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What happens when 15 years of hard work start paying off all at once?

Tommy Ahlquist sits down with his longtime business partner and best friend, Ryan Cleverley, to talk about what they’re calling the busiest season of their careers—and why they believe the best is still ahead.

From Micron’s massive investment in Idaho to major developments transforming the Treasure Valley, they share an inside look at Ahlquist’s next chapter, including updates on Peregrine, The District at Ten Mile, Heritage Square, 4th & Idaho, and more.

But it...

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Miguel Villafaña’s story is a modern version of the American Dream.

The son of Mexican immigrants and farmworkers, Miguel grew up working the fields of Aberdeen, Idaho. Today, he operates roughly 600 acres through Villafaña Farms while also working as a senior commercial lender at Zions Bank and raising four children with his wife.

Miguel joins Matthew Rabe and Zach Miller to talk about building a farm from scratch, the work ethic and family values that shaped him, and the realities facing the next generation of American farm...

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Matt Dorsey, President of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and a fifth-generation Idaho farmer, joins Tommy Ahlquist and Zach Miller for a conversation about agriculture, heritage and the values that have shaped Idaho.

From growing up in Sunny Slope and moving hand lines to representing farmers and ranchers across the state, Matt discusses the grit, independence, humility and community that come with a life in agriculture.

They explore what it really means to “keep Idaho, Idaho,” what people without an agricultural background should understand about farming and ranching, and why...

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In this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Zach Miller, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation and a fifth-generation Idaho farmer and rancher from eastern Idaho.

Zach shares his background growing up in agriculture, his family’s farming and ranching operation, and the path that eventually led him to represent farmers and ranchers across the state through the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation.

The conversation also looks at the Idaho Farm Bureau’s new Boise office near the State Capitol, why...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Travis Hawkes sit down with Boise State Director of Athletics Jeremiah Dickey for a candid conversation about leadership, the future of college athletics, and the bold vision driving Boise State forward.

Jeremiah reflects on his leadership philosophy, the importance of faith and family, and why his "What's Next" mindset has become the foundation for building one of the nation's most respected athletic departments. He also shares his perspective on the rapidly changing landscape of college sports, including NIL, revenue sharing, conference realignment...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Travis Hawkes sit down with entrepreneur and AI founder Aaron Klein to discuss what it really takes to build a successful company, create a strong culture, and lead through constant change.

Aaron shares his journey from working in his father's business to building Riskalyze into one of the financial industry's leading technology companies, achieving more than 42 consecutive quarters of growth before its acquisition. He reflects on the lessons learned through failure, hiring, leadership, and scaling a business while staying true to a...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Travis Hawkes sit down with Eric Sonner, founder and CEO of Data Airflow, to explore one of the fastest-growing industries in the world: AI data centers.

Eric shares his remarkable journey from growing up on a farm in Buhl, Idaho, to becoming an Entrepreneur of the Year finalist while building one of the nation's leading engineering firms serving AI and high-performance computing facilities. Along the way, he explains how his early work solving cooling challenges for Bitcoin mining evolved into designing next-generation...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and Capital Eleven founder Travis Hawkes to discuss the future of Idaho's innovation economy, venture capital, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build companies that create lasting impact.

Travis shares the story behind Capital Eleven, why he believes Idaho is uniquely positioned to become one of the nation's leading technology hubs, and how venture-backed companies can create the next generation of high-paying jobs. He also reflects on lessons learned from his father, Bill Hawkes, whose legacy of hard...

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What does it take to prepare the next generation of engineers, innovators, and technology leaders?

On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy sits down with Dr. Amy Fleischer, Dean of the College of Engineering at Boise State University, for a fascinating conversation about Idaho’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem and the critical role engineering will play in shaping the state’s future.

From Micron’s expansion and the rise of artificial intelligence to semiconductor manufacturing, data centers, workforce development, and Boise State’s growing impact, Dr. Flei...

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What if every Idaho taxpayer could see exactly where public money is being spent?

On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Brandon Woolf, Idaho State Controller, to discuss the groundbreaking work behind Transparent Idaho—the online platform that gives citizens unprecedented access to state and local government finances.

Brandon shares how a commitment to transparency has guided his leadership since taking office, why building trust in government matters more than ever, and how technology and AI are helping make pu...

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What does it really take to serve in public office?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, election integrity, public service, family, and the personal sacrifices that often come with serving others.

As Idaho’s 28th Secretary of State, Phil McGrane oversees elections, business registrations, campaign finance reporting, and official state records. He shares how his office is working to modernize voter services through VoteIdaho.gov, improve election transparency, st...

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Housing affordability has become one of the most important issues facing Idaho families, communities, and the state’s future.

In Episode 130 of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with housing advocate, former Idaho legislator, and Executive Director of Gem State Housing Alliance, Ali Rabe, for a candid conversation about why housing costs keep rising across Idaho—and what can be done about it.

Together, they explore the connection between housing affordability and homelessness, the challenges facing working families, the impact of population growth, local regulations, infrastructure, housing supply, and the...

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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in America, yet much of it is preventable.

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Dr. Danny Noonan, cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and co-founder of High Desert Heart & Vascular, for an eye-opening conversation about the future of medicine, cardiovascular health, and what patients should be doing long before symptoms appear.

Dr. Noonan shares his journey from launching an independent cardiology practice to helping patients take a more proactive approach to their health. Together, Tommy and Danny discuss the importance...

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As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, one question becomes increasingly important: What remains uniquely human?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist is joined by John Drake, President of Drake Cooper, and Mae Myers of Pivot North Architecture for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, architecture, design, branding, leadership, and the future of work in an increasingly automated world.

Mae shares her journey into the design profession, from growing up in a creative household to spending more than two decades helping shape spaces that influence how people...

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As AI rapidly transforms the way we work, create, and communicate, what remains uniquely human?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with John Drake, President of Drake Cooper, and James Beard Award-winning chef Kris Komori, co-owner of KIN and Art Haus Bar, for a conversation about creativity, branding, hospitality, and the human experiences technology can’t replace.

Together, they explore why creativity is becoming one of the most valuable skills in the modern workplace, how great brands are built through authenticity and attention to detail, an...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Dr. Bree Derrick, Director of the Idaho Department of Correction, joins the conversation for an important discussion on public safety, incarceration, rehabilitation, and second chances in Idaho.

Idaho’s correctional system is facing significant pressure, with a growing prison population, capacity challenges, and more individuals preparing to transition back into communities across the state. But this conversation is about more than numbers. It is about what happens when people leave incarceration and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Dr. Derrick shares in...

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In Episode 125 of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Duane Sessions, President of Dennis Dillon, and Joey Looney to discuss second chance hiring, prison reentry, workforce opportunity, and the impact of giving people another chance.

Duane shares how Dennis Dillon has supported second chance employees for more than 20 years and why it has become one of the most rewarding parts of their company culture. Joey shares his personal story of addiction, incarceration, recovery, and rebuilding his life through trust, mentorship, and employment.

The conversation explores:
• Se...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on Idaho, politics, media, and the stories shaping the state.

Matt has built The Ranch Podcast into one of Idaho’s most consistent long-form platforms by doing what few people are willing to do: sit down with people, ask real questions, and let complicated issues breathe. From legislators and educators to sheriffs, farmers, business leaders, and local voices across the state, Matt’s work has become a valuable resource for...

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In part two of our public lands series, we’re joined by Idaho State Representative James Petzke and Idaho Wildlife Federation Executive Director Nick Fasciano for a deeper conversation on one of the most important issues shaping Idaho’s future.

Public lands are more than just places to recreate—they’re a defining part of why people choose to live, work, and stay in Idaho. From the Frank Church Wilderness to the Sawtooths, Clearwater, and Owyhees, these landscapes drive quality of life, economic growth, and the culture of the state.

In thi...

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Public lands are a defining part of Idaho — shaping our lifestyle, economy, and identity.

In this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Nick Fasciano, Executive Director of the Idaho Wildlife Federation, and Dan Waugh, Executive Director of the Idaho Recreation Council, to break down why public lands matter to Idaho and the growing conversations surrounding their future.

With more than 60% of the state made up of public land, the impact stretches far beyond recreation. From hunting and fishing to hiking, motorized access, rural economies, an...

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What’s really happening in Idaho’s education system—and where is it headed next?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Roger Quarles sit down with Jennifer Swindell, CEO, founder, and editor of Idaho Education News, to unpack the realities behind education across the state.

From her early career as a journalist and the first female sports editor in the country to building Idaho’s leading education news platform, Jennifer brings a unique perspective on the intersection of education, policy, leadership, and data.

Together, they div...

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Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield returns to Ever Onward with Tommy Ahlquist and Roger Quarles for a candid conversation on what’s really happening inside Idaho schools.

From record K–3 reading gains to ongoing struggles in middle school math, this episode breaks down where Idaho education is improving—and where it’s still falling short.

They dive into:

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What does it really take to transform education in Idaho?

On this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and co-host Roger Quarles sit down with Terry Ryan, CEO of BLUUM, Idaho’s leading nonprofit incubator for high-performing public charter schools. Terry shares his remarkable journey—from Illinois to Poland to Idaho—and how that path led him to help launch and expand dozens of schools serving students and families across the state.

This conversation explores the future of school choice, why traditional systems can struggle to adapt, and how Idaho...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with Roger Quarles, Executive Director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, for an in-depth conversation on the present and future of education in Idaho.

Roger brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective—having served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, chief deputy state superintendent, and university leader at Boise State. Few people understand Idaho’s education system—from classrooms to policy to innovation—at the level he does.

This conversation goes far beyond surface-level talking points. It explores the structural realitie...

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What’s the plan for the Treasure Valley as we continue to grow?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Craig Raborn, Executive Director of COMPASS (Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho), to talk about the future of growth, transportation, and regional planning across Ada and Canyon County.

Craig brings nearly 25 years of experience from some of the fastest-growing regions in the country, including Las Vegas and Houston. Now in Boise, he shares how the Treasure Valley compares, what challenges lie ahead, an...

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Today on the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofton sit down with Ryan Head, Executive Director of the Ada County Highway District, to talk about why ACHD matters more than ever as the Treasure Valley continues to grow.

Ryan shares his journey as a Boise native who worked his way up through ACHD, from writing grants and managing long-range planning to now leading one of the most important public agencies in Ada County. The conversation covers the history of ACHD, why its structure is so unique, how road funding...

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Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in America, and the Treasure Valley is at the center of that growth. With hundreds of thousands of new residents expected in the coming decades, one big question is on everyone’s mind:

How will Idaho keep up with the traffic, infrastructure, and transportation demand?

On this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Jason Brinkman, ITD Division Administrator and District 3 Engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, and Mollie McCarty, Chief External Affairs Officer at IT...

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Growth in the Treasure Valley isn’t knocking at the door anymore—it’s in the living room. We sit down with Simplot CEO Garrett Lofto to connect two stories that matter here: how a people-first, innovation-driven company feeds the world, and how a business-led coalition can help our region move smarter and faster. From farm roots to the C‑suite, Garrett shares the leadership principles that powered his journey—listening, curiosity, and investing in strong foundations—and applies them to a challenge affecting every family and employer in the valley: congestion that steals time...

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Why does this week matter in Idaho politics? Because the decisions being made right now will shape the future of our state—often without most people ever hearing about them.

On this episode of Ever Onward, Matt Todd and Tommy Ahlquist sit down with Idaho Senate President Pro Tem Kelly Anthon to break down what’s really happening inside the Capitol during one of the busiest stretches of the legislative session.

From the reality of reviewing 1,000+ drafted bills to the challenges of balancing rural and urban priorities, Kelly shares a ca...

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What’s actually happening inside the Idaho Capitol this session? In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist and guest co-host Matt Todd sit down with Idaho House Speaker Mike Moyle for a candid, in-the-moment conversation recorded during one of the most intense stretches of the legislative calendar.

They break down the real priorities driving this year’s session — budget pressure, tax cuts, spending constraints, Medicaid cost growth, and the ongoing property tax debate — along with how rapid turnover among legislators is reshaping committee leadership and decision-making. Speaker Moyle shares how experien...

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In this episode of Ever Onward, we sit down with Idaho Lieutenant Governor Scott Bedke for a timely, plain-spoken conversation on why Idaho’s budget situation deserves attention — not just from policymakers, but from everyday citizens.

We dig into the realities behind state budgeting, tax cuts, federal dollars, balanced budget pressures, and how strong growth years can quietly create future constraints. Lt. Gov. Bedke breaks down how legislative decisions are actually made, why uncertainty in revenue forecasting matters, and what happens when government runs out of flexibility. The discussion also explores publ...

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This month on the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist is joined by Matt Todd — host of the Ranch Podcast — for an in-depth, long-form conversation on Idaho government, the legislative session, and the real forces shaping policy across the state. This episode kicks off a special series focused on Idaho leadership and lawmaking, setting the stage for upcoming interviews with top state officials and legislative leaders.

Matt shares front-line insights from producing multiple Idaho policy and civic interviews each week, covering topics that range from city and county government to statewide legislation. Toge...

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In this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, sports medicine physician Dr. Kaleb Redden returns to break down how your fitness, strength, and lifestyle choices in your 30s, 40s, and 50s directly determine your health, mobility, and longevity in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.

With our host Tommy Ahlquist and co-host Andy Scoggin, we dive into practical, science-backed strategies for building muscle, improving VO2 max, protecting joints, preventing injury, and staying active through every decade of life. Dr. Redden explains why strength training, cardiovascular fitness, balance, and grip strength are some...

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In this exclusive episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, recorded inside the Idaho State Capitol, Governor Brad Little sits down for an in-depth conversation on leadership, economic growth, workforce development, education, and the future of the great state of Idaho.

Governor Little shares behind-the-scenes insight from the start of the legislative session, including budget priorities, tax policy, public safety, infrastructure, and the long-term strategy that has helped Idaho become one of the fastest-growing and most economically resilient states in America. We discuss how Idaho is attracting high-paying jobs, strengthening career and...

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What if your annual physical is giving you false confidence?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy and co-host Andy Scoggin sit down with  Eric Lyall, MD —an ER-trained physician who founded Peak Personalized Healthcare in Meridian—to break down what he calls the leap from Medicine 2.0 (treat problems when they show up) to Medicine 3.0 (measure risk early, personalize the plan, and prevent disease before it becomes your “new normal”).

The conversation starts with genetic testing—APOE and Alzheimer’s risk, why “genes may load the gun,” and how lifestyle and dat...

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Cold plunging and sauna aren’t just trends—they’re ancient recovery tools now backed by modern neuroscience, cardiovascular research, and metabolic science.

This episode is part of the Ever Onward Podcast’s January Health & Longevity Series, where Tommy Ahlquist and co-host Andy Scoggin explore the habits, science, and mindsets that extend both healthspan and lifespan. Throughout the month, they’re sitting down with experts and practitioners who live this work to break down what actually moves the needle for long-term performance and vitality.

In this conversation, they’re joined by Sp...

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Welcome to Ever Onward—and the start of a new 2026 format. Each month, Tommy Ahlquist will run a theme-based series with a co-host, beginning with a foundational conversation that frames the topic and sets up the episodes that follow.

We’re kicking off the year with Health & Longevity—and Tommy is joined by January’s co-host, Andy Scoggin, CEO of Scoggin Capital Investment, to lay the groundwork for what “living long” actually means: not just adding years to life, but building a longer healthspan—more strength, energy, clarity, and capability for the people and...

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How do you scale across five states and 23 locations without losing the culture that made you successful in the first place?

In this episode of Ever Onward, we sit down with Kelly Olson, President and COO of Western States Equipment, to unpack how a legacy Caterpillar dealer has grown into a 1,200-person organization while building a workplace people actually want to stay in.

Kelly shares her journey from Montana-raised CPA to leading one of the largest equipment dealers in the region—and why th...

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Four murders in Moscow put Idaho at the center of a global spotlight. Former U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit joins us to break down what the public didn’t see inside the Bryan Kohberger investigation—how early clues like the knife sheath DNA and the white Elantra shaped strategy, how federal and state agencies worked together under extreme pressure, and why careful communication mattered when the entire world was watching Idaho for answers.

From there, we shift to the issues reshaping safety and policy across the state:

• Fentan...

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What does it really take to sell real estate in 2026? According to Elliot Hoyt—former Boise State Bronco, Top 1% Realtor®, and founder of THG Real Estate—the winners aren’t the loudest agents in the room. They’re the ones who lead with value, understand human behavior, and build a modern content engine that earns trust at scale.

In this episode, Elliot breaks down the journey from a small-town kid in Tavistock chasing rugby dreams…to landing on the blue turf at Boise State…to building one of Idaho’s fastest-growing and most talked...