sonita: My Fight Against Tyranny and My Escape to Freedom.” (1:13)Then, research professor and geophysicist Gidon Eshel, talks about his new book, "Planetary Eating," which dives deep into how our food choices affect the Earth—and what we can do about it. (25:57)

Microbiologist Dr. B. Brett Finlay and health geographer Dr. Jessica Finlay challenge conventional wisdom about aging by highlighting the crucial role of microbes in our health. In their new book "The Microbiome Master Key," they explore how nurturing our inner ecosystem can promote longevity, brain health and overall well-being. Then, Park City based writer, comedian and blogger Jena Kingsley discusses her new book, “Darcy Dates,” based on her blog that chronicles the experience of dating in New York City post-divorce. It's raw, real and hilarious.

Take a journey down memory lane with journalist and self-described "retrologist" Rolando Pujol as he celebrates the charm of America's vintage roadside culture. Then, award-winning New York Times journalist Susan Dominus weaves researched stories with science to explore the circumstances that set families apart including the potential effects of your birth order.

Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, author, filmmaker and thought leader in intuition and inner wisdom, discusses her book, “InnSæi: The Icelandic Art of Intuition." She describes what it means to live intuitively in a fast, noisy world. Then, linguist Michael Erard, author of a new book called "Bye Bye I Love You," explores the many ways that we think about goodbyes, the resonance of last words, and the yearnings for memory, meaning and significance that connect us all.

In an ongoing series called "Resilient Youth," Bryce Baker, co-founder of Amico Health, addresses the impact of social media on youth mental health. Then, the new Autumn Bear Wellness Collective in Park City features health-forward practitioners who provide patients with a proactive, well-rounded health and healing journey.

Speaking expert and coach Bill McGowan offers helpful strategies that make anyone's remarks more engaging, effective and memorable. Then, Murray Carpenter, the author of a new book called "Sweet and Deadly: How Coca-Cola Spreads Disinformation & Makes Us Sick," explores whether Coca-Cola could be one of the reasons Americans are sick and the alleged ways the company tries to cover it up.

Dr. Kevin Tracey, a leading expert on the vagus nerve, highlights its role in regulating inflammation and its potential to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and depression through bioelectronic stimulation.

Financial advisor Steve Spaulding shares practical advice for navigating Park City's high cost of living, emphasizing purpose, relationships and legacy alongside financial planning for residents at all income levels. Then, wine expert Scott Greenberg, known as “The Vine Guy,” shares his passion for approachable, affordable wines, offers summer pairing tips and explores trends like canned wine, while celebrating the joy of wine as a social and evolving experience.

In a new monthly segment called Resilient Youth — which explores all the forces that shape and influence our young people to become healthy, happy and to thrive — Live Like Sam co-founder Skylar Jackenthal talks about her new podcast, "Good Grief: Life After Loss." Then, Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician, discusses her new book, "Detoxify: The Everyday Toxins Harming Your Immune System and How to Defend Against Them."

Locke Hughes, a Park City-based journalist and head of content at Oura, shares how health wearables empower users to understand their bodies better — tracking everything from sleep quality to heart health and fertility— while emphasizing a compassionate, data-driven approach to wellness and self-awareness. Then, Kendra Wyckoff, executive director of Peace House, discusses the prevalence and complexity of domestic violence, the wide range of services Peace House provides to those in crisis and how community members can support survivors with compassion and care.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein shares a holistic approach to preventing and treating osteoporosis and arthritis. Then, former pro baseball player Jim Murphy has helped other professional athletes find their "Inner Excellence" and shares how we all can find it as well.

Leaders from the Park City and Summit County Arts Council talk about the importance of arts and culture in building community, the upcoming Latino Arts Festival, and the vision for a stronger, year-round creative economy in Summit County. They also discuss the evolving future of arts spaces in Park City and how public support can help artists and residents thrive.

America’s "Anti-Fat Pastor," Steve Reynolds says Christians are the most overweight demographic, and he is out to change that after he lost 100 pounds.Then, the Get Ahead of Stroke® campaign is celebrating Survive Stroke Week, May 4 through May 10, an observance aimed at increasing awareness of stroke symptoms and the importance of immediate action.

Rebecca Brenner, local author and mindfulness teacher, talks about how parents and loved ones can navigate new terrain with a queer child or teenager. She also speaks about what’s happening with Summit Pride and gives a sneak peek at her upcoming book. Then the Running with Ed team, Park City Education Foundation Vice President of Advancement Jen Billow, Volunteer Chair Christine Grenney and Fundraising Chair Noah Singer, inspire listeners to get a team, a costume and your running legs ready to benefit education in Park City.

Stanford University psychologist Caroline Fleck explains why validation, the act of showing someone that you understand their experience and accept it as valid, is a catalyst for transformation. Then, doctors John Eliot and Jim Guinn discuss how to get along with anyone. Guess what? Most of us either don't know these skills or don't actively employ them. Their book on the topic is "How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home."

College Admissions Coach Andrea Juskaitis talks about navigating the emotional and logistical roller-coaster of receiving admissions decisions and how to choose the right school for you. Then, Jess Kimura, one of the most influential snowboarders of the past decade, highlights “The Uninvited,” a four-day event at Woodward Park City April 10-13, in which top women snowboarders compete for $60K purse.

Dr. Candice Hargons, an award-winning psychologist and associate professor at Emory University, explores communication, intimacy and what makes for good sex. Then, local author and "gratitude tiger," Joel Zuckerman shares how to, not only feel gratitude, but express it and create joy through the art of impactful letters.

Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener and Professor Christian Van Nieuwerburgh talk about their new book, "Radical Listening," that offers new ways of hearing others for more fulfilling conversations and deeper, more authentic connections. Then, Park City locals Griffin Briley, Josh Itoi and Sam Kirschner explain the exciting and grueling sport of SkiMo.

Davy Ratchford the General Manager of Snowbasin Resort talks about the alpine that Snowbasin will host for the 2034 Olympics, the No. 1 status of the resort and how their great culture and team keep him excited about going to work every day. Then, veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson discovered the first new essential fatty acid in nearly a hundred years – in bottlenose dolphins. She explains how that nutrient, C-15, plays a role in reversing the current trajectory of aging and disease.