City Cast Boise

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 re...

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 c...

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...

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 Bo...

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...

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....

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 so...

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 ov...

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 Cly...

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 c...

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 202...

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...

Happy Friday! Executive producer Frankie Barnhill is with Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice to dive into the week’s trending stories. They’re talking about local librarians becoming the cool kids, a new pro-pesticide bill that’s flown under the radar at the statehouse, and why local foodies have plenty to chew on this week.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter...

Boise Airport director Rebecca Hupp joins guest host Nick Quah to explain how our city’s airport is growing. From the upcoming new concourse, changing flight options, and how local food might be coming in, she has all the intel. Plus, we learn which city is the direct destination most wanted by travelers.  What vendor would you like to see at the Boise Airport? Let us know by sending us a voicemai...

It’s that time of year where comfort food really hits the spot, perhaps especially: fries dipped in fry sauce. But as much as Idaho might want to claim fry sauce as a Gem State original, our Utah neighbors have entered the chat. Today, we’re resharing our saucy debate with City Cast Salt Lake host Ali Vallarta.  Want some more Boise intel? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a c...

The City of Boise’s geothermal system is the oldest and largest in the country, heating 85 downtown buildings and a bunch at Boise State, too. But two recent leaky pipes in downtown this winter point to some much needed updates in the system. City of Boise Geothermal Development Coordinator Tina Riley is here to explain how this very cool resource works, and what’s being done to update it. Plus, s...

Last year, about 1,500 Idaho women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Boise entrepreneur Janessa White was one of them. Today, she’s talking with executive producer Frankie Barnhill about why she stayed in Boise to get treatment, and how the city stepped up to support her. Plus, Frankie explains why she flipped off rush hour traffic on Orchard after her friend’s diagnosis.  Want some more Boise st...

Happy Friday! Guest host Nick Quah and Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter are dissecting the big stories of the week. Boise continues to stand against censorship, and Republicans are realizing they should probably keep tabs on maternal deaths. Plus, we have recommendations for what you should do this weekend (without leaving your couch).  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise...

More Boiseans are forced to live on the streets these days. But could the solution to this crisis be closer than we think? Reporter Rachel Spacek with the Idaho Statesman shares lessons from Reno, where that city has found a way to move 500 people into housing — and fast.  Check out more of Rachel’s reporting on what’s being done to address Boise’s homelessness crisis here.  Want some more Boise n...

What makes a coffee shop essential? Our City Cast Boise team breaks down the key elements of these community spaces. Plus, we shout out our favorites in the Treasure Valley, from third wave shops to old guard institutions.  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 che...

About a half-dozen patients who need mental health treatment are placed in Idaho prisons every year. And while they haven’t been charged with a crime, they’re often kept in solitary confinement for months at a time. ProPublica reporter Audrey Dutton joins Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter to break down her investigation into the ethically and perhaps legally questionable practice. Want some...

Republicans wasted no time in restarting the culture wars during this first week of the legislative session. Boise State Public Radio’s Jimmy Dawson is here to give us the scoop on what new bills have surfaced so far, and what déjà vu bills have returned with changes. Plus, are we in for a return of Snowmaggedon?  Check out Jimmy’s glossary of Idaho legislative phrases to stay on top of what your...

Winter storms finally made it to Bogus Basin after an extra dry start to the season. Director of Marketing and Innovation Austin Smith is with executive producer Frankie Barnhill to share an epic snow report. Plus, we learn how snow making “sorcerers” are battling climate change and transforming the slopes.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheats...

Boise’s food scene seems to be having a bagel moment. Goldstein’s Bagels is one of a couple new shops that’s opened in the last year or so. Owner Jamie Goldstein tells executive producer Frankie Barnhill what makes a true New York style bagel. Plus, she shares her hot take on the controversial scooped out bagel order.  What’s your favorite bagel order in town? Let us know by sending us a voicemail...

January is TV season. Our #1 pick right now is Netflix’s “All the Light We Cannot See." The show’s based on local author Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. About a year ago, Tony came on the podcast to talk about his more recent book “Cloud Cuckoo Land,” and why he still picks Boise over Paris.  Want some more Boise cultural news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a...