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
E17 Diane Bealer | Little Village Retreat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:48
Diane Bealer is the owner of Little Village Retreat, a glamping resort in Kanarraville, Utah! Diane has prioritized community engagement through hosting events and collaborating with other women-owned glamping resort own…
E16 Jon Dail | The Grind Coffeehouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:13
Jon Dail is the owner of The Grind Coffeehouse in Cedar City, Utah. The Grind Coffeehouse, located in the heart of downtown and is a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Known for its inviting atmosphere and exper…
E15 Kade Bryant | Brian Head Ice & General Store [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:55
Kade Bryant is the owner of the Brian Head General Store and the adjacent ice-skating rink in Brian Head, Utah. He shared his involvement in the community, his love for outdoors, and what is next for Brian Head, Utah. Th…
E14 Heather Young | Front Porch Twang [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:31
Heather Young is an entrepreneur, wife and mother. She has a “just go for it” attitude that has helped her build her current business, the award winning Women’s Clothing Boutique, Front Porch Twang, from the ground up. H…
E13 Hayden Hawks | World Champion Trail Runner [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:31
Hayden Hawks is an American professional trail and ultramarathon runner. A Southern Utah native, Hawks began running cross-country in high school after playing baseball. He won high school state championships in the 1600…
E12 Olivia & Ian Small | Dippers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:13
Olivia & Ian Small are the owners of Dippers in downtown Cedar City. Dippers serves handmade frozen bananas dipped in chocolate and all kinds of other toppings! They started selling them in a stand at local farmers marke…
E11 Rolane Grinnell | Prime Adventure Outfitters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:29
Rolane Grinnell is the owner of Prime Adventure Outfitters, an ATV rental shop serving Brian Head, Cedar City, and Duck Creek. With a passion for outdoor exploration, Rolane helps visitors and locals alike experience Sou…
E10 Aaron Starks | 47G Aerospace & Defense in Utah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:58
Aaron Starks, CEO and President of 47G – Utah Aerospace & Defense, leads efforts to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and community organizations. Committed to realizing 47G's visio…
E9 Mirryn Morrill | Ganache-d [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:44
Mirryn is the owner of Ganache-d, a local, family-owned, brownie shop. She is also the owner of Morr Decor and now The Venue, an event space in downtown Cedar City. The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visit Cedar C…
E8 Mac Urie | Iron Trailcraft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:41
Mac Urie represents Iron Trailcraft, a non-profit organization made of a group of dedicated volunteers. They exist to promote the mountain biking culture in Iron County, Cedar City, Utah area. In cooperation with parent…