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PODCAST · business

Secret's Out Idaho

by Ervina Covcic

Think Idaho is all cows and potatoes? Ok, we might have a lot of those, but you might be surprised by the stories you can find here. Each week we'll bring you real conversations with real Southern Idahoans—from Olympians, food scientists, small business owners, and yes, maybe even a potato farmer. Get in on the secret before it's out—tune in every week to hear what makes Southern Idaho such a unique hidden gem.Music: https://www.bensound.com

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 5, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. 13. 12 Cool Things to Give: Money

    Nothing beats monetary donations to aid your favorite Southern Idaho non-profits. Learn why $1 can go further than just a small donation and how to support the United Way of South Central Idaho and other non-profits around the Magic Valley. Follow us on social so you never miss an episode!…

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  2. 12. 12 Cool Things to Give: Pillows

    Did you know foster children often only take one item with them to transition between homes? Pillows become a sense of stability and are often considered a luxury item. Listen to learn why new pillows are a great item to donate! Sleep in Heavenly Peace - shpbeds.org Humane Society -...

  3. Why We Give

    In this special episode of Secret's Out Idaho, we talk with United Way of South Central Idaho about the amazing work they do to create lasting change in our community. We also talk with local companies like Clif Bar to food pantries like Martha and Mary's Food Pantry to discover how it's all the...

  4. 12 Cool Things to Give: Time

    Your time is one of the most valuable things you can give. How valuable? One hour of your time is $25 to a non-profit! Whether you're an individual or employer, learn where and how to be a changemaker in your community. Sleep in Heavenly Peace - shpbeds.org Humane Society -...

  5. 12 Cool Things to Give: Gas/Gift Cards

    Consider donating gift cards, including gas cards, to local non-profits that will help our local families the most. With these gift cards, homeless shelters, food pantries, hosptials and other non-profits can purchase the items they need when they need them and help those in need get to work, the...

  6. 12 Cool Things to Give: Hygiene Kits

    The most basic care necessities are often hard to come by for struggling families and they are some of the most needed items. From kids going to school to people going in for a job interview, items like deodorant, hair ties & combs, feminine products, dental care, razors, nail clippers and...

  7. 12 Cool Things to Give: Hotel Vouchers

    Hotel vouchers are an essential donation for people in crisis situations. These vouchers can provide organizations the ability to serve the homeless, cancer patients and their families, displaced domestic violence victims, refugees, foster kids or others in need. Learn how community members…

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  8. 12 Cool Things to Give: Laundry Detergent

    Laundry detergent is a vital household item that can often be too expensive to afford for families big and small. Listen in to hear from Sonya Haines of United Way of South Central Idaho on why laundry detergent should be on your donation list. Follow us on social so you never miss an episode!...

  9. 12 Cool Things to Give: School Supplies

    Needed all year long (not just in August & September!), sketchbooks, wooden pencils, tissues and more can help students AND teachers make it through the school year. Check out what supplies you can give and why it's so important to donate throughout the year. Follow us on social so you never miss...

  10. 12 Cool Things to Give: Lice Kits

    Lice infestations do not discriminate. Lice kits provide schools with a cure to keep students from falling behind but can be pricey for schools or food pantries to provide. Sonya Haines from United Way of South Central Idaho shares why this item is a huge help for schools and food pantries.…

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  11. 35. The Rainbow Elephant in the Room

    He sold potatoes. He wrote a book. And he owns his own successful marketing company. Idaho native and owner of Nifty Marketing, Mike Ramsey, shares his experience growing up in a non-traditional family, his best small business tips and why he chose to start a company in Burley, Idaho. More about...

  12. 34. Letting Go

    Would you ever climb to 21 feet and let go? Don Campbell has—and in this week's episode, he talks all about what it took to open the world-class Gemstone Climbing Center in downtown Twin Falls, what makes rock climbing the ultimate sport, and his love for fish farming. Find out more about…

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  13. 12 Cool Things to Give: Unique Food

    Did you know peanut butter, honey, canned meat, snack packs and chunky soup are the most needed food donations? And don't forget the can opener! Listen to this month's episode with Sonya Haines from United Way of South Central Idaho to learn more. Follow us on social so you never miss an episode!...

  14. 33. Magic Valley Mamas

    Why is camping better in Idaho? What's it like to run an ultramarathon? Is it normal to cry during hot yoga? Sami Ashenbrener – Idaho native, physical therapist, yoga instructor and mom – has the answers on our latest episode, plus the best kid-friendly activities here and what brought her back…

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  15. 32. The Great Idaho Myth

    Is Idaho just a government conspiracy? It's what this week's guest thought before she found her dream job in Southern Idaho. As Southern Idaho Tourism's social media coordinator, Sarah Rohrbach has firsthand tips to find the best secret spots and how to make friends in a small town. Visit…

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  16. 31. Finding Adventure and Community

    "Life feels more like an adventure here." This week's episode we chat with Sammi Sanchez, College of Southern Idaho student body president, on why she chose Twin Falls over Boise, her time on the diversity council and why community colleges like CSI are the best place to get your start. Learn…

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  17. 30. Love, Garbage, and Renewable Energy

    Josh Bartlome from Southern Idaho Solid Waste talks all about the unexpected energy source sitting in your garbage can, how we're reducing our regional footprint AND his surprising love story. Visit Southern Idaho Solid Waste online: sisw.org/about.html Experience the Southern Idaho lifestyle:...

  18. 12 Cool Things to Give: Books

    Education and fairytales found in donated books provide hope and imagination for people of all ages. Sonya Haines from United Way of South Central Idaho goes into detail about what books to give and who benefits from them. Follow us on social so you never miss an episode! Facebook -...

  19. 29. The Key to Happiness

    Where can you find the key to happiness? Rupert, Idaho. This beautiful small town is home to one of Idaho's best-hidden gems: The Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center. Whether you're looking to give back or for a piece of small-town life, hear from humanitarian Becky Schow on why Rupert should…

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  20. 28. Discovering Southern Idaho's Backroad Treasures

    There's more than meets the eye in Southern Idaho and this week's guests wrote the book on it (literally). They talk all about their book "Discovering Idaho's Scenic Drives and Backroad Treasures" and why taking the road less traveled will help you find the best-hidden gems of Southern Idaho. Buy...

  21. 27. Going Underground

    Volcanos, deep canyons, ice caves and waterfalls? Author, geology professor and outdoor enthusiast Shawn Willsey shares some of the unknown secrets of the region's landscape—including possible future volcanic eruptions—his favorite rock climbing spots, and why Southern Idaho is a geological…

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  22. 26. Building Community

    Building a community isn't easy, and Jonathan Spendlove does it every day. On this week's episode, he shares how YOU can shape your own city, the best parts of living here, and why he made the move to Southern Idaho. Experience the Southern Idaho lifestyle: southernidaho.org/lifestyle Explore...

  23. 12 Cool Things to Give: Pet Food

    The fur babies are along for the ride! In this episode, we share why it's important to donate your favorite pet food so even they don't go hungry. Follow us on social so you never miss an episode! Facebook - facebook.com/SouthernIdahoED Twitter - twitter.com/SouthernIdahoED Instagram –...

  24. 25. A Lifetime of Adventure

    Antarctica? Hawaii? Iceland? Southern Idaho? This week's guest has explored some of the most beautiful places in the world. Listen to hear why Gary Deitrick (city councilman, veteran, and outdoorsman) says there's no better place to live than Southern Idaho. Experience the Southern Idaho…

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  25. 24. Horses, Healing, and the Silver Lining

    This week we talked with three generations of cowboys and entrepreneurs. Hear from the Young family on their history in the rodeo, the business of healing animals and why "there's nothing like Idaho." Learn more about Silver Lining Herbs: silverliningherbs.com Experience the Southern Idaho...

  26. 23. The Magic of Miracle Hot Springs

    The healing power of natural mineral hot springs is a medical marvel and why this week's guest, Jane Olsen, says her grandfather created Miracle Hot Springs over 60 years ago. Listen to hear how Miracle Hot Springs got its start (alligators included), what's so magical about the Hagerman Valley,...

  27. 22. Giving Back

    A passion for helping others brought this local business leader, community service advocate and life of the party back to Twin Falls, ID. In this week's episode, Mark Hansen shares his favorite local events, ways to give back and places to explore in Southern Idaho—with plenty of great places to...

  28. 21. When Life Gives You Potatoes

    "Life's never given me lemons, but life did bring me to Idaho and gave me potatoes." On this week's episode, we'll hear the second half of Liyah Babayan's story- about how she's rebuilding her life through entrepreneurship (including potatoes), community and friendship in Twin Falls, Idaho....

  29. 20. Finding the American Dream

    Liyah Babayan and her family escaped genocide and became refugees in Twin Falls, Idaho. Hear her share her journey to achieving the American dream and becoming an author and entrepreneur in this two-part episode. Purchase Liyah's book, Liminal: a refugee memoir -...

  30. 19. Living the Bucket List Life

    On this week's episode, we're going to add a few things to your Idaho bucket list. As Idaho's biggest fan and owner of Idaho Bucket List, Monica McCue shares her favorite adventures, events, places to eat and so much more. Experience the Southern Idaho lifestyle: southernidaho.org/lifestyle…

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  31. 18. Going AWOL

    Scuba dive in the desert? Go 45 miles an hour on a zip line across the Snake River Canyon? Yeah, you can do that in Southern Idaho. We'll learn about all that and more unique adventures in Southern Idaho when we talk to Paul Melni, owner of AWOL Adventure Sports. Experience the Southern Idaho...

  32. 17. Chasing Gold

    She ran her first marathon… and then qualified for the Olympics. Check out this week's episode with Lindsey Anderson, Olympian, and College of Southern Idaho Head Track Coach. She gives us tips on being a great runner and a sneak peek into some of her favorite places in Southern Idaho. This…

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  33. 16. Famous Potatoes

    What makes Idaho potatoes so famous? We brought in a 3rd generation potato farmer who might know a thing or two about Idaho potatoes. In this week's episode, hear from Greg Hirai on the secret ingredients that make them so great and what brought him back to the Magic Valley. Experience the…

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  34. 15. #NoExcuses

    Guest: Makenzie "Mak" Ellsworth, Wellness Program Coordinator, professor, and health coach Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development Makenzie Ellsworth is a professor, health coach and wellness coordinator whose life motto is #NoExcuses. Hear how she overcame obstacles to...

  35. 14. Reaching the Summit

    He became paralyzed from the neck down after a car accident. He went on to not only walk again but climb Idaho's highest peak: Mount Borah. Hear the inspiring story of Dr. John Meyers about his journey of becoming a doctor and moving out west, and why there's no other place he'd rather live....

  36. 13. Love, Friendship, and Ax Throwing

    To kick off season 2, we brought in a couple of family friends (Luke and Heidi Mickelson, Nancie Matthews) to talk about how they help give kids across the world a place to sleep every night. Listen to learn how Sleep in Heavenly Peace started as a small local charity to become a worldwide effort...

  37. 12: A Gold Medal Winning Flop

    Few people can say they've made it to the Olympics, let alone win gold and change the way their sport is played forever. This week's episode we hear from Dick Fosbury, 1968 High Jump Gold Medalist and creator of the signature move the "Fosbury Flop." Listen in to hear how he overcame challenges…

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  38. 11. At Home on the Camas Prairie

    Camas County, Idaho is truly a hidden gem. From its natural beauty, the world-class restaurants and tight-knit community, 4th generation farmer and county commissioner Travis Kramer gave us a preview of Southern Idaho's Camas County. In the latest episode, hear what it was like to grow up in town...

  39. 10. Gateway to Adventure

    We talked with Idaho state park expert David Langhorst all about the wild, historic and diverse landscapes to explore in our region. In this week's episode, get the best-kept secrets and tips to make any trip to Southern Idaho an adventure. Explore Southern Idaho's state parks:...

  40. 9. Jake Weimer-Living the Motocross Dream

    Jake Weimer's childhood dream was to become a motocross champion. After competing on Team USA and 13 years of motocross racing, find out why Jake made his way back home to Rupert, Idaho. Experience the Southern Idaho lifestyle: southernidaho.org/lifestyle Explore career opportunities in Southern...

  41. 8. Growing Up Off- the-Grid in Idaho's Wilderness

    This Pennsylvania native moved out west in a school bus turned camper and grew up living off the grid in rural Idaho. Listen to hear how Sonya Haines' unique experiences led her to a life of giving back with the United Way of South Central Idaho. Learn more about the United Way of South Central...

  42. 7. Life on the Edge with Red Bull Athlete Miles Daisher

    Miles Daisher has BASE jumped more than 4,600 times (and holds the world record for the most unassisted BASE jumps in 24 hours). Why does this Red Bull Air Force athlete, professional BASE jumper and adrenaline junky call Southern Idaho home? From the waterfalls to the Perrine Bridge, hear why he...

  43. 6. The Bearded Barber

    An anonymous act of kindness caused local barbershop owner Stan Sorenson to pay it forward every day. From its overwhelming generosity, growing diversity and unique beauty, Stan shares why he's found a home and community in Southern Idaho. Find The Barber Shop at Gehrig, Dale & Co. on Facebook:...

  44. 5. A Millennial Cowboy

    What's it take to be a modern-day cowboy? Professional bare-back rider Kash Wilson shows us the ropes on growing up on a farm in Gooding, Idaho and his life on the professional rodeo circuit. Learn more about the Gooding Pro Rodeo, an award-winning event held every August: goodingprorodeo.com...

  45. 4. A Life of Service

    When U.S. Navy veteran Ashley Taylor isn't busy being a full-time mom, full-time nursing student and veteran advocate, you can find her on the Snake River kayaking, paddle boarding and white water rafting. In today's episode, you'll find out why she likes being "right in the middle of the action"...

  46. 3. A Ski Bum Renaissance in Sun Valley Idaho

    He's a hostel owner, filmmaker, musician, entrepreneur, podcaster, snowboarder and all around Renaissance man. We caught up with Mark Oliver, native of Sun Valley, Idaho, to hear what inspired him to bring back the "ski bum" culture to this Southern Idaho resort town and why he says he's lucky to...

  47. 2. Adventures in Food Science

    Grab a snack before you hit play—this week's episode is all about food! Have you ever wondered how Chobani invents new yogurt flavors and innovations? Chobani food scientist Porter Long stopped by to tell us all about it! In today's episode, Porter takes us on a tour of his favorite local...

  48. 1: Starting a Small Business in Twin Falls Idaho

    What makes someone move from Salt Lake City to set up shop in Twin Falls, Idaho? Shane Cook joins Secret's Out Idaho to share his experience opening his first business in Twin Falls (and now a new brewery!), what it was like for him to see a downtown come alive again and why he made the move from…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Think Idaho is all cows and potatoes? Ok, we might have a lot of those, but you might be surprised by the stories you can find here. Each week we'll bring you real conversations with real Southern Idahoans—from Olympians, food scientists, small business owners, and yes, maybe even a potato farmer. Get in on the secret before it's out—tune in every week to hear what makes Southern Idaho such a unique hidden gem.Music: https://www.bensound.com

HOSTED BY

Ervina Covcic

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Secret's Out Idaho have?

Secret's Out Idaho currently has 48 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Secret's Out Idaho about?

Think Idaho is all cows and potatoes? Ok, we might have a lot of those, but you might be surprised by the stories you can find here. Each week we'll bring you real conversations with real Southern Idahoans—from Olympians, food scientists, small business owners, and yes, maybe even a potato farmer....

How often does Secret's Out Idaho release new episodes?

Secret's Out Idaho has 48 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Secret's Out Idaho?

You can listen to Secret's Out Idaho on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Secret's Out Idaho?

Secret's Out Idaho is created and hosted by Ervina Covcic.
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