Idaho EdNews Podcasts

Episode 8: A minority report, from Rep. Ilana Rubel

On last week’s podcast, you heard from Gov. Brad Little, as he summed up the record-setting 2021 legislative session. For a counterpoint, Kevin Richert sits down this week with House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise. They talk about the session’s big education debates — including the failed federal early education grant bill, and the higher…

Episode 7: A conversation with Gov. Brad Little

Hear what the governor has to say about the wild and record-setting 2021 session, the challenging and turbulent 2020-21 school year, and more.

Episode 6: Transition and turbulence in West Ada

Kevin Richert interviews outgoing Superintendent Mary Ann Ranells about the challenges of the past year — and the issues facing West Ada in the future.

Episode 5: The 2021 Legislature seems different. Is it?

It’s already one of the longest legislative sessions in Idaho history. But does this 2021 legislative session reflect a substantive change in ideology and tone? To explore this question — and the policy implications — Kevin Richert interviews Rod Gramer, the CEO of Idaho Business for Education and a longtime observer of Statehouse politics. Idaho…

Episode 4: What we learned about mental health issues in schools

The coronavirus pandemic intensified the need for mental health services in schools — and put a spotty support network under a stress test. In a recent five-part series, Idaho Education News reporter Sami Edge took a close look at the challenges, some success stories — and the human face of this important issue. She joins…

Episode 3: Coronavirus and classrooms, a conversation with Dr. David Pate

Thirteen months into the coronavirus pandemic, is Idaho on the verge of another surge? As new variants creep into Idaho, is face-to-face instruction safe? What about spring sports and graduation ceremonies? To get some answers, Kevin Richert interviews Dr. David Pate. The former CEO of the St. Luke’s Health System, Pate sits on Gov. Brad…

Episode 2: The pandemic exposes issues of equity

The coronavirus pandemic did not necessarily create issues of equity. But it did expose equity issues — in education and health care. In this week’s podcast, Kevin Richert interviews Melissa Davlin from Idaho Public Television’s “Idaho Reports” on equity, and how it plays into debates unfolding at the Statehouse. Idaho Education News · Kevin’s…

Episode 1: A legislative preview (the post-recess edition)

The Legislature returns Tuesday, after a Statehouse coronavirus outbreak forced an unprecedented 18-day recess. This week, Kevin Richert interviews Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder, R-Boise, about pandemic protocols, and the long list of education bills still on lawmakers’ agenda. Idaho Education News · Kevin’s Podcast Episode 1