Wanna Know Idaho
Wanna Know Idaho
Boise State Public Radio
Wanna Know Idaho is a listener-generated podcast from Boise State Public Radio that is driven by YOU! No matter how quirky or serious your question might be, we want to know: What sparks your curiosity about the Gem State, Idaho culture or the people who call it home? Click here to join this curious collective by sharing your question.
What's The Deal With Geothermal Energy In Idaho?
Idaho is rich with geothermal activity. The state boasts dozens of natural hot springs for soaking, some close to city centers and others a hike away. But when Wanna Know Idaho listener Ted Eisele moved to Idaho in 1980, it wasn’t the natural hot springs that caught his attention about geothermal. What really blew him away was the fact that Idaho’s state buildings — like the Capitol and the state Supreme Court — were heated using geothermal systems.
Dec 18, 2020
9 min
How Did Goatheads Come To Idaho?
Back in 2016, Wanna Know Idaho listener Marshall Simmonds was out on a summer bike ride with some friends on the Boise Greenbelt. Suddenly, a bike tire popped. Then, another. Soon, Marshall and his friends found themselves walking their bikes back home with 18 popped tires, thanks to a patch of goatheads, or puncture vine, that had made its way onto the trail.
Oct 23, 2020
6 min
Did Idaho Have Any Housing Discrimination Laws During The Jim Crow Era?
Up until her retirement a few months ago, Debra Smith taught high school English in Meridian. Every year, she had her 11th graders read "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry.
Sep 1, 2020
8 min
How Can I Help Out During Coronavirus?
Michael Kramer-Duffield had just moved to Idaho and was looking for work in the restaurant industry when COVID-19 swept through. He's out of work, but like many of us, getting antsy and knows he could be putting his free time to use.
Apr 28, 2020
10 min
Has The Treasure Valley Gone To The Birds?
Walking her dogs every evening in Meridian, Wanna Know Idaho listener Morgan Keating began to wonder: what’s up with all these seagulls? And suddenly, birds of all kinds were everywhere. (Cue the cliche Hitchcock montage.)
Mar 3, 2020
11 min
Abraham Lincoln Never Visited Idaho... So Why Are There Statues In His Honor In Boise?
Yesterday would have been Abraham Lincoln’s 211th birthday.
Feb 13, 2020
8 min
Why Are There Counties And Cities With The Same Name But The City Is Not In The County?
When Robin Fehlau was planning her move to Boise eight years ago, something peculiar kept throwing off her housing search: homes in Boise County kept on showing up, all of which were miles and miles away from her office.
Aug 2, 2019
8 min
What's 'Wanna Know Idaho' Been Up To?!
You may have been wondering what Wanna Know Idaho has been up to lately. Rest assured: We'll be back in June! You can always submit a new question here.
May 20, 2019
3 min
'Wanna Know Idaho' Looks At Prehistoric Volcanoes
The region's volcanoes represent the northeastern portion of the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" and 12 million years ago, Idaho saw much more volcanic activity than it does today. The latest installment of Wanna Know Idaho imagines a Gem State covered in lava-spewing volcanoes.
Mar 18, 2019
11 min
What Was The Treasure Valley Like When There Was Volcanic Activity?
Mar 1, 2019
10 min
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