Ever Onward Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What if every Idaho taxpayer could see exactly where public money is being spent? On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Brandon Woolf , Idaho State Controller, to discuss the groundbreaking work behind Transparent Idaho —the online platform that gives citizens unprecedented access to state and local government finances. Brandon shares how a comm...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to serve in public office? In this episode of Ever Onward , Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, election integrity, public service, family, and the personal sacrifices that often come with serving others. As Idaho’s 28th Secretary of State, Phil McGrane oversees e...

Send us Fan Mail Housing affordability has become one of the most important issues facing Idaho families, communities, and the state’s future. In Episode 130 of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with housing advocate, former Idaho legislator, and Executive Director of Gem State Housing Alliance, Ali Rabe, for a candid conversation about why housing costs keep rising across Idaho—and what can b...

Send us Fan Mail Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, yet much of it is preventable. In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Dr. Danny Noonan, cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and co-founder of High Desert Heart & Vascular, for an eye-opening conversation about the future of medicine, cardiovascular health, and what patients should be doing long...

Send us Fan Mail As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, one question becomes increasingly important: What remains uniquely human? In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist is joined by John Drake, President of Drake Cooper, and Mae Myers of Pivot North Architecture for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, architecture, design, branding, leadership, and the future of w...

Send us Fan Mail As AI rapidly transforms the way we work, create, and communicate, what remains uniquely human? In this episode of Ever Onward , Tommy Ahlquist sits down with John Drake, President of Drake Cooper, and James Beard Award-winning chef Kris Komori, co-owner of KIN and Art Haus Bar, for a conversation about creativity, branding, hospitality, and the human experiences technology can’t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward, Dr. Bree Derrick, Director of the Idaho Department of Correction, joins the conversation for an important discussion on public safety, incarceration, rehabilitation, and second chances in Idaho. Idaho’s correctional system is facing significant pressure, with a growing prison population, capacity challenges, and more individuals preparing to transit...

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 125 of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Duane Sessions, President of Dennis Dillon, and Joey Looney to discuss second chance hiring, prison reentry, workforce opportunity, and the impact of giving people another chance. Duane shares how Dennis Dillon has supported second chance employees for more than 20 years and why it has become one of the most...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on Idaho, politics, media, and the stories shaping the state. Matt has built The Ranch Podcast into one of Idaho’s most consistent long-form platforms by doing what few people are willing to do: sit down with people, ask real questions, and let compli...

Send us Fan Mail In part two of our public lands series, we’re joined by Idaho State Representative James Petzke and Idaho Wildlife Federation Executive Director Nick Fasciano for a deeper conversation on one of the most important issues shaping Idaho’s future. Public lands are more than just places to recreate—they’re a defining part of why people choose to live, work, and stay in Idaho. From the...

Send us Fan Mail Public lands are a defining part of Idaho — shaping our lifestyle, economy, and identity. In this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Nick Fasciano, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Dan Waugh, Executive Director of the Idaho Recreation Council, to break down why public lands matter to Idaho and the growing conversations surroun...

Send us Fan Mail What’s really happening in Idaho’s education system—and where is it headed next? In this episode of Ever Onward , Tommy Ahlquist and Roger Quarles sit down with Jennifer Swindell, CEO, founder, and editor of Idaho Education News, to unpack the realities behind education across the state. From her early career as a journalist and the first female sports editor in the country to bui...

Send us Fan Mail Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield returns to Ever Onward with Tommy Ahlquist and Roger Quarles for a candid conversation on what’s really happening inside Idaho schools. From record K–3 reading gains to ongoing struggles in middle school math, this episode breaks down where Idaho education is improving—and where it’s still falling short. They dive into:...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to transform education in Idaho? On this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and co-host Roger Quarles sit down with Terry Ryan, CEO of BLUUM, Idaho’s leading nonprofit incubator for high-performing public charter schools. Terry shares his remarkable journey—from Illinois to Poland to Idaho—and how that path led him to help launch and expand dozens of s...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward , Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Roger Quarles, Executive Director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, for an in-depth conversation on the present and future of education in Idaho. Roger brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective—having served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, chief deputy state superintendent, and university leader at...

Send us Fan Mail What’s the plan for the Treasure Valley as we continue to grow? In this episode of Ever Onward , Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Craig Raborn, Executive Director of COMPASS (Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho), to talk about the future of growth, transportation, and regional planning across Ada and Canyon County. Craig brings nearly 25 years of experi...

Send us Fan Mail Today on the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofton sit down with Ryan Head, Executive Director of the Ada County Highway District, to talk about why ACHD matters more than ever as the Treasure Valley continues to grow. Ryan shares his journey as a Boise native who worked his way up through ACHD, from writing grants and managing long-range planning to now leading o...

Send us Fan Mail Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in America, and the Treasure Valley is at the center of that growth. With hundreds of thousands of new residents expected in the coming decades, one big question is on everyone’s mind: How will Idaho keep up with the traffic, infrastructure, and transportation demand? On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast , Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett...

Send us Fan Mail Growth in the Treasure Valley isn’t knocking at the door anymore—it’s in the living room. We sit down with Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto to connect two stories that matter here: how a people-first, innovation-driven company feeds the world, and how a business-led coalition can help our region move smarter and faster. From farm roots to the C‑suite, Garrett shares the leadership princi...

Send us Fan Mail Why does this week matter in Idaho politics? Because the decisions being made right now will shape the future of our state—often without most people ever hearing about them. On this episode of Ever Onward , Matt Todd and Tommy Ahlquist sit down with Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon to break down what’s really happening inside the Capitol during one of the busiest stretc...

Send us Fan Mail What’s actually happening inside the Idaho Capitol this session? In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and guest co-host Matt Todd sit down with Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle for a candid, in-the-moment conversation recorded during one of the most intense stretches of the legislative calendar. They break down the real priorities driving this year’s session — budget press...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ever Onward, we sit down with Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke for a timely, plain-spoken conversation on why Idaho’s budget situation deserves attention — not just from policymakers, but from everyday citizens. We dig into the realities behind state budgeting, tax cuts, federal dollars, balanced budget pressures, and how strong growth years can quietly cre...

Send us Fan Mail This month on the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist is joined by Matt Todd — host of the Ranch Podcast — for an in-depth, long-form conversation on Idaho government, the legislative session, and the real forces shaping policy across the state. This episode kicks off a special series focused on Idaho leadership and lawmaking, setting the stage for upcoming interviews with top sta...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, sports medicine physician Dr. Kaleb Redden returns to break down how your fitness, strength, and lifestyle choices in your 30s, 40s, and 50s directly determine your health, mobility, and longevity in your 60s, 70s, and beyond. With our host Tommy Ahlquist and co-host Andy Scoggin, we dive into practical, science-backed strategies for bui...

Send us Fan Mail In this exclusive episode of the Ever Onward Podcast , recorded inside the Idaho State Capitol, Governor Brad Little sits down for an in-depth conversation on leadership, economic growth, workforce development, education, and the future of the great state of Idaho. Governor Little shares behind-the-scenes insight from the start of the legislative session, including budget prioriti...