The Rural Towns Project Podcast

In this episode, I chat with Cameron Blevins, a history professor at the University of Colorado Denver. Cameron recently wrote the fascinating and important book, Paper Trails: The US Post and the Making of the American West. I loved this book and was thrilled to have Cameron on the podcast to talk about the outsized but often overlooked role the US postal service played in the settling of the American West. We talk a lot about the history of rural post offices but we also talk about the Pony Express, the mythology of the American West, the role of government in rural America, how UPS and FedEx now rely on the rural postal network for last mile package delivery, and the return of the village post office idea in rural America. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question - and I learn that Cameron asks a similar question to his students!The Rural Towns Project Newsletter is live!  You can sign up here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com The newsletter includes thoughts on each week's podcast episode (including Road Trip Music) as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West.If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I chat once again with HannaLore Hein (Idaho State Historian). The focus this time is Arimo, Idaho and as usual HannaLore has done some amazing research. She shares stories about Marsh Valley, the Hudspeth Cutoff, Chief Arimo, the Fort Fall Indian Reservation, the General Land Office, Arimo Ranches, sheep and turkey grazing, trains, cold storage and more! We also talk about how HannaLore approaches doing research for our conversations and public history in general and she shares some amazing resources like the David Rumsey Map Collection. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. The Rural Towns Project Newsletter is live!  You can sign up here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com The newsletter includes thoughts on each week's podcast episode (including Road Trip Music) as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. If you want to find out more about me or the Rural Towns Project, please go to https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I chat with Rosie Williams, Manager of the Lewiston Theatre, in Lewiston, UT. Rosie and I chat about her long history with the Lewiston Theatre and why she's still there showing movies and still loving it. We talk about how the Lewiston Theatre is run, how it is uniquely owned by the city of Lewiston, and the importance of cheap tickets, cheap concessions, and community. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/Remember that newsletter I mentioned?  It really is going to happen starting this month (March 2022) as a companion to the podcast episodes.  The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast episode as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com

In this episode, I chat with Dale Buxton of AltaBank (formerly Lewiston State Bank) in Lewiston, UT. Dale has been with the bank for over 30 years and in that time has spent time in pretty much every role, including President. Dale and I talk about his background and the history of Lewiston State Bank. We talk about the changes he's seen in the banking industry generally and in rural banking specifically. We talk about the opportunities and challenges facing rural banks and small businesses and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/Remember that newsletter I mentioned?  It really is going to happen starting this month (March 2022) as a companion to the podcast episodes.  The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast episode as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com

In this episode, I chat with Jamie Andrus, President & CEO of the Cache Chamber of Commerce. Jamie and I talk about her background and rural roots and how she came to lead the Cache Chamber of Commerce. We talk about the important roles chambers play in rural communities and the relationship between her chamber and the state legislature. We talk about the issues facing rural and urban Cache Valley - things like roads, traffic, water, the growth of Bear Lake and the coming of In-N-Out(!). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/Remember that newsletter I mentioned?  It really is going to happen starting this month (March 2022) as a companion to the podcast episodes.  The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast episode as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com

And we're back! Sorry for the delay. In this episode, I talk to Patrick Mullen, Vice President of Arctaris Impact Investors. Patrick has a fascinating background in finance and impact investing with a recent focus on rural communities and Opportunity Zones. Patrick and I talk about Opportunity Zones - what they are, how they work, and what he would like to see them do better. We talk about the importance of regional planning, public/private partnerships, why he was in Malad recently, and how you have to show up and listen, time and again, in rural communities if you want to build trust and help. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. 

In this episode, I talk to Chris Jensen, florist and owner of Daisy Hollow Floral in Malad, Idaho. Chris and his shop are beloved in Malad and throughout rural Southeast Idaho. We talk about how Chris came to be a florist and rural small business owner (he bought and took over the shop at age 21!) and the importance of family and community. Chris also provides some interesting insights on the behind-the-scenes of how flowers get from wholesalers to an arrangement on a rural kitchen table. We talk about the most popular flowers and flower holidays in Malad and we end, as always, with the Road Trop Music Question.    Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/I will soon (starting January 2022) be emailing out a short newsletter each Friday as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com

Welcome to Season 3 of the Rural Towns Project Podcast! Season 3 will have even more Idaho and Utah towns, even more episodes, and soon a companion newsletter and a few other things I'm working on so stay tuned. I'm starting Season 3 with Malad, Idaho and kick things off by welcoming back to the podcast Idaho State Historian HannaLore Hein. HannaLore and I talk about the history of Malad generally but quickly get into the fascinating role Malad played in the political history of both Idaho and Utah. HannaLore shares stories from the history of Malad that range from the meaning of the name Malad to the right to vote for women to railroads and electricity. We end the episode not with the Road Trip Music Question but with a book recommendation from HannaLore.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/I will soon (starting January 2022) be emailing out a short newsletter each Friday as a companion to the podcast episodes. The newsletter will include some thoughts on that week's podcast as well as highlights from what I've been reading, thinking, researching, and learning about rural towns, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the American West. You can subscribe to the newsletter here: http://ruraltownsproject.substack.com

In this episode, I talk to Jake Powell, a professor at Utah State University in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, and a leader of the newly formed GNAR (Gateway & Natural Amenity Region) Initiative. Jake and I talk about his background in the rural West and what led him to the GNAR Initiative. We talk about what the GNAR Initiative is all about and the work Jake and his colleagues are doing to help gateway communities “prepare for and respond to planning, development, natural resource management, and public policy challenges”. (Spoiler alert: 60% of rural Intermountain West communities are gateway communities). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to TJ Davis of the Pickleville Playhouse in Garden City, Utah. TJ and his family founded and run the Pickleville Playhouse and TJ writes for, and acts in, the plays and deals with the business side of the Playhouse and the Pickleville brand. We talk about how TJ came to be involved in the family business (hint: it wasn't in his first or second plan), the growth of Pickleville, Garden City, and Bear Lake, and the joys and challenges of live theater in a rural community. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. 

In this episode, I welcome HannaLore Hein back to the podcast. Regular podcast listeners will recall that HannaLore is the Idaho State Historian and great friend of the podcast. HannaLore and I start by checking in on recent Idaho State History Department events. We then jump right in and have another wide ranging and fascinating conversation, this time about the history of Soda Springs Idaho. We talk about how Soda Springs got its name and the role of trapping, religion, agriculture, mining, Simplot, and more in the history of the development of the area. We also talk about the history of movie theaters and entertainment in the American West. We end, this time, not with the Road Trip Music Question, but with what movie HannaLore would watch at one of the movie theaters in Soda Springs.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Jared Davis, owner and operator of the Idan-Ha Drive-In Theatre (yes, a rural drive-in!) in Soda Springs, Idaho. Jared and I talk about the unique challenges of running a drive-in theater in general (there are only a few hundred left in the U.S.) and in a rural community in particular - especially now that he lives 1.5 hours away from Soda but is at the drive-in every weekend in the summer. We talk about other opportunities and challenges that come with providing rural entertainment and discuss the importance of community. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Shane and Camille Petersen, owners, operators, and do everything-ers for the Idan-Ha Theatre in Soda Springs, Idaho. Shane and Camille talk about how they came to own the movie theater in Soda Springs (and now another one in Montpelier!), the unique challenges facing rural movie theaters, and what it takes to run a business essentially as a hobby and community service. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Brandon Schrand, author and Director of Communications for the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. Brandon grew up in Soda Springs, Idaho and wrote a wonderful memoir about it - The Enders Hotel - that I highly recommend. Brandon and I use that book to frame our discussion about life in a rural town and the opportunities and challenges facing rural businesses and communities. We talk about our concerns and hopes for communities like Soda Springs and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to John Patterson, CPA, rural business and building owner on Morgan's historic Commercial Street. John and I talk about the old bank building he bought and restored and the changes happening on Commercial Street. We talk about the changes - and the challenges that come with trying to manage those changes - happening in rural communities across the West. We also talk about ideas for the local level management of change and growth. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Roger Roper from the Historic Preservation Program for the State of Utah. Preservation of buildings on rural main streets is something that keeps coming up on the podcast, including this month with the focus on Morgan, UT. Roger and I talk about his role with the Historic Preservation Office, how he got the position, and his decades long preservation work in Utah and elsewhere. We talk about the work happening now in Utah related to main street preservation and his thoughts on the opportunities and challenges associated with historic rural preservation. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.  For those interested in contacting Roger and learning about Utah's renewed focus on rural main streets, you can find out more at https://history.utah.gov/shpo/preservation/Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Teresa Lake, owner of Morgan Mercantile as well as owner of, and baker for, Mama Lake's Bakery, in Morgan, Utah. Teresa shares her story of growing up in Morgan and becoming a rural entrepreneur and business owner later in life. We talk about the importance of main streets in rural towns and about the challenges and opportunities that come with being a rural business owner. Teresa makes a strong case for visiting Morgan - hint, it includes a free cinnamon role for Rural Towns Project Podcast listeners - and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Project website (and contact information) at: https://www.ruraltownsproject.com/Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Rachel Turk, County Historian, Morgan County Historical Society, Morgan, Utah. That's right, Utah. The podcast is expanding to rural towns in Utah! The plan is to alternate between rural Idaho and rural Utah towns each month and I'm thrilled to have Morgan as the first rural Utah town on the podcast. Rachel and I talk about her role as County Historian, how she got the position, and the pros and cons of coming to it as an outsider. We talk about her work assisting with the preservation and redevelopment of Morgan's Commercial Street and about the opportunities and challenges facing Morgan and towns like it. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.  Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Heidi Khokhar, Executive Director of Rural Development Initiatives (RDI). RDI is an organization focused on revitalizing rural economies, developing rural leaders, and elevating rural voices in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. I chose to make my conversation with Heidi part of this month's focus on Inkom, Idaho because of the grassroots effort of folks in Inkom and elsewhere towards revitalization. Heidi and I talk about her passion for rural issues, what drew her to RDI, and the important and impactful work the organization is currently doing not only on the ground in the Pacific Northwest but in elevating the work and conversation nationally. We talk about what worries her and what gives her hope about the future of rural communities. And we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Lindi Jo Howell, an entrepreneur in the small rural town of Inkom, Idaho. Lindi has started multiple small businesses. She is a grassroots community developer, and an avid skier and outdoorswoman. Lindi and I talk about being an entrepreneur and business owner in rural Inkom, including why she came back home, why she stays, and work/life balance. We talk about her starting the Inkom Revitalization Commission and the work that organization is doing. We talk about the challenges and opportunities that are part of life for businesses in a rural community and we end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this first episode of Season 2 I talk to HannaLore Hein, Idaho State Historian, about the history of Inkom, Idaho - the rural town that is the focus of this month's podcast episodes. HannaLore and I have a wide-ranging conversation about not only the history of Inkom but of southeast Idaho in general. We talk about the Native American tribes who first used and lived on the land, about the trappers who came later, and about the railroad, cement plant, and Pebble Creek ski area that came even later and played important roles in the  history of Inkom. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode - the companion to the episode with Devanee Morrison about the Lava Hot Springs Foundation -  I talk to Matt Borud, Chief Business Development Officer for the Idaho Department of Commerce. Matt and I talk about the interesting things going on in the Idaho Department of Commerce and his role there but we spend most of our time on Idaho tourism. We talk about the incredible growth over the last decade in Idaho tourism and the opportunities and challenges that growth represents. Matt explains how is department works to be a partner with Idaho communities to both market tourism but also share a significant amount of money back out to communities in the forms of grants. We talk about how tourism supports small businesses and rural communities as well as the infrastructure needs - like broadband - in rural communities for not only tourism but also for schools, small businesses, agriculture and first responders. We talk about what gives Matt hope about Idaho (hint, it's really about the people) and what he worries about (the urban/rural divide). We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Devanee Morrison, Executive Director of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. If you want to sound like a local make sure that first "a" in Lava sounds more like "rad" than "rod" when you visit. And you should visit because Lava's hot baths and swimming pools are amazing and have long been a tourist destination for folks in Idaho, Utah and beyond. Devanee and I talk about the history of the Lava Hot Springs Foundation and the pros and cons of its unique status as a state agency. We talk about the many challenges and opportunities that come from having nearly 500,000 annual visitors descend on a town of 400 and we discuss the joys of working and living in a rural small town. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

This is the companion episode to the one with Dr. Stephen Sutton about Marsh Valley Dental and Downey, Idaho. In this episode I talk to Rita Osborn, who is among many other things, the Executive Director of the Utah Center for Rural Health at Southern Utah University. Rita wears many hats but it's safe to say she has dedicated decades to improving rural health. We talk about the work Rita and her colleagues are doing to improve health care access in rural communities and how they work to recruit rural students to go to medical and dental school and come back to rural communities. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question. Rita and I had some Internet connection issues so I apologize for the moments where we cut out a bit but I hope you enjoy this episode. Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

In this episode, I talk to Stephen Sutton, dentist and owner of Marsh Valley Dental in Downey, Idaho. Stephen is a good friend and we graduated in the same class at Marsh Valley High School. We talk about Stephen's idyllic childhood and decision to follow in his father's footsteps and the privilege and burden of living up to a father's name and example. We talk about the history of Downey, how his clinic ended up there, the town's current challenges, and how he is trying to make difference. We also talk about corporatization and consolidation in the dental industry and his approach to fighting it -  including his inspiring view on collaboration and focusing on his employees - so that he can maintain his unique rural practice and lifestyle. We end, as always, with the Road Trip Music Question.Podcast music: “A Happy Day” by codemusic, http://www.jamendo.com, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

This second episode of the Rural Towns Project Podcast is the companion to the episode with Aaron Hunsaker on the Harkness Hotel in McCammon, Idaho. In this episode I talk to Dr. Susan Rugh, Professor of History and Dean of Undergraduate Education at BYU. We talk about Susan's background and love for the rural American West, her research interests related to the history of family farms, family businesses, and family vacations in the American West (including her fascinating book Are We There Yet? The Golden Age of American Family Vacations). We also talk about the increasing number of immigrant families who own hotels in the West - including Vic Patel, who owns a hotel off of every I-15 off-ramp in Utah! We talk about McCammon, Idaho, the Harkness Hotel, and the blood, sweat, tears and sense of place that it takes to make a business work in small rural towns. We end with talking about areas ready for research and exploration in the rural American West (like restaurants and other mom and pop businesses), a resurgence in the American West road trip, and end, of course, with my Road Trip Music Question. 

In this (first ever!) episode of the Rural Towns Project Podcast I talk to Aaron Hunsaker, owner, founder, creator, maintenance...basically he does anything that needs doing for the beautiful Harkness Hotel in McCammon, Idaho. I grew up in McCammon and know Aaron and his family. I also grew up knowing the building that is now the Harkness Hotel as Howell's Big Store and to say I never imagined that store becoming a boutique hotel would be a serious understatement. The Harkness Hotel is an unexpected, beautiful boutique hotel in tiny McCammon and you have to see it to believe it so please go stay a night or two. Aaron is also a bit of a renaissance man. We talk about his education and background, what brought him back home to McCammon, the process of getting the Harkness Hotel up and running, and the joys and challenges of running a business in a rural small town in the American West.