City Cast Boise

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 furt...

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...

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...

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 produc...

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...

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...

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 B...

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 est...

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...

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...

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 Restaur...

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...

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 shopp...

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...

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 ov...

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 t...

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,...

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...

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 severa...

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 Bois...

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...

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...

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, wel...

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...

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 Bois...