S2 E1 Stephen Lisonbee | One Utah Summit

S2 E1 Stephen Lisonbee | One Utah Summit

Author: Presented By Visit Cedar City Brian Head September 29, 2025 Duration: 57:19

Stephen Lisonbee is the SUU Associate Vice President, Community Outreach & Engagement. He has over 20 years of experience in community, economic, and workforce development across Utah. He is the Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs to Gov. Spencer Cox. Stephen has played key leadership roles in initiatives such as the One Utah Summit, The Cedar City Business & Innovation Center, and the Iron Leaders Academy.


The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head and hosted by David Johnson, Cedar City Economic Development Director.


his episode is sponsored by:The Cedar City Business and Innovation Center. Dedicated to supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, it provides resources and services aimed at fostering  business creation, growth, and retention. The center features the “Makerspace” where entrepreneurs and small businesses can have access to 3D printers, video production and photography equipment, t-shirt printing and more! Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to expand an existing one, the Cedar City Business and Innovation Center offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed. To learn more and get involved, visit innovationcenter.cc


The Explore Local Podcast is a series of conversations that gets beneath the surface of Cedar City and Brian Head, Utah. Presented by Visit Cedar City Brian Head, this podcast moves beyond typical travel tips to introduce you to the people who actually shape the experience of being here. Each episode sits down with a different voice from the community-you might hear from a shop owner explaining why they set down roots, a guide recounting a memorable day on the local trails, or a cultural leader discussing what connects residents to this landscape. These aren't formal interviews, but more like candid chats that reveal personal histories, unexpected challenges, and the quiet pride of building a life in Southern Utah. By focusing on individual stories, the series collectively paints a richer picture of the area's character. You'll come away with a deeper sense of place, understanding not just where to go, but the spirit behind the destinations. It’s an audio postcard from the high desert, crafted for curious visitors and longtime locals alike who want to feel more connected to this unique corner of the world. Tune in to discover the layers that make a community, one genuine conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 78

Explore Local Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E27 Klay Klemic | Rising K Ranch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Klay Klemic is the owner of Rising K Ranch, where he trains horses and leads trail rides near Zion National Park. With a lifetime of riding experience, Klay focuses on building a strong, willing partnership with every ho…
E26 Jaden Reardon | The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:25
Jaden Reardon is co-owner of The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen with his partner, Barry Orton. The Pub Spirits + Craft Kitchen blends the warmth and charm of a flamboyant English pub with the culinary creativity of a modern…
E25 Alyssa Smith | Savage Transload Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:20
Alyssa Smith is the Transload Sales Manager at Savage Transload Network, a rail company that hosts over 50 terminals globally. She shares the company's history and what her personal experience has been to work for such a…
E24 Kacie Carballo & Jessica Huntington | Dry Lakes Ranch Beef [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:25
Kacie co-owns Dry Lakes Ranch in Parowan, Utah, where she helps raise top-quality beef and brings it fresh to their shop on Parowan’s Historic Main Street. Jessica is one of the employees at the meat shop. They dive into…
E23 Kason Myers and Brittney Worthen | Bristlecone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:35
Kason Myers and Brittney Worthen joined us on the podcast this week! As co-owners of Bristlecone Company, they’ve transformed a unique space that blends a cozy coffee shop with a beautiful yoga and spin studio. Kason and…
E22 Tayson Whittaker | Outdoor Vitals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:43
Tayson Whittaker is the dynamic force behind Outdoor Vitals, a pioneering ultralight backpacking brand driven by performance and innovation. With a passion for exploration ingrained in his DNA, Tayson thrives as an avid…
E21 Danny Stewart | Utah Inland Port Authority [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:25
Danny Stewart is the Associate Vice President of the Utah Inland Port Authority. Before working for UIPA Danny served as Director of Economic Development for Cedar City and Iron County. He continues to work to bring new…
E20 Jeremy Waite | Business and Innovation Center [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:54
Jeremy Waite is the Innovation Center Manager for the Cedar City Business & Innovation Center. He is also an avid pickleball player, and helps run the local pickleball leagues and tournaments in addition to teaching pick…
E19 Kathleen Gonder | Cedar Breaks Superintendent [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:56
Kathleen Gonder started her career at Great Basin National Park in 1989. Since then she has worked at six other National Park Service sites: Dinosaur National Monument, Golden Spike National Historic Site, the Albright T…
E18 Alyssa Fain | KJ Ice Barn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:02
Alyssa Fain is the General Manager at KJ Ice Barn, an NHL size ice rink in Enoch, Utah. Alyssa shared the story of building the facility, naming it after her late mother, and their premier league team the Iron County Yet…