By Chelsea Kern
For nearly 20 years, we’ve showcased local events in our “Must-Do” section of Utah Valley Magazine. But 2020 is so not 2019. Check out some of our favorite “musts” — but this time, no tickets or selfies in the seats are required. We’ve gathered podcasts, books and YouTube channels created by our very own Utah County friends.
Must Watch
Lots of Laughs
Ten of Utah County’s funniest friends come together on JK! Studios to humor the masses through online videos. The cast that originally performed on BYU’s “Studio C” has taken the funny business into their own hands by creating and producing videos since fall of 2018. JK! Studios produces a mix of improv, sketch comedy, sitcom. YouTube JK! Studios
Innovative Instrumentals
Music meets innovation on The Piano Guys YouTube channel. Enjoy covers of America’s favorite songs with the pure tones of Provo local and pianist, Jon Schmidt, and Salt Lake City local and cellist, Steven Nelson. While the songs can be played with audio only, try watching one of their videos to see incredible nature shots, interactive musical performances and incredible talent. The videos may be more captivating than the song itself. YouTube ThePianoGuys
The Sisterhood of Dancing Pants
Dancing comes naturally for this sisterhood, and so does their new YouTube lifestyle channel: The Arnold Sisters. Watch as Provo locals Lindsay, Jensen, Brynley and Rylee document dance challenges, date nights, life milestones and more! This fun foursome always has something new up their sleeves and their feet. You may recognize three of the four from “Dancing With The Stars.” YouTube The Arnold Sisters
Must Listen
Super Mom!
Mother of seven Vanessa Quigley takes her audience through intriguing and hilarious conversations concerning “all things parent” in “The MomForce Podcast.” The co-founder of Chatbooks divulges the life tips, tricks and hacks she has learned while raising a family and a business. With occasional guest appearances on the show, Vanessa tackles questions both moms and dads have about their roles. Check it out at chatbooks.com/podcast.
History Buff
UVU professor Dr. Gregory Jackson brings history to life with his bi-weekly podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck.” While history can sometimes put millennials to sleep, Greg is known for keeping his audience captivated with stories and heavily researched facts. Listeners enjoy the hour-long episodes and walk away from the podcast with more knowledge about American history. Check out his podcast at historythatdoesntsuck.com.
Digging In
Hosted by Bam Bams BBQ owner Cameron Treu and Aventus Wealth CEO Andrew Van Buren, The Nitty Gritty Podcast digs into the journey. The brothers-in-law interview local business owners and powerhouses. Episodes are usually over an hour and drop on Mondays. (Psst! Give a listen to Episode 52 to hear about the origins of Utah Valley Magazine.) Listen via podcast platforms or watch a filmed version on their YouTube channel.
Must Read
Taking Readers By Storm
A complex storyline and captivating internal and external character insights bring more than 1,000 pages to life in “The Way of Kings.” The high fantasy storyline takes place in a mythical world called Roshar and features a layered past with the heroic Knights Radiant and the evil Voidbringers. But what happens when the heroes supposedly betray the world? Author and American Fork-local Brandon Sanderson takes the reader on a literary voyage. “The Way of Kings” is the first of the soon-to-be 10 novels in The Stormlight Archive. The fourth book, “Rhythm of War,” will be released in November 2020. Find this book for $8 at Target.com.
Villainous Love
Dubbed a “Slytherin Romance,” “The Shadows Between Us” follows the story of a woman who knows what she wants and will kill to get it — literally. In this young adult fantasy, protagonist Alessandra plays both heroin and villainess as she sets out to woo and wed the Shadow King. Author Tricia Levenseller lives in Springville, has published four fantasy novels and is working with her publisher on future novels — the fifth is scheduled to release in 2021. Get this book shipped to you from Amazon.com.
That’s Prophetic
Sheri Dew’s newest publication, “Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson,” takes the reader into the life of the current prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The biography dives into the prophet’s childhood and shows influential moments in his life that prepared him to lead The Church of Jesus Christ. Have you ever wondered what he was like before he was called? Now you can gain a greater glimpse into President Nelson’s molding (and learn more about the man who voted “most influential” by our readers.) Pick up the book at deseretbook.com.