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City Cast Boise

City Castboise.citycast.fm
City Cast Boise is the award-winning daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, Hey Boise, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Every weekday morning, our hosts will introduce you to your neighbors — from newcomers to born-and-raised Boiseans. It’s like eavesdropping on a great conversation overheard at your favorite downtown coffee shop, except in this case you’re invited to join in. We’ll engage with you online and on the podcast, with stories that spark passion and delight — but sometimes also frustration and anger. With a clear-eyed vision of the challenges and triumphs of our rapidly changing Boise, the podcast will make you feel more connected to this city we share. *1st place for “Best Interview” at Idaho Press Club 2024 Awards, in addition to 2nd place for "News Talk - Audio, and 3rd place for "Election Report - Audio".
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Episodes

Is Boise’s Isolation A Good Thing?

Did you know that Boise is the most geographically isolated urban area of the Lower 48? Today, we’re chatting with Greg Hahn from Surel’s Place about why he thinks that isolation has led to a unique and DIY-inspired arts and culture scene. Want some more Boise arts and culture content? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get inspired with ways to connect to the city every weekday morning. Can’t get enough of us?! We get it. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your...

Jan 11, 202316 min

How to (Properly) Do Brunch In Boise

Boise’s food scene is evolving, so we’re talking with brunch experts JJ Saldaña and Antonio Hernandez about the best spots to eat, drink, and catch up with friends. The Latino Card hosts teach us the ins and outs of their favorite meal, and remind us that what happens at brunch — stays at brunch. Places mentioned in this episode: Western Proper Red Feather Lounge Fork Restaurant Amano Brunchette Goldy’s Bardenay You can listen to The Latino Card podcast on Soundcloud, or wherever you get your po...

Jan 10, 202319 min

Wait, There’s an Ostrich Farm in Kuna?

We’re talking with Alex McCoy from American Ostrich Farms about sustainability and building their own processing plant during COVID. Also, are ostriches jerks? Want some more Boise stories? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. 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

Jan 09, 202314 min

Abortion and Drag Bans, and the Moscow Murder Suspect Is in Jail

It’s our first weekly news chatter episode of 2023, and there’s plenty to cover. Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson and our Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter share their predictions for the 2023 Idaho Legislative Session, and share updates on the arrest of a suspect in the Moscow murders. Plus: the Idaho Supreme Court has upheld the state’s abortion bans, dismissing a challenge from Planned Parenthood. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get ...

Jan 06, 202316 min

Winter Blues? Cozy Up, Boise!

The January blues are here but the Boise Weekly’s Minerva Jayne is here to shoo the inversion right out of your soul. She’s got great tips on how to get cozy in Boise, including the best places to eat, hang, and treat yourself like a queen. 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. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the...

Jan 05, 202324 min

Boise’s Late Night Food Leaves Us Hungry

We’re chatting with Margaret Carmel about her beef with Boise’s late night dining desert. We dig into third spaces, Western isolationism, and no hate to Los Betos but what the heck does a gal have to do to get Waffle House in town? Be sure to check out Margaret’s awesome local reporting at BoiseDev. What’s your favorite late night dining locale in the Treasure Valley? Shoot us a text: 208-546-9485. Hungry for more? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city e...

Jan 04, 202317 min

Boise’s 2023 Resolutions and Predictions

We’re ringing in 2023 with your New Year’s resolutions and predictions for 2023. Debates over public education, wild card candidates in city elections, new and better bike lanes and more fun stuff to do than ever? Sounds like it’s going to be an interesting year! What did we miss? Share your resolution or prediction by voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 03, 202318 min

Is Our Love of Standing Ovations A Problem?

Have you ever been to a play or concert in Boise and at the end of the performance, you realize everyone around is standing, clapping enthusiastically, even if the show was…not Boise’s best? In this edition of our 2022 yearbook superlatives, Host Emma Arnold chats with Story Story Night’s Jodi Eichelberger about whether our love of giving everything a standing ovation is corny, or our “Sweetest Local Gesture.” Can’t get enough of us?! We get it. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more abo...

Dec 30, 202221 min

Meet The Boise TikTok Creator With 6M Likes

We’re awarding a few of our favorite episodes of the year with some classic yearbook superlatives. In this episode, Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill talks with the Boise woman behind the wildly popular “socialistly awkward” account on TikTok. For not letting small, local stories fall through the cracks and calling out far-right politicians, six million likes and counting, we’re calling this one the most “Extremely Online Local.” Want some more Boise stories? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter w...

Dec 29, 202217 min

Trailside Coffee Is So Very Boise

It’s our winter break and we’re awarding a few of our favorite episodes with some classic yearbook superlatives. A while back we got to talk to Café Mulé’s Matt Bishop about serving free coffee in the foothills with his trusty mule, Richard. For caffeinating the community one hiker at a time, we’ve named this peppy episode, the “Most Boise Thing Ever.” 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

Dec 28, 202217 min

Dipping Into Boise’s Fry Sauce Obsession

Fry sauce is Boise’s favorite condiment. But, is it actually from Idaho? Turns out City Cast Salt Lake Host Ali Vallarta bursts our bubble in this episode with a salacious origin story, which is why we’re dubbing it the “Sauciest Debate of 2022” in our list of yearbook superlatives. Hey, at least we can still claim the best french fries, Boise! Want some more Boise stories? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about you...

Dec 27, 202220 min

Boise Needs To See These Two Films This Winter

Emma’s movie bestie George Prentice from Boise State Public Radio is here to chat about two films he thinks are a must-watch for Boise this winter. We talk Idaho vibes, a screenplay with Moscow roots, and George shares a few of his top movies for 2022. Want some more Boise stories? 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

Dec 22, 202222 min

How Boise Stole the Capital

Boise was declared the capital of the Territory of Idaho 158 years ago. But take a trip to Lewiston and you’ll find a sign welcoming you to the state’s first capital. So today, Jimmy Dawson from Boise State Public Radio gives us a history lesson on how Boise stole the capital city crown from his hometown Lewiston. We dive into messy politics, presidential favoritism and salty feelings that have lasted over a century. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll g...

Dec 21, 202216 min

De-stress Your Holidays, Boise!

This time of year can be stressful, but we’ve got your back! Local therapist Ayako Otani is here to talk us through building up our holiday mental health toolbox. We talk anxiety, boundaries, and why it’s OK to get a little hibernate-y this time of year. Just a heads up, this episode discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help. Got a grea...

Dec 20, 202217 min

Your Guide to Boise’s Best Christmas Lights

We’re getting extra festive with the creator of the Boise Christmas Lights Map. Host Emma Arnold finds out what inspired William Higginson to first build the map in 2015, and what it takes to keep it twinkling every year. Plus, we learn about the cross-state community of holiday display map builders. Want to get your home on the map? Fill out this form. Let us know your fave holiday lights neighborhood by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...

Dec 19, 202214 min

Best And Worst Of Boise’s 2022, Plus OPA Drama Continues

City Cast Boise’s Frankie Barnhill is catching up with producer Evelyn Avitia and Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter for this edition of weekly news chatter. The crew is breaking down the latest drama at city hall surrounding Boise Police and the Office of Police Accountability, and sharing some perspective on Moscow homicide coverage and tipline. Plus, we’re sharing our picks for the best and worst moments of the year. Speaking of the end of the year: we’re looking ahead to 2023 and would...

Dec 16, 202220 min

Meet Boise’s Backyard Artists

We’re talking with Ryan Marsh, co-founder of the Backyard Artists, about Boise’s DIY arts scene. The new grassroots nonprofit is giving out several $350 grants to local emerging artists (application deadline is Tuesday Dec. 20). Ryan tells us about the importance of building a community for young artists in Boise, and why a recent live tattoo event was a big hit. For more arts and culture happenings, subscribe to our Hey Boise newsletter and follow us on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choic...

Dec 15, 202215 min

What’s Next For Boise State Football?

This season of Boise State football has been a wild ride. Changes in leadership, depressed fans, and a freshman quarterback stepping up to bring the team back from the brink. Longtime Bronco football reporter Dave Southorn is here to give us his predictions for Saturday’s bowl game against North Texas. Plus, could Head Coach Andy Avalos be the next Coach Pete? Speaking of predictions: Do you have a prediction for our city in 2023? Or maybe you have a resolution you want to share! We’re collectin...

Dec 14, 202215 min

What National Media Got Wrong About The Moscow Murders

We're talking with Abigail Spencer from The Argonaut about what it’s like being a student reporter in Moscow right now. She tells us about frustrations with the national media, community efforts made to help students feel safe, and the emotional breakthrough she felt while covering the U of I vigil. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices....

Dec 13, 202216 min

Downtown Is The Place To Be This Holiday Season

Today on the show, we’re talking with Jennifer Hensley from the Downtown Boise Association. She shares why downtown is best enjoyed during the holiday season, and why Garden City still doesn’t hold a candle to downtown. Have a favorite thing to do in Downtown Boise? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. If you’re looking for more local stories, sign up for our free Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a dose of news and events every weekday. Learn more about your ad choic...

Dec 12, 202216 min

Remembering A Former Boise Lawmaker, And A ‘Tripledemic’ Update

Happy Friday! Host Emma Arnold is chatting about the news of the week with freelance reporter Heath Druzin and lead producer Frankie Barnhill. We remember Boise’s Hy Kloc, a beloved former Democratic lawmaker and the son of Holocaust survivors, and share a public health PSA about COVID and flu. And Heath updates us on Idaho Republicans’ response to Donald Trump’s call to terminate the U.S. Constitution. Plus: Heath *almost* gives away his fave secret hot springs. Want some more Boise news? Head ...

Dec 09, 202221 min

'You Know The Place' Visits Stan's Golf Cars

Hey City Cast Boise fam! We have a special treat for you: we’re proud to feature an episode from our friends at You Know The Place, a local podcast where hosts Lacey and Joel guide you through Boise’s weirdest, quirkiest places. Today, they’re exploring Stan’s Golf Cars on State Street, where they get to test drive the merch, obviously. Hope you like it, and be sure to follow them on Instagram too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 08, 202227 min

Your Guide To Winter Cycling

The roads might be slick and the air might be cold, but getting around town on two wheels is still possible. So today on the show, we’re talking with local bike commuter Joe Jaszewski about winter cycling. We pedal into staying warm, safety precautions, and who’s allowed on sidewalks. Plus, what does the recent change in ACHD leadership mean for cyclists? Got a favorite winter biking spot? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our ne...

Dec 08, 202213 min

What Non-Boiseans Want To Know About Boise

Today on the podcast, we’re playing 20 questions with our boss David Plotz. As the CEO of City Cast, he is super curious about Boise — and he’s not afraid to ask some pretty basic and hilarious questions. Host Emma Arnold and Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill field his questions about the Blue Turf, potatoes, militia membership (kidding!) and much more. What’s the funniest or strangest question you’ve been asked about Boise? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Learn more ab...

Dec 07, 202217 min

Idaho’s Only Alt-Weekly Keeps On Printing

Did you know the Boise Weekly is the only alt-weekly paper in the state? We’re talking with the paper’s editor-in-chief Jeanne Huff about providing a voice for marginalized groups, supporting artists, and a “best of” controversy that had Boise bartenders feeling catty. Speaking of the best of Boise: What do you hope 2023 brings for our community? Share your citywide resolution with us by sending us a voicemail or text, we’re putting resolutions together for an upcoming episode: 208-546-9485. Lea...

Dec 06, 202212 min

A Boise Cold Case Turns 40

On Dec. 5, 1982, a man was found dead in a local church of cyanide poisoning with $1900 and a note signed with a false name in his pocket. We talk with KTVB’s Alexandra Duggan about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of William L. Toomey, the scandal that took down the priest who found his body, and how likely cold cases like this are to be solved. Got a Boise cold case that interests you? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise news? Hea...

Dec 05, 202213 min

BPD Lawsuits, A New Investigation, And December Joy

It’s been a busy week of news in Boise, so host Emma Arnold’s chatting about the stories behind the headlines with the Idaho Capital Sun’s Kelcie Moseley-Morris and our Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter. From recent tort claims filed by two abortion rights protesters against the City of Boise and Boise Police to an independent investigation into a recently retired police captain with white supremacist views, there’s a lot to talk through. Plus, we share what we’re looking forward to in th...

Dec 02, 202220 min

Is Garden City the New Downtown?

We’re talking with Jodi Eichelberger from Surel’s Place about why Garden City is becoming the hottest neighborhood in town. Amazing galleries, great hangs, and fabulous First Fridays. One has to ask, is GC the new downtown? Check out this map with all the First Friday happenings, going down Friday Dec. 2 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Want some more local events? Head over to our newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Dec 01, 202216 min

Boise's Best Holiday Traditions

We’re getting into the holiday spirit with Emma’s festive friend Jocelyn Robertson. We talk about the best light displays, the cheeriest trees, bathrobes in nativity scenes, and why we’d rather be in bed than at the Potato Drop. A few unique ideas: Eat at Yen Ching and watch downtown shoppers as the snow falls. Skate on Caldwell’s ice ribbon in Indian Creek Plaza with the Winter Wonderland lights twinkling. Use the boisechristmaslights.org website to find the best twinkly lights in your (or othe...

Nov 30, 202215 min

'Cabaret' Is Bringing Pre-War Berlin to Boise

We’re talking with Alley Repertory Theater’s Buffie Main about their upcoming production of “Cabaret.” We jazz hand into the similarities between Boise and pre-war Berlin, the rise of fascism, and how VAC is being transformed into the Kit Kat Club for the show. Want some more Boise news? Check out Hey Boise, our newsletter that gives you a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Want to be besties? Us too! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...

Nov 29, 202214 min
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