Show Spotlight: Idaho Speakeasy

Each week, Jared, Mike, and Phil talk with local movers and shakers in our community to learn about how people are helping move the needle in business and society here in the Treasure Valley. Full of humor and inquisitiveness, Idaho Speakeasy‘s hosts give the spotlight to individuals who are making a difference. You can catch Idaho Speakeasy every Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. or listen to shows at your convenience.

What issues are at the forefront of your thoughts these days?

Jared: Before we changed our show name to Idaho Speakeasy, it was Boise Real Estate Radio. [In that prior incarnation,] we focused on educating our listeners on what is happening in and around Boise in regards to real estate, growth and disseminating the facts. Idaho Speakeasy has a similar tone, but we focus more on uncovering the people, companies and nonprofits that make Boise great.

Mike: There are a lot of superheroes in our community, but many of them are working behind the scenes or outside of our view. Our goal with Idaho Speakeasy is to find those superheroes and share their stories with Radio Boise and our community.

Do you have a ritual surrounding your show? You know, a ritual meal or a certain artist you have to play?

Jared: Nope.

Mike: In effort to keep our interview authentic and real, we don’t have scripts or specific questions we ask our guests. Rather, we try to just have a conversation, which often leads to a more meaningful interview.
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How long have you been doing Idaho Speakeasy?

Mike: My wife, Amanda, had a show on Radio Boise when it was only streamed via computer. We knew that the station was getting ready to go over the airwaves, so we put together our pitch and the rest is history, as they say.

For those who may not be familiar with your show, how would you describe Idaho Speakeasy’s focus and tone?

Jared: Our sole purpose is to get inside the lives of Idaho entrepreneurs, creators, thought leaders, charitable founders, and local icons.

What other kinds of things do you do in your life?

Jared: Just the things most everyone else does. Work, kids/family – repeat.

Mike: The three of us run a real estate company called Front Street Brokers, and are co-founders in Impact Club Boise, where we help crowdfund money for local charitable organizations.

What is going on in the Treasure Valley that you’re excited about?

Mike: I’m excited how downtown keeps evolving. It’s been fun to see so many new business start-ups find success here in Boise. It’s very inspiring. Although, I’m not excited about how downtown growth has lead to significant parking issues. Lame.

What other shows do you listen to?

Jared: I try to catch a number of different shows throughout the week: the other public affairs shows, for sure; also, V3 with Gabe and Wayne, mainly to hear the hilarious banter.

Mike: I love how different each show is on Radio Boise. Every time I’m in my car it’s a different sound and experience. It’s one of the things that makes Radio Boise so awesome.

Why do you believe in volunteering for community radio is important?

Jared: It’s a great way to give back to our community. I think we all get caught up in the rat race of mainstream media; it’s refreshing to hear non-mainstream music, local content/news and ideas that we can truly connect with on a local level.

Mike: I think community radio stations really enrich a community. I had a community station in the town I grew up in and got to experience, first hand, how they impact a community.

What do you hope to see in the future with yourselves and Radio Boise?

Jared: I like that Radio Boise continues to evolve and have a larger impact in our community. Whatever will be coming down the pipe is going to be pure gold, I’m sure.

Mike: What Jared said.

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