As America moves fast and politics grow louder, Idaho holds steady—grounded in natural beauty, personal responsibility, and a deep connection to the land. Few people understand that better than Congressman Mike Simpson, who has spent over two decades bringing Idaho’s voice to the national stage.

Simpson’s journey from small-town dentist to influential lawmaker reveals the human side of long-term public service—where conviction meets endurance. With disarming candor, he shares personal struggles, including becoming “kind of bionic” after multiple joint replacements and a remarkable 100-pound weight loss journey that began when complications impacted his ability to taste. Yet through it all, Simpson’s commitment to Idaho’s people and priorities has never faltered.

Now serving as Chairman of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, Simpson speaks to some of the most pressing issues facing the West: securing fair pay for wildland firefighters, co-sponsoring the Public Lands in Public Hands Act to block federal land sell-offs, confronting the missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis, and advancing energy independence in collaboration with leaders like Secretary Burgum and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

He also offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on how Congress has changed during his tenure. “You see members of Congress doing things they would have never done 20 years ago,” he reflects, noting how the disappearance of moderates has made thoughtful governance harder—especially in moments that demand it most. Still, he remains committed to working across the aisle on real solutions, including budget reforms to address what he calls “the biggest existential threat to our country”: the $37 trillion national debt.

Throughout the conversation, Simpson demonstrates what principled leadership looks like—rooted in place, driven by service, and focused on impact over headlines. His fierce defense of public lands (“People live in Idaho because we love our public lands”) and unwavering advocacy for the people he represents mark him as a rare kind of public servant in today’s political environment.

If you’re looking for a grounded, thoughtful voice on the future of Idaho—and the nation—this episode offers both clarity and conviction from someone who’s still in the arena, doing the work.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

What does it really mean to lead—at work, in your community, or in your own life—when no one’s handing you a title or giving you authority? True leadership isn’t about rank or recognition; it’s about character, consistency, and the impact you make when no one’s watching.

Colonel Ked Wills, who spent 30 years in law enforcement with his final seven years as Director of the Idaho State Police, knows this firsthand. For him, leadership was never about the badge – it was about who you are when the badge comes off.

Born and raised in Glenns Ferry as the son of a state trooper, Wills absorbed crucial life lessons that would shape his leadership journey. His father demonstrated how to make even difficult jobs seem like play while maintaining multiple responsibilities. His mother showed the value of lifelong learning by earning her master’s degree in her 40s while Wills was still in high school. These influences instilled a work ethic and curiosity that carried him through a distinguished career.

Wills takes us inside Idaho’s unique law enforcement culture, where collaboration and public trust create what he calls “the blurring of the badges.” Unlike neighboring states facing anti-police sentiment, Idaho’s law enforcement agencies enjoy remarkable public support – something Willis attributes to trust built over generations. “The public will only support law enforcement in so much as they trust law enforcement,” he explains, highlighting why maintaining that trust remained his top priority as director.

Perhaps most compelling is Wills’ candid discussion of officer wellness. With police officers experiencing between 400–700 traumatic incidents throughout their careers (compared to 2–5 for average citizens), the toll on mental health can be devastating. Wills reveals this sobering statistic: for every officer killed in the line of duty, approximately three take their own lives due to job-related stress.

His book, Lead Now: No Title Required, captures his leadership philosophy perfectly – true leadership begins long before promotion. “If you start acting like a leader, you don’t need the title,” Willis explains, “because if we’re promoting right, we’re promoting the person who already is a leader.”

Now in retirement, Wills hasn’t slowed down. Working internationally in South America with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, he’s helping transform road safety initiatives in Ecuador, Colombia, and Argentina – bringing Idaho’s collaborative approach to countries where law enforcement has traditionally operated in silos.

Ready to unlock your own leadership potential—no title necessary? Listen now and learn how becoming the best version of yourself allows you to help others become their best.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

Step into the greenhouse of Idaho’s most enduring family business as Callie Zamzow opens up about the 92-year journey of Zamzows – from accidental beginnings to becoming a beloved institution with 12 thriving locations across the Boise Valley.

The story begins with a missed train when Callie’s great-grandfather stepped off in Meridian for a sandwich and couldn’t get back on – a fortunate mishap that planted the seeds for generations of entrepreneurship. From those humble Depression-era beginnings mixing animal feed on the ground with shovels, the Zamzow family built their legacy one bag at a time, with Callie’s grandmother literally hand-stitching each one.

Today, Callie Zamzow serves as Co-CEO of Zamzows, as well as Dynamite Specialty Products and Zamzow Family Holdings. A Boise State biology graduate, she’s co-led the family businesses since 2004 alongside her father Jim, brother Joss, and husband Clint Scott. With her 18-year-old daughter heading off to college this fall, Callie reflects on the evolution of leadership, legacy, and what it means to truly grow something lasting.

Callie brings us into the fascinating world of her father Jim, the “mad scientist” whose passion for soil health and plant nutrition led to the creation of hundreds of innovative products. His deep understanding of the relationship between microbes, nutrients, and plants became the foundation for staples like “Tomato Boom” that local gardeners swear by. This commitment to soil health isn’t just marketing – it’s a core philosophy that drives everything they do.

After initially resisting the family legacy—including a stint as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch—Callie describes the moment when returning to Zamzows finally “clicked.” Over the last 25 years, she’s carved out her own leadership identity, one that honors her family’s rich tradition while embracing innovation, clear communication, and personal growth.

What truly sets this conversation apart is Callie’s wisdom about growing not just plants, but people. With around 200 employees during peak seasons, she’s cultivated a workplace culture grounded in passion for animals, plants, and sustainability. The result? A team of true experts who love what they do and the customers they serve.

Outside of work, Callie is also a watercolor artist, writer, podcaster, speaker, and golfer—proof that leadership, like gardening, flourishes when nurtured with creativity and balance.

Want to dig into more garden wisdom? Zamzows is launching a new podcast called The Nobody Knowz this summer, continuing their legacy of practical, region-specific gardening knowledge for Idaho’s unique growing conditions. Subscribe now to grow alongside this remarkable family business.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

Scott Curtis, CEO of Idaho Youth Ranch, has spent the past seven years leading one of the state’s most ambitious transformations in youth mental health care. Scott's journey from math teacher to nonprofit leader embodies the powerful intersection of personal mission and community impact. In this deeply moving conversation, Scott takes us behind the scenes of the Idaho Youth Ranch transformation—a story of resilience, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to serving vulnerable youth.

Growing up in a family that regularly opened their home to exchange students and unwed mothers, Scott witnessed firsthand how compassionate intervention can redirect lives. This foundation shaped his career path from high school math teacher to social worker, eventually leading him to the YMCA where he spearheaded the remarkable community transformation in Caldwell.

When Scott joined the Idaho Youth Ranch seven years ago, he encountered an organization with rich history but significant challenges. Founded in the 1950s on 2,500 acres of sagebrush land using repurposed barracks from the Minidoka internment camp, the organization had evolved over decades but faced financial struggles that threatened its mission. Scott's leadership stabilized operations while uncovering a critical statewide need: Idaho had no residential psychiatric treatment facility for youth, forcing families to send children to out-of-state facilities, sometimes as far as Arkansas.

The centerpiece of our conversation reveals how Scott and community leaders Robert Rebholz and Mark Miller launched an audacious $20 million capital campaign during the height of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Against conventional wisdom, this campaign broke fundraising records, demonstrating the community's profound recognition of the crisis facing Idaho's youth and families.

Today, the 258-acre Residential Center for Healing and Resilience serves youth from across Idaho, providing specialized treatment in a setting designed for healing—complete with private rooms, therapeutic spaces, and an on-site charter school. The transformation in these young lives is already evident, with the center's first graduate progressing from severe anxiety to mentoring newer residents.

Listen as Scott shares the organization's continuing needs, particularly for compassionate individuals to join their team as youth care providers. His story reminds us that when authentic mission meets determined leadership, entire communities can unite to solve seemingly insurmountable problems.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

The residential real estate landscape in Idaho is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with new construction dominating the market in unprecedented ways. Matt Bauscher, owner of Bauscher Real Estate and Idaho's #1 residential broker, takes us behind the curtain of this evolution with fascinating insights into why 40% of Idaho's home sales are now new construction – a staggering figure compared to the 8% seen in states like Arizona and California.

The conversation spotlights two landmark developments that exemplify Idaho's real estate future. The Ranch in North Eagle represents luxury acreage living reimagined, with 34 custom home sites spread across 191 pristine acres. The project's extraordinary infrastructure investment includes eleven ponds, city water, full irrigation, and private roads – amenities never before combined with acreage properties in the region. Meanwhile, The Bannock is transforming downtown Boise with the city's first high-rise condominium building in 15 years, strategically positioned near St. Luke's Hospital's billion-dollar expansion and offering residents the rare opportunity to build equity in an urban setting.

Beyond real estate, Bauscher shares his insider perspective on Boise State University's presidential search (which he calls "the most important hire in Idaho") and the remarkable impact of football star Ashton Jeanty's decision to remain at the university despite lucrative transfer opportunities. Throughout the conversation, Bauscher's deep passion for Idaho and commitment to thoughtful development shine through, providing listeners with valuable insights into how forward-thinking leaders are shaping the Gem State's future.

Episode Overview: 

• New construction dominates Idaho's real estate market, representing 40% of all home sales compared to 8% in Arizona and California
• Existing homeowners are staying put unless faced with major life changes like divorce, death, or downsizing
• The Ranch in North Eagle features 34 custom home sites on 191 acres with unprecedented infrastructure including 11 ponds, city water, and private roads
• The Bannock represents downtown Boise's first high-rise condominium building in 15 years, offering ownership opportunities in a prime walkable location
• Strategic location near St. Luke's Hospital's $1 billion expansion provides residents with proximity to healthcare and employment
• Boise State University's presidential search represents "the most important hire in the state of Idaho"
• Star athlete Ashton Jeanty's decision to remain at Boise State has had tens of millions of dollars of positive impact on the university and state

For more information on The Ranch, visit therancheagle.com, and to explore The Bannock, check out thebannock.com.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

What if the chronic health conditions that have plagued you for years could be resolved in just days?

Dr. Molly Brown and Christina Walecka, M.A. are reshaping the wellness industry with a revolutionary, brain-based approach at The Centered Clinic in Sun Valley, Idaho - and soon, they’ll be bringing this transformative model to Boise.

Rooted in the powerful principle that “you cannot heal the body from the neck down,” their work addresses the root causes of illness by rewiring neural pathways and balancing the nervous system. By restoring the body’s natural capacity to heal, patients experience relief that traditional medicine often fails to deliver. With over 15 integrated modalities under one roof, the clinic provides a comprehensive and cutting-edge approach to whole-person health.

At the core of their method are three neurologically driven treatments:

• AMIT (Advanced Muscular Integration Technique) for pain relief and sports performance
• QNRT (Quantum Neurological Reset Therapy) for trauma, anxiety, and autoimmune conditions
• Neurofeedback for optimizing brain function and focus

These aren’t just treatments—they’re breakthroughs. Patients frequently report immediate relief from chronic pain, longstanding anxiety, and conditions that once felt untreatable. The key? Resetting the brain’s stress response and shifting people out of a constant state of fight-or-flight, making room for true transformation.

As Dr. Brown puts it: “Five days at our clinic and they are full of light. My passion is turning someone with dull, sad eyes and low energy into someone who’s passionate about life again.”

Now, as part of their bold vision to expand access to this model, the duo is launching a beautifully designed riverside clinic in Boise, built with organic materials and calming spaces that support the healing journey. They’re also establishing an AMIT Teaching Institute to train the next generation of practitioners in these game-changing techniques.

At Ever Onward, we celebrate those pushing boundaries and transforming industries—and Dr. Brown and Christina are doing exactly that. Their work isn’t just a shift in healthcare—it’s a blueprint for the future of wellness, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven growth.

Are you ready to see health differently?

Explore what’s possible when you start healing from the brain down. Visit www.drmollybrown.com or tune into their podcast for a deeper dive into the science—and story—behind this movement.

Podcast Page: https://www.drmollybrown.com/pages/podcast

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

When Steve Martinez talks housing, people listen—and for good reason. With nearly three decades of experience and a front-row seat to the booms, busts, and battles shaping Idaho’s growth, the Tradewinds owner delivers an unfiltered look at what’s really driving the state’s housing crisis.

In this episode, Steve shares his personal journey from working in his father’s construction company to building a business that weathered the 2008 recession and continues to adapt to today’s pressures.

You’ll learn:

•Why Idaho’s rapid growth isn’t all good news—and what’s fueling it

•The shocking impact of a $1,000 home price increase on buyers

•Why starter homes are disappearing, and what needs to replace them

•How permits, regulations, and politics are slowing everything down

•The disconnect between anti-growth sentiment and the push for affordability

•Why labor shortages and policy decisions are hitting builders hard

•What industry leaders are watching now: interest rates, tariffs, and buyer behavior

If you care about where Idaho is headed—and who gets to live there—this is a must-listen conversation. Hit play for a candid, boots-on-the-ground perspective you won’t get from the headlines.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

How do you honor everything you’ve built - and still have the courage to create something new?

In this deeply personal conversation, Cortney Liddiard shares the story behind the creation of his newest venture, Kerosene Capital — a company built on decades of leadership, hard-won wisdom, and a renewed passion for business and life.

Built on decades of leadership at Ball Ventures, Cortney’s next chapter represents the natural evolution of his journey — shaped by a deep commitment to meaningful relationships, a renewed focus on balance, and the drive to build something truly personal and enduring.

With characteristic energy and humor, Cortney recounts adventures traveling with his wife Jenny (who famously enforced a “10-day rule”), testing their resilience and deepening their partnership along the way. From digging a truck out of a North Dakota snowbank with dog bowls to quiet mornings running his hunting dog through Idaho fields, Cortney’s reflections reveal the clarity that comes from real-world experience — and a willingness to embrace both hard work and stillness.

Facing the milestone of turning 58, with memories of his father’s early passing at 59 fresh in his mind, Cortney speaks candidly about making this “last swing” count. Kerosene Capital is more than a new company — it’s a return to passion, purpose, and personal alignment: doing what you love, with people you love, for the right reasons.

For anyone thinking about their next chapter — whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone seeking deeper meaning in your work — Cortney’s journey offers a powerful reminder: The best is still ahead when you build from the heart.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

Leadership isn't just about the public-facing work – it's also about the personal challenges we overcome each day. In this profound conversation with Mayor Debbie Kling of Nampa, Idaho, we discover the remarkable story of a leader who serves her community tirelessly while also caring for her bedridden husband at night and on weekends. "Those tough times make us better," she reflects, demonstrating how adversity shapes authentic leadership.

Mayor Kling, now in her eighth year at Nampa's helm, shares her perspective on managing explosive growth while preserving the community values that make Idaho special. "Nampa is the best of what America was – a place where neighbor still helps neighbor and we hold true to the foundations of faith in our country." This balance between progress and heritage defines her approach to governance as the city transforms through strategic development.

The conversation explores Nampa's impressive achievements, from downtown revitalization plans to a 28% reduction in Class A crimes. With remarkable transparency, Mayor Kling discusses the city's operational efficiency – managing with fewer resources than neighboring communities while implementing innovative solutions like manufacturing their own de-icer brine to save taxpayer dollars. Her business-minded approach to municipal leadership emphasizes return on investment, accountability, and stewardship.

Perhaps most compelling is the mayor's frustration with state-level politics that undermine local governance while claiming to champion autonomy from federal control. This hypocrisy creates real challenges for cities trying to manage growth responsibly. Despite these obstacles, Mayor Kling remains optimistic, building collaborative relationships across jurisdictions and sectors to create solutions that work for Nampa's unique needs.

Whether you're interested in local politics, leadership principles, or the future of growing Western cities, this conversation offers valuable insights from a leader who exemplifies public service with integrity, compassion, and vision. Listen and be inspired by what effective, authentic leadership looks like in action.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE

What happens when a top-tier breast cancer surgeon refuses to accept the status quo? Dr. Rhiana Menen is rewriting the rules of patient care—both in Idaho and around the world.

Trained at MD Anderson and other elite institutions, Dr. Menen arrived in Boise in 2016 and quickly realized something had to change. Patients were waiting over a month for consultations—and even longer for surgery. So she built something new. As the physician-owner of Mountain State Breast and General Surgery, she’s reduced wait times to just days, offering whole-person, personalized care in a system that desperately needed it.

But her mission doesn’t stop in the States. Through the Tiba Foundation, Dr. Menen travels annually to Kenya, providing life-saving surgical care and community health education. She also co-founded Boda Girls, an organization training women to become motorcycle taxi drivers and mobile healthcare workers. What started with menstrual kits has become a full-blown movement—empowering women with jobs, dignity, and the tools to change their communities.

In this episode, we explore how Dr. Menen blends cutting-edge medicine with global compassion, and why she believes real impact starts with seeing people—truly seeing them.

💡 A $5,000 donation can fund a pink motorcycle and transform a woman’s life.

Learn more at bodagirls.org.

Follow Ahlquist on Social Media:

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahlquist/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ahlquistdev/

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@ahlquistdev

X (Twitter): ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/ahlquistdev

Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/ahlquistdev/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ahlquistdev?si=ejOXPKRqQjtsdVFE