PODCAST · news
The Big Tent
by KRBX and Boise State University
The Big Tent: a place for heavy news with a light touch, from public affairs experts. Each week, Boise State University professors Jaci Kettler, Charlie Hunt, Jen Schneider, Nisha Bellinger, and Luke Fowler get into the week's news, from Boise to beyond. Listen live every Thursday at 3:30 MT on KRBX 93.5 FM; stream live at radioboise.org; or listen later on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
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Graham Platner Withdrawl, SCOTUS, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci and Lori join us to discuss the circumstances around Graham Platner's U.S Senate withdrawl. They also discuss some interesting takeaways from this year's SCOTUS term. Last but not least, Top of Mind!
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SCOTUS on Campaign Finance Law, America 250, and Top of Mind
This week, Charlie, Jen and Jaci discuss the recent SCOTUS strike on campaign finance law. They also discuss celebrations and sentiment for America 250. Last but not least, Top of Mind!
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Bipartisan Housing Bill, Mamdani Endorsements and Top of Mind
This week, hosts, Charlie and Lori, discuss the lack of Trump's signature on a recent bipartisan push for housing affordability,. They also discuss the success candidates, endorsed by Mamdani, have had in the primaries. Last but not least, Nisha joins the team for Top of Mind!
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Algae in the Reflecting Pool, US-Iran MOU, and Top of Mind
This week, Jen, Charlie, and Nisha discuss the reflecting pool saga, UFC fight at the White House, and other DC happenings. Then, Nisha breaks down the US-Iran MOU to end the war. Last but not least, Top of Mind!
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Looking Ahead: Supreme Court Decisions, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci and Charlie welcome a new host, Dr. Lori Hausegger! Lori, also a professor at Boise State University, studies the courts, and is here to give us her insights upcoming Supreme Court decisions.
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First of June Primaries, and Top of Mind
This week, Charlie and Jaci discuss the first round of primary results in the month of June, first in red states, then blue. Last but not least, Top of Mind!
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Party Politics, DNC Autopsy Report, and Top of Mind
This week, Charlie and Nisha discuss recent happening's in party politics, following Primary elections. They also discuss the 2024 election autopsy report from the DNC. Then, a Top of Mind about protests in Bolivia and the Pope and AI!
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Idaho Primary Results, Cuba, Ebola, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci, Jen and Nisha breakdown some key results in Idaho's primary elections. Then Nisha updates us on recent news in Cuba-US relations, as well as updates us on the Ebola outbreak. Then, Top of Mind!
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DC Renovations, Canvas Hack, Top of Mind
Our hosts, Jaci, Jen, and Charlie discuss the Trump Admin's DC Renovations, including the White House ballroom and Lincoln Memorial pool. They also discuss the Canvas hack and the impact it had on them as University Professors. Last but not least, Top of Mind!
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Looking ahead, 2026 Midterms
The 2026 Midterms are less than 6 months away. Listen, to hear Jaci, Charlie and Nisha discuss what we might expect, come this November.
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Voting Rights Act, International News, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci, Charlie and Nisha discuss recent rulings on the Voting Rights Act and what it means for redistricting. Then, Nisha updates us on some global news, followed by our favorite segment, Top of Mind!
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RADIOTHON 2: Vital Idaho X The Big Tent
For the second week of Radiothon, Charlie and Jaci are back with Beth from Vital Idaho. This week, they discuss recent shifts in our members of Congress. As well as updates about the State's redistricting their congressional districts. To end the hour, Jaci leads a game of legislative bills: real...
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RADIOTION: VItal Idaho x The Big Tent
Another great Radiothon episode for you! This week, Nisha and Charlie join Beth, from Vital Idaho for another radiothon public affairs avenger's collab! SUPPORT RADIO BOISE : Celebrating 15 years on the air waves! https://radioboise.org/https://radioboise.org/ Text KRBXGIVE to 44321 on your...
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War Reactions, GOP Divisions and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci, Charlie and Luke discuss public reactions to updates in the War in Iran, as well as how this conflict has created divisions inside the GOP. Stick around till the end for a Top of Mind!
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Science Research, Anti-LGBTQ Legislation, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci and Jen kick things off by discussing the launch of aArtemis II, and the funding cuts to science and research have faced over the last year. They also discuss recent anti-LGBTQ legislation coming out of Idaho. Last but not least, Top of Mind is about Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and more!
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Dimploacy, State Budget Cuts, and Top of Mind
Nisha, Jaci, and Jen, are back to discuss new updates in the War in Iran, as well as the budget cuts coming out of the session. Last but not least, listen till the end for a Top of Mind on what reality shows the hosts are watching!
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More Legislative Discussions and War in Iran
This week, Jaci and America discuss the Idaho legislature session, as it begins to wrap up. Then, Charlie joins to discuss the war in Iran and what the response has been from Congress and voters.
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Special Guest: Dr. Sophia Borgias
This week, Nisha and Charlie sit down with special guest Dr. Sophia Borgias, and discuss her research on renewable energy and critical minerals in the West Basin. Listen to learn more!
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Special Guests: Former U.S Representatives Steven Palazzo and David Skaggs
Charlie and Jaci are joined by former members of congress, Steven Palazzo and David Skaggs! Palazzo represented Mississippi in the house from 2011-2023. Skaggs represented Colorado in the house from 1987-1999. Listen to a special edition of The Big Tent made possible by Boise State's Congress to...
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Legislative Session Updates, Special Elections, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci, Nisha and Charlie discuss updates in the 2026 Idaho Legislative session, as well as what special elections might indicate about, upcoming, mid-term elections. Stick around for Top of Mind and hear about what is going on with Rhode Island's landfill!
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Trade, EPA Regulations and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci, Charlie and Nisha discuss updates in US-Trade agreements, as well the EPA's recent roll backs on climate-change related regulations. Last but not least, Top of Mind!
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Special Guest: Dr. Matthew May
This week, Luke and Charlie are joined by , Dr. Matthew May, to discuss the results of the 2026 Idaho Public Policy Survey. Dr. May is the research Director at the Idaho Policy Institute, and has joined us to share the poll's key finding and more! Read the report here:...
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Special Guest: Pam Howland, Idaho Employment Lawyers
Charlie and Jaci are joined by Pam Howland, owner, litigator and investigator at Idaho Employment Lawyers. Established in 2016, her firm focuses on Idaho employment law issues. She joins us this week to discuss her work and new challenges in employment law. Find out more information about Idaho...
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2026 Idaho Legislative Session, ICE, and Greenland
This week hosts, Jaci, Jen, and Charlie kick-off the 2026 Idaho Legislative Session, starting the budget deficit. Then, they continue discussing events in Minneapolis, as well as Greenland and NATO.
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Special Guest: Cody Gougler
Join Jaci and Luke on an episode with special guest, Cody Gougler! Cody is the Deputy Athletic Director for External Affairs and BroncoPro Administrative Officer, at Boise State. Listen to learn more about Cody, himself, Boise State Athletics, and mushroom coffee!
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Venezuela, Minneapolis, and Top of Mind
This week, our hosts get to together to discuss Venezuela and President Maduro's detainment. They also discuss recent ICE and Immigration enforcement events in Minneapolis. Lastly, Top of Mind is a more light-hearted, with a discuss about reality TV!
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Early Retirements in Congress, International Stories and Top of Mind
To bring in the new year, Charlie, Luke and Nisha look ahead and discuss what recent events may indicate in 2026. Starting with what early retirements by Congress members signal. Then, on the International scene, what might be in store for Ukraine-Russia, the US-Travel ban on African countries…
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2025 Recap Roundup!
This week, Jaci, Nisha and America from production, host a special, end of year special! Together they do a Top of Mind for the year, discussing high, lows, and what they look forward to in 2026.
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Venezuelan Boat Strikes, Immigration, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci, Jen, and Nisha discuss the recent Venezuelan boat strikes, what happened and why. Next, they discuss recent comments about Somali immigrants, and broader immigration rhetoric. Next, Top of Mind is about Olivia Nuzzi's new book, RFK Jr. updates on Elmore County, and Australia's...
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2026 Midterms, Missed Ballots in Elmore County Elections and Epstein
This week, Jaci and Charlie discuss the recent bi-partisan support to release Epstein emails. They also discuss the future of 2026 Midterms, and Elmore County's lost ballots, and more!
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End of Shutdown, 2025 Elections, and Epstein Emails
This week, Jen and Charlie sit down to discuss how and why the longest government shutdown, in American history, has ended. They also recap last week's election wins and losses. Lastly, they discuss the recent release of Epstein emails and discuss it's public and media reaction.
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Special Guests: Maria Onaindia & Lantz McGinnis-Brown
Maria Onaindia & Lantz McGinnis-Brown from Idaho Policy Institute (IPI) join hosts Jaci and Luke this week. Together, they discuss their research and projects regarding housing in Idaho. To learn more about IPI, visit https://www.boisestate.edu/sps-ipi/
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Special Guest: Maria Andrade, Immigration Attorney
Hey Folks! Our hosts are out of the station this week. So, this week's show is a rerun of an episode aired in July. Due to recent events in Idaho, we thought we should revisit our conversation with Immigration Attorney, Maria Andrade.
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Special Guest: Dr. Angie Bos
This week, Jaci and Luke sit down with Dr. Angie Bos, Dean of Boise State's School of Public Service (SPS), to celebrate 10 years of SPS! Listen to learn more about Dr. Bos, herself, and all the great things SPS has accomplished over the last decade! Find out more about SPS at...
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RADIOTHON EDITION: Vital Idaho x The Big Tent
Another great Radiothon episode for you! This week, Nisha and Luke join Beth, from Vital Idaho. Together, they discuss college football and international news! Last but not least, our famous Lifetime game is BACK! SUPPORT RADIO BOISE FALL RADIOTHON: Radio Boise: A Voice for You. - Visit...
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RADIOTHON EDITION: Vital Idaho and Dr. Alex Artiles
Welcome to another TBT & Vital Idaho Radiothon special! This time around, Charlie, Jaci and Beth discuss the government shutdown and the importance of community radio! They are later joined by Dr. Alex Artiles for a discussion on state preemption!
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Updates on Shutdown, International Stories, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci and Nisha give us an update on the government shutdown, why and what we can expect. Nisha then catches us up on some news from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan! Then, Top of Mind is about Congressional, DC-Pickleball tournament, and Billionaires' Bunker!
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Looming Government Shutdown, Free Speech, and Top of Mind
This week, Jen and Charlie discuss a potential government shutdown and layoffs, as well as Charlie Kirk and free speech. Then, Top of Mind includes a conversation on Palestinian statehood recognition, UN meeting in NYC and Pace for Peace!
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Special Guest; Dr. Lucas Alward
Nisha and Jaci host a special guest this week, Dr. Lucas Alward! During this episode, he tells us about his work on procedural justice and probation relationships. Plus, shares all about his recent research on probation officer-client relationships. Listen to learn more!
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ICE and Idaho State Police, Troop Deployment Court Ruling and Top of Mind
Jaci and Luke discuss Idaho State Police's new agreement with ICE, what is means and what it will look like. They also discuss a recent court ruling regarding military troop deployments in major US cities. Last but not least, Top of Mind is a discussion on college football!
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DC Federal Takeover, Texas Redistricting and Gavin Newsom, and Top of Mind
This week, Charlie and Jaci discuss the what and why's of Trump's federal takeover of DC as well as updates us on redistricting in Texas and what Gov. Gavin Newsom and California's reaction has been. Then during Top of Mind, they discuss a proposal to ban mail-in voting.
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Special Guest: Dr. Helen Ingram
This week's show is a rerun of a 2019 conversation with Dr. Helen Ingram! Hosted by Luke and Charlie, together they interview the policy scholar and professor Emeritus at UC Irvine.
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AI Interviews with Deceased Victims, Japan's Population Emergency, and Top of Mind
Hosts, Nisha and Luke are back this week! They discuss the use of AI-generated avatars of deceased victim's of crimes, and a recent Jim Acosta interview. They also discuss some international stories including Japan's population emergency, US-Russia talks and tariffs. Lastly, Top of Mind includes…
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PELOSI Act, Palestinian Statehood Recognition, and Top of Mind
This week, Charlie and Nisha discuss the PELOSI Act and Congress members trading stocks. They also discuss international stories, including Palestinian statehood recognition and updates on tariffs. Then, top of mind covers UK voter age and the California Governor race.
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Public Media, Mid-Cycle Redistricting, and Top of Mind
Hosts Charlie, Jaci and Jen discuss public media this week. Including PBS and NPR funding cuts, and the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show". They also discuss the what's, why's, and potential impacts of Texas' mid-cycle redistricting. Top of Mind, then includes a conversation of...
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GOP In-Fighting, International News and Love Island
Hosts Luke, Charlie and Nisha cover a wide range of topics this week! Starting off with a discussion on recent GOP In-Fighting regarding Epstein and the rumored client list. Later, Nisha does a round up of international stories, including Trump's recent Tariff letters, Taiwan's recent civil…
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Special Guest: Maria Andrade, Immigration Attorney
Joined by special guest, Immigration Attorney Maria Andrade, Nisha and Charlie discuss immigration policy and changes during the first few months of Trump's second term. Listen to hear about what changes immigration attorneys are grappling with, as well as the people affected.
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The Big Beautiful Bill, Party Reactions and Top of Mind
Hosts, Jaci, Nisha and Charlie break down the passage of Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill". Together they discuss how big the bill actually is, what are some concerns, and the possibilities of having a true Third Party in the US. Then Top of Mind includes a discussion on tariff agreements with Vietnam.
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Iran and Israel, Mamdani Win in NY Mayoral Primary, and Top of Mind
This week, Nisha and Luke recap the Iran and Israel conflict, including US involvement. Then, they discuss Zohran Mamdani's win in the in NY Mayoral Primary, plus what this might mean for other and future campaigns. Lastly, for Top of Mind, the hosts discuss North Korean beach resorts, and the...
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MN lawmakers shooting, No Kings Protest, and Top of Mind
This week, Jaci and Luke are back again. This time, they tackle the Minnesota lawmakers shooting and it's consequences, as well as the weekends "No Kings" National Protest. Last but not least, stick around for top of mind and hear about Trump's military parade, Juneteenth, Sen. Mike Lee's tweets...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Big Tent: a place for heavy news with a light touch, from public affairs experts. Each week, Boise State University professors Jaci Kettler, Charlie Hunt, Jen Schneider, Nisha Bellinger, and Luke Fowler get into the week's news, from Boise to beyond. Listen live every Thursday at 3:30 MT on KRBX 93.5 FM; stream live at radioboise.org; or listen later on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
HOSTED BY
KRBX and Boise State University
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Big Tent have?
The Big Tent currently has 93 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Big Tent about?
The Big Tent: a place for heavy news with a light touch, from public affairs experts. Each week, Boise State University professors Jaci Kettler, Charlie Hunt, Jen Schneider, Nisha Bellinger, and Luke Fowler get into the week's news, from Boise to beyond. Listen live every Thursday at 3:30 MT on...
How often does The Big Tent release new episodes?
The Big Tent has 93 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Big Tent?
You can listen to The Big Tent 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 The Big Tent?
The Big Tent is created and hosted by KRBX and Boise State University.
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