We think it's pretty cool to give back. We're partnering with United Way of South Central Idaho to empower you to make a BIG impact in our region by donating what it needs most.

As part of our 12 Cool Things to Give campaign, every month we’ll go into detail about each category (because some of these "cool things" might surprise you). Get empowered with the mini episodes below or online here to be a changemaker in Southern Idaho.
 
Guest: Sonya Haines, Director of Resource Development at United Way of South Central Idaho
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development

​Guest: Mike Ramsey, author and entrepreneur
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development
 
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.

​Guest: Don Campbell, owner of Gemstone Climbing Center, local farmer, and climbing enthusiast
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development
 
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.

Guest: Sami Ashenbrener, Idaho native, physical therapist, yoga instructor and mom
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development

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 to the Magic Valley after leaving for California.

Guest: Sarah Rohrbach, social media coordinator, business owner, outdoor adventure enthusiast.
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development
 
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.

​​“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.

​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.

​​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 be your first stop.

Guests: Linda Lantzy and Shari Hart, authors and photographers
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development
 
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. 

Guest: Shawn Willsey – College of Southern Idaho geology professor, author and outdoor enthusiast
Hosted by: Connie Stopher – Southern Idaho Economic Development

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 wonder.