S1, E95: Liddy Huntsman
Liddy Huntsman, daughter of former Utah Governor and presidential candidate Jon Huntsman Jr., has taken a remarkable journey from her early days in the Governor's mansion to pursuing comedy in New York, working at Saturday Night Live, and now returning to Salt Lake City with aspirations in local politics. Her story represents a unique perspective on community, connection, and the power of diverse lived experiences in shaping the future of Salt Lake City.
Growing up as what she self-describes as "the black sheep" of the Huntsman family, Liddy pursued comedy rather than immediately following in her family's political footsteps. "I love the way that people connect through humor and teaching through humor," she explains. This passion led her to New York where she worked with Saturday Night Live and later pursued stand-up comedy, going from "dive bar to dive bar doing open mics." Her comedy became a way to process her experiences and connect with others through authenticity and vulnerability.
Liddy's journey took her through New York, Washington D.C., and even the Dominican Republic, where her husband served as vice consul. Throughout these experiences, she gained a broader perspective that ultimately drew her back to Salt Lake City. "What is my culture? What is my identity? Where am I from?" These questions led her to realize that Salt Lake City was the only place she truly belonged. She returned not just for personal reasons, but with a mission to contribute to her community and address pressing issues facing the city.
Mental health advocacy has emerged as Liddy's primary passion. Having been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age seven, she understands the connection between chronic illness and mental health. This personal experience, combined with her observations of the mental health crisis in Salt Lake City, has fueled her commitment to bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental health services. "40% of 911 calls are mental health calls," she notes, highlighting the need for specialized response teams and better resources.
Liddy emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in leadership. "We need to have more diversity and lived experiences in leadership," she states, recognizing that no community thinks or experiences life uniformly. This philosophy informs her approach to politics and community-building, focusing on creating connections and understanding between different groups within Salt Lake City. Her candidacy for City Council represents her commitment to being part of the solution rather than just pointing out problems.
The concept of connection threads throughout Liddy's story – from her work in comedy to her advocacy for mental health to her political aspirations. She believes that authentic connection is "the key to healing" and that communities thrive when people feel understood and supported. Programs like the Other Side Academy, which she praises as "the best program running right now in Salt Lake City," exemplify the power of connection and purpose in transforming lives.
As Salt Lake City continues to grow and evolve, voices like Liddy Huntsman's offer a bridge between preserving what makes the city special and embracing necessary change. Her unique journey from the Governor's mansion to comedy stages to potentially the City Council chambers represents the diverse paths that contribute to the rich tapestry of Salt Lake City's community.
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