Episodes

  • What We’ve Learned About Boise

    What We’ve Learned About Boise
    Oct 24 2025
    After three years of making this daily podcast about all things Boise, this is our final episode of the show. Every story we’ve shared on this podcast has shown us something new about this city. In this final episode, we’re looking back at what this journey has taught us, how it’s changed the way we see Boise, and what we hope for its future. So what’s next for the team? Host Lindsay Van Allen will keep posting about stories that are important to Boiseans on TikTok and Instagram, so be sure to follow her there. Executive producer Frankie Barnhill is taking a break from daily news for now, to winterize her garden and plot her next one. Producer Evelyn Avitia is dreaming up her next adventure and still posting about fashion. And our newsletter editor Blake Hunter is noodling on a possible fresh email you’ll definitely want in your inbox, and continuing their literary work with Paper Plane Press. This is our last episode for the foreseeable future. Even though we’re closing up shop in Boise, it's not impossible that City Cast could return one day. If you stay subscribed to this podcast, you'll be the first to know. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 24th episode: Visit Walla Walla
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    34 mins
  • Are These New Coffee Shops Really Worth The Hype?

    Are These New Coffee Shops Really Worth The Hype?
    Oct 23 2025
    Coffee culture says a lot about a city, and Boise's scene is evolving. Our producer Evelyn Avitia sipped her way through the newest coffee shops to find the best spots for getting work done, grabbing a fall flavored pick-me-up, and soaking up the coffeehouse vibes with friends. She’s telling host Lindsay Van Allen which new coffee shops are really worth a visit. Spots mentioned: Coffee With A Twist Salt & Light Coffee Lounge Jitters by Jayne Hidden Grounds Coffee Roast & Vine Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 23rd episode: Visit Walla Walla Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.
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    24 mins
  • How To Spend the Day in Boise for Under $50

    How To Spend the Day in Boise for Under $50
    Oct 22 2025
    Between rising costs and tighter budgets, our city is not as inexpensive as it used to be. So, we are revisiting the time our City Cast Boise team took on a challenge to see how far $50 could go, and if it was still possible to have a great time in Boise without breaking the bank. And if you hadn’t heard the news, City Cast Boise is closing down operations at the end of the week. We want to hear from you before we say goodbye! Have a favorite episode? Or maybe we’ve shared a story that changed your mind or that made you feel more connected to our city. Please leave us a voice message at 208-546-9485. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 22nd episode: Visit Walla Walla Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.
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    29 mins
  • The School Board Race That’s Dividing West Ada

    The School Board Race That’s Dividing West Ada
    Oct 20 2025
    West Ada’s school board races have drawn unusual attention. With fresh challengers stepping forward, incumbents dodging public forums, and questions swirling about the district’s transparency and values, executive producer Frankie Barnhill is asking host and local parent Lindsay Van Allen about what this election might reveal about where the community stands. Early voting starts today! Click here to find where you can cast your ballot. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 20th episode: Visit Walla Walla Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.
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    25 mins
  • Saying Goodbye to City Cast Boise

    Saying Goodbye to City Cast Boise
    Oct 17 2025
    We have some sad news to share today: City Cast Boise and Hey Boise are suspending operations. Our last episode and newsletter will be released on Oct. 24. Next week, we’ll be sharing a mix of fresh and beloved conversations, to celebrate this community and our city. And we want to include you in our final episode! Tell us how City Cast Boise has been a part of your life. From your favorite episode, to a story that changed your mind, or something that made you feel more connected to our city. Please email us at boise@citycast.fm or leave us a voice message at 208-546-9485. This show has been such a meaningful part of our lives and we know it’s meant something to so many of you too. As host Lindsay Van Allen so eloquently says in today’s episode: Thank you for listening, for trusting us with your stories, and for helping us make this show everything that it was.
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    3 mins
  • How Idaho’s Prisons are Protecting Sexual Predators

    How Idaho’s Prisons are Protecting Sexual Predators
    Oct 16 2025
    According to a new bombshell report, survivors inside women’s prisons in Idaho say they endured years of sexual abuse from staff. But when they sought help, complaints disappeared, investigations went nowhere, and retaliation became routine. Investigate West journalist Whitney Bryen joins host Lindsay Van Allen to break down her year-long investigation, look at how this culture of abuse and cover-up was allowed to thrive, and discuss what it will take to change it. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 16th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.
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    34 mins
  • Inside the Eerie Legacy of the Old State Penitentiary

    Inside the Eerie Legacy of the Old State Penitentiary
    Oct 15 2025
    Long before it became one of our city’s favorite Halloween destinations, the Old Idaho Penitentiary was a place of punishment, rebellion, and resilience. Now its crumbling cells and quiet corridors tell both ghost stories and hard truths about Boise’s history. Host Lindsay Van Allen is learning more from the Old Idaho Penitentiary's Samuel Anderson and Anthony Parry with the Idaho Historical Society. For more stories about the Old Pen, check out Samuel and Anthony’s “Behind Gray Walls” podcast. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 15th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.
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    26 mins
  • What Voters Need To Know About Boise’s $11M Levy

    What Voters Need To Know About Boise’s $11M Levy
    Oct 14 2025
    Boise has passed two previous open space levies, totaling $20 million in the last 25 years. So, why does the city want another $11 million, and how would the extra tax revenue be used? Host Lindsay Van Allen is joined by Conservation Voters for Idaho Executive Director Alexis Pickering to break down the levy on the ballot, what the money would go toward, and how voters are responding. For info on early voting, how to register, and how to check your ballot ahead of Nov. 4, click here. Want some more Boise news? Head over to our Hey Boise newsletter where you’ll get a cheatsheet to the city every weekday morning. Learn more about the sponsor of this October 14th episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST And when you join our City Cast Boise Neighbors program, you’ll get great perks like ad-free listening, access to members-only events, and much more. Become a member for just $10/month here. Interested in advertising with City Cast Boise? Find more info HERE. Reach us at boise@citycast.fm.
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    20 mins