Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The City Club of Idaho Falls

Building Community Through Philanthropy with Mary Lynn Hartwell

At the City Club of Idaho Falls Annual Meeting, Mary Lynn Hartwell, recipient of the 2026 John D. Hansen Award, reflected on a lifetime of service, leadership, and philanthropy in Eastern Idaho.

Drawing on her experiences with United Way, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Idaho Falls Arts Council, and countless community initiatives, Mary Lynn shared how lasting change happens when neighbors come together to solve shared problems. She emphasized that philanthropy is more than charitable giving—it's about building relationships, creating opportunities, and investing in future generations.

Throughout the evening, Mary Lynn inspired us by highlighting the power of ordinary people working together, reminding attendees that community is built "neighbor by neighbor, gift by gift, yes by yes."

Idaho’s Primary Election Process & Participation
Featuring Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane

What drives voter participation in Idaho? How secure are our elections? And how is outside money shaping Idaho’s political landscape?

At City Club of Idaho Falls, Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane delivered a data-driven look at Idaho’s primary election system, voter turnout trends, election security, campaign finance, and the growing influence of political spending in state races.

McGrane emphasized the importance of voter participation, transparency, and public trust in Idaho’s election process — reminding attendees that even a handful of votes can shape Idaho’s future.

Please use voteidaho.gov to find

In this City Club of Idaho Falls forum, veteran statehouse reporters Kevin Richert (Idaho Education News) and Clark Corbin (Idaho Capital Sun) break down the 2026 Idaho legislative session—one defined by deep budget cuts, intense policy debates, and a shifting political climate.

Corbin opens with a clear takeaway: this was a “budget-driven session,” shaped by years of tax cuts and new fiscal pressures that forced lawmakers into difficult decisions. He describes across-the-board reductions to state agencies and concerns about transparency, with one legislator likening the approach to “taking a chainsaw to the state budget.”

Richert echoes the intensity, calling the session “unrelenting,” as lawmakers revisited and reshaped policy proposals again and again. From education funding changes to the future of programs like the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, he highlights how many decisions are only beginning to take shape—and how their real impact will be felt in the months ahead.

Together, the two offer not just a recap, but a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions were made, the challenges lawmakers faced, and what Idahoans should be watching next as new laws and budget cuts are put into action.

The City Club of Idaho Falls forum, “When Cuts Cost More,” highlighted the growing strain on Idaho’s mental health and crisis response systems following Medicaid and program cuts. Sheriff Sam Hulse and DeVere Hunt emphasized how reduced services—especially peer support and regional behavioral health coordination—are increasing pressure on law enforcement, jails, and emergency departments. They underscored the importance of community-based crisis centers, collaboration, and continued advocacy to prevent vulnerable individuals from falling into cycles of crisis and incarceration.

Rethinking Education for a Changing Economy

Description:

At a recent City Club of Idaho Falls forum, Senator Dave Lent explored how Idaho’s education system must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

Drawing on history, economic trends, and his own experience growing up in eastern Idaho and working at the Idaho National Laboratory, Senator Lent discussed how today’s public education system was largely designed more than a century ago to serve an industrial economy. In contrast, today’s students are entering a world shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, and a knowledge-based economy.

During the presentation, Lent asked participants to reflect on three key questions:
• What is the purpose of public education today?
• How can trust in public education be rebuilt?
• How can business and industry play a stronger role in preparing students for the workforce?

The discussion highlighted how Idaho’s schools are performing well relative to national averages despite receiving significantly less funding than many other states. Lent emphasized the need to move beyond rigid systems built around seat time and standardized testing toward more flexible approaches that focus on skills, outcomes, and workforce readiness.

He also explored emerging ideas such as competency-based learning, stronger collaboration with industry, and community school models that connect education with healthcare, social services, and local needs.

The conversation ultimately focused on a central question facing educators, policymakers, and communities alike:

What should Idaho’s education system look like 20 years from now—and how do we begin building it today?

Click here for Slides from the presentation: https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

In this City Club of Idaho Falls forum, journalist and podcast host Heath Druzin explores how Christian nationalism is shaping politics in Idaho and across the United States. Drawing from his reporting for the podcast Extremely American, Druzin defines Christian nationalism as a political movement seeking an explicitly Christian form of government, distinct from personal faith or patriotism.

He discusses the growing influence of Moscow, Idaho pastor Doug Wilson and Christ Church, including their national footprint through classical Christian schools and political organizing. Druzin also highlights key ideological themes within the movement, including patriarchy, distrust of democracy, and opposition to pluralism.

The conversation examines how extremism affects civil discourse and why open, informed dialogue is essential during polarized times.

What happens when doctors must consult lawyers before treating patients?
In this compelling City Club forum, Bingham Memorial Hospital CEO Jake Erickson and OB-GYN Dr. Heather Pugmire explain how Idaho’s healthcare system is being reshaped by physician shortages, hospital closures, and growing uncertainty in medical decision-making. Their conversation offers a rare, firsthand look at how policy, access to care, and trust intersect—and what it means for Idaho families and communities. We hope everyone will listen and share it with others.

Some quotesDr. Heather Pugmire

“Pregnancy is a dangerous medical condition by itself, and every case is different. You cannot practice medicine with a one-size-fits-all rule.”

“I came to Idaho because doctors here didn’t do elective abortions. I never imagined the law would make it harder to care for women whose pregnancies were not survivable.”

“Patients are now afraid to talk to their doctors, so they turn to the internet instead—and that should concern all of us.”

Jake Erickson

“Physicians are the atom of the healthcare industry. Without physicians, we don’t have hospitals, emergency rooms, or care in our communities.”

“When we say we’re in Idaho, many recruiters simply say ‘no thanks’ and move on.”

December’s City Club of Idaho Falls Forum featured Todd Achilles, former Idaho legislator, U.S. Army veteran, and Independent candidate for the U.S. Senate. In this wide-ranging conversation, Achilles discussed his call for greater political cooperation, his concerns about economic concentration, and his belief that independence in Congress can help restore trust in American institutions. He also shared personal stories from his military service, experiences in the tech sector, and insights from traveling to all 44 Idaho counties.

“If we can elect a few independents, we can deny a majority to either party — and nothing happens in the Senate unless the independents approve it.” Moderated by Dr. David Adler, this program offers voters a closer look at Achilles’ views on governance, bipartisanship, economic fairness, national leadership, and the future of American democracy.

November 13th's forum on Migrant Labor and Idaho's Economy. We had Zak Miller CEO of Farm Bureau, Rick Naerebout, CEO of Idaho Dairymen, and a recorded message from Rep. Mike Simpson.

Idaho agriculture depends on a workforce few people ever see — and even fewer understand.
In this City Club forum, industry leaders break down the data, the challenges, and the policy realities behind Idaho’s reliance on migrant labor.

“These workers are part of the backbone of Idaho’s food economy,” noted panelist Zak Miller. “Without them, production simply doesn’t happen.”

A must-listen for anyone who cares about Idaho’s agriculture and economic stability.

Here is the slides that go along with the program.https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

Dr. Wagner shared his vision for "Creating Access and Impact Through Opportunity and Collaboration," emphasizing the importance of partnerships, adaptability, and innovation in higher education. ​

He highlighted ISU's commitment to serving diverse student populations, fostering community impact, and addressing workforce needs through strategic initiatives like enrollment growth, academic excellence, and health science leadership. Dr. Wagner also celebrated ISU's recent achievements, including a 5.3% enrollment increase, improved retention rates, and expanded partnerships across the state. ​

Key Highlights:

•Vision for Higher Education: Emphasized the importance ofcollaboration, adaptability, and innovation to create access and impact.

•ISU's Strategic Focus Areas: 

Enrollment growth and student success.

Academic and research excellence.Enhancing physical infrastructure.

Building external partnerships.

Investing in people and leadership development.

•Recent Achievements:

5.3% enrollment increase—the largest incoming class since2011.

Improved retention rates, reaching a record 74%.

Expanded partnerships with institutions like INL, CEI, andICOM.

•Health Science Leadership: Reinforced ISU's role as Idaho'sleader in health sciences with 50+ programs and statewide clinics.

•Nuclear Workforce Development: Highlighted ISU's uniquenuclear-related programs, from associate degrees to Ph.D.'s, preparing Idaho for future workforce needs.

•Commitment to Nontraditional Students: Advocated forflexible pathways like certificates, stackable credentials, and streamlined 90-credit BAS degrees.

•Focus on Community Impact: Stressed accountability,transparency, and the importance of demonstrating value to taxpayers and the state.

Listen to the full speech on Spotify to hear Dr. Wagner'sinspiring vision for Idaho State University and its role in shaping Idaho's future!

The Idaho Falls City Club kicked off its 18th season with a compelling forum titled “When the Funding Fades: Public Broadcasting’s Future,” featuring Jamon Anderson, General Manager and Director of Programming at KISU-FM. The forum, held on September 18, 2025, addressed urgent funding challenges facing local public radio stations after recent federal funding cuts and highlighted essential roles these stations play in communities across Idaho.

Jamon Anderson, who has led KISU-FM for six years and brings over two decades of experience in public radio, detailed how the cancellation of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s (CPB) congressional funding is affecting programming, operations, and local service. Anderson shared his journey from student volunteer to station manager, emphasizing KISU-FM's commitment to quality news, educational content, and professional development for Idaho State University students.

The forum provided an in-depth look at:

• The impact and scale of federal funding cuts on rural and tribal stations, including KISU-FM, Boise State Public Radio, KIYE in Lapwai, and Idaho Public Television.

• The role of CPB grants in sustaining local news, emergency alerts, national programming (including NPR and BBC content), and free public service announcements for nonprofits and schools.

• KISU-FM’s funding structure, including heavy reliance on ASISU student government support, and the pressing need to replace over $130,000 in lost CPB grant revenue.

• The importance of transparency, diversity, and mission-driven service, with Anderson stressing the station’s dual goal of public enrichment and student professional experience.

• The future of public media in an era of political division and changing federal policy, and the need for community backing, business partnerships, and sustainable local fundraising.

Jamon Anderson invited community members to help sustain local public radio by supporting KISU-FM through donations and underwriting and called for partnerships across Idaho’s public media sector.

Slide for this program are here. https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

At the City Club of Idaho Falls’ Annual Membership Meeting, Dr. Rick Aman delivered a thoughtful and forward-looking presentation on the concepts of Futuring and Ikigai. Drawing from his decades of leadership in education, Dr. Aman encouraged organizations to look beyond traditional strategic planning and instead envision their preferred future—one shaped by resilience, adaptability, and clarity of purpose. He introduced the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which invites individuals and institutions to reflect on what they love, what they’re good at, what their community needs, and what they can be compensated for. With humor and humility, Dr. Aman reflected on his own journey and emphasized the importance of purpose-driven planning to ensure lasting impact and relevance in a rapidly changing world.

We hope you enjoy. Here is the link to his slides.

https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

Keith Esplin and Roger Warner of The Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coalition spoke to the City Club audience on Thursday about water in Idaho. This timely panel will offered a deep dive into how water rights, groundwater use, and recharge efforts have shaped agriculture, industry, and community development across the region. The program also examined the recent 2024 Stipulated Agreement and what it means for future water use and conservation in Idaho. Enjoy the Listen. The Slides that Roger used during his presentation are available on our website @ https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

We hope you enjoy the Conversion we had with Wendy and Dave.Tune in to the 2025 Legislative Recap! Hear key insights on school choice, healthcare, and more.

Jenny Davidson delivered a powerful presentation on the vital role of community libraries. More than just buildings, libraries serve as meeting spaces for veterans and civic groups, provide internet access for those without it, and offer a place for seniors to gather when community centers are unavailable. They are hubs for learning, hosting programs and seminars that enrich our communities. Literacy matters, and so do our libraries. These spaces are invaluable, ensuring access to knowledge, connection, and opportunity for all.

On Dec. 19, The City Club of Idaho Falls hosted Representative Wendy Horman and Rod Gramer for a debate on the legislation she is proposing giving tax credits for parents who choose private or homeschooling for their children. Gramer argued that the proposal is comparable to school vouchers and could impose additional financial strain on public schools, which the state supreme court has already deemed underfunded. It was a fascinating and insightful discussion, highlighting the complexities and implications of education policy.

Enjoy!

The City Club of Idaho Falls extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lori Barber, President of CEI, for her inspiring presentation. She shared her journey to CEI and her vision for the college, highlighting its invaluable contributions to our community. We appreciate her time and the great audience who came out to listen and support her! We hope you enjoy listening to this podcast.

Dr. Farnsworth, President of the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) in Boise, gave a fantastic presentation, sharing insights on Idaho’s efforts to educate doctors, strategies to retain them, and the factors contributing to their departure. It was a fascinating and informative program, and we hope you enjoy listening! Click here if you would like to see a slide show of his presentation.

On Sept 19th City Club hosted Adrian Gallo, Climate Program Manager at the Idaho Conservation League. Adrian has a degree in soil science and geology. He had a lot of really great insights on the energy and conservation issues facing us today. A few things he pointed to was: • Brief overview of modern environmental policy success stories. • Current status of our climate, energy, and environmental ecosystems. • The need for investing in new clean energy projects to keep our planet and people healthy. • What will putting an end to pollution look like for us?

We hope you enjoy listening. There is also a link to his slideshow.

https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

City Club's annual evening meeting was held June 26th. Idaho State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Debbie Critchfield, spoke to our audience on her vision for public schools. She was very well spoken and gave a great presentation. We hope you enjoy listening for the first time or relistening.

Stephanie gave an insightful presentation on Idaho's water crisis on Thursday, May 16th. Her expertise and resources provided valuable perspectives, and she adeptly addressed the numerous questions from our well-attended meeting. we hope you enjoy this podcast of the meeting. The slides should be available here on our website.

How much thought have you given the old & renewed areas of downtown Idaho Falls? Do you want a more walkable city? Do you know how urban renewal and development works?

Lee Radford, Chair of the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency, gave an enlightening presentation on Urban Development. His insightful program showcased the dedication and planning efforts of the Redevelopment Agency for the local community. Through engaging visuals, Lee provided a historical perspective on their impactful work. Take the time to listen to this great program.

Here is the link to his visuals https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

The City Club was privileged to host Dr. Ken Krell on Thursday, March 28th, as he delivered a compelling presentation on the impacts of Long COVID. His program provided valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives. While Dr. Krell's speech stands on its own merit, a PowerPoint presentation is also available, link below, containing supplementary information for those interested. We trust you will find the discussion enlightening and informative.

Go to this link for the Dr. Krells slideshow. https://ifcityclub.com/slides/

On February 22nd, the Idaho Secretary of State, Phil McGrane, addressed the City Club audience on the topic of Election Integrity. During this event, he unveiled the newly launched IdahoVotes.gov website. As you listen to this podcast, please note that the Secretary of State references this website during his presentation, offering a live demonstration rather than a traditional PowerPoint. This update marks a significant enhancement in accessibility and transparency. Phil McGrane, our distinguished guest, captivated the audience with his expertise, ensuring an engaging and informative session. We encourage you to tune in and appreciate the valuable insights shared.

Youseff Ballout is the Director at INL of Reactor System Design and Analysis Division. He gave a very good presentation on the ins and outs and whys of using Nuclear reactors. It was educational and fascinating.

At this link are the slides that he presented in his speech. It doesn't include the video. That is the blank slide.

https://www.ifcityclub.com/past-events-slides/

Idaho Courts: Can They Remain Independent and Impartial in a Hyper-Partisan Era?

• Has the judiciary come to be regarded as a third political branch of government?
• Should judges be selected based on political affiliation and positions taken on issues likely to come before them?
• Does civic education provided by schools and the media adequately inform the public about the judicial process and reasons for judicial decisions?
• If there is a civic education deficit, what can citizens do about it?

On Thursday Oct 26th in the Bennion Student Union at the ISU campus in Idaho Falls at Noon, The City Club of Idaho Falls hosted the candidates for Idaho Falls City Council. John Radford, Dawna Howard, Kirk Larsen, Barbara Miller and Michelle Ziel-Dingman. They were given the chance to give an opening statement on their platform, we had time for 3 broad generalized questions and then gave their closing statements. It was a very informative program for those who will be Idaho Falls voters in the upcoming election. Our goal is to help you be more informed and encourage people to use their right to vote!

Luke Mayville presented the case for "Idahoans for Open Primaries" for the City Club audience on Oct 19th. Its a hot topic in Idaho right now. If you are interested in finding out more click in and have a listen. The first 1/2 hour is Luke presenting his side, and the second 1/2 is Dr. David Adler presenting audience questions to Luke as he answers. It was a very interesting meeting, many questions were asked and answered.

Karole Honas moderated the discussion with Brenda Stanley, Kris Millgate, Nathan Sunderland, Kade Atwood News Director KIFI, & Calvin Pike General Manager KIFI. Karole called Kade and Calvin out of the audience and they were kind enough to fill in for Jay Hildebrandt who got sick that morning. We had a wonderful panel discussion on how news has changed over the years and the effects of AI on news and what it could mean for the future of news in our world.

"Collaboration Across State Line for Common Success". Governors Cox and Little sat down with our Board Vice-President, Dana Kirkham, and had a great discussion on a variety of topics. Such as Growth, managing water resources, and education to name a few. Its definitely a program that is worth the listen. Thank you to Governor Brad Little and Governor Spencer Cox for visiting Idaho Falls and joining with City Club on our stage.

Water is a hot topic in Idaho and Mat Weaver did a wonderful job breaking in down for us at our meeting on May 18. We so appreciate his time and efforts in bringing this information to us. We hope you enjoy this recording. Here is the link to the slides so that you can see the data he is referring to in his presentation.

https://www.ifcityclub.com/media/5wkftchi/idwr_presentation_20230518.pdf

Really insightful and interesting meeting on the SVB impacts on our economy and community and what changes we might still see. We hope you will enjoy listening to this program. Here is the link to the PPP for Jeff Newgard on our website.

https://www.ifcityclub.com/past-events-slides/

Zach Tudor - Associate Laboratory Director, National and Homeland Security at Idaho National Laboratory spoke to City Club members and guest on the Cyber Threats facing our Nation Today and what the INL is helping to do about them. My favorite question was "What keeps you up at night?", and he said the better question is "What keeps me getting up in the morning?". He doesn't live his life in fear! This was a great speech and lots of fascinating information. We hope you enjoy it.

The link to the powerpoint presentation used in his speech is on our website at ifcityclub.com scroll down to "Miss an Event?" and click download slides. Remember the Listen button will always bring you here! https://www.ifcityclub.com/past-events-slides/

It was great to have Ty Blackford on our City Club stage. He did a great job of giving us an overview of the work the Idaho Environmental Coalition does and his experience after 32 years in the clean up industry. Such a great, informative program. Thanks Mr. Blackford for giving us your time and knowledge.

Excellent Program on the City Club stage by Bill Manny and Lauren Melink "Behind the Scenes of Idaho Public Television". They discussed the importance of supporting education, delivering unbiased news, the challenges of documenting Idaho history, and future directions for Idaho Public Television. They also talked about their roles with the popular program Outdoor Idaho.

https://www.kisu.org/2023-01-23/city-club-presents-behind-the-scenes-at-idaho-public-television or https://www.ifcityclub.com/ and at the city club website you can scroll to Miss an Event? and click on download and it'll take you to where you can get the links also.

Implications of the 2022 Elections in Idaho

Fascinating insight to candidate Tom Arkoosh and his positions in his run for Attorney General in the upcoming election on November 8th.

You can go to the City Club website to access the Powerpoint presentations. https://www.ifcityclub.com/past-events-slides/

Great insight as the honorable B. Lynn Winmill discussed the constitutional right of privacy in light of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization, 142 S. Ct. 2228 (2022).

Listen to Luke Mayville speak to the CIty Club members on his passion for Education in Idaho and the Quality Education Act that will be on the ballot this November.

"It's Time to Vote for Quality Education"

-Idaho ranks dead last of 50 states in funding for K-12 education. We're facing a crisis-level teacher shortage with teacher pay near the lowest in the nation. School districts are cutting traditional Idaho programs in welding, carpentry, and ag science.

-This November, voters will likely have a chance to vote for the Quality Education Act, a citizen initiative that would boost pay for teachers and invest in strong K-12 programs.

-The Quality Education Act is paid for without a penny of new taxes for any individual making under $250,000 or any married couple making under $500,000.

District 35, Wednesday April 27th

Senate:

Mark Harris (incumbent), Doug Toomer (challenger)

House Seat A

Kevin Andrus (incumbent), Jon Goode (challenger)

House Seat B:

Chad Christensen (incumbent), Josh Wheeler (challenger)

District 33, Tuesday April 26th

Senator:

Dave Lent (incumbent), Bryan Scholz (challenger) Declined Invite

House Seat A:

Barbara Ehardt (incumbent), Jeff Thompson (challenger)

District 32, Monday April 25th

Senator:

Kevin Cook (incumbent), Keith Newberry (challenger)

House Seat A (open seat):

Nicholas T. Christiansen (challenger), Stephanie Jo Mickelsen (challenger)

Dr. David Adler moderated the discussion between Incumbent Sherri Ybarra and challengers Branden Durst and Debbie Critchfield. Much was discussed in this 1.5 hour program. Per pupil spending, retaining teachers, Critical Race Theory, school choice among a few others. Come listen and get informed on making a choice in the upcoming Primary elections on May 17th. 

The evenings speakers were Jeff Carr and Karen Leibert, and this was the evenings talking points

"Analyzing Putin's invasion of Ukraine."

"What is Russia's Endgame?"

"What is the future of Russia's relations with the West?"

https://www.ifcityclub.com/past-events-slides/  -here are the respective slide shows you can look at while they are speaking.

Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden and challenger Raul Labrador displayed their differing visions for the office in a candidate Forum presented by the City Club of Idaho Falls.

Listen to Dr. Wagner update the community on:

Exciting Projects in Energy and Security

Net Zero – INL, a leader in the state and in the country

Workforce Opportunities

The Importance of Community Partnership.

The PowerPoint is available on the City Club website under slides.

Listen to January's forum on the updates and happenings at the Campus of the College of Eastern Idaho.

Captain Sam Hulse, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office

Theresa McKnight, CEO, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI)