Are Boise Hawks games a snooze, or the best thing to do in the summer? Baseball megafan and contributor Jocelyn Robertson took the City Cast Boise team out to get the vibe of our hometown team. We ate classic stadium snacks, eavesdropped on convos on the third base line, ducked at way-too-close foul balls, and got to see a “can of corn” in action. Plus, we learned essential tips for our next trip to Memorial Stadium. What’s your favorite thing about Hawks games? Let us know by sending us a voice...
Jul 05, 2023•22 min
A July Fourth burger and fries combo would not be the same without fry sauce. You can find the dip on pretty much every menu around town. But can Idaho claim fry sauce as ours? To get to the bottom of this culinary question, we’re revisiting a conversation between City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta and City Cast Boise producers Frankie Barnhill and Evelyn Avitia. We dissect why our cities are both so obsessed with the dip, and share our favorite places to eat fry sauce in the Treasure Valley....
Jul 03, 2023•20 min
Host Emma Arnold’s going behind the week’s headlines with Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and KTVB’s Alex Duggan. They’re talking about the Latah County prosecutor’s decision to seek the death penalty against the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students, what we know — and what Boise police are withholding — about the recent police shooting of 22-year-old Payton Wasson, and updates in Boise City Council races. Plus, they share their July Fourth plans! Want some more Bois...
Jun 30, 2023•29 min
Astrology is having a moment! So as cancer season kicks off, we’re curious: Could astrology help us understand Boise better? Does the City of Trees give off big earth sign energy, or are we more independent like a Leo? Rachel Spacek and Evelyn Avitia join host Emma Arnold to guess Boise’s zodiac sign— the answer might surprise you. What do you think Boise’s sign is? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise content? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter wh...
Jun 29, 2023•17 min
Mountain Home gets snubbed when we’re talking about why we love the Treasure Valley, but Idaho State Sen. Geoff Schroeder is here to tell us how we shouldn’t sleep on this sister city. From dog-friendly brew pubs, to beautiful tree-lined streets, and the new telescope at the nearby Bruneau Dunes State Park — there’s more to do than you might think. Plus, we dig into his first year at the legislature and why he thinks getting an F rating from the Idaho Freedom Foundation is a badge of honor. Want...
Jun 28, 2023•20 min
Lots of cities have a food that defines them: Chicago has deep dish pizza, Cincinnati has their weird spaghetti chili, and Philly has their cheesesteaks. But what about Boise? Is it fingersteaks? Basque croquetas? Contributor Jocelyn Robertson and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter are chatting with host Emma Arnold about our city’s confusing food identity. Plus, they pitch a creative culinary treat as our official and iconic Treasure Valley food. What do you think is Boise’s current defin...
Jun 27, 2023•24 min
Travel in and out of Boise can be tough in the summer. Flights are often pricey, and driving long distances is a bummer. But what if there was a third option: a passenger train? Boise and Salt Lake City officials are looking at resurrecting an old Amtrak route connecting the two cities. We’re excited about the idea, but what about our neighbors in Utah? We’re revisiting a chat with City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta, to find out if people across state borders would ride the rails. Would you h...
Jun 26, 2023•22 min
Host Emma Arnold is digging through the week’s news with lead producer Frankie Barnhill and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter. From Nampa’s new school policy blocking discussions of LGBTQ topics in classrooms, to data on remote workers moving to Boise, and reflections one year after Roe vs. Wade fell, there’s a lot to cover. Plus, why we love KTVB’s entry in a viral TikTok dance challenge! Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to th...
Jun 23, 2023•27 min
Boise’s been spoiled with cooler June weather recently, but the forecast is heating up this weekend. In the final episode of our Summer Entertainment Guide, the queen of cool, Minerva Jayne, is sharing her best tips to beat the heat in the Treasure Valley with Emma. Plus, they discuss how “summertime sadness” is a real thing and why you won’t find Minerva at the neighborhood BBQ. How do you plan to stay cool when things get sweltering in the City of Trees? Let us know by sending us a voicemail o...
Jun 22, 2023•23 min
If you feel like you’ve noticed more dandelions around town this season, you aren’t wrong! Sara Arkle from Boise Parks and Recreation is here to tell us about how the city has reduced their pesticide use by nearly 50%, and why they’re having a whole festival this Saturday to celebrate this too often under-appreciated weed. What do you think of the city’s pesticide reduction program? Are you planning on checking out Boise’s first-ever Dandelion Festival? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or t...
Jun 21, 2023•16 min
Boise City Council unanimously approved the big shiny new zoning code rewrite last week. But what’s in it, and what the heck does it all mean? The Idaho Statesman’s Ian Max Stevenson is here to give us a rundown, including what it could mean for your neighborhood. What do you think about the new zoning code? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning....
Jun 20, 2023•17 min
Happy Friday! It’s been a gorgeous week and host Emma Arnold’s got lead producer Frankie Barnhill and Morning Edition host George Prentice with her to break down the week’s news. They’re digging into the zoning code rewrite back-and-forth, where the city’s at with its lofty carbon neutral goals, the future of water in Boise, and is parking at the root of all our problems? Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morn...
Jun 16, 2023•38 min
We’re back with the second installment of our Summer Entertainment Guide, where we help you make the most of one of our favorite seasons! Emma’s got Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and contributor Graham McBride on the show to savor every last second of the hot, long days. From farmers market mornings, to afternoon swims, and twilight drive-ins, we have your toolkit for spending the perfect summer day in Boise. What’s your perfect summer day in the City of Trees look like? Let us know b...
Jun 15, 2023•17 min
Pride Month is in full swing, but here in Boise — we get to celebrate twice this summer. Donald Williamson with Boise Pride Festival shares why the big event happens in September and how he deals with homophobic and transphobic hate levied at the festival. Plus, he tells us why he’s still waiting for an apology from some local corporate sponsors after several pulled back their public presence at last year’s festival. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll g...
Jun 14, 2023•19 min
Boise’s obsession with breweries isn’t going anywhere, with local spots like Lost Grove opening second locations just in time for summer. But if you’re not sure where to find a not-too-hoppy IPA, or are still searching for an ideal place to sip a pilsner while eating great food, we’ve got you covered. We’re revisiting a conversation with beer fanatic and contributor Heath Druzin. Plus, he has some hot takes on where not to buy your next frosty brew. Where’s your favorite local tap? What brewery ...
Jun 13, 2023•16 min
Murphy Woodhouse knows how tough wildland firefighting can be. Before he became a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau, he fought fires all around the West as an Idaho-based crew member. He’s with Emma today to talk about the longterm health risks firefighters face and a new tool that could change the way we think about firefighter safety. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Boise an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if ...
Jun 12, 2023•18 min
It’s been a busy, windy week but it’s finally Friday! Emma’s got lead producer Frankie Barnhill and the Idaho Statesman’s Ian Max Stevenson with her to work through the week’s headlines. They’re talking public transit woes, next steps in the zoning code rewrite, and summer wildfire predictions. Plus, why you really shouldn’t tube the floodwaters in the Boise Co-op parking lot (even though it’s cute). Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet t...
Jun 09, 2023•26 min
Nineteen years ago, the iconic and seemingly inescapable film “Napoleon Dynamite” came out. Constantly quoted — with a soundtrack that had us all by the throats — chances are that if you were around in 2004, you know it by heart. But does this Idaho-inspired and filmed flick hold up in 2023? We got the whole team together for a rewatch and the reviews are mixed, to say the least. What do you think, does “Napoleon Dynamite” hold up? Or has it gone the way of skinny jeans? Let us know by sending u...
Jun 08, 2023•32 min
In the first installment of our Summer Entertainment Guide, we’re coming in hot with a fan favorite: patio season. We’re so spoiled in Boise, we almost have too many choices! Luckily, 103.5 Kiss FM’s Mateo has the lowdown on the best happy hours, most breathtaking views, and which spots have people-watching for days. Plus, apparently we have some pretty spectacular rooftops too! Let us know your go-to patio by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. We’re doing a survey to learn more about...
Jun 07, 2023•18 min
We like to think of Boise as a place where all are welcome, but our history has some dark secrets of exclusion. To mark Pride Month, citizen historian Graham McBride is here to walk us through a 1950s scandal where more than a dozen gay men were arrested for engaging in consensual sex. We’re talking secrecy, prejudice, and how the “boys of Boise” story still has echoes today. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast [City] an even better, more useful podca...
Jun 06, 2023•21 min
The James Beard Foundation awards ceremony for restaurants is tonight in Chicago, and for the first time, two Idaho chefs are finalists. Salvador Alamilla of AMANO and Kris Komori of KIN are talking with host Emma Arnold about what tonight means to them. Plus, they share the food they eat in Boise when they’re not working in their kitchens. Watch the award ceremony livestream here Monday at 4:30 MDT. Want some more Boise food news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a menu-si...
Jun 05, 2023•21 min
It’s your Friday news download! Rachel Spacek with the Idaho Statesman is here to give us the latest on the city’s wild housing market. From rental assistance drying up to why homeowners might save money on their taxes this year, there’s a lot to sift through. We also share a moment of joy from the City of Boise this week. Plus, is Meridian jealous of the Greenbelt? We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast [City] an even better, more useful podcast for you...
Jun 02, 2023•28 min
The joke goes that Boise’s about 15 years behind every trend. But with our love of outdoorsy gear, did we just become unintentionally trendy? Style icon and producer Evelyn Avitia is here to critique our latest fits, break down the “gorpcore” look, and share tips on how to have your own fashion moment this summer. What do you think Boise’s fashion taste this season? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where...
Jun 01, 2023•20 min
Friday is National Donut Day, so we’re asking the big maple-frosted question: Who has the best donuts in the Treasure Valley? Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and producer Evelyn Avitia are with Emma to talk fave local spots, hidden gems, and where they never go — even when their sweet tooth is at an eleven. What’s your favorite donut in Boise? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast [Ci...
May 31, 2023•16 min
Summer concerts are just around the corner, and lots of touring bands are stopping in Boise. But it wasn’t always so easy to persuade bands to play here. As we get our summer concert schedule squared away, we’re revisiting a conversation Emma had with Greg Hahn from Surel’s Place. He shares his theory of how isolation shaped our arts and culture scene, for good and not-so-good. Agree with Greg’s culture-shaping theory? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more B...
May 30, 2023•15 min
KTVB’s Alex Duggan and City Cast Boise lead producer Frankie Barnhill are with host Emma Arnold to break down the week’s news. They’re talking Boise mayoral and city council race updates, the Moscow murder trial gag order, and why Bryan Kohberger remained silent during his Monday court appearance. Plus, our Memorial Weekend plans! Want some more Boise news? 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. F...
May 26, 2023•21 min
The pandemic was the breaking point for a lot of Boise service industry workers. But are things any better for them now? Host Emma Arnold is talking with local bartender and comedian Norelle Bond about the state of tending bar in downtown. They get into bad customer behavior, murmurs of unionizing, and why the $3.35/hr minimum wage just doesn’t cut it anymore in Boise. Plus, we find out whether Boiseans are good tippers or stingy. What are your tipping rules? Let us know by sending us a voicemai...
May 25, 2023•12 min
Want to start a veggie garden but not sure where to start? Master gardener and author Gretchen Anderson is here to answer your green thumb questions now that the weather is officially garden-friendly. She shares tips on dealing with pests and bugs, and the best ways to water in our high desert climate. Plus, she shares how much money you can save by throwing some tomatoes and peppers in the ground! Have a question for a master gardener like Gretchen? Reach out to the Ada County or Canyon County ...
May 24, 2023•23 min
High school graduation is this week, so Boise school board member Shiva Rajbhandari is with us to talk about serving as an elected official — while also being a student. We get into a recent survey about students’ mental health, his highly publicized Twitter dust-up with the governor, and why the Idaho GOP is scared of Gen Z. Interested in donating to the new fund Shiva and his peers have created for LGBTQ+ youth in Idaho? Here’s more info. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise n...
May 23, 2023•18 min
Star, Idaho, used to be a one-street farm town that bragged about having more cows than people, but that’s changing fast. Rachel Spacek from the Idaho Statesman is here to tell us how locals are dealing with growth and how “density” might not mean the same thing out in the sticks as it does in Boise. What do you think about Star’s wild growth in recent years? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485. Want some more Treasure Valley news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter wh...
May 22, 2023•18 min
