S2 E20 Ryan Starks | EDCUtah

S2 E20 Ryan Starks | EDCUtah

Author: Presented By Visit Cedar City Brian Head February 9, 2026 Duration: 1:08:56

Ryan Starks is the President and Executive Director of EDCUtah, where he helps drive economic development and business growth throughout the state. In his role, he works with communities, companies, and partners to attract investment, support workforce development, and strengthen Utah’s competitive position in the global economy.


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

This 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
S2 E25 Bert Mitchell | Iron County Sherrif's Search and Rescue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:21
Bert Mitchell is the commander for the Iron County Sherrif’s Search and Rescue, a fully voluntary extension of law enforcement that is trained to handle lost persons and help anyone in need. The team has donated thousand…
S2 E24 Chip Deutschlander | Brian Head Sports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:38
Chip Deutschlander is the owner of Brian Head Sports, located at the base of Brian Head Ski Resort. Brianhead Sports offers a wide variety of outdoor gear and equipment, including ski and snowboard rentals, hiking gear,…
S2 E23 Christian Morales | Rosales Mexican Food [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:00
Christian Morales owns Rosales Mexican Food up in Brian Head, Utah. Rosales Mexican Food offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes to Brian Head locals and visitors alike.The Explore Local Podcast is presented by Visi…
S2 E22 Bill Heyborne | Southern Utah University [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:04
Dr. Bill Heyborne is the Dean of the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of STEM at Southern Utah University. In addition to leading the college he also teaches biology to students and leads the SUU Animal Ambassadors, a stude…
S2 E21 Derek Bryan | SUU Outdoors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:28
Derek Bryan is the Director of SUU Outdoors at Southern Utah University, where he oversees outdoor recreation and adventure programs for students and the community. SUU Outdoors offers guided trips, classes, and experien…
S2 E19 Jefferson Moss | Utah Governor's Office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:33
Jefferson Moss is the Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, driving economic development across the state through business recruitment, expansion, and strategic incentives. In this rol…
S2 E17 Giani Julander | Frontier Homestead State Park [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:55
Giani Julander is the Park Manager of Frontier Homestead State Park Museum in Cedar City, where she oversees the preservation and interpretation of the region’s rich pioneer and frontier history. Frontier Homestead State…
S2 E16 Dayla Ulrich | Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:55
Dayla Ulrich is the owner and farmer behind Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard in Parowan, Utah. Established in 2014, Sweet Pea Farm & Orchard provides fresh, locally grown produce and floral offerings, hosts farm breakfasts, and…