City Cast Boise

Love is in the air and the Treasure Valley is full of date night magic — if you know where to look. Host Lindsay Van Allen is chatting with local content creator McKenzie Joyner about the romantic date nights our city has to offer, just in time for Valentine’s Day. They’re spilling the secrets on swoon-worthy restaurants, unique date ideas to impress, and hidden gems that are sure to set the mood...

Late last year, bird flu was confirmed in wild birds in the Treasure Valley. So how worried should Boiseans be about catching it? This isn’t your typical seasonal flu, and scientists are keeping a close eye on it — even though there haven’t been any confirmed human cases in our state. Dr. Christine Hahn is Idaho’s state epidemiologist and the division of public health’s medical director. She is ta...

Pam Hemphill traveled to Washington D.C. to storm the U.S. Capitol for President Trump on Jan. 6, 2021 — now she’s refusing his pardon. We’re talking to Boise’s own ‘ex-MAGA granny’ about how she went from a diehard supporter to a harsh critic of the Republican leader and his movement. Pam’s telling host Lindsay Van Allen what changed her mind, why she thinks MAGA is dangerous, and who she wants t...

We’re back with more chatter from the Idaho State Capitol, starting with a divisive bill that would require Bible readings in public schools. Meanwhile, two bills aim to gut Medicaid expansion, despite voters’ support of the program. Plus, what’s up with Boise Democrats crossing party lines on key issues like school choice and taxes? The Legislature keeps doing the most, so Boise State Public Radi...

National and local news collided once again this week in Boise, so host Lindsay Van Allen and comedian Brittany Hargis are here to make sense of the headlines. President Trump’s push to kill the Department of Education has us wondering if Idaho is ready to foot the bill — or if our students will be the ones paying the price. And, the state’s book ban is facing a lawsuit from major publishers — cou...

Winter nights call for something warm, hearty, and delivered. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter and producer Evelyn Avitia to highlight their takeout favorites. They’re talking go-to spots for a cozy night in and local hidden gems that deserve more love. Plus, the best and worst types of food for delivery — because not everything survives that ride home. ...

As federal and state immigration policies tighten, ACLU of Idaho campaign strategist Ruby Mendez-Mota and our host Lindsay Van Allen and examine how ICE operates. They discuss where raids could happen in our community, and what undocumented Idahoans need to know about their rights. Plus, for allies looking to help — we’re breaking down what real support looks like in this moment. Want some more Bo...

Local In-N-Out restaurants have been flipping burgers and opinions for months now. But is it a must-visit for burger lovers, or just another traffic nightmare served animal style? Last week, the third In-N-Out location opened in Nampa so we’re revisiting our debate with local devotee Matthew Melton to see whether this restaurant is actually lives up to the high expectations. Are you a fan of In-N-...

The Idaho Legislature’s headed into its fifth week in the session, and the pace of new bills is speeding up. So host Lindsay Van Allen is breaking down some of the top issues you need to know with Boise State Public Radio reporter James Dawson. They’re dissecting two different approaches to immigration enforcement, and why reforming our state’s ballot initiative process continues to be a hot topic...

What would happen if a bunch of federal workers in Boise resigned? That’s one of the questions on tap in this week’s local news roundup, with host Lindsay Van Allen and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill. They’re dissecting how the Trump Administration’s chaotic freeze on federal grants threw everything from housing to education for a loop in Idaho. And, we mark 10 years since the “Add the Wo...

We’re setting our sights on February in Boise, with a must-do guide to fill your social calendar.  There’s live theater to check out (both big and medium-sized productions), hot pozole soup to indulge in, book clubs to join, and Galentine’s parties to plan! Plus, host Lindsay Van Allen, producer Evelyn Avitia and our Hey Boise newsletter editor Blake Hunter have ideas to help you brave the outdoor...

Idaho’s marijuana laws are some of the strictest in the nation, and it’s costing us — not just in lost tax revenue. We’re exploring the political and cultural roadblocks that are maintaining Idaho’s weed prohibition, despite public support for decriminalization. Could a 2026 ballot initiative be the solution? Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheat...

From cold plunges to IV therapies, Boise has no shortage of health trends. Why do some of these trends take hold? Today, host Lindsay Van Allen is exploring what wellness really means for our community with Marissa Shuppard from Body Balancing Physical Therapy and Nikki MacGregor founder of The GOL Network. Plus, we learn some simple ways to incorporate balance into our busy schedules.  We’re doin...

City of Boise officials have been focused on increasing affordable housing, as our community’s growth has pushed out even some middle-income earners. But with everything from interest rates to labor shortages in their way last year — how was the city able to add 250 homes at Boise budgets — and is it enough? Nicki Olivier Hellenkamp is the city’s Director of Housing and Homelessness Policy, and is...

It’s Friday and host Lindsay Van Allen is joined again by Boise State political scientist Charlie Hunt to chat about theweek’s biggest stories. They’re diving into the fallout from Trump’s Jan. 6th pardons, including the impact of a local ‘ex-MAGA granny’ who refuses to be pardoned. Then they crunch the numbers on a proposed pay raise for state employees and judges — could it be a move that makes...

Boise’s music scene is buzzing, even in the dead of winter — as Under the Trees is kicking off the city’s first-ever winter electronic music festival on Saturday. Host Lindsay Van Allen and local DJ Dr. Thomas Posen are chatting about how this genre is carving out a space in local venues, the challenges of planning a festival in the cold, and why it’s worth hitting play on something new. Want some...

The temps are hovering around freezing all week but we’ve got just the thing to keep you cozy: soup season! We’re revisiting our guide to Boise’s best bowls featuring rich broths, stews, and all the local favorites. Contributor Minerva Jayne and our executive producer Frankie Barnhill have a cooked up a list of hot and hearty spots you won’t want to miss.  Want some more Boise news? Head over to o...

The private school choice debate is heating up at the Capitol in Boise. Today on the podcast, Idaho Ed News reporter Ryan Suppe joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down this widely disputed proposal. He helps us understand what to watch for in the school choice bills this session, where the money would come from, and what it could mean for students who don’t attend private school.  Want some mor...

Host Lindsay Van Allen and producer Frankie Barnhill are rounding up the news with some proposals that raised eyebrows at City Hall and the Idaho Legislature this week. In Boise, the City Council is weighing a new liquor permit option for festivals in city parks. And state lawmakers are considering a Texas-style immigration bill that could come with costly litigation if it passes. Plus, what shoul...

With the U.S. TikTok ban deadline quickly approaching on January 19th, we’re revisiting our chat with Boise creator Sami Alvi. She built a thriving side hustle on the platform to supplement her local restaurant jobs. Our host Lindsay Van Allen also has a significant following on the popular app, so the two are discussing what it could mean for the Treasure Valley if the ban goes through.  Want som...

Global companies are betting big on the Treasure Valley, sparking a surge of commercial growth. While these large developments are bringing jobs, they’re also driving up construction costs and straining our tight housing market. Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Idaho Statesman reporter Nick Rosenberger to dive into the impacts of this growth and what it means for Boise’s future.  Want some more...

If the post-holiday blues are starting to settle in, don’t stress! Host Lindsay Van Allen and local content creator Katie Williams are here with a winter bucket list to help you savor the season. From the best cozy food, to tips for staying active, plus the must-see local snowy landscapes — we’ll help you make the most of winter in Boise. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsl...

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 t...

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...

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 act...