The Rural Towns Project Podcast

54 Episodes

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From policy wonk to dirtbagging to rural economic development strategic plans with August Granath in Moab, Utah

2026-09-0742:36

I’m currently learning more about Moab, Utah. In this episode, I chat with August Granath, Technical Outreach Manager for the Center for Rural Development in the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development. August shares his story, a story that starts with the goal to do good and have a positive impact and leads from Salt Lake City to international climate policy work to Moab, Utah. We talk about how in Moab he went from policy work to basically living the dirtbag life and learning from th...

Trading posts, pawn rooms, and Navajo cultural history with historian Robert McPherson in Blanding, Utah

2026-08-0301:04:20

I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with the delightful Dr. Robert McPherson, emeritus Professor of History at Utah State University - Blanding and a Utah State Historical Society Fellow. Bob spent 45 years in Blanding and he talks about how his mother reading stories to him as a child in Massachusetts led to a lifetime love of Native American culture and an incredible career researching, writing, and explori...

Learning about rural apprenticeship programs and how they might work in places like Blanding, Utah with Inside Higher Ed reporter Sara Weissman

2026-07-1933:00

I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Sara Weissman to learn more about her recent story on rural apprenticeships for Inside Higher Ed (https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/alternative-credentials/2026/05/26/rural-opportunity-through-apprenticeship). Sara shares a bit about her background and what brought her to her current role as a journalist (it includes a big thanks to an 8th grade Engli...

Helping uranium miners, supporting rural small businesses, and a Hallmark worthy meet cute (and rabbit hunting) with Tyler Bailey in Blanding, Utah

2026-07-0528:45

I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Tyler Bailey - nurse, entrepreneur, and one of the “glue” guys and girls found in any successful rural community. Tyler seems to be everywhere and does a little bit of everything (including giving my car a jump!) in Blanding. We talk about Tyler’s role as case manager and nurse helping those dealing with lung and respiratory issues from uranium mining. He talks about h...

Balancing work, family, and being a rural elected official in a district covering 29,000 square miles with State Representative Logan Monson in Blanding, Utah

2026-06-2128:42

I’m currently learning more about San Juan County, Utah and I’m focusing on the town of Blanding. In this episode I chat with Logan Monson. I wanted to chat with Logan to learn more about balancing work, family, and being a rural elected official in a district covering 29,000 square miles as a State Representative. Logan’s roots run deep in Blanding and he shares how how his son’s heart problems inspired him to first stay at home and then to pursue healthcare as a profession (and how he could...

#box-pro-ellipsis-179078756290364{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}The Rural Towns Project Podcast