No Arizona summer is complete without....

·22 min·2 clips

Kaylee Monahan recalls her grandfather refusing to buy soda at games, a story her dad later turned into a family joke.

The episode opens with host Amanda Luberto introducing the topic of summer essentials as the season winds down. She is joined by several Arizona Republic colleagues who each share their must-do activities for an Arizona summer. Producer Kaylee Monahan emphasizes attending a Diamondbacks game at Chase Field, sharing nostalgic stories about baseball with her family and the stadium's air-conditioned comfort. She reflects on the camaraderie and Americana of baseball. Reporter Richard Rellis describes his ritual of dancing in Phoenix summer rain, appreciating its rarity and cooling effect. He also mentions escaping to cooler areas like Flagstaff or Cottonwood for relief. Video producer Itzel Riosoto lists kayaking at Lake Powell, chasing paletero ice cream trucks for character popsicles, and hosting carne asadas as her summer staples. Consumer travel reporter Michael Salerno recounts his first tubing trip on the Salt River, organized through Phoenix Fray, highlighting the escape from heat. Arizona Now reporter Dena Kerr, newer to Arizona, discusses enjoying downtown Phoenix nightlife with misters, summer concerts, and hydration tips. Additional contributors include senior sports reporter Bob McMahon with his annual monsoon pool party and race and equity reporter Daniel Gonzalez celebrating anniversaries at La Posada Hotel. The episode weaves personal anecdotes with practical tips, capturing the blend of nostalgia and survival in Arizona summers. It concludes with a call for listener questions and subscription promotions.

As heard by us

A warm, conversational snapshot of Phoenix summer, where baseball, paleteros, and September signal the season's slow retreat.

Valley 101 frames the end of a Phoenix summer as its own local calendar, marked by students returning to school, snowbirds eyeing the Valley again, and baseball edging toward its final stretch.

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Why you'd press play

You get Phoenix summer heat, Chase Field rituals, kayaking, paleteros, and the small signs that summer is finally starting to loosen its grip.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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