Small Lake City Podcast

Have you ever imagined launching a business amidst unprecedented challenges? Brent Lee Williams, the dynamic owner of Old Cuss Coffee Shop, shares his remarkable journey from Kansas City to Salt Lake City, driven by love and a dream. We journey through Brent’s pioneering days of operating a coffee truck during a pandemic to establishing a beloved brick-and-mortar cafe. With passion and perseverance, Brent overcame obstacles like a devastating accident and crafted a unique space that celebrates community and creativity. Hear about his experiences in balancing business ownership with podcasting and the joy of preparing for events like Friendsgiving. Ever wondered what it takes to transform a small business into a community hub? Discover Brent’s insights into creating an inviting café atmosphere where music and conversation thrive. He unveils the recipe for Old Cuss’s success: a mix of high-quality, locally-sourced offerings and a keen ear for customer preferences. Through personal anecdotes, Brent reveals the essence of fostering personal connections and the art of keeping the menu fresh and inclusive, reflecting his commitment to both vegetarian and vegan options. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Brent’s journey doesn’t stop at coffee; it’s about building a thriving business community. Learn about the partnerships and support from unexpected allies that have fueled Old Cuss’s growth. Brent introduces us to the “Old Cuss Avengers” — his talented team poised to elevate their new location. With plans for expansion, sustainability, and inclusivity, Brent’s tale is one of collaboration over competition, highlighting the rich entrepreneurial spirit in Salt Lake City. Whether it’s through personal passions like music or forming meaningful connections with fellow business owners, Brent’s narrative is a celebration of pursuing dreams with heart and grit.

Do you know anyone who started at a company as a security guard and then led the entire international part of the business? I do. Blake Modersitzki experienced it all on his way to join Pelion Venture Partners and have a hand in the growth of every one of your favorite Utah tech companies. Do you work for a tech company in Lehi? https://lnkd.in/gf6zHDqP

Meet Clif Reagle and Crystal Daniels, the dynamic duo that makes Bar Nohm the special place that it is. Not only is Bar Nohm one of the best cocktail bars in Salt Lake, but the events they throw are equally as impressive with themes like Godzilla, “Dilligan’s” Island, and even Scientology. Oh, and did I mention it was nominated for a James Beard award as well? Have you been to Bar Nohm?

Ever wondered what shapes a vibrant bar scene? Clif and Crystal from Bar Nohm join us to unravel the evolution of Salt Lake City's nightlife over the past decade. From a budding hotspot in the Central Ninth Area to the collaborative magic between Bar Nohm and Water Witch, we uncover the stories behind the city's burgeoning bar culture. Cliff offers a firsthand account of community engagement's role in transforming the local entertainment landscape, while Crystal shares how creative pop-ups are reshaping nightlife dynamics. Join us on a journey through the highs and lows of bartending, as we tackle the challenges and celebrate the triumphs in this dynamic industry. Seasoned bartenders and newcomers alike face a whirlwind of evolving customer expectations and the occasional playful challenge from patrons. We dive into how bartenders balance the art of presentation with customer satisfaction, crafting experiences that resonate long after the last call. Crystal and Cliff give us a glimpse into the creative process behind their most captivating cocktails, illustrating how visual flair can elevate a drink from mere refreshment to an unforgettable moment. This episode is an exploration of passion turning into profession. We share personal stories of career pivots, mentorship, and the discovery of new paths in the hospitality industry. From the culinary knowledge that enhances cocktail artistry to the importance of mentorship, we highlight the mix of tradition and innovation shaping today's bar scene. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or someone curious about the industry, our chapter on the intersection of food, drink, and culture offers a refreshing perspective on Salt Lake City's bar evolution. https://pod.fo/e/280131

What was the domino that started Will McMaster into starting Pizza Nono, Nona Bistro, and now Notes?  Check out the episode with him to hear more!

Few people keep a better beat on what goes on in all things political in Salt Lake City/ Utah. Bryan Schott shares his story of how he ended up where he is and his newest venture with Utah Political Watch.

Join us for an insightful journey into the heart of Utah politics with our special guest, Bryan Schott, a seasoned political analyst and founder of Utah Political Watch. If you've been curious about the seismic shifts in political dynamics and why local elections matter more than ever, this episode promises to enlighten you. Together, we dissect the zero-sum game of tribalism that has taken root in politics, both locally and nationally, and explore the critical role journalism plays in confronting misinformation and radicalization. Delve into the intricacies of Utah's legislative power dynamics over the past 25 years. Reflect on the Republican supermajority's growing influence in decision-making, leaving little room for collaboration across parties. Hear firsthand how this power consolidation affects governance and representation, especially in the post-pandemic era. From constitutional amendments to potential civil unrest scenarios, our discussion with Brian sheds light on the challenges to democracy in a polarized world. The conversation doesn't stop at politics; it also takes a deep dive into the changing media landscape. Brian shares his personal journey from traditional journalism to embracing new platforms like podcasting and TikTok, offering a glimpse into the evolving nature of news consumption. We'll also touch on the state of Utah journalism and the importance of independent voices striving to hold public officials accountable. Round out the episode with a nostalgic look at the comedy influences that have shaped our perspectives and the unpredictable twists that come with covering politics in Utah.

Frightmares is the BEST time to go to Lagoon, just ask Julie Freed . It takes a village,  in this case every department to put it together and takes months to execute.  This is the LAST weekend to experience Frightmares before Lagoon closes for the season so make sure to check it out!

Check out the most recent episode of the Small Lake City Podcast Bijan Sakaki, founder of Beehive Farmacy. We talk about his upbringing, how 🍃 changed his life after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, 🍃 in Utah, and what is next for 🍃 in Utah.

Warning: This episode contains conversations about cannabis and for those 21+ Ever wondered how a personal health journey could ignite a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit? Meet Bijan Sakaki, whose battle with ulcerative colitis led him to discover the transformative power of medical cannabis. As he shares his compelling story, you'll learn how this discovery turned into a mission to make cannabis accessible in Utah, despite the challenges of navigating a quasi-legal landscape. Bajan's experiences as an immigrant in "Small Lake City" emphasize the power of resilience and personal relationships in building a reputable business within tight-knit communities. Join us as we explore the shifting perceptions of cannabis, from its stigmatized past to its growing acceptance as a treatment for chronic pain and as an alternative to opioid use. The episode dives into the intricacies of Utah's evolving medical cannabis program, highlighting the transition from traditional dispensaries to pharmacies staffed with licensed pharmacists. Discover how Bajan and his team are at the forefront of this change, advocating for rigorous product testing and patient education to create a safer, more informed environment for consumers. Throughout our conversation, Bajan's commitment to authenticity and ethical business practices shines through. His passion for using cannabis to genuinely improve lives over pure profit is infectious and inspiring. As Beehive Pharmacy celebrates its fourth anniversary, Bajan reflects on lessons learned, future goals, and the potential for exciting collaborations, including a guest appearance by Jim Morse of Skinwalker Ranch fame. This episode is a celebration of community, resilience, and the ever-evolving journey towards healing and self-discovery.