One of the oldest debates in Boise isn’t about politics. It’s about how to pronounce our city’s name! Are you on team boy-ZEE or boy-SEE? We’re resharing our chat with Boise State University linguist Michal Temkin Martinez, who gives us the download on the history and social science behind this local quirk. How do you pronounce Boise? Which way is the right way, and does it matter? Email us your take: boise@citycast.fm Want some more Boise insider info? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter wher...
Mar 11, 2024•14 min
It’s an election year, and it’s Friday! Who’s running to represent you at the statehouse? Guest host Nick Quah is chatting with Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter, to learn what we know (so far) about local legislative candidates. They also get us up to speed on a new GOP-backed bill to make it harder for ballot initiatives to pass. Plus, is Boise finally catching up to the food truck trend? Mentioned in the episode: With Empty Apartments, Are We Really in a Housing Crisis? (City Cast Salt...
Mar 08, 2024•28 min
Whether you’re meeting with a friend, taking a break, or trying to get some work done — a good coffee shop is more than just a place to grab some caffeine. Today, the City Cast Boise crew has coffee shop recommendations for whatever vibe you’re seeking in the Treasure Valley. Let us know your coffee shop philosophy 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. Inte...
Mar 07, 2024•19 min
The Oscars are this weekend, and there’s one theater in Boise that’s shown every single movie nominated for Best Picture: The Flicks. So to get us in the film award show mood, guest host Nick Quah is talking with Carole Skinner, who owns The Flicks with her husband. They’re digging into the Academy Award nominations — and Carole shares what it took to open the iconic Boise institution 40 years ago. Want some more Boise icon intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get the inside...
Mar 06, 2024•17 min
We’re marking Women’s History Month by talking with local business owner Kylie North, owner of the Water Bear Bar. She came on the show a while back, to talk with Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter about how the bar quickly became one of the city’s favorite watering holes. Plus, we find out why Kylie and her wife named the bar after a microscopic animal. Want some more Boise intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Intere...
Mar 05, 2024•21 min
Boise really comes to life in March, helped along by the official start to spring and later sunsets once Daylight Saving Time starts. Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter shares their picks for the coolest things to do this month with our executive producer Frankie Barnhill. We’re talking St. Patrick’s bar crawls, getting in the gardening mood, and navigating Treefort Music Fest. Want some more Boise event info? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city ...
Mar 04, 2024•25 min
Executive producer Frankie Barnhill’s rounding up the news of the week with Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice. Republicans are headed into what’s expected to be a hectic presidential caucus this weekend — but we won’t know for sure because journalists aren’t allowed in. Boise State University is bragging about a big jump in the school’s graduation rate, and Idaho made national headlines for the failed execution of a death row inmate. Plus, George tells us about his longtime crush on a f...
Mar 01, 2024•28 min
When Nikson Mathews testified against House Bill 421 a few weeks ago, he introduced himself to lawmakers as “your happy fulfilled trans neighbor.” Blake Hunter with our Hey Boise newsletter is talking with Mathews — who is running for the legislature — about the anti-LGBTQ+ bills Boiseans should be following. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more i...
Feb 29, 2024•19 min
How do you grow a local music scene? That’s the question Eric Gilbert with Duck Club Entertainment has been trying to answer for the last dozen years. He joins guest host Nick Quah to talk about how the company has gone from a small, DIY crew to owning two venues and operating two festivals each year. Thinking of attending Treefort Music Fest this year? Heads-up that ticket prices are going up on Friday, March 1. Want some more Boise music intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’l...
Feb 28, 2024•28 min
Thrift store shopping in the Treasure Valley isn’t what it once was — but if you know where to look you can still find a good haul. A while back, producer Evelyn Avitia chatted with local thrifters Emma Arnold and Rachel Spacek about how things have changed, and how to still find a good deal. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Learn m...
Feb 27, 2024•20 min
Budget airline Avelo just announced a new direct flight to California’s wine country from Boise. So are tickets out of BOI airport actually getting more budget-friendly? Scott Keyes with the website GOING tells us why we’re in the golden era of cheap flights, and how you can fly from Boise to Europe and back for less than your month’s rent — if you’re smart about it. Want to learn more about what’s going on at BOI? We recently spoke with Boise Airport Director Rebecca Hupp to find out about upco...
Feb 26, 2024•22 min
Guest host Nick Quah is rounding up the week’s news with Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter. They’re discussing how Republican state lawmakers seem to be targeting Boise’s new tenant protections with a bill in the House, a 26-story luxury apartment building named “Arthur,” and gentrification arriving to west downtown. Plus, why Blake Hunter might hop a flight to wine country someday. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city ...
Feb 23, 2024•24 min
It’s national margarita day, and City Cast Boise producer Evelyn Avitia is taking it very seriously. She has your new guide for enjoying one of these icy cocktails. Whether you’re looking to get loose or grab a drink with a date, she’s guiding us through the most delicious sips around the Treasure Valley. Want some more Boise food and drink info? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? ...
Feb 22, 2024•19 min
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and Boise Parks & Recreation have been busy building outdoor courts in recent years. But is the sport also a good business proposition? Executive producer Frankie Barnhill is talking with Zach Spencer, co-owner of S2 Pickleball, Boise’s first-ever indoor club dedicated to the sport. They talk about the benefits of picking up a paddle, tips for new players, and how Zach hopes the gym can benefit the community — beyond pickleball diehards...
Feb 21, 2024•18 min
Inflation has cooled, but food prices are still on the rise nationally. So we’re re-sharing executive producer Frankie Barnhill’s conversation with contributor Jimmy Dawson about their favorite grocery giant: WinCo. Jimmy makes a strong case for shopping at the Boise-based stores to stay on budget, and Frankie shares her trick for stress-free grocery shopping. Want some more local guides? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Inter...
Feb 20, 2024•20 min
A Boise lawmaker wants to improve birth control access, the GOP ousts one of their leaders, and a board to review maternal deaths could get revamped. Plus, what’s up with that wacky cannibalism bill? Boise State Public Radio’s Jimmy Dawson breaks down the news from the Idaho State Capitol with City Cast Boise executive producer Frankie Barnhill. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertis...
Feb 16, 2024•22 min
In recent years, millennials have been flocking to Boise and Idaho, drawn in by breweries and coffee shops and less expensive housing than coastal cities. But where does Gen Z fit in? Our producer Evelyn Avitia is chatting with local reporters Rachel Spacek and Mia Maldonado, to debate which generation vibes best with the city we love. Let us know which generation is most at home in Boise in your opinion. What about Baby Boomers? Gen X? Any love for the Silent Generation? Let us know your take b...
Feb 15, 2024•19 min
We’re staying warm this winter with the help of delicious soups. From broths to stews, executive producer Frankie Barnhill and Minerva Jayne are serving up their go-to local spots to buy a bowl. Plus, Minerva shares her at home soup recipe that always wows her guests. Let us know your favorite Boise soup 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. Interested in a...
Feb 14, 2024•21 min
Republican lawmakers at the statehouse are once again considering a bill aimed at books. But in more liberal Boise, are librarians feeling the pressure, or are they insulated from this culture war? Executive producer Frankie Barnhill’s finding out with Jessica Dorr, the Director of the Boise Library! Plus, she has tips for how to make best use of your library card. Curious about the process to remove a book from public library shelves in Boise? Here’s the form Jessica mentioned. Want some more l...
Feb 13, 2024•24 min
Just because you throw that pizza box or coffee cup into the blue bin, doesn’t mean it will actually be recycled. In fact, that wishful thinking actually makes it harder to keep recyclables out of the landfill. The rules can be confusing — but we have you covered with our ultimate guide to recycling like a pro. Want some more Boise intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find mor...
Feb 12, 2024•17 min
Happy Friday! Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice joins our guest host Nick Quah to break down the big stories of the week. They talk about the latest updates on the building collapse near the Boise Airport, another round of anti-library legislation (and an opportunity to support local librarians), and a mess-up with the Amtrak line to Salt Lake City. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Intereste...
Feb 09, 2024•30 min
We’re celebrating National Pizza Day! Guest host Nick Quah, Hey Boise’s Blake Hunter and producer Evelyn Avitia dive into a saucy discussion to find the best slice from around the city. From nostalgic sit-down restaurants to greasy on the go slices, we shout out the spots we can’t live without. Let us know your favorite pizza spot 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 weekd...
Feb 08, 2024•21 min
Boise is a long way from Rome, but you can still find plenty of romance — if you know where to look. So whether you’re into dressing up for a night out or eating takeout in your sweats, Natalie Plummer from the Boise Bubble podcast and Hello Meridian has tips for planning the perfect Valentine’s Day. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE....
Feb 07, 2024•26 min
February can be cabin fever month, especially for families. But Becca Bailey from Boise With Kids is here to help! She joins executive producer Frankie Barnhill to share the best indoor play places, budget-friendly cold weather fun, and free winter scavenger hunts she’s discovered while running her newsletter and website. Looking for family friendly restaurants? Click here to visit Becca’s guide. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to th...
Feb 06, 2024•21 min
The city’s rapid growth and increasingly drier years has us wondering: could recycled water be in Boise’s future? Executive producer Frankie Barnhill’s finding out with Environmental Division Manager Haley Falconer and Recycled Water Program Manager Royce Davis, two of the people working on the city’s new recycled water program. Plus, why beer was a perfect early test for this technology. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city e...
Feb 05, 2024•20 min
Happy Friday! Guest host Nick Quah and executive producer Frankie Barnhill have your weekly news recap. We’re revisiting our interview with Mayor Lauren McLean from earlier this week and chatting about the struggle to preserve historic downtown buildings for a new generation. Plus, how two iconic institutions are coming together to preserve Boise’s music history. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Inte...
Feb 02, 2024•26 min
The days are getting longer but if cabin fever is setting in, City Cast Boise has you covered with your guide to February. Guest host Nick Quah, Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter, and Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice have curated a list of events and happenings to get you out in the world again. Links to events mentioned in the episode: Wolf/Girl at the Danny Peterson Theater Clyde’s at Boise Contemporary Theater Story Story Night Cupid's Undie Run Woo at the Zoo Ice Skating Rin...
Feb 01, 2024•24 min
It’s hot springs season in southern Idaho. But there’s a good reason people gatekeep their fave pools: we’ve gotten really good at wrecking these precious natural spas! Last year, executive producer Frankie Barnhill joined hot springs expert Emma Arnold to gather everything you need to know before taking a dip. Want some more Boise guides? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find mo...
Jan 31, 2024•24 min
Mayor Lauren McLean is now officially in her second term, after getting a big thumbs up from voters. But with a continued housing crisis, a rise in pedestrian deaths, and unanswered questions about the new zoning code — how will she wield her political clout? Executive producer Frankie Barnhill and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter interview the mayor for an extended conversation on her 2024 priorities. Warning: This episode does include a brief mention of suicide. If you or anyone you kn...
Jan 30, 2024•42 min
A lot of perfectly edible food from Treasure Valley restaurants ends up in the landfill. But one local woman is on a mission to get these meals to people who need them most. Rolling Tomato nonprofit founder Julie D'Agostino is talking with executive producer Frankie Barnhill about her plans to make food waste in our city obsolete. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City C...
Jan 29, 2024•20 min
