Tracy Basterrechea is the chief of police for Meridian, the population center for Idaho, and came on to speak about what he sees as issues with ICE operations throughout the country. Chief Basterrechea works frequently and aggressively with our federal partners, but is also an enormous advocate for de-escalation, identification, and community safety. Instances where ICE agents engage in stops in unmarked vehicles, refuse to identify themselves, have no identifications on their person, and do not...
Feb 03, 2026•39 min•Ep. 797
Mark Uranga is a pediatrician with St. Luke’s in the Treasure Valley and came in to talk about the Vitamin K shot that is offered at birth, infant fatal bleeding, and the recent hesitation around vitamin K. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is...
Feb 03, 2026•53 min•Ep. 796
Jessica Gunder is a Univ. of Idaho Law Professor and came in to speak about the recent executive orders by President Trump regarding artificial intelligence and AI applied to law school and the legal field broadly. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise...
Feb 03, 2026•43 min•Ep. 795
Drew Hobby is an executive vice president and chief strategy officer at Blue Cross of Idaho and came on to start the conversation around the question everyone is asking: why is healthcare so expensive in the US? He recently made headlines for fighting back against an out-of -state medical provider system that came into Idaho and all but refused to engage state insurance plans and used a loophole that allowed them to bill at almost 10x the going rate for routine healthcare issues. Drew’s explanat...
Feb 02, 2026•59 min•Ep. 794
John Robison is the public lands and wildlife director at the Idaho Conservation League and came in to talk about the enormous, almost decade long effort to preserve the Owyhee’s for Idahoans, industry, and the United States. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho...
Feb 02, 2026•42 min•Ep. 793
Jeremiah Shinn is the interim president of Boise State University and came in to talk about the state of the university, its partnerships with industry, the athletics program, and the unbelievable multi billion dollars economic impact it has for the state of Idaho. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the ...
Feb 02, 2026•53 min•Ep. 792
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 21 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the capacity of some nuclear reactor designs to “blackstart.” Classic power production systems like coal plants or gas plants do generate enormous amounts of power, but in the event of an EMP, they’re vulnerable because they actually need some consistent power to get started. Nuclear batteries and other smaller designs have the ability to start without an alternate power...
Feb 02, 2026•18 min•Ep. 791
Ben Adams is an Idaho State Senator and came on to talk about his proposed constitutional amendment that he hopes to pass that would create a safety net in the event that Idaho does in fact take ownership of the federal public lands that are now owned and maintained by the federal government. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interv...
Feb 01, 2026•48 min•Ep. 790
Eric Smallwood is a Twin Falls School District board member and came on to talk about a situation he finds himself in with several state legislators. In a recent district meeting, Eric advocated for participation in the upcoming May primary election and outlined what he felt was at stake, specifically the defunding of the public schools in Idaho, and urged everyone to participate. Some lawmakers feel that he crossed a line into advocating for a specific person, party, or issue and are calling fo...
Feb 01, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 785
Mike Simpson is a US Congressman from Idaho and Rick Naerebout is the CEO of the Idaho Dairymen’s Association. They both agreed to come on to discuss the state of ag labor in Idaho and the US which is a huge point of concern for both citizens and producers. The US hasn’t seen a revision to immigration law or labor law in many decades, and this inability to act at the federal level has put our dairy industry in an impossible position. Rep. Simpson came on to talk about what is and can be done to ...
Jan 31, 2026•23 min•Ep. 789
Mike Simpson is a US Congressman from Idaho and Zak Miller is the CEO of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation. They both agreed to come on to discuss the state of agriculture in Idaho, which has seen better days. As Zak pointed out, Ag is Idaho’s baseload resource for its economy, and Rep. Simpson came on to talk about what is and can be done to support it. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. ...
Jan 31, 2026•15 min•Ep. 788
James Ruchti is an Idaho State Senator and came on to talk about how Idaho has changed in the last two decades. As a state lawmaker from 2006 to 2010, James was part of the severe cuts that were required during the great recession. Those cuts, as with the ones now, reflected the values and priorities of the state. Learning what the state held onto and protected then vs now was an eye opening experience. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organi...
Jan 31, 2026•29 min•Ep. 784
Jerald Raymond is an Idaho State Representative and came on to talk about the bind that Idaho agriculture is in. High production coupled with high imports has led the commodities to suffer extensively across the state. Jerald is working to help anyway he can. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasu...
Jan 30, 2026•34 min•Ep. 787
David Duro is the CEO of the Treasure Valley Family YMCA and came on to talk about this pillar of the community. I did not grow up going to the “Y,” but since moving to Idaho, I have come to greatly appreciate and love the incredible commitment the organization has to improving our community. They’re the largest daycare provider in the valley, they run youth in government programs, and they even support water polo programs (you should check them out, for real). Hopefully this is the first of man...
Jan 30, 2026•48 min•Ep. 786
Jason Monks is an Idaho State Representative and came in to talk about the realities of Idaho’s budgeting process. The state budget is established at the beginning of the year, which takes effect in July of the same year and runs to the end of June the following year. Many things can and do happen during this almost 18 month timeframe, including changes at the federal level which make a balanced budget an ever evolving and moving target. Fortunately, as he pointed out, Idaho has the ability to t...
Jan 29, 2026•34 min•Ep. 783
Jack Nelsen is an Idaho State Representative and came in to talk about the state of Ag and Water in Idaho’s Magic Valley. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agenc...
Jan 29, 2026•38 min•Ep. 782
James Petzke is an Idaho State Representative and is working on a constitutional amendment to help Idaho preserve its lands. As an avid outdoorsman and distance runner, James has more knowledge of unique aspects of the land value than most people. More than anything, he reminded me that once we sell land, we’re likely never getting it back. His passion for land preservation and access for all is palpable. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media orga...
Jan 28, 2026•35 min•Ep. 781
Shelly Smede is the head of advocacy for the Idaho PTA and came on to talk about the work they’re doing, the growth, and the goals that the organization has for the future of the state and its children. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is hom...
Jan 28, 2026•26 min•Ep. 780
Lori Barber is the President of the College of Eastern Idaho and came in to talk about its role in the community, the students’ lives, and Idaho’s future. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also h...
Jan 28, 2026•37 min•Ep. 779
Brit Raybould is an Idaho State Representative and came on to talk about the constitutional amendment that she is proposing that would help protect more of the land owned by the state of Idaho by giving the landboard more tools and considerations when calculating prudent fiscal actions. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews a...
Jan 27, 2026•27 min•Ep. 777
Jamie Braithwaite is the current president of the Idaho PTA and is working to build the voice and capacity of the largest parent and student advocacy group in the state of Idaho. Big things are on the horizon! Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area...
Jan 27, 2026•40 min•Ep. 776
Richard McPherson is a world leading authority on Nuclear Technology. In Episode 20 of the American Nuclear series, we discuss the future role of Thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle. Thorium is NOT a fuel, as many people think, but instead something that can be converted into a type of Uranium, which can then be used as a fuel. This is a main point of confusion when people think of a “thorium reactor.” Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organizat...
Jan 27, 2026•19 min•Ep. 778
Ali Rabe is an Idaho State Senator and came in to talk about the recent action from the federal government around halting corporate investment in single family homes. The cost of housing is skyrocketing, especially in Idaho, and many investment firms are continuing to reduce the available housing stock for owner occupancy purchase by buying up huge chunks across the state. Ali and I spoke about potential solutions both at the local, state, and federal level. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported...
Jan 26, 2026•46 min•Ep. 775
Mike Moyle is the state Speaker of the House for Idaho and came in to talk about a range of issues that the state faces currently. Budget issues, out of state political manipulation, taxes, and more. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home t...
Jan 26, 2026•29 min•Ep. 774
Ben Gillenwater is a parent and family advocate and educator in the technology space and created Family IT Guy to help families understand the risks and solutions with internet connectivity. Recently many countries have started engaging in government run age verification to allow access to social media or sensitive material like pornography. I initially thought this was a good idea, but Ben came in to explain why this is likely the worst possible option for America and Idaho. Enjoy! The Ranch Po...
Jan 26, 2026•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 773
Tal Sampson is an avid hunter and a member of the Idaho HAT Committee (Hunting and Advanced Technology), a group put together of Idahoans charged with making recommendations on how to address advanced technology, fair chase, and the longevity of our incredible natural resources. Tal graciously drove from Pocatello to discuss what the committee has grappled with and what they could agree on and what they couldn’t. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit me...
Jan 24, 2026•59 min•Ep. 772
Dexton Lake works with the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and came in to talk about a bill they are hoping to pass that establishes better clarity and local control within the state for individuals who want to produce and prepare food for sale in more of a cottage industry style way for local markets. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format...
Jan 23, 2026•36 min•Ep. 771
Katherine Himes is the director for the McClure Center for Public Policy Research out of University of Idaho and came on to explain how they engage in the research they do, what their goals are, and what part they play in helping Idaho make the best possible decisions for the state and its people. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format i...
Jan 23, 2026•30 min•Ep. 770
Megan Egbert is an Idaho State Representative and came in to talk about the problems with healthcare and our fiscal responsibility to the state and its taxpayers. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’...
Jan 23, 2026•38 min•Ep. 769
Susie Keller is the Executive Director of the Idaho Medical Association and came in to talk about medical consideration and the ROI that doctors bring to the communities they practice in. Enjoy! The Ranch Podcast is supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. The Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many count...
Jan 23, 2026•30 min•Ep. 767
