We talked with travel blogger Lydia Weigel about her recent stay in the Big Idaho Potato Hotel. Just south of downtown Boise, this fun and unique stay features some unusual amenities (spoiler: it’s a cow, you get to hang out with a cow!). Know of other fun and unique places to stay in Boise? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Can’t get enough of us?! We get it. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 28, 2022•10 min
We’re talking to KTVB’s Jim Duthie about folklore winter weather predictions. How accurate is the Farmer’s Almanac and are Wooly Worm Caterpillars actually miniature meteorologists? Plus, how likely are we to have another Snowmageddon? And later in the show, we share an article from the Idaho Statesman about how climate change may affect home values in the future. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more ab...
Nov 23, 2022•13 min
Black Friday at the mall? Pshh never heard of her. This holiday season, we’re giving you plenty of awesome reasons to shop local. Have a cook or a gardener in your life? What about that loved one who has everything, so really a unique is the best gift they can get? We have you covered! Plus, there’s still time to check out some local holiday markets. Guests today: Marissa Lovell with the From Boise newsletter and our own newsletter writer Blake Hunter. Want some more Boise holiday cheer? Head ov...
Nov 22, 2022•17 min
It might technically be fall still but winter weather is certainly here. So we’re talking how to get cozy in Boise with the Boise Weekly’s Minerva Jayne. We burrow into the best cozy eats, shopping, treat-yourselfs, and coziest places to just hangout. Got a favorite cozy spot? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want to cozy up to us off-air too? Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 21, 2022•21 min
It’s been a tough news week in Idaho so we’re here to sort through what you need to know. Host Emma Arnold gets the latest on the murder of four University of Idaho students from Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson and our audio producer Evelyn Avitia. Plus, Jimmy explains why the state of Idaho has just settled a lawsuit based on a law that for decades was used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ folks. Moscow Police have set up a tip line and are asking the public to call if they have any infor...
Nov 18, 2022•18 min
We know the holidays can bring fraught debates with family and friends. But this Thanksgiving, there’s at least one argument you can win once-and-for-all: how to pronounce our beloved “Boise.” Lead producer Frankie Barnhill digs into this longstanding (and often heated) linguistic debate with Boise State University Linguistics Department Chair Michal Temkin Martinez. Apparently there’s been confusion about the ZEE vs. SEE since the mid 19th century. So tell us: Are you Team See or Team Zee? Let ...
Nov 17, 2022•14 min
Today, Host Emma Arnold is talking hot springs with our Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill. We dive into gatekeeping, etiquette, and the best from-Boise hot spots! Plus, is it still okay to skinny-dip? Have a favorite place to soak? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nov 16, 2022•24 min
The abrupt change to winter weather is hitting our unhoused neighbors hardest. So today, we’re learning how to help make the cold months a little warmer for folks experiencing homelessness in our community with Interfaith Sanctuary’s Jodi Peterson-Stigers. Want to help out? You can donate to Interfaith here, and volunteer to help with emergency shelter this winter. Want to learn more about? Check out this BoiseDev article from reporter Margaret Carmel on our elderly unhoused community members. W...
Nov 15, 2022•13 min
The holiday season is here, with lots of parties and dinners to enjoy with friends and family. But before you throw away those masks, Dr. David Pate (aka the Dr. Fauci of Idaho) is here with some practical tips to make sure COVID-19 doesn’t ruin your holiday plans. Pate is the former CEO of St. Luke’s Health System and became a voice for public health since his retirement in early 2020, just before Idaho’s first coronavirus case. From where to find your COVID booster shot, to updated info on hig...
Nov 14, 2022•16 min
Election night is in the rearview, so we’re talking about what the legislative results could mean for the future of Boise with state politics reporter James (Jimmy) Dawson of Boise State Public Radio. Incumbent Republicans in statewide races had a big night, starting at the executive level with Gov. Brad Little winning a second term. But how did far-right candidates do down ballot? And were the Democrats able to make headway anywhere? We’ll get into it. Plus: Jimmy tells us how he zens out after...
Nov 11, 2022•20 min
If you’ve been hiking in the foothills these last few years, chances are you’ve come across this very unusual, very Boise trail amenity: free coffee, served by a mule. We talk to Café Mulé’s Matt Bishop about building community through hospitality and a shared love of the outdoors, and why Richard The Mule is Boise’s favorite barista. Have your own Boise trail service story? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Looking for a morning pick me up? Head over to our newsletter...
Nov 10, 2022•15 min
Plenty of 2022 General Election results are in from Idaho and there’s lots to chew on this morning! Emma Arnold and lead producer Frankie Barnhill are here to update you on the most important local and state election results — so far. How are you feeling about the results? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Check out this piece we mentioned from the Idaho Capital Sun on legislative races and more background on the College of Western Idaho board from Idaho EdNews. Plus, ...
Nov 09, 2022•13 min
Today, host Emma Arnold talks with the Wassmuth Center’s Dan Prinzing. The center recently dedicated the new Phillip E. Batt Building in honor of the former Republican governor, and it’s going to really level up the nonprofit’s education and outreach mission. Plus, Dan shares how he stays positive in the face of increasing hate in Idaho. Thoughts on today’s episode? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our newsletter where you’ll ge...
Nov 08, 2022•14 min
We’re having a day in Caldwell with our audio producer, Evelyn Avitia! She shares her favorite C-town eats, hangs, and why racism and classism are behind Boise’s tendency to look down its nose at this unique and fun sister city. If you’re new to Boise, Caldwell or anywhere else in the Treasure Valley — what brought you here? Or if you’re a local through-and-through, why do you stay? Let us know what you love about Caldwell/Boise/the Treasure Valley by leaving us a voicemail. We might share it on...
Nov 07, 2022•16 min
The countdown to Tuesday’s midterm election is on. So in this week’s weekly news chatter episode, host Emma Arnold is talking about local races to watch with The Idaho97 Project’s Emily Walton and our lead producer Frankie Barnhill. Plus, we chat about Emily’s lost rascal cat Jack and the community effort to find him. And Emily tells us why this Election Day will be her last one in Boise for a while. Got a lead on Jack (or anything else)? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-94...
Nov 04, 2022•18 min
Soups on and we’re talking mutual aid and feeding our unhoused neighbors with the wonderful folks at Boise Kitchen Collective. BKC hands out over fifty hot meals a week plus snacks, water, coffee, and baked goods. We learn how easy (and fun!) it is to get involved and why you can’t overstate the importance of a home cooked meal. Let us know about your favorite mutual aid orgs by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Looking for more ways to get connected to your community? Head over to o...
Nov 03, 2022•17 min
Today, Host Emma Arnold is talking Boise coffee shops with City Cast Boise’s very own Evelyn Avitia and Blake Hunter. Who has the best beans? The best vibes? The best workspaces vs. the coziest hangs? Get the drip on which Boise coffee shops we think are tops, and where we wouldn’t go even at our most caffeine deprived. So what are you drinking? Want to rant or rave about our hot coffee takes? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Thirsty for more Boise news? Head over to ...
Nov 02, 2022•17 min
We’re celebrating Dia de los Muertos by chatting with Lisa Sánchez about how she celebrates the Mexican holiday. The Boise City Councilperson talks about her favorite Day of the Dead altars and spoiling her ancestors with treats they couldn’t have while they were living. Plus, Lisa tells us her plans this year to honor the gentleness and grace of her grandfather and helps us understand the difference between appropriation and participation. Looking for a Día de los Muertos event in Boise? Check ...
Nov 01, 2022•14 min
Happy Halloween, Boise! Lead producer Frankie Barnhill takes the wheel today to grill host Emma Arnold about Boise Halloween memories. We talk Harrison Blvd. vs. Warm Springs candy hauls, haunted houses, corn mazes, and why Emma got arrested at the Crazy Horse in 1994. Looking for some adult Halloween fun tonight? Emma recommends the Macabre Mass burlesque show at Neurolux tonight, hosted by the talented Leta Harris Neustaedter. Check out this Idaho Statesman story about the city’s geothermal en...
Oct 31, 2022•18 min
Happy Friday! Emma’s chatting about the stories of the week with KTVB’s Brian Holmes and City Cast Boise’s very own Blake Hunter. We cover the news about white nationalist leader Kyle Chapman’s plea deal, early and absentee voting so far, and the one year anniversary of Zachary Snow’s killing by Boise Police. Plus, we get into what’s pissing us off — and what’s making us happy — about Boise this week. Want to get nerdy about Ada County voting stats? Check this out. And get informed about the can...
Oct 28, 2022•24 min
8008IES, UDAHO and DZNUTZ? Carolyn Komatsoulis from the Idaho Press is in the passenger seat to talk about all the weird, crude and admittedly funny vanity plates people try to slip by the DMV, and how long-suffering Idaho DMV employees use a variety of tools — including Urban dictionary and mirrors — to crack down on Idaho’s raunchiest submissions. What would your personalized vanity plat say? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Need more Boise news? Head over to our ne...
Oct 27, 2022•13 min
Power struggles, note-passing, special sessions, oh my! Today on the podcast, host Emma Arnold gets the scoop on the two important — but confusing — questions at the bottom of your ballot this election. Why does the Idaho Legislature want to have the option to work more and what the hell is going on with that advisory question? Idaho Capital Sun reporter Clark Corbin is here to break it down for us. And later in the episode, Emma shares a chili recipe that Clark made recently and raves about. Wh...
Oct 26, 2022•14 min
One thing about Boise: we love our local craft beer. But with more than 20 breweries and counting in the Treasure Valley, the options can be kind of overwhelming. What’s the best place to grab a pint and watch a game? How about the most delicious meal and IPA combo? And where can you get snobby and enjoy the subtleties of your next barrel-aged stout? Today, lead producer Frankie Barnhill is getting the scoop from contributor Heath Druzin, who — when he’s not covering extremist politics — can be ...
Oct 25, 2022•15 min
Host Emma Arnold talks with local supernatural enthusiast Julie Hahn about Boise’s haunted history. Late-night phenomena at Boise State’s Communications Building, creepy elevators at the Idanha, and the documented disturbances of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Boise’s full of ghosts! Or at least great ghost stories. And a quick note: this episode does include some violent imagery and a mention of suicide. Share your own Boise ghost stories by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Rattling y...
Oct 24, 2022•17 min
Host Emma Arnold sits down with Boise State Public Radio Morning Edition host George Prentice and our own Frankie Barnhill for this week’s news chatter. We talk about George’s recent interview with City Councilperson Lisa Sanchez about gatekeeping at City Hall, and the anti-drag legislation that’s being floated ahead of the midterms. Plus, learn what Emma might be for Halloween! Go deeper with this feature about Erma Hayman and Boise’s redlining history, and Idaho Capital Sun’s coverage of the I...
Oct 21, 2022•27 min
In Boise we give everything a standing ovation, which feels great for performers, but what does it do for the quality of our art? In this episode, host Emma Arnold chats with Jodi Eichelberger (Story Story Night, Alley Rep, BCT) about the pros and cons of Boise’s generous crowds. And, Jodi shares his favorite Story Story Night standing O and (maybe?) changes Emma’s mind about wanting to sit things out. Find out more about the production of "Cabaret" that's coming to the Alley Repertory Theater i...
Oct 20, 2022•19 min
Everyone’s talking about the possible merger between Albertsons and Kroger, which would be a big deal for Boise. But today, City Cast Boise Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill is here to gush about her favorite local grocery chain: WinCo! This place is a gem, even if it’s not as polished as other stores. Contributor Jimmy Dawson joins to share tips for incorporating the WinCo experience into your shopping routine. For more on the questions surrounding the possible Kroger/Albertsons merger, check out ...
Oct 19, 2022•19 min
When you think of the American Dream — the house with the picket fence and a yard — you’re probably imagining a nice but modest 2-bedroom starter home that's affordable for a young family. But today on the show, Idaho Statesman reporter Paul Schwedelson joins Frankie Barnhill to talk about why you’re not seeing enough of these kinds of homes on your Zillow search. We also talk about how the recent dip in home prices is affecting the market, and why new construction is slowing down. Also, meet ou...
Oct 18, 2022•15 min
Fall in Boise means one thing to lots of people: Bronco Football is back on the blue turf. But for University of Idaho grads in our city, all this blue and orange swagger can get annoying. So today on the show, two fans will hash it out behind the mic with host Frankie Barnhill. Adam Bridges is a sophomore at Boise State and helps edit The Arbiter student newspaper, and Zach Kellogg is a recent U of I grad and the Director of Broadcast and Creative Content at the school. Who has the better masco...
Oct 17, 2022•17 min
Home prices continue to fall but rent’s still so damn high, the North End stands up to anti-LGBTQIA+ hate, and October weather is…still kind of hot? It’s our first-ever weekly chatter episode, and we’re rounding up the stories that stuck with us this week! Host Frankie Barnhill chats with our Hey Boise newsletter writer Blake Hunter and producer Jennifer Jerrett. And remember: today is the last day to register online to vote! UPDATE: After recording this podcast, KTVB reporter Alexandra Duggan t...
Oct 14, 2022•26 min
