Photos courtesy of KUTV 2 News
Mary Nickles has been an anchor at KUTV 2News for more than 35 years, and a fixture in the news industry in Salt Lake City. A native of Washington state, she has also played professional volleyball here and served as an assistant high school volleyball coach.
What’s the most underrated thing about Utah?
The variety and quality of excellent, local restaurants to choose from. We have some amazing chefs around here!
The most Utah sentence imaginable?
“I frickin’ can’t believe how fetch the mow-uhns are today, Brrynnlleigh!”
Where do you go when you don’t want to be recognized?
I visit family in Seattle, or, these days, anywhere in downtown Salt Lake City. (Doesn’t seem like a lot of morning or noon news viewers downtown.)
What’s your ideal random Tuesday night?
Cooking a nice dinner with my husband, then binge-watching a show until after 9 pm. But only if I don’t have to get up at 2:00 a.m. for work the next morning. Pretty exciting life, huh?
Best public speaking tip?
Be yourself, and be honest, even if you mess up. It helps if you use talking points instead of memorization.
What’s your favorite word (that you can use on the air!)?
“Perfect!”
Which local trend needs to change?
Regularly, frequently playing with fringe bangs and/or going below the speed limit in the passing lane.
What’s always in your glove compartment?
Extra drive-thru napkins. And if you don’t use them to blow your nose in emergencies, you’re above my social range.
Dive bar or hotel bar?
Hotel bar, so no one has to drive.
Ski condo or beach house?
Beach house, for sure! Even a cold ocean beach warms my soul, like I’m looking at the edge of the Earth, and everything else is out of my brain. (Plus, I don’t ski.)
Sundance or Kilby?
Sundance. A little more my speed and volume.
Park City or Moab?
I’ll say Moab, because believe it or not, I’ve never been there! But it looks and sounds like such an incredible place!
Last time Utah surprised you?
Going for and winning the bid for the 2034 Winter Olympic Games.
What’s your airport ritual?
TSA Pre-check two hours before the flight, have an empty water bottle in my bag, and hit the Sky Club for a free glass of wine.
A place you hope never changes?
Our 2News studio with our big window view of SLC Main Street. (Oh, wait! It’s now covered with huge monitors.)
What is the most unique Utah smell?
“Lake stink.” It can kick up at strange times. And to think of the rotting, tiny brine shrimp that add the special scent is just gross!
One word for Salt Lake City right now?
Other than “hot” this summer… I’d have to say “blooming.”