City Cast Boise
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. Every weekday morning, Emma will introduce you to your neighbors — from newcomers to born-and-raised Boiseans. It’s like eavesdropping on a great conversation overheard at your favorite downtown coffee shop, except in this case you’re invited to join in. We’ll engage with you online and on the podcast, with stories that spark passion and delight — but sometimes also frustration and anger. With a clear-eyed vision of the challenges and triumphs of our rapidly changing Boise, the podcast will make you feel more connected to this city we share.
Episodes
Valentines-fanatic Jocelyn Robertson has you covered. Whether you forgot to make a reservation or just want to celebrate a quiet evening at home, she’s got the hacks to help you make February 14 memorable, romantic and even fun for the whole family.
Need more Valentine’s inspo? We’ll have ideas in our Hey Boise newsletter, which hits inboxes every weekday at 6 a.m.
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After thirty years as a journalist in Boise, Betsy Russell is retired and ready to hit the slopes. We talk about obstacles she faced as a woman working at the legislature, her work with Idahoans for Openness in Government, and a memorable story of hers on that changed Idaho prisons for the better.
Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning.
Campaign funds used for steak dinners, a junior high fight club and the bagel wars are heating up! Our Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter and Audio Producer Evelyn Avitia join Emma Arnold to talk through this week’s news— and it turns out they have some strong opinions on whether or not bagels should be used for sandwiches.
Have a favorite bagel shop? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-546-9485.
Last week, students at Eagle High heckled and walked out during a speech made by Scott Yenor, a Boise State University professor known for promoting misogynistic, far-right beliefs. Boise’s political TikTok star SocialistlyAwkward took note of the moment and joins Host Emma Arnold to talk about community’s reaction and why she is proud of the Gen Z students.
Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you...
Heath Druzin from the Extremely American podcast gives us a vibe check on the far-right. We get into Ammon Bundy’s most recent court troubles, news that a leader of a far-right lobbying group doesn’t actually LIVE in Idaho, and why far-right activists are more scared of civil litigation than criminal.
Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning.
Sydney Kidd with the Idaho Press is here to give us the lowdown on some major small town drama. She recently reported on how Kuna went from an accidental double booking of rodeo events, to death threats — in what felt like less than eight seconds.
Later in the show: the Kuna City Council is considering offering a livestream of city meetings. The only other city in Ada County that doesn’t already stream council meetings is Garden Cit...
We’re talking with Alex Jangard from the Boise Maker Shop about the joys of making your own stuff. From pens, to charcuterie boards, and tables, he’s here to convince us that anyone can build something with the right tools and a strong, supportive community.
Want some more Boise community stories? Subscribe to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get fresh tips on how to get connected every weekday.
Are Idaho lawmakers scared of young people? Is Boise State’s budget at risk after a rough presentation at the statehouse? Is voting on a ballot initiative going to get a lot harder? And what’s the best local meal you’ve eaten, and was it cooked by one of these James Beard nominated chefs? We’ve got some questions after a big week in news. Boise State Public Radio Reporter Jimmy Dawson and Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter ch...
We’re talking with Meridian Library Director Nick Grove about going viral for pushing back against censorship and harassment at a recent Meridian Library Meeting. We get into the safety precautions Nick’s family has had to take, the compassion he has for people in his community living in fear and hate, and why he told the crowd that day that he would not be bullied, period.
Plus, Boise Mayor Lauren McLean’s accepting applications fo...
It can be a real struggle to rent in the Treasure Valley, even though home prices have started to go down. For Nicolette Clark, finding her $850 unit in Nampa two years ago was a lucky break — until her landlord turned off the heat during a winter cold snap. Now, she’s sharing her story with some red flags to look for before signing your next lease.
Plus, Clark tells us why she thinks “informal evictions” should be tracked. And we ...
It’s a new year and a new you, but are you still drinking the same old coffee? Host Emma Arnold is talking Boise coffee shops with Producer Evelyn Avitia and Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter. They talk best communities, best specialty coffees, and which shops left us considering a switch to water.
So what are you drinking? Want to rant or rave about our hot coffee takes? Let us know by sending us a voicemail or text: 208-54...
Today, our producer Evelyn Avitia gives us a tour of Caldwell while sharing her favorite local eats and go-to spots, and talks about her experience growing up in the Caldwell School District. Recently, students at Caldwell High School led a ‘Brown Pride’ rally. In a viral TikTok, the students stated it is a display of pride in their heritage.
Want more community news and events? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get...
It’s been a busy week in Boise, so we’re chatting about the local stories that mattered most. Lead Producer Frankie Barnhill is catching you up with help from Boise State Public Radio’s George Prentice and our Hey Boise Newsletter Editor Blake Hunter.
We break down the two abortion bills introduced at the legislature this week, the abrupt and unintentional departure of Lisa Sánchez from Boise City Council, and trust breakdowns with...
Drag shows are the new target of conservative politicians in Idaho. There’s a good chance that a ban on all public drag performances will surface at the legislature soon, after the Idaho Family Policy Center made it a priority after Boise’s Pride Festival in September 2022. So today, we’re chatting with drag performer Maliha Gemini, who has a message for Republican lawmakers.
What do you think about the debate over drag today? Let ...
If you’re ditching the hangover and trying Dry January, you should know about Sober 'N Boise. The sober movement is organized by Veronica Schmidt with the goal of building and supporting a sober curious community.
So today, she helps us navigate the city without the pressures of drinking, with tips for planning a night out and finding the best mocktails around.
Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter wher...
Clark Corbin from the Idaho Capital Sun is here to tell us about how getting into Idaho’s winter sports is a great way to keep the legislative session blues away. We talk getting started with a low-key yurt adventure, staying safe, and why you shouldn’t wait until summer to enjoy the mountains.
Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning.
Emma’s with the Idaho Statesman’s Mia Maldanado and our audio producer Evelyn Avitia to talk through this week’s news. They get into chaos at the Caldwell School Board Meeting, Mia’s story about Idaho inmates training rescue dogs, and why Moscow recently said “FU” to Nancy Grace.
Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning.
Our lead producer Frankie Barnhill talks to host Emma Arnold about why she and other Boise comedians are calling for Idaho Central Arena to cancel the upcoming Chris D’Elia show. She talks about the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior against the Los Angeles-based comedian, the health of the Boise comedy scene, and why Emma thinks this booking is especially hypocritical.
This episode does contain refere...
Did you know that Boise is the most geographically isolated urban area of the Lower 48? Today, we’re chatting with Greg Hahn from Surel’s Place about why he thinks that isolation has led to a unique and DIY-inspired arts and culture scene.
Want some more Boise arts and culture content? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get inspired with ways to connect to the city every weekday morning.
Boise’s food scene is evolving, so we’re talking with brunch experts JJ Saldaña and Antonio Hernandez about the best spots to eat, drink, and catch up with friends. The Latino Card hosts teach us the ins and outs of their favorite meal, and remind us that what happens at brunch — stays at brunch.
Places mentioned in this episode:
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