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 E14 Travis Humphreys | Gold River Gallery [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:15
Travis Humphreys is an artist with over 35 years of experience and the co-owner of Gold River Gallery with his wife, Kathryn. Based in Cedar City, Gold River Gallery is known for its museum-quality artwork and custom fra…
S2 E13 Joni Anderson | SUU Business Center [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:36
Joni Anderson is the Executive Director of the SUU Business Center and the Small Business Development Center, where she supports entrepreneurs across Iron, Beaver, and Garfield counties. The SUU Business Center helps loc…
S2 E12 Mike Mower | SUU Aviation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:34
Mike Mower is the executive director and chief flight instructor for Southern Utah University's aviation program. Since starting the program in 2013, Mike has seen it grow to be the largest collegiate helicopter program…
S2 E11 Jamison Robinett | Intermountain Cedar City Hospital [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:02
Jamison Robinett is the new President of Intermountain Cedar City Hospital, leading its efforts to expand care and services for Southwest Utah. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at HCA Florida Palms West…
S2 E10 Eric Schmutz | State Bank of Southern Utah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:23
Eric Schmutz is the Chair of Southern Utah Bank Corporation, the parent company of State Bank of Southern Utah. He is also the former President & CEO of the bank, a community-focused institution with 17 branches offering…
S2 E9 Carylee Zwang | Orchestra of Southern Utah [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:38
Carylee Zwang is the music director and conductor for the Orchestra of Southern Utah. She has been a member of the orchestra since 2003, and started as a student from SUU, playing percussion. Today, she leads the ensembl…
S2 E8 Heather Carter | Festival City Farmer's Market [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:18
Heather Carter runs The Festival City Farmer's Market, which is a year-round market that features local farmers, bakers, and artisans selling a variety of goods. It is known for its high-quality local produce, handcrafte…
S2 E7 Marty Warburton | Cedar City Music Arts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:26
Marty Warburton is a board member of Cedar City Music Arts. The organization has brought world-class live concerts and artists to Southern Utah for nearly a century, presenting diverse music styles at accessible venues f…
S2 E6 Gavin Dalton | D-BAT Batting Cages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:06
Gavin Dalton is the owner of D-BAT Cedar City, where he leads a premier indoor baseball and softball training facility designed to elevate athletes of all ages. With a strong focus on coaching and skill development, he’s…
S2 E5 Ryan Paul | Iron County Historian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:32
Ryan Paul is an Assistant Professor of History at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, specializing in public and local history as well as the history of the national parks. He also directs the A.P.E.X. Events series,…