
Happening in Boise
28 episodes
Happening in Boise: Heatwaves, High Taxes, and Highway Hell
Happening in Boise: Rats, Rulings, and Rooftops
Happening in Boise: River Ramps, Micron Lords, and the Meridian Exodus
Happening in Boise: Rooftop Rejections and May Snowflakes
Happening in Boise: Jet Crashes, Free Rides, and the Wind from Hell
Happening in Boise: May 11, 2026 Edition
Happening in Boise: Silent Classrooms, River Stabbings, and Why Everyone's Moving Here
Happening in Boise: Governors, Glassware, and Grumpy Sheep
Happening in Boise: Mustangs, Musicals, and Massive Gas Bills
Happening in Boise: Taxes, Tunnels, and Teenage Turmoil
Happening in Boise: Oysters, Overpasses, and the Pac-12 Dream

Ep 17Happening in Boise: Protests, Pelmeni, and Professional Soccer
Navigate the shifting tides of the Treasure Valley with Happening in Boise, your essential guide to the news and culture of Idaho's capital. In this episode, we dive into the "No Kings 3" protests that brought thousands to the Capitol steps, the legislative fallout from the controversial "potty police" bathroom bill, and a rare moment of bipartisan unity regarding school safety reporting. Beyond the political dome, we tackle the frustrations of Boise's "false spring" and the nation's worst allergy season while highlighting the rise of professional soccer at the newly remodeled Expo Idaho stadium. From the latest spikes in foothills vandalism and the "hostage situation" of the local real estate market to a culinary escape at Alyonka Russian Cuisine, we balance hard-hitting headlines with the local gems that make this city unique. Whether you're dodging mudslides on Highway 12 or navigating State Street's perpetual construction, join us for a sharp, comprehensive look at the stories that actually matter in Boise.

Ep 16Happening in Boise: Iran Oil Spikes and the Great Duplex War
Navigating a Monday in the Treasure Valley requires a thick skin and a full tank of gas, and Mark and Joleen are here to help you through both. This episode of Happening in Boise dives into the immediate impact of global tensions on local gas pumps and mortgage rates, contrasting Micron's record profits with the ongoing struggles of the Boise housing market. The hosts break down the latest legislative shifts regarding accessory dwelling units and healthcare lawsuits, alongside local crime updates and the Boise School District's Whitney Pool project. Beyond the headlines, you'll find a spotlight on the local food scene at Kibrom's Ethiopian, a look at the upcoming Athletic Club Boise soccer season, and a survival guide for the valley's notorious "False Spring" weather. Whether you're stuck on the Connector or planning your weekend at the Boise Flower and Garden Show, this episode offers a grounded, unfiltered look at the stories and frustrations shaping the city today.

Ep 15Happening in Boise: Heat Waves, Heartbreaks, and Hardliners
Welcome to Happening in Boise, your unfiltered guide to the Treasure Valley's headlines, headaches, and hidden gems. In this episode, Mark and Joleen break down the latest legislative "circus" at the Idaho Statehouse, the controversial push for armed "sentinels" in West Ada schools, and a bizarre shotgun incident in Mountain Home that has the community on edge. We dive into the data behind Boise's shift toward a "balanced" real estate market, navigate the record-breaking March heatwave, and discuss why navigating Eagle Road traffic has officially become an extreme sport. From Boise State's tournament heartbreak and the Idaho Steelheads' consistency to the upcoming chaos of Treefort Music Fest and local dining reviews of Saltbrush and Coa Cantina, we offer a grounded--if slightly cynical--look at life in a city growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up with. Tune in for the local news the California tech bros haven't bought yet, and join the conversation by reaching out to [email protected].

Ep 14Happening in Boise: Scentsy Smells, School Scares, and Spring Stumbles
Happening in Boise returns to navigate a week of grey slush and even greasier headlines, starting with the 11% layoffs at Scentsy and the "ferocious" legislative battle over Medicaid expansion currently shaking up Idaho politics. Hosts Mark and Joleen dive into the chaos of the Meridian ambulance ramming, the latest developments in the Boise School District's bathroom lawsuits, and the reality of an Ada County housing market now dominated by Washington transplants. Between reviews of downtown's newest "Victorian orphan-named" restaurants and tips on where to find the best hot dogs in Garden City, we cover everything from Boise State's Mountain West Tournament run to the construction cones clogging the Boise Avenue Bridge. Whether you're looking for a legitimate local news fix or just a cynical take on why the median home price is hitting $530,000, join us for an unfiltered look at the Treasure Valley, because if the "false spring" weather doesn't get you, the traffic definitely will.

Ep 13Happening in Boise: Brownface at the Capitol and Sourdough Snobbery
Trade the scripted smiles of local news anchors for the unvarnished reality of the Treasure Valley on this episode of Happening in Boise. For March 3, 2026, hosts Mark and Joleen tackle a packed agenda, starting with a look at the offensive "circus" at the Idaho Statehouse and the escalating gas tax war between House Speaker Mike Moyle and our neighbors in Utah. The duo breaks down the controversial hiring of Marcus Myers in the Kuna School District, provides a somber legal update on the horrific Melba attempted murder case, and debates whether the 57-year-old sourdough starter at The Wylder is a culinary masterpiece or just "casually expensive" hype. Whether you're looking for the lowdown on Athletic Club Boise's inaugural soccer season, navigating ACHD's latest Hill Road construction "bulb-outs," or trying to survive Boise's inevitable "False Spring" weather, this episode delivers the essential local news you need to stay connected. Subscribe for a candid look at Idaho politics, real estate, and culture, because if you're trapped in Chinden Boulevard traffic, you might as well have something better to listen to than the sound of your own road rage.

Ep 12Happening in Boise: Tax Hikes, Tacos, and Totaled Police Cars
Join Mark and Joleen on Happening in Boise as they navigate the growing pains of the Treasure Valley with a healthy dose of skepticism and a side of dry humor. This week, the duo dives into the Idaho Legislature's latest budget maneuvers and their impact on National Guard tuition, alongside a troubling trend of DUI incidents involving patrol cars in Nampa. They break down the February 2026 real estate data--where "strategic normalization" still feels like a stretch for the average buyer--and celebrate local success stories like Boise High's own Olympic star, Sammy Smith. From reviewing new dining spots like Pig Latin and Raibu Sushi to previewing BSU's must-win basketball matchup against Wyoming, this episode covers the headlines that matter to locals while bracing for a "volatile" late-winter weather pattern. It's an honest, informative look at life in the city, whether you're dodging I-84 traffic or just trying to find a decent taco in Eagle.

Ep 11Happening in Boise: Turkeys, Condo Floods, and the Death of Spring
Welcome to Happening in Boise, where hosts Mark and Joleen navigate the unique chaos of the Treasure Valley with a mix of grounded reporting and just enough cynicism to survive the morning commute. In this episode, we tackle the North End's "feathered insurgency" as aggressive urban turkeys hold mail carriers hostage, alongside the bizarre fallout of a condo shooting on North Carlsbad Way that left neighbors literally underwater. We shift to more serious ground with an update on the federal lawsuit facing the West Ada School District over inclusive classroom posters, while also checking the pulse of the cooling high-end real estate market and the latest Treefort 2026 festival lineup additions. From Boise State basketball heartbreaks and "luxury" dining at The Lively to the impending Greenbelt construction at Barber Park, we provide a comprehensive, slightly edgy look at the headlines and erratic Idaho weather defining life in the City of Trees.

Ep 10Boise Unfiltered: Raw Milk Roulette and the Million-Dollar Eagle Dream
Stay ahead of the curve with Happening in Boise, your essential source for the news and nonsense defining the Treasure Valley. In this episode, hosts Mark and Joleen tackle the serious E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk in Ada County and break down the Idaho Supreme Court's landmark ruling on the $50 million private school tax credit. Beyond the headlines, we expose a heartless new phone scam targeting local pet owners and celebrate a massive road win for Boise State basketball alongside the Idaho Steelheads' incredible winning streak. From the "sophisticated" wine dinners of the North End to the absurdity of million-dollar homes in Nampa and the inevitable frustration of the Linder Road construction, we provide a balanced look at Boise life, delivered with just enough wit to help you survive the city's notorious mid-February "false spring."

Ep 9Happening in Boise: Shots on State Street and Skijoring Debuts
Join Mark and Joleen on Happening in Boise, your weekly guide to the chaos and charm of the Treasure Valley. This week, we unpack the latest head-scratching bills from the Idaho legislature, from a ban on candy for food stamps to extra penalties for criminals who cover their faces. We also break down the details of a wild weekend shooting and high-speed chase on State Street and the city council's controversial approval of the massive 3,500-home Murio Farms development. Plus, we lament the addition of another roundabout with the $21 million Eckert Road Bridge rebuild and dissect the latest in Boise's soul-crushing real estate market. From an Idaho Steelheads road sweep to the beautiful chaos of SkiJor Boise (a horse pulling a skier, really), and new restaurant openings from Zullee and Tango's, we've got your local updates covered. Tune in for a balanced, slightly cynical take on everything you need to know about Boise, Idaho.

Ep 8Happening in Boise: Olympic Dreams, DUI Nightmares, and Measles
Welcome to Happening in Boise, the only local podcast that knows the inversion layer is at least 10% smugness from all those 'Best Places to Live' lists. Join your hosts, Mark and Joleen, for a weekly deep dive into the city of trees, where we celebrate the good, mock the absurd, and complain about the traffic. This week, we're popping the (moderately-priced) champagne for the Boise food scene's major glow-up with multiple James Beard Award nominations, and we're in absolute awe of the Boise High grad skiing her way into the Olympics. But it's not all gold medals and gourmet meals; we also tackle the special kind of stupid that leads a man to crash into a DUI cop's car, a completely preventable measles outbreak, and the soul-crushing reality of the Boise real estate market. From road construction nightmares on Ustick to what's happening with the Broncos and Steelheads, we've got your essential slice of Boise life. Tune in for the news, culture, and commentary that's more entertaining than staring at orange cones on your commute.

Ep 7Happening in Boise: Medicaid Fights and Steakhouse Pretensions
Your weekly dose of essential Boise news, served with a side of realistic despair. This week, we dive into the Idaho Statehouse, where lawmakers are 'sitting heavy' on a budget surplus while simultaneously proposing Medicaid cuts and rolling out a new school voucher program ripe for misuse. We also cover the Boise School District's bureaucratic search for a new superintendent, the shockingly stable housing market, and why Boise's rental prices are suddenly in a freefall. Plus, we review the new, ridiculously expensive El Gaucho steakhouse, lament the I-84 construction nightmare at the Garrity exit, and recap a tough road loss for the Idaho Steelheads. Finally, we explore the paranoid world of the Nextdoor app and deliver a weather forecast that confirms it's another gray week in the Treasure Valley.

Ep 6Happening in Boise: Enduring Idaho
Your essential audio guide to Boise, Idaho, even when you can't see the city through the soupy inversion. This week, hosts Mark and Joleen dissect the Idaho Legislature's new session and Governor Little's 'ENDURING IDAHO' budget-tightening plan. We break down the sudden retirement of the Boise School District Superintendent after less than two years and question if dropping mortgage rates can make a dent in a real estate market featuring million-dollar condos. Plus, get a review of the new late-night taco spot Toros Tacos, updates on Boise State basketball and Idaho Steelheads hockey, and a full analysis of the week's dreary weather. From local politics and city news to the high cost of housing, we sift through what's happening so you don't have to.

Ep 5Happening in Boise: New Year, New Laws, Same Old Story
Welcome to Happening in Boise, your essential guide to navigating life in the City of Trees. We kick off 2026 by breaking down the new Idaho laws that just took effect, from healthcare and taxes to free speech, and look ahead to the state legislature's session and a looming budget fight. We also cover the grim details of a fatal pedestrian collision on State Street, an update in a high-profile Boise School District criminal case, and whether a new Garden City taco spot, Rosa, is worth the hype. Plus, we recap a triple-overtime heartbreaker for Boise State basketball, a chippy weekend for the Idaho Steelheads, the latest on the stagnant Boise housing market, things to do this weekend, and your local weather forecast, featuring the dreaded return of the inversion.

Ep 4Happening in Boise: New Year's Dread and Downtown Drama
Wrapping up 2025, Joleen and Mark dive into the final dose of Boise news you need to know for the year. This week, we unpack the classic local drama of a developer suing the city over a new Foothills trail and explore a truly bizarre crime story involving a parolee, a gym, and an unexpected organ donation. We also question the hefty superintendent salaries in the Boise and West Ada school districts, review the must-try street tacos at Fiesta Chicken, and get you ready for local sports with updates on Boise State basketball and the Idaho Steelheads. Plus, get the essential guide to the New Year's Eve Idaho Potato Drop, the latest soul-crushing road construction from ACHD, a look at the stubbornly stable Boise real estate market, and a weather forecast that promises a very moist start to 2026. It's your essential, no-nonsense guide to what's happening in the City of Trees.

Ep 3Happening in Boise: Holiday Hangovers and Power Bill Panic
Welcome to Happening in Boise, your essential guide to navigating the news and events of the Treasure Valley. This week, we're bracing for the New Year by breaking down the upcoming Idaho Power rate hike and what it means for your wallet. We also dissect the highs and lows of local sports, from Boise State football's tough LA Bowl loss to a massive 7-1 victory for the Idaho Steelheads. Plus, we'll help you survive the holiday week with a guide to New Year's Eve events like the Idaho Potato Drop, a look at the latest updates from the Boise School District, and an analysis of the simmering Ada County housing market. Whether you're dealing with holiday traffic on Eagle Road or looking for a great local restaurant like Kabob House to escape the chaos, we cover everything you need to know about what's happening in Boise right now.

Ep 2Happening in Boise: School Drama, Market Mania, and Hockey Pucks
Tune into 'Happening in Boise' with Mark and Joleen, your essential (and often cynical) guide to the City of Trees. We cut through the noise (and perpetual construction) to deliver the real local scoop, covering everything from concerning Boise School District settlements and shocking employee arrests to Boise State Broncos recruiting wins and the Idaho Steelheads' guaranteed brawls. Get the unfiltered truth on Boise headlines, navigate the baffling real estate market, decode ACHD road construction updates, and discover new restaurants like Terroir Bistro. Whether you're looking for unique weekend events—from farmers markets and wellness fairs to Ballet Idaho's 'Nutcracker' and Winter Solstice celebrations—or just want to commiserate about the "profoundly mediocre" Boise weather, we’ve got you covered. Mark and Joleen bring a balanced, witty, and slightly edgy take on the local stories that actually impact your life, helping you navigate Boise, Idaho with insider knowledge and a much-needed dose of reality. Stay informed, stay entertained, and for f*ck's sake, use your turn signal!

Ep 1Happening in Boise: Frozen Sentinels and the Gronk Bowl
Brace yourself, Boise! Mark and Joleen are back on *Happening in Boise*, kicking off a brutally cold December week (think single digits, freezing toes, and maybe enough snow to 'shut down' the city) with their signature blend of raw takes and biting wit. This episode, they're digging into the controversial West Ada School District 'Campus Sentinels' plan – armed guards and panic buttons in schools – alongside a major meth and fentanyl bust, the devastating New Plymouth barn fire, and disturbing news about a food delivery predator. But it’s not all grim: celebrate the Boise State Broncos as Mountain West Champions heading to the LA Bowl, get the real scoop on Boise's 'stagnant' real estate market and new affordable housing, plus a rapid-fire rundown of the local food scene, from flashy new cantinas to the sad farewells of classic spots. If you're tired of whispered gardening podcasts, tune in for the unfiltered truth about everything happening in Boise, Idaho – the good, the bad, and the utterly chaotic.