Christian nationalism is gaining momentum in Idaho as some lawmakers aim to make the Bible required reading in public schools. But does this movement reflect the teachings of Jesus, or is it alienating the communities it claims to represent? Local pastor and writer Benjamin Cremer joins host Lindsay Van Allen to dive into the impact of this ideology and if he believes differing beliefs can still thrive in our state. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll ge...
Jan 13, 2025•27 min
The Idaho legislative session kicked off with big moves. Today political scientist Charlie Hunt joins host Lindsay Van Allen to look at a resolution to ban same-sex unions that advanced this week, sparking heated reactions, especially after Democrats helped it advance. We also dive into a bill that could raise the requirements for ballot initiatives. Plus, we share how we’re unwinding with a glass of wine or a massage after an intense political week. Want some more local news? Head over to our H...
Jan 10, 2025•28 min
Winter is here, and it’s the perfect time to try snowshoeing! Contributor and outdoor enthusiast Heath Druzin has ideas for beginner-to-more-adventurous types. Plus, host Lindsay Van Allen is gathering budget-friendly gear suggestions. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful trek near Bogus Basin or a picture perfect journey to a snowy hot spring, there’s lots of ways to give this low-key winter activity a try. Want some more winter activity inspo? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’l...
Jan 09, 2025•19 min
Idaho’s legislative session just kicked off, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. From Medicaid expansion, to school vouchers, and abortion laws — the debates promise to be fierce. Host Lindsay Van Allen is sitting down with Idaho’s Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise) to preview the session. How does she and other Boise Democrats plan on navigating a legislature that’s shifted even further to the right? Interested in testifying at the Idaho Capitol? Check out this guide. Want some mor...
Jan 08, 2025•24 min
Boise’s unique blend of outdoor beauty, local charm, and great eats makes it the perfect city for a solo adventure. Today on the podcast, host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by producer Evelyn Avitia to share easy solo date ideas that will help build your confidence. She dives into beginner friendly ideas, indulgent restaurants, and tips for tackling your fear of going out solo. Want some more Boise solo date ideas? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a curated list of events hap...
Jan 07, 2025•21 min
The 2025 legislative session officially begins today, so we’re talking with the City of Boise’s Director of Policy and Government Affairs lobbyist Kathy Griesmyer. From housing to clean energy and autonomy, how does the city plan on defending its values while advocating for residents against state-level overreach? Our host Lindsay Van Allen is learning more about the city’s political strategy and priorities at the Idaho Capitol. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter wh...
Jan 06, 2025•25 min
New year, new Boise? 2025 is already shaping up to be pivotal for the Treasure Valley, and there are a lot of stories we’re keeping an eye on. Can wages keep up with home prices? What will Trump’s presidency mean for Boise’s climate plan and our already low-funded public schools? Plus, we look ahead as Jaialdi makes its grand return this summer. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by executive producer Frankie Barnhill to break down these and other big stories that closed out 2024, and which are co...
Jan 03, 2025•35 min
Happy 2025! Host Lindsay Van Allen is rounding up the coziest ways to unwind after the holiday hustle with help from comedian Matthew Melton and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter. They’re sharing a secret brunch spot worth raving about, can’t miss library events, and how you can learn a new skill by taking a delicious cooking class. Plus, tips for planning the ultimate staycation to shake off the winter chill. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with ep...
Jan 02, 2025•30 min
New to Boise? Family goes way back? Either way, you need to know the city’s unwritten rules to become a real Boisean. From changing your license plates to balancing your love for the outdoors, we’re reviewing our tips to survive — and thrive — in 2025. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Vulture culture critic Nick Quah and our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter for getting into the flow of the city we love. Want some more Boise survival tips? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where yo...
Dec 30, 2024•31 min
Palm trees, warm weather, and beach vacations — these cold winter months are the best time to start thinking about summer travel. We’re resharing our conversation with Scott Keyes from going.com about budget flights. He’ll help you navigate the landscape of airline deals, travel planning, and how to take advantage of the Boise Airport’s offerings. 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 advert...
Dec 26, 2024•23 min
Boise used to be a haven for middle and lower-income home buyers. But this year, luxury homes became more common. Host Lindsay Van Allen is looking back on her conversation with Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger about these extravagant mansions — and who is buying them. Are 25 car garages, fountains, and giant pools here to stay in the Treasure Valley’s real estate market? Have a real estate question? Email us: boise@citycast.fm. Want some more Boise intel? Head over to our Hey Boise new...
Dec 23, 2024•16 min
Political scientist Charlie Hunt is joining host Lindsay Van Allen to break down the biggest stories of the week. Stella’s Ice Cream is making headlines, but not for their sweet treats, after being fined for child labor law violations and tip wage theft. Meanwhile, the City of Trees is paving the way for a greener future with zero-emissions parking permits. Plus, we’ve got both indoor and outdoor ideas for everyone to enjoy the holiday fun. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise n...
Dec 20, 2024•31 min
This year, our restaurant scene felt like a revolving door — with some spots closing, while flashy, new options opened and big chains continued to expand. But is Boise’s appetite for restaurants hitting its limit? We’re looking at what’s driving these trends and whether local independent restaurants can survive in this crowded, shifting market. Host Lindsay Van Allen is chatting with our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter about what they’ve observed, and executive producer Frankie Barnhill...
Dec 19, 2024•32 min
Is breakfast the best meal of the day? Today on the podcast, our City Cast Boise team is dishing on the breakfast spots in the Treasure Valley that are worth the hype. We’re shouting out the diners serving up massive portions, killer coffee, and can’t miss classics. Plus, we share some of our favorite hidden gems and where to get the best bang for your buck. Spots mentioned: Sunrise Family Restaurant Certified Kitchen and Bakery A’tavola The Egg Factory Joe Momma’s Breakfast Eatery Moon’s Kitche...
Dec 18, 2024•28 min
Boise has been making national lists for years, from being ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S, to being crowned an ideal place to start your career. Today, host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are questioning whether these rankings actually reflect the reality of living here. They’re digging into some contradictory lists to see how they shape perceptions of our community, and ask whether these titles are fueling Boise’s growth — or just complicating it....
Dec 17, 2024•33 min
If you’re feeling the pressure to find the perfect last-minute gift this season, we have your solution: a visit to a Boise bookstore! Local librarian Molly Nota is giving book recommendations for the readers on your list. From highly anticipated titles from popular novelists, to stories that make a quiet statement in the face of Idaho’s growing book bans — we have you covered. Whether you’re shopping for kids, families, or your favorite bibliophile, this guide will help you find the perfect matc...
Dec 16, 2024•26 min
It was a big week in Boise business and sports news, so host Lindsay Van Allen is breaking down the headlines with local comedian Brittany Hargis. First off, we’re taking a look at how the rejected Kroger-Alberstons merger and subsequent lawsuit could affect Idaho families and grocery shoppers. Then we’re celebrating Boise State Football’s Mountain West Championship win (though not by dismantling the goal posts and throwing them in the river), and crossing our fingers that running back Ashton Je...
Dec 13, 2024•23 min
Therapy can change your life, but only if it’s accessible and the right fit. Tiana Matson is a licensed master of social work and a board member with Rainbow Circle Idaho, and she’s sharing tips to getting affordable mental health care in Boise. Plus, host Lindsay Van Allen finds out how to find the perfect counselor for whatever you’re going through. Want some more insider info on Boise? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a guide to the city every weekday morning. Learn more...
Dec 12, 2024•23 min
The cold weather calls for warm and hearty meals, and the Bench is delivering! That’s why we’re re-sharing our conversation recorded earlier this year with our unofficial Central Bench guides Rachel Spacek and Ryan Suppe. They’re giving host Lindsay Van Allen the scoop on where to eat flakey empanadas, rich German meals, spicy Cuban favorites, and much more. 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 mor...
Dec 11, 2024•17 min
Whether you’re chasing powder at Brundage Mountain Resort cozying up at Tamarack Resort, or braving the crowds at Bogus Basin, each local ski hill has its fans and flaws. But one thing that they have in common is the prices, which seem to climb faster than the lifts. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by contributor Heath Druzin to break down what sets these resorts apart, his favorite secret spots, and how skiing’s rising costs are leaving some of us out in the cold. Want some more Boise news? He...
Dec 10, 2024•22 min
The debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Idaho universities is heating up again. Idaho’s State Board of Education has proposed a resolution to eliminate these programs, and higher education leaders caved to the pressue by preemptively scaling back DEI resources. The Idaho Statesman’s Scott McIntosh joins host Lindsay Van Allen to dive into what kind of a message this acquiescence sends to students and whether this move will inadvertently fuel the legislature’s push for more dras...
Dec 09, 2024•24 min
We’re rounding up the week’s news, starting with the latest on Idaho’s ‘abortion trafficking’ law. Host Lindsay Van Allen and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill are checking in on what a new court ruling means for reproductive health access for minors. And, after breakfast eatery Biscuit & Hogs permanently closed, we’re learning about the nearly $600,000 the owner allegedly owes across several restaurants. Plus, the City of Boise’s announced their first car share using two electric vehi...
Dec 06, 2024•28 min
There’s a new form of therapy that’s trending in Boise: cuddle therapy. Our host Lindsay Van Allen is learning about this new wellness practice from Kimberly Mink with Alternative Touch Therapy. They’re diving into the stigma and the science around platonic touch, and why more and more people are willing to spend money for this form of therapy. Want some more Boise info? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a guide to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor...
Dec 05, 2024•23 min
We love talking about new, splashy local restaurants on this show, but Boise also has some great old-school eateries. Host Lindsay Van Allen is diving fork first into this delicious topic with contributor Minerva Jayne. Whether you’re craving a cozy diner booth or a throwback to a retro supper club, we’re your guides to the best old-school spots around Boise. Restaurants mentioned in this episode: The Stagecoach Inn Stardust Capri Restaurant Delsa’s Lock Stock & Barrel Want some more local r...
Dec 04, 2024•25 min
A new development could bring over 3,500 housing units to Southwest Boise. But this growth comes with some costs— a $2 million yearly price tag for the city, congested roads, and additional strain on schools and fire services. Is it worth it? Host Lindsay Van Allen and Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger are digging into the trade-offs and asking what smart, sustainable growth looks like for Boise. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatshe...
Dec 03, 2024•21 min
December in the Treasure Valley is pure magic. From dazzling lights displays, to personalized candle making, and chill skiing outings — plus the local comfort foods you need to eat this month — we’ve compiled all the best ways to make this month merry and bright. Host Lindsay Van Allen is getting festive with our producer Evelyn Avitia and friend of the show Mia Maldonado. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the Cit...
Dec 02, 2024•34 min
Thanksgiving brings plenty to the table — and plenty to clean up afterward. But what if your dinner scraps could help Boise bloom instead of sitting in a landfill? And can turkey bones go in the compost, or do they belong in the trash? We’re revisiting our conversation with Lisa Knapp — who runs Boise’s popular composting program — to share how you can make your holidays a little more eco-friendly. Since we first published this episode in Spring 2024, Boise launched an apartment compost drop off...
Nov 27, 2024•18 min
Our local outdoor spaces aren’t just beautiful—they’re therapeutic. Plus they’re the perfect antidote to stress that offer a chance to decompress and let nature work its magic. From meandering Greenbelt walkways to Warm Springs paths, join Host Lindsay Van Allen and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter as they explore these outdoor escapes. 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 sp...
Nov 26, 2024•19 min
The holidays are here, but what if your family isn’t around? Whether you’re navigating estrangement or simply can’t be with loved ones, this time of year can still be filled with magic and meaning. Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are exploring how to beat the loneliness, ways to find unexpected joy, and create traditions that are uniquely yours. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday ...
Nov 25, 2024•25 min
Happy Friday! Host Lindsay Van Allen and executive producer Frankie Barnhill are breaking down the news of the week, starting with a push to mandate the Bible be read in public schools. Will Idahoans like being forced to mix church and state in this way? And the Boise Airport is now 100% powered by clean energy, so we’re checking in on the city’s big climate goals. Plus, we’re chatting about a cosmic local character, and putting Festival of Trees on our calendar next week. Want some more Boise n...
Nov 22, 2024•29 min
