City Cast Boise

14/07/2023

It’s Friday! Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and lead producer Frankie Barnhill are digging into the week’s news with host Emma Arnold. We’re talking school dress codes in Boise and Canyon County, a new lawsuit against the abortion trafficking ban, and why watching people fall off paddleboards is the most relaxing Boise activity.

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

13/07/2023

Thirty six years after Joyce Casper was found murdered in Boise, her case has finally been solved. KTVB’s Alex Duggan is here to walk us through how detectives cracked the case using new DNA technology, and why one retired detective said the case impacted him like no other in his career.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/66c8b1f5382a03a29672b4cf5539795a

📷: DNA technology allowed detectives to trace back to the suspect, decades after the crime. (Credit Boise Police)

12/07/2023

Housing keeps getting more expensive, across the valley.
But a new program in Caldwell could be a model for creating more affordable housing around the Treasure Valley. Mia Maldonado from the Idaho Capital Sun is here to tell us who qualifies for the program, and how it could help first time home buyers.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/6783be86fa42b181bd5eb7108efcf253

📷:The home going for a reduced price in Caldwell. (Mia Maldonado / Idaho Capital Sun)

11/07/2023

Whether you’re going on a first date or have been with your partner for years, planning the perfect date can be frustrating! That’s why host Emma Arnold is talking with local expert Rosie Piper. She shares her viral date night advice and helps us plan Boise dates that will save you a lot of stress. ❤️

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/ec77f4d663fb9139d6c5e617b5498ffe

📷: If you've run out of date inspiration, we've got some (and it's not all chaotic markets)

10/07/2023

An investigation of systemic racism within the Boise Police Department was ended early by the city, leaving a lot of unanswered questions. Ian Max Stevenson from the Idaho Statesman is here to walk us through what evidence was left out, and why the lead investigator delivered the partial findings [quote] “without a high level of confidence.”

📷: BPD Chief Ron Winegar answers questions during a news conference last fall. (Idaho Statesman / Getty)

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/e1c450566ecc75587e132f2c9807d2ec

05/07/2023

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. 🏟️

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/976ca516a97f92d82c94a784fdd9a7bc

📷:

03/07/2023

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. What’s your favorite place to dip your fries and potatoes in Boise? 🍟

📷:Name a more Idaho condiment than fry sauce. Or is it a Utah condiment? (Idaho Statesman /

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/57e5fce7e6fb85964d6950464934721d

30/06/2023

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 ID 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! 🎧

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/c9f88ab61f4856c3929542c75a96b5b8

📷: The prosecuting attorneys in the Kohberger case are seeking the death penalty — but it's an incredibly complicated process. (Getty)

29/06/2023

As cancer season kicks off, we’re curious: 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. 😯

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/3eca8a583bc95fec910c07b7f6c8d94f

📷: getty

28/06/2023

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.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/fef0e7113434310fb9731ed542c67b1f

📷: Among Sen. Schroeder's favorite Mountain Home spots is this dog-friendly brewery. ( / Instagram)

27/06/2023

Lots of cities have a food that defines them — but what about Boise?

Chicago has deep dish pizza, Cincinnati has their weird spaghetti chili, and Philly has their cheesesteaks. What’s Boise’s? Is it fingersteaks? Basque croquettas? Contributor Jocelyn Robertson and I are chatting with host Emma Arnold about our city’s confusing food identity. Plus, we’re a creative culinary treat as our official and iconic Treasure Valley food.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/b9b9a6c51dfd59c2b638d5c14359d917

📷: We're trying to figure out whether Boise has an iconic food like Philly has their cheesesteaks — and no, potatoes don't count. (Getty)

26/06/2023

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. 🚊

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/20626e5197bee4555f5c3035acc4c8fa

📷: Treasure Valley leaders are working with other cities like Salt Lake to lobby for Amtrak funds. (Jim Sugar / Getty)

23/06/2023

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!

https://pod.link/citycastdenver/episode/f71a0ebf7bcde0da6ec74c800b64ccca

📷: This week, we're reflecting on a recent NPR/PBS poll that shows a majority of women in small U.S. cities like Boise think overturning Roe was a bad decision. (Idaho Statesman / Getty)

22/06/2023

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. 😎

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

21/06/2023

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 w**d. What do you think of the city’s pesticide reduction program? Are you planning on checking out Boise’s first-ever Dandelion Festival? 🍺

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/28c3f3e0219cb926e0b148ad223cb44b

📷: Who knew that Boise would ever have a festival honoring what we usually consider a w**d? (Emma Arnold / City Cast Boise)

20/06/2023

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? 📝

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

16/06/2023

It’s been a gorgeous week and host Emma Arnold’s got lead producer Frankie Barnhill and Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice with her to break down the week’s news. They’re digging into the zoning code rewrite, where the city’s at with its lofty carbon neutral goals, the future of water in City of Boise, and is parking at the root of all our problems?

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/9e325bf805482f2dce53c2e843dcf482

📷: While the Treasure Valley continues to grow, Boise’s carbon emissions are trending downward. (Getty)

15/06/2023

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? ☀️🌳

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/80e5c73e9bc27f663b3c373b80e6f56d

14/06/2023

Boise’s obsession with breweries isn’t going anywhere, with local spots like Lost Grove Brewing 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.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/1894f21877d3f17a935659d39340e480

📷:( / Instagram)

14/06/2023

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.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/ce131b8b3f7e3c5697b59d024c62e24b

📷: Every wonder why Boise Pride is always in September, not June? Well here ya go! (Idaho Statesman / Getty)

12/06/2023

Murphy Woodhouse knows how tough wildland firefighting can be. Before he became a reporter for the Mountain West News Bureau (Boise State Public Radio), 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.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/cbd07153973f48b06e73fc3e52239e3e

09/06/2023

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). 🌊

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

08/06/2023

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. 🍿

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/219d5a1baba3762967636d32ccfaae04

📷: Two millenials and two Gen Zers watched "Napoleon Dynamite," for the thousandth and first time, respectively. (Fandango / YouTube)

07/06/2023

In our first installment, 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 low down 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!

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/873be201c297bfe1da357e30e9212e1f

📷: Finally, it's patio season! (Mateo)

06/06/2023

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 s*x. We’re talking secrecy, prejudice, and how the “boys of Boise” story still has echoes today.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/76c63b4c7112394f4ea1dd44da271950

📷: Years before Boise's annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival, a conspiracy combined with national anti-gay sentiments to disrupt innumerable lives. (Idaho Statesman / Getty)

05/06/2023

Idaho has never had a James Beard finalist. Now we’ve got TWO.
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.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/aee3160170b85cf0cfb9c056ec0f4105

📷: Congratulations to both Kris Komori (left) and Salvador Alamilla, of KIN and AMANO respectively, on their nominations! (Instagram)

02/06/2023

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? 🏠

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

01/06/2023

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?

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/b474983830bea5af5eafb65d5e4fb087

📷: Evelyn Avitia

31/05/2023

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? 🍩

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/56260f857d69d29e952162f4d750729d

📷: The donut debate rages on. (Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash)

23/05/2023

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. 🎓

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/9cd333c001a8cb80fd5e502151799499

📷: ( / Instagram)

22/05/2023

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?

📷: Sarah Miller / Idaho Statesman

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/28572909fb4f2bb08a4c610e7943e472

19/05/2023

It’s finally Friday! Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and lead producer Frankie Barnhill are with Emma to dig into the week’s news. They’ve got the rather wishy-washy results of the investigation in the Boise Police Department and an update on an alleged s*xual predator performing here tonight. Plus, bad news for book bans and the West Ada School District during this week’s election.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/6ae85e604b66ab9041d8da09fe855237

📷: After a retired police captain was found to have white supremacist views, Mayor Lauren McLean announced an investigation into BPD, which has just been closed. (Idaho Statesman / Getty)

18/05/2023

The Greenbelt is packed with the weather being so beautiful this week, and it’s a good reminder that there are so many things to love about Boise. Whether you’re new here, or been around awhile and need help remembering why living here is special, we’re revisiting our episode about how to fall in love with our quirky little city. What made you fall in love with Boise? 🌳

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/2f136d498735b74ccfb8508346068be4

📷: A little post-rain sunshine. (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)

17/05/2023

Particularly, it feels like 11th Street has been shut down forever. Luckily, producer Frankie Barnhill has the lowdown on what’s being done, how downtown construction is affecting businesses in the area, and when we can expect construction to wind down.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/989b1ca2cd73fe5b52d94350257fea91

📷: This photo's from December, when parts of 11th Street had already been closed for months (although this particular section is done now and looks very nice). (Blake Hunter / City Cast Boise)

17/05/2023

What rule do you think is essential for surviving Boise?

Boise’s a pretty chill place to live, but it can be tricky to navigate if you’re new to town! That's why we put together 10 essential rules for surviving our quirky city, featuring local takes from the incomparable Minerva Jayne. From license plate tips to the casual dress code, these three Boise old-timers have got you covered. ✔️
https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/c7929dd518b7d6c0303670ceffde383b

1. Don’t judge Boiseans by their appearance! We like our casual dress code, but that doesn't mean you can't dress to the nines if you want.
2. If you’re going to gossip, don’t do it in a public go-to Boise spot.
3. Like getting outta Ada County to adventure in other parts of Idaho? Consider one of those speciality license plates to disguise your 1A home.
4. "Live and let live" is a key to happiness in 2023 Boise.
5. Get a dog!
6. DO talk politics, but DON'T pick a fight.
7. If you’re visiting Boise, make sure to bring your sunscreen, allergy meds and an extra liver! ☀️🌳🍻
8. WinCo is your go-to grocery store, for good reason.
9. You better love winter, you better *really* love summer, and you better not care about spring or fall because it doesn't exist here!
10. Maybe it's not "Boise Kind," but being "Boise Polite" is still the standard. Saying "on your left" when passing someone on the Greenbelt, smiling to other hikers in the Foothills, and giving a little wave to other drivers on Idaho backroads are all signs you're a real Boisean.

16/05/2023

Summer travel is almost here and just in time, the Boise Airport says that they’re hoping to expand their flight options to some long-awaited routes. Boise-based NPR national desk correspondent Kirk Siegler joins Emma Arnold to talk about the pros and cons of the Boise airport, plus they share their destination wishlists. ✈️

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

15/05/2023

Lori Vallow has been found guilty on all counts, but what happens now? KTVB’s “Inside the Courtroom” host Andrea Dearden is with us today to tell us how Vallow’s sentencing might go, how the families of JJ and Tylee reacted to the verdict and what this means for the future trial of Lori’s husband, Chad Daybell.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/611b14666b03d44792a3b2c3ba71b052

📷: Tylee Ryan and JJ Vallow were killed three and a half years ago, and their mother, Lori Vallow, was just found guilty of their murders. (Natalie Behring / Getty)

12/05/2023

Emma’s joined by lead producer Frankie Barnhill and Boise State Public Radio’s James Dawson to sort through the week’s news. They’re talking home price jumps, whether first-time home buyers are getting any help from the state these days, Idaho Republican infighting drama, and some pretty important local elections are happening next Tuesday, May 16! 🏠

City Cast Boise is the daily news podcast that connects us to the city we love. With a companion newsletter, it’s the place where curiosity and passion for Boise meet. Host Emma Arnold local comedian and podcaster, and she’s excited to talk about people, places, and problems that matter to you. ...

11/05/2023

Boise’s a pretty chill place to live but it can be tricky to navigate if you’re new. Luckily, Frankie Barnhill and Minerva Jayne are with host Emma Arnold today to share their 10 essential rules for surviving our quirky city. From license plate tips to the casual dress code, these three Boise old-timers have got you covered. What rules did we forget? Have you made a Boise faux pas that tells you something about our culture? What hard-earned tips would you tell a newcomer to town?

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/c7929dd518b7d6c0303670ceffde383b

📷: (Knowles Gallery / Getty)

10/05/2023

One of the Treasure Valley’s most popular taco trucks — Birrieria Garnacha Que Apapacha — is moving from Nampa to Boise, and not everyone is thrilled about it. Taco enthusiasts Evelyn Avitia and Rebecca De León join Host Emma Arnold to talk about how Canyon County taco culture compares to Boise and how to find the taco truck that will never fail you.

https://pod.link/citycastboise/episode/00d7ca522ab5397640cc98286e31940b

📷: Boise's taco scene is about to get a heavy hitter with Birriera Garnacha Que Apapacha. (Evelyn Avitia / City Cast Boise)