The Ranch Podcast

Lori Wolff is the Administrator of Division of Financial Management for Gov. Little's office, which means she is intimately aware of what is in Gov. Little's proposed budget. There are pages of key points of the budget, but we spoke specifically today about the Labor market (a topic where Idaho leads the nation in many places) and about Law Enforcement. This was definitely the first of many conversations to unpack everything the Governor is asking for from us, the citizens. Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comInvesting in the labor force, in-demand jobs in Idaho, supporting law enforcement, reducing crime through workforce investment, Lori Wolff from Governor Little’s office, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, strengthening Idaho’s labor market, job training programs for in-demand careers, funding law enforcement initiatives, workforce development and public safety, Lori Wolff on workforce priorities, Matthew Todd on crime reduction strategies, investing in Idaho’s future workforce, law enforcement and economic growth, addressing labor shortages in Idaho, crime prevention through community investment, Lori Wolff on labor and law enforcement, Matthew Todd on workforce challenges, Idaho’s efforts to reduce crime, supporting skilled trades and careers, enhancing law enforcement effectiveness, Governor Little’s labor force initiatives, Lori Wolff on job creation, Matthew Todd on improving public safety, building a stronger Idaho workforce.

Melissa Wintrow is the District 19 Senator for and has been in the legislature for 10 years. She came in to speak about human rights issues in Idaho as they pertain to same sex marriage and discrimination based on sexual preference. This was an eye opener for me for many reasons, but specifically I did not know that it is 100% legal in the state of Idaho to fire someone from a job or evict them from a home based solely on the fact that the employee or tenant is a homosexual. This was very informative, to say the least.The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comHuman rights in Idaho, same-sex marriage rights, combating discrimination in Idaho, LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, Melissa Wintrow District 19 senator, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, discrimination based on sexual preference, Idaho’s stance on human rights, Melissa Wintrow on equality, Idaho Democratic priorities on human rights, fighting discrimination in Idaho, LGBTQ+ marriage equality in Idaho, legislative efforts for equality, Melissa Wintrow on same-sex marriage, human rights policies in Idaho, Idaho’s fight for LGBTQ+ rights, advancing equality through legislation, Melissa Wintrow on human rights advocacy, discrimination laws in Idaho, LGBTQ+ rights and legislation, promoting equality in Idaho, Melissa Wintrow on anti-discrimination efforts.

Steve Berch is the first democratic representative for District 15. He has historically sat on many committees, and when he came in we spoke extensively about taxation and school funding. He brought up considerations that I had never heard expressed about Idaho, like questioning the plan of borrowing to fund schools while cutting spending at the same time. Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comSchool funding in Idaho, property tax limits and education, Idaho Democratic priorities, Steve Berch District 15 representative, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, education funding challenges in Idaho, property tax reform for schools, Democratic perspectives on school funding, Steve Berch on education policy, Matthew Todd on property tax limits, Idaho school budget priorities, funding equity for Idaho schools, property tax relief and education, Democratic leadership on school funding, Steve Berch on tax reform, Matthew Todd on Idaho education challenges, balancing property taxes and public education, improving school funding in Idaho, legislative solutions for education funding, Idaho tax policy and schools, Steve Berch on Democratic education goals, Matthew Todd on tax reform for schools, Idaho property tax issues, funding priorities for Idaho schools, addressing education gaps in Idaho.

Justin Webb is the director of the Foundation For Wildlife Management (F4WM). He grew up in rural Idaho and has enjoyed everything Idaho has to offer, but he has fundamental concerns about the carrying capacity of the state and its natural resources as it relates to reintroduction of predators, specifically wolves. In order for hunters to enjoy a stable population of accessible big game, there needs to be an abundance of these animals, and Justin fears the data shows that not only has the wolf population eliminated the requisite abundance, but also that the wolves themselves are suffering because of inadequate food supplies, leading to problematic interactions with farmers and ranchers. I greatly enjoyed this conversation.The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comWolves in Idaho management, wolf overpopulation issues, carrying capacity for wolves in Idaho, elk predation by wolves, domestic livestock attacks by wolves, Justin Webb Foundation for Wildlife Management, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, Idaho wolf population control, impacts of wolves on elk herds, balancing predators and prey in Idaho, wolf management strategies, Justin Webb on wildlife management, Matthew Todd on wolf conservation, protecting livestock from wolves, wildlife carrying capacity in Idaho, reducing wolf predation on livestock, managing elk and wolf populations, Justin Webb on predator control, Idaho ranchers and wolf conflicts, wolf population impact on hunting, sustainable wolf management practices, Matthew Todd on predator-prey dynamics, mitigating wolf overpopulation effects, wildlife conservation and management in Idaho, Justin Webb on balancing wildlife ecosystems.

Steve Stuebner is an independent journalist and filmmaker who has worked with Idaho's Ranching and Farming communities for over a decade. He is the writer and producer of the Life on the Range series that was commissioned by the Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission. He was also awarded the Friend of the Industry award by the Idaho Wool Growers association in 2024 and has worked closely with many others to try to tell Idaho's story. Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.com

Jeff Raybould is the chairman of the Idaho Water Board, an eight member board directly appointed by the Governor. In the Governor’s there is a new, $30 million annual allotment to invest in our water resource. This includes things like recharge sites for our aquifers, more research on water quality, and research on addressing issues like Moscow’s failing aquifer and Mountain Home’s water scarcity. The water in this state is the lifeblood of not just our economy but also of our growth. Jeff does a great job explaining what the $30 million will go towards and why it’s necessary. Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comIdaho water shortage solutions, $30 million water budget proposal, investing in Idaho water resources, Jeff Raybould Idaho Water Board chairman, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, Idaho water board initiatives, addressing water scarcity in Idaho, water conservation strategies, Jeff Raybould on water management, Matthew Todd on Idaho’s water crisis, sustainable water resource investment, Idaho water infrastructure improvements, challenges of water allocation, Idaho water board budget proposal, water rights and management in Idaho, solutions for Idaho’s water issues, Jeff Raybould on state water policies, Matthew Todd on water sustainability, funding water conservation projects, Idaho agriculture and water resources, ensuring future water availability, Jeff Raybould on water resource planning, Matthew Todd on state water investments, managing Idaho’s water budget, Idaho water board and conservation strategies, protecting Idaho’s water supply.

Brandy Furiani is the Executive Director of the Eagle Chamber of Commerce. She started coming in to do ridiculously fun shows on The Ranch at the beginning of 2024, and we decided to kick 2025 off with a look back at all the fun we've had. 2025 surely has a lot of awesome in store with good food, good drinks, and good fun! Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.com

Lauren Necochea is a former legislator and head of the Democrat Party in Idaho. She came to speak with me about the democrat priorities for the session, and as we discussed property tax, we both realized we barely scratched the surface of what makes the party similar and unique. We’re already lined up for a second show at the end of the month. Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comIdaho Democrat Party leadership, property tax reform in Idaho, tax reform strategies, Lauren Necochea Idaho Democrat Party, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, Idaho tax policy debates, property tax relief solutions, Lauren Necochea on tax reform, Matthew Todd on Idaho's tax system, challenges in Idaho property taxes, Idaho Democrat Party initiatives, balancing taxes and public services, Lauren Necochea on economic policies, Matthew Todd on state tax reform, property tax burden on Idahoans, tax reform for economic growth, Idaho tax policy challenges, Democrat Party perspectives on taxes, property tax solutions for Idaho, Lauren Necochea on fair taxation, Matthew Todd on property tax issues, tax policy and housing affordability, Idaho Democrat Party and tax policy, reforming Idaho’s tax structure, public services funding in Idaho.

Chris Mathias is the District 19 Representative. He is working to shore up problems with public school safety, but on the prevention and response sides, as well as working towards tech safety in schools. We spoke about these issues as well as the concept that is gaining steam with funding private schools with public money as an alternative to public schools. If you’re watching education issues this legislative session, this one's for you!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comSchool safety strategies, technology in schools, school voucher funding system, Chris Mathias District 19 legislative representative, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, improving school safety measures, tech’s impact on education, school choice and voucher systems, Chris Mathias on education policies, Matthew Todd on school funding reform, balancing technology and safety in schools, legislative perspectives on school safety, school vouchers and public education, funding equity in education, Chris Mathias on school tech policies, Matthew Todd on educational priorities, integrating technology in classrooms safely, school funding challenges and solutions, public vs. private school vouchers, legislative action on school safety, education reform in Idaho, Chris Mathias on voucher systems, Matthew Todd on technology in schools, improving school infrastructure for safety, education policy and funding debates.

Alex Adams is the Director of Health and Welfare in the State of Idaho. He made it his immediate mission in the state to reduce the number of children needing foster care, increase the number of available foster care families, decrease the state’s tax dollars going to foster care needs, and increase the number of intact, thriving families. He is, amazingly, succeeding in all areas. There are many ways he is accomplishing this, like the state providing 8 weeks of paid leave for a new foster family, and hearing about his progress was a breath of fresh air. Enjoy!The Ranch Podcast Legislative Session episodes are supported by Truth In Media Foundation, a non-profit media organization committed to unbiased, Idaho focused media. www.theRanchPodcast.orgThe Ranch Podcast is the premier source for long format interviews and information in the Treasure Valley and great state of Idaho. The Boise area is home to many counties and ways of life. It’s also home to many law enforcement agencies, like Ada County and Canyon county Sheriff offices, Idaho State Police, Eagle Police Department, Meridian Police Department, and many more. The school systems in the area are also quite diverse. Boise school district and West Ada School District, though right next to each other, are quite different. Ada County is also home to our state capital and many of our elected officials. The Ranch Podcast is shot just north of Eagle, Idaho. If you’re interested in producing a podcast or need content of any kind, please feel free to reach out to Matt at Matt@MTUStudios.comFoster care system reform, supporting foster parents, decreasing state spending on foster care, reducing the need for foster care, increasing successful family outcomes, Alex Adams Idaho Health and Welfare director, Matthew Todd Ranch Podcast, improving foster care outcomes, foster care and family reunification, strategies to lower foster care placements, Alex Adams on foster care reform, Matthew Todd on family support policies, reducing state dependency on foster care, building stronger families in Idaho, supporting children in foster care, foster care success stories, family preservation programs, decreasing foster care caseloads, innovative solutions for child welfare, Idaho’s approach to foster care reform, Alex Adams on health and welfare strategies, Matthew Todd on child welfare issues, foster parent advocacy and resources, reducing foster care costs, increasing family stability and support, preventing children from entering foster care.