Small Lake City

Hosted by Erik Nilsson

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Episodes

245

Latest episode

Nov 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Small Talk, Big City Join host Erik Nilsson as he interviews the entrepreneurs, creators, and builders making Salt Lake City the best place it can be. Covering topics such as business, politics, art, food, and more you will get to know the amazing people behind the scenes investing their time and money to improve the place we call home. Follow along for more!

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60 recent

November 4, 2026Episode 371 hr 27 min

S2, E37: From Corporate America to Entrepreneurship, Music & AI with Andrew Hong

What happens when you walk away from a stable corporate career to pursue something completely different? This week on the Small Lake City Podcast, I'm joined by entrepreneur Andrew Hong to talk about taking risks, building businesses, navigating failure, and finding fulfillment along the way. Andrew grew up in Silicon Valley, worked in corporate consulting at KPMG, and eventually followed his passion for electronic music into DJing and event promotion in Los Angeles. His journey has taken him through multiple industries, entrepreneurial ventures, and career pivots, ultimately leading him into digital marketing and the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. We talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, the lessons that come from failure, how AI is changing the way businesses approach marketing and SEO, and why sometimes the biggest opportunities come from being willing to start over. We also get into life in Salt Lake City, building community, and the importance of finding work that genuinely excites you. Whether you're thinking about starting a business, considering a career change, or just curious about the future of AI, there's something in this conversation for you. In this episode: Growing up in Silicon Valley during the dot-com boom Leaving corporate consulting to pursue music DJing and building an event promotion business in Los Angeles Entrepreneurship, failure, and learning to pivot The future of digital marketing, SEO, and AI Why taking risks can lead to unexpected opportunities Finding purpose and building community in Salt Lake City Thanks to our sponsor, Minky Couture! Treat yourself or someone you love to an incredibly soft Minky Couture blanket. Use code SMALL LAKE CITY for 50% off your order. Shop here: https://www.softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Stay connected with Small Lake City: Website: https://www.smalllakepod.com Instagram & TikTok: @smalllakepod Subscribe to the Small Lake City Podcast for weekly conversations with the people, entrepreneurs, and creatives making Salt Lake City feel a little smaller. Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in 50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

October 27, 2026Episode 3610 min

S2, E36: Spooky Lake City: The Salt Lake Monster, Old Mill & Utah's Darkest Legends

A mysterious gravestone. An abandoned historic mill. And a monster supposedly hiding in the Great Salt Lake. Welcome to another episode of Spooky Lake City , where we're uncovering the strange stories, local legends, and mysterious history of Utah. This episode takes us to the Salt Lake City Cemetery to investigate Lilly Gray's infamous “Victim of the Beast 666” headstone, explores the history and ghost stories surrounding the Old Mill, and dives into the legend of the Salt Lake Monster. What's real, what's folklore, and how did these stories become part of Utah's history? Whether you believe in the paranormal or just enjoy a good mystery, this episode explores some of the strangest stories from around Salt Lake City. Have a Utah ghost story or urban legend we should investigate next? Let us know! Follow Small Lake City for more Utah history, interviews, local discoveries, and stories that make Salt Lake feel a little smaller. www.smalllakepod.com Instagram & TikTok: @smalllakepod Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

October 26, 2026Episode 351 hr 23 min

S2, E35: Cat Palmer on Art, Identity & Finding Her Place in Salt Lake City

What does it mean to build a creative life on your own terms? This week on the Small Lake City Podcast, we're joined by Cat Palmer, a Salt Lake City photographer, artist, and longtime member of Utah's creative community. Cat's story begins in Southern California, where an early passion for photography led her to document the Los Angeles punk scene. Eventually, her journey brought her to Salt Lake City, where she found a community that embraced her creativity and helped her build a career doing what she loves. We talk about her artistic beginnings, her experiences with Mormonism and queer identity, and the friendships and relationships that have shaped her life. Cat also shares stories about raising her children, the support she's received from the Salt Lake community, and her involvement with the Utah Queer Film Festival, formerly known as Damn These Heels. Throughout the conversation, we explore the importance of authenticity, supporting local artists, finding your people, and knowing when it's time to begin a new chapter. It's a funny, thoughtful, and refreshingly candid conversation about art, identity, and the city we call home. Connect with Small Lake City: Website: https://www.smalllakepod.com Instagram: @smalllakepod Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. This episode is sponsored by Minky Couture. Use code SMALLLAKECITY for 50% off your order. Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in 50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

October 21, 2026Episode 3410 min

S2, E34: Utah's Most Haunted Places & Terrifying True Stories | Spooky Lake City 👻

Utah has a dark side, and some of its creepiest stories are hiding in plain sight. 👻 Welcome to Spooky Lake City 2026! In this episode, we're diving into the haunted history, chilling ghost stories, mysterious locations, and disturbing events that have become part of Utah's darker history. From supposedly haunted buildings in Salt Lake City to unsettling legends and real-life tragedies, we're exploring the stories that might make you look at Utah a little differently. But which stories are true, and which are just urban legends? 🎃 In this episode: Haunted locations around Salt Lake City and Utah The real history behind local ghost stories Strange encounters and unexplained legends Dark chapters of Utah's past 💬 Which Utah location do you think is the most haunted? And what creepy Utah story should we cover next? Subscribe for more Spooky Lake City, Utah history, local legends, and stories you won't hear anywhere else. 🎙️ Small Lake City Podcast 🌐 https://www.smalllakepod.com 📸 Instagram & TikTok: @smalllakepod Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

October 14, 2026Episode 331 hr 11 min

S2, E33: How Lucky Ones Coffee Is Changing Lives in Utah

What if your morning coffee could change someone's life? ☕❤️ This week on the Small Lake City Podcast, I'm joined by Katie, co-founder of Lucky Ones Coffee, a Utah coffee shop that's doing a lot more than serving great coffee. Founded in 2018 by Katie and her co-founder Taylor, Lucky Ones Coffee was built around a simple but powerful mission: creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while building a community where everyone feels welcome. What started as an idea while working together at the National Ability Center in Park City turned into a business that's making a real difference in people's lives. In this episode, we talk about: ☕ How Lucky Ones Coffee got started with $20,000 in crowdfunding ❤️ Why meaningful employment and inclusion matter 🏔️ Their journey from the National Ability Center to opening a coffee shop in Park City 💼 The challenges of building a business without previous coffee industry experience 🤝 How Lucky Ones creates community and connection through its employees and customers 🚀 Their plans to expand and create even more opportunities across Utah Whether you're passionate about entrepreneurship, supporting local Utah businesses, or making your community a better place, this is a story worth hearing. Learn more about Lucky Ones Coffee: https://luckyonescoffee.com ☁️ GET 50% OFF MINKY COUTURE! Looking for the softest blankets around? Check out Minky Couture's incredibly comfortable blankets, including their Hug Blankets. They even make cozy dog beds! Get 50% off full-priced blankets using my link below or code SMALLLAKECITY at checkout. 👉 https://softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY 🎙️ FOLLOW SMALL LAKE CITY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smalllakepod Website: https://www.smalllakepod.com Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts! Just search "Small Lake City Podcast." ABOUT SMALL LAKE CITY Small Lake City is a podcast sharing the stories of the people, businesses, and ideas shaping Salt Lake City and Utah. Through conversations with local entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders, we're helping Salt Lake City feel a little smaller. Subscribe for new episodes every week! Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in 50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

October 12, 20269 min

456 Nuclear Reactors in Utah, Great Salt Lake on the Edge & Midterms in 4 Weeks

456 nuclear reactors on federal land near Price, Utah, built to power AI data centers. That’s the core of Project Beehive, and it’s why Carbon County is suddenly the center of one of the wildest energy fights in the state. I walk through what Valor Atomics is proposing, what “small modular reactors” actually means in practice, and why a packed planning commission meeting is surfacing deeper questions about transparency, NDAs, and who gets heard when a project is this big. Then we shift to the Great Salt Lake, which is sitting at 29.7% full and hovering near what scientists call “collapse range.” I share the latest lake level numbers, what the drought outlook says heading into fall, and a rare piece of good news: 3.26 billion gallons of water being released from Willard Bay toward the lake and surrounding wetlands. The timing lands during peak bird migration, when the Pacific Flyway depends on those wetlands, and it’s a clear example of how targeted water decisions can still matter even when the overall problem feels overwhelming. We also hit Utah politics and everyday policy: a court-ordered redistricting that creates a Salt Lake centered congressional district that now favors Democrats, plus the key dates you need to vote (ballots mail October 13, registration deadline October 23, Election Day November 3). To close, I cover a new Salt Lake City tenant protections ordinance, a quick Utes update, Cat Tober in South Salt Lake, and a preview of next week’s guest, Katie Manhart of Lucky One’s Coffee. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show. Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

October 6, 2026Episode 3135 min

S2, E32: Mistborn, Building Dragonsteel & Becoming Fantasy’s Biggest Author with Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson joins the Small Lake City Podcast to talk about Mistborn, Dragonsteel, his journey to becoming one of the biggest fantasy authors in the world, and the unconventional business he’s built around his books and fans. Brandon shares how he went from writing books in a friend’s basement to building a global fanbase, why a dispute between Amazon and his publisher helped change the way he thought about his career, and how that eventually led to building Dragonsteel and going directly to his fans. We also get into the future of Mistborn. After roughly 20 years of trying to get Mistborn adapted, Brandon explains why he decided to learn screenwriting himself, what he’s learned through the process, and where things stand today. Plus, Brandon talks about: • How he first fell in love with fantasy • Going from biochemistry at BYU to becoming an author • The mentors who helped him understand publishing • Finishing Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time • Why he built Dragonsteel • Amazon’s influence on the publishing industry • Going directly to fans and creating premium books • Learning to write screenplays • His Mistborn screenplay • Why he lives in Utah • How Southern Utah inspired The Stormlight Archive • Meeting fans like Victor Wembanyama and Henry Cavill • Where new readers should start with Brandon Sanderson • What he’s excited to write next If you’re new to Brandon Sanderson, he recommends Mistborn for readers looking for action and adventure, or Tress of the Emerald Sea for something more whimsical and cozy. Small Lake City is a podcast about the people, stories, businesses and ideas shaping Salt Lake City and Utah. Subscribe for weekly conversations with the people making Utah a more interesting place. 🎙️ Small Lake City Podcast 📍 Salt Lake City, Utah #BrandonSanderson #Mistborn #Cosmere #FantasyBooks #StormlightArchive Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in 50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

September 29, 2026Episode 311 hr 4 min

S2, E31: How Altra Went From a Toaster Oven to a Global Running Brand With Founder Brian Beckstead

How did Altra go from experimenting with running shoes in Utah to becoming a global running brand? Brian Beckstead, co-founder of Altra, joins me on Small Lake City to tell the story behind one of Utah’s most recognizable companies. Brian shares how his own experiences with running and injuries led him to question traditional running shoe design, the early experiments that helped inspire Altra’s zero-drop approach, and what it was actually like trying to build a shoe company from scratch. From modifying shoes with a toaster oven to driving across the country in a green Subaru trying to convince running stores to carry Altra, we get into the scrappy early days of the company and how it eventually grew into the brand runners know today. We also talk about the rise of zero-drop running shoes, the challenges that came with scaling Altra, the company’s eventual acquisition, Brian’s decision to stay in Utah, and where he sees Altra and the running industry going next. 🎁 WIN A PAIR OF ALTRA SHOES To celebrate the episode, I’m giving away a pair of Altra shoes to one listener! To enter, subscribe to Small Lake City and leave a comment on the YouTube version of this episode — tell me your favorite part of the conversation, your favorite Altra shoe, your favorite place to run, or whatever you want. Winner will be announced October 6, 2026. Good luck! If you’re interested in Altra, running, trail running, entrepreneurship, Utah startups, or just a great story about building something from the ground up, this one’s for you. Follow @smalllakepod for more and subscribe wherever you listen to Small Lake City. Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in 50% Off Minky Couture Blankets: softminkyblankets.com/SMALLLAKECITY Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

September 28, 202610 min

Utah's Care System is Failing — Deaths, Abuse & No Accountability + Pro Football is Coming to SLC

Salt Lake City's weekly news update is here — and this week hit different. The Disability Law Center just dropped a damning report called "Profits Over People" — detailing how three Utahns with disabilities died in the care of a state-licensed company operating facilities with no heat, no running water, and staff admitting to locking residents in a basement at night. The state shut the company down — but only after three people died. We break down what the DLC is calling for, why the Legislature needs to act in 2027, and what this means for the most vulnerable people in Utah. On the exciting side — the United Football League officially announced Utah as its 10th expansion franchise, with games starting Spring 2028 at America First Field in South Jordan. Salt Lake City is quietly becoming one of the most complete pro sports markets in the Intermountain West. We break down what this means and whether you should be excited. Also this week: Governor Cox signed an executive order creating the Recovery Utah Initiative — a $40 million coordinated push to cut drug deaths by 25% and build 150,000 housing units by 2029. The Utes shut out Utah State 33-0 and are now 3-0 and ranked No. 15 nationally. A bear wandered into the Avenues neighborhood and got tranquilized on a resident's porch. And Steenblik Park on the west side just reopened after its first full renovation under the Parks GO Bond. Plus — Strada Saturday is October 10th. Tickets in the description. Come out and be part of it. 🎙️ Small Lake City Podcast — your weekly guide to everything happening in Salt Lake City and Utah. 📲 Follow us: @smalllakepod on Instagram & TikTok 💬 Drop a comment — what do you think about the care facility report? Or the UFL announcement? 🔔 If you haven't subscribed yet — do it now. It takes two seconds and it genuinely helps the show grow. 🎟️ Strada Saturday — October 10th — tickets below Visit silopark.com and mention Small Lake City Podcast for $150 off your move in Please be sure to like, review, follow, subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family! See you next time Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod

September 22, 2026Episode 301 hr 4 min

S2, E30: Amanda Warren on Bookish, Building Community & the Salt Lake Book Festival

What if reading could be one of the best ways to meet people and build community in Salt Lake City? In this episode of the Small Lake City Podcast, I sit down with Amanda Warren of Bookish SLC to talk about how a love of books grew into a community bringing hundreds of people together around reading, connection, and shared experiences. Amanda shares how living in New York helped inspire the idea behind Bookish, why Salt Lake City was ready for more niche community experiences, and how Bookish has grown beyond simply getting together to read. We talk about making friends as an adult, the rise of run clubs and other interest-based communities, creating spaces where people can show up alone, and why books can make connecting with strangers a whole lot easier. We also get into the current conversation around literacy and attention spans, audiobooks, reading habits, protecting your time and energy, and why Amanda believes getting more people excited about books matters. Plus, Amanda gives us a look at the Salt Lake Book Festival, including its partnership with Utah Humanities and the Utah Festival of Books, 28 visiting authors, multiple stages, kids programming, vendors, a custom festival beer with Fisher Brewing, and the goal of creating a book festival that even non-readers can enjoy. If you’re interested in books, reading, making friends in Salt Lake City, local events, community building, or the people shaping the culture of SLC, this episode is for you. Follow Small Lake City for more conversations with the people making Salt Lake City and Utah a better, more connected place. 🎙️ Small Lake City Podcast 📍 Salt Lake City, Utah Topics include: Bookish SLC, Salt Lake Book Festival, Utah Festival of Books, Utah Humanities, reading communities, book clubs, literacy, audiobooks, making friends as an adult, Salt Lake City events, community building, and Utah culture. Support the show Join the Small Lake City Discord: https://discord.gg/TYNzMhCxeK Subscribe to the Newsletter! https://substack.com/@smalllakepod Instagram: @smalllakepod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SmallLakeCityPodcast TikTok: @smalllakepod