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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 Our Abortion Ban the Most Restrictive in the U.S.?

With the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the Idaho abortion ban case, folks have been left wondering what reproductive care they can expect if they have an emergency. States Newsroom reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris is with host Lindsay Van Allen to break down what you need to know about the ruling and what healthcare is available now. Plus, do we still have one of the most restrictive bans in the country? Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet ...

Jul 17, 202424 min

Food Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss This Summer

Mark your calendars: it’s food festival season. From Basque croquetas, to small town huckleberry milkshakes, to southern comfort dishes — our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter breaks down where you can try some of the most delicious food in our region. Plus, they’ve got your insider tips and can’t miss activities for each summer festival. For more on the history of the Boise Soul Food Festival, listen to our conversation from 2022 when the event returned after several years off. Want some...

Jul 16, 202419 min

Why This Idaho Republican Calls His Party ‘Dangerous’

This week, 32 Idaho delegates are attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Many of them are supporters of the far-right leadership in the state GOP party. So host Lindsay Van Allen is checking-in with longtime Republican leader Tom Luna about the deep rifts in the local party — which were clearly visible at their convention earlier this summer. 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...

Jul 15, 202424 min

Out-of-State Abortions, BPD Chief Finalists, and Eat This to Stay Cool!

The news this week is almost as hot as the weather, so Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice is here to break down the stories you need to know. We’re talking about the three finalists for Boise Police Chief, a sharp increase in Idahoans traveling to Montana for abortions, plus host Lindsay Van Allen shares her delicious tip to stay cool through this brutal heatwave. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morn...

Jul 12, 202427 min

‘Dirty Sodas’ Are Boise’s Fizzy New Trend

It’s a scorching hot thirsty Thursday, so what better way to beat the heat than with some ice cold ‘dirty sodas’? Salt Lake City-based Deseret News features writer Meg Walter joins us to break down the history and culture of this sugary Utah phenomena, which has taken hold in the Treasure Valley. From the best syrup combos to cream and even candy, host Lindsay Van Allen is exploring this growing Boise trend imported from our neighbor state. Want some more Boise food and drink news? Head over to ...

Jul 11, 202419 min

Why This Heat Wave Is Different

It’s likely going to be another record-breaking day as the heat wave that’s gripped the West continues it’s hold on the Treasure Valley. We could see temperatures as high as 111 degrees — which puts us in league with Phoenix. National Weather Service meteorologist Jay Breidenbach is here to tell us when the excessive heat warning will end and how you can keep cool and safe while it’s here. Here’s info on free cooling centers around the Treasure Valley. Want some more local news? Head over to our...

Jul 10, 202418 min

The Secret to Surviving (and Thriving) in Boise

What are the essential rules to surviving — and even thriving — in Boise? From fashion choices, to how to talk about politics, it can feel like there’s a secret recipe to success here. So we’re re-sharing the cheat code. Host Lindsay Van Allen builds your local survival guide with contributor Nick Quah and our own Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter. Want some more Boise insider tips? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Lear...

Jul 09, 202431 min

More Million Dollar Homes Coming to Harris Ranch

The Harris Ranch development has been in progress for nearly two decades. Why does this area keep making the news? As Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger explains to host Lindsay Van Allen, part of it has to do with a “let growth pay for growth” strategy that has some residents feeling over-taxed. Nick gets us up to speed on a lawsuit over those taxes. Plus, we chat about some high price tags on new homes there. Want some more Boise growth and housing stories? Head over to our Hey Boise ne...

Jul 08, 202417 min

Boise’s Best Ice Cream For Hot Summer Nights

We’re hitting triple digit heat this weekend — so instead of our normal Friday news roundup, we’re resharing our picks for the best ice cream in town. Executive producer Frankie Barnhill and contributor Jimmy Dawson will be our guides to some iconic cones and sundaes to help you cap off some hot summer days. Want some more Boise food and drink intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this July 5t...

Jul 05, 202423 min

Here's What the Entire Country Is Talking About

City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how City Cast Boise host Lindsay Van Allen’s story stacks up against the rest. Want even more Boise news? Make sure you sign up for daily our Hey Boise Newsletter. Learn more about the sponsor of this July 3rd episode: Babbel Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HER...

Jul 03, 202450 min

Christian Nationalists Are Taking Over This Idaho Town

Christian nationalism used to be viewed as an extremist, fringe ideology tucked into dark corners of the country. But over the past few years, it’s become part of mainstream politics — especially in Idaho. And one of the most popular leaders of the movement lives in the Gem State. Heath Druzin, host of the “Extremely American” podcast, is sharing how this movement is changing our democracy — both in Boise and around the country. Want some more local stories? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter...

Jul 02, 202427 min

Your Guide to July in Boise

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Boise community. Happy July, Boise! The temperatures are high, and the calendar is packed. So we’ve put together your must-do local guide to make your life easier — and this time, we have insider tips on enjoying the best fireworks show, things to know before attending a can’t-miss festival, and genius ideas for packing the best park picnic — whether you’re feeling fr...

Jul 01, 202427 min

Abortion Ruling, Pride Flags Targeted (Again), and Wildfire Watch

It was a big week in local news, and host Lindsay Van Allen and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill are breaking it down. We’re talking through the news of a much-anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling against Idaho — which immediately reinstated emergency abortion care in Boise hospitals. Then, an update on the ongoing targeting of Pride flags in the city’s liberal North End neighborhood, and some tips on how to spot signs of heat stroke as June finishes in the upper 90s. Plus, they chat abo...

Jun 28, 202426 min

Is the Supreme Court About To Bring Back Emergency Abortions in Idaho?

The U.S. Supreme Court accidentally released a draft opinion of Idaho’s emergency abortion ban case Wednesday ahead of an official ruling, according to bombshell reporting by Bloomberg News. The unofficial draft appears to show the high court is poised to rule in favor of allowing abortions in the case of medical emergencies in our state. While we’re still waiting for the official ruling, host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are breaking down what this draft opinion cou...

Jun 27, 202419 min

Could Our ‘Famous Potatoes’ Be at Risk?

We’re hitting that part of the summer where fresh local food is abundant. But there’s some things that you won’t find so easily, like this one wild berry that only grows in a tiny part of our state that’s so unique it’s actually considered endangered by some people. Today, we’re talking about rare foods with food writer and City Cast Las Vegas host Sarah Lohman. She’s sharing insight from her book “Endangered Eating: America’s Vanishing Foods” with our host Lindsay Van Allen. Want some more Bois...

Jun 26, 202422 min

How a Casino Is Pitting Tribes Against Each Other

Plans for a casino near Boise have been in the works for years. But the project is fueling tensions between the Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone-Paiute tribes, who both want control of the casino and have ancestral ties to the land. So what’s at stake for each group? Host Lindsay Van Allen finds out with Idaho Statesman reporter Angela Palermo. 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 the spons...

Jun 25, 202413 min

How To Dress Like a True Boisean

Summer fashion in the City of Trees usually means river sandals and hiking shorts you’ve had for at least a decade. But that granola attire might not just be a trend, it’s a lifestyle! As summer heats up, we’re re-sharing our producer Evelyn Avitia’s hot takes on Boise fits — which might be more fashionable than we think. Want some more local tips? 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...

Jun 24, 202418 min

Airport Upgrades Preview, City Budget News, and a Downtown Sunshine Spice

Happy Friday! Host Lindsay Van Allen and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter are breaking down the newly proposed city budget, and chatting through changes to come at the Boise Airport. We’re still waiting on the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on one of Idaho’s abortion ban. Plus, we gush about one of the newest downtown cafes and look forward to the first official summer weekend. Want to weigh in on how the City of Boise budgets taxpayer money? You can make your voice heard for the Tuesday...

Jun 21, 202422 min

Boise’s Best New (and Classic) Movie Theaters

At the same time that we’ve lost budget movie theaters, fancy newer ones are still pretty popular around town. What’s going on? Vulture critic and friend of the show Nick Quah spoke with our executive producer Frankie Barnhill about the local movie theater trends he’s seeing. Plus, he has the scoop on where you can find the best snacks, the most interesting films, and the comfiest seats. Want some more Boise insider info? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the...

Jun 20, 202417 min

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights From Boise

Summer travel is here, but finding cheap flights out of the Boise Airport can be tough. We aren’t an airline hub, which makes international trips feel daunting — and expensive! But according to Scott Keyes of the travel website Going, there’s killer flight deals happening here all the time — if you just know how to look. We’re resharing a conversation Scott had with our executive producer Frankie Barnhill, featuring his can’t-miss tips for your next big adventure. Want some more Boise life hacks...

Jun 18, 202422 min

Go Eat at These Restaurants Now

Boise’s food scene continues to grow as extravagant seafood and rustic Italian spots open around the Treasure Valley. That’s why host Lindsay Van Allen and Hello Meridian’s Natalie Plummer put together your guide to the hottest restaurants in town. They break down both the area’s classic and newest eateries you need to check out this summer. Want some more Boise food news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Interested in adverti...

Jun 17, 202425 min

Abortion Access Update, Union Block Repairs, and Cooler Temps Ahead

Today, host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill break down why this Friday packs a punch, with a Supreme Court decision that has major implications for abortion pills and healthcare access in Idaho. Also, the City of Boise has taken the reins on historic Union Block repairs. Plus, we’re celebrating cooler temperatures ahead and the two-year anniversary of City Cast Boise! Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the c...

Jun 14, 202424 min

Ranking Every Chicken Sandwich in Meridian

Over the last few months, Meridian has been overrun with chicken restaurants. Some roads have three or four poultry eateries just blocks from each other, and it seems like every other week there’s a new restaurant announcement in the suburb. And with all these new options, how are you supposed to know where to get the best chicken sandwich in town? Our host Lindsay Van Allen decided the only thing to do was try them — all of them — and report back. Want some more Boise food news? Head over to ou...

Jun 13, 202424 min

A Queen’s Guide to Drag Brunch

Our drag brunch scene is becoming wildly popular with sold out venues and out-of-state queens traveling to the Treasure Valley to perform. Today on City Cast Boise, host Lindsay Van Allen learns why drag and brunch are a perfect combo with the help of Coco Freeo, owner of Served! Drag Boise. She covers the do’s and the don’ts, what you need to bring to have a great time, and why Boise might do drag brunch better than larger cities. Interested in checking out Coco Freeo’s next drag brunch? Click ...

Jun 12, 202423 min

The Unwritten Rules of Bike Bars

Love them or hate them, bike bars have become a downtown staple. Our executive producer Frankie Barnhill is a skeptic — but maybe it’s because she’s never pedaled her way around with 14 other drinking buddies. So today, we’re resharing a chat with Pedals and Pints driver Camden Gallagher. We have to admit: he makes a good argument for why we all should jump on the bike bar bandwagon. Want some more Boise intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every...

Jun 11, 202417 min

The Gay Scandal That Led to the Table Rock Cross

It’s a landmark you can see from most of the city: the Table Rock cross. But do you know the history behind it? Turns out the religious symbol was put up at the same time that the Boise Police Department was targeting gay men — just for being gay. Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter is here to take us back to the 1950s for a history lesson that we’ve kind of forgotten — but wasn’t so long ago. For more on the Boys of Boise scandal, listen to this episode. Want some more Boise history lesson...

Jun 10, 202421 min

Schools Slash Budgets, New Airport Food, and Nampa Pride Is Here!

We’re catching up on the news of the week with our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter. Kuna and Caldwell schools are facing big budget cuts, a new parking plan for e-scooters is materializing, and flying home to Boise could get even more delicious. Plus, Canyon County celebrates their first Pride festival this Sunday. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a rundown every weekday morning. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more i...

Jun 07, 202429 min

Baby Boomers Love Boise. What Does that Mean for Schools?

Growth continues to be our big story — with more people moving to Boise and surrounding cities every year. But at the same time, low enrollment is forcing some public schools to close forever. Executive producer Frankie Barnhill is learning about the generational shift happening right now from Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger. He has intel on which parts of the valley are most popular for baby boomers, and what our aging population could mean going forward. Want some more Boise news? He...

Jun 06, 202419 min

12 Boise Summer Activities You Need to Do

Boise is supposed to hit 96 degrees on Saturday, so it’s basically summer now. But how can we make the most of the season? To get you inspired, our City Cast Boise team is resharing our unofficial summer bucket list. From locals-only tips for tanning to what we really think of floating the Boise River, we’re here to help you plot your perfect hometown summer. What’s on your 2024 summer bucket list? Let us know what’s on your can’t-miss itinerary and we might shout you out on our free Hey Boise n...

Jun 05, 202423 min

How Nampa’s First Pride Festival Is Fighting Against Hate

Nampa’s first-ever Pride event is set for this Sunday at Lakeview Park from 1-4 p.m. But what started as a small group of locals throwing a last-minute party to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ residents has become a lightning rod for politics and hate. Canyon County Pride organizer Tom Wheeler says that despite all the negativity, he’s more sure than ever that this celebration is exactly what Nampa needs right now. If you’re interested in volunteering at Canyon County Pride, Tom says to fill out this...

Jun 04, 202422 min
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