I sat down recently with one of our newest members of the IdahoPTV family, Communications Specialist Austin Henderson, to find out more about him and his role. “I support the KNOW VAPE campaign, and also another anti-substance campaign that’s funded by the Idaho Millennium Fund. And then [I help] do some ad and digital buying for Idaho Public Television,” he says.
A recent transplant to Idaho, Austin is from the Lone Star State. “I grew up in Amarillo, Texas,” he says. “It’s in the Texas Panhandle. We’re known for our sunsets…and we also have Cadillac Ranch, which is basically old Cadillacs put into the dirt that people can spray-paint,” he laughs. “So, that’s about it. I was very excited to move here and see beautiful landscapes and mountains and trees, and a river; because it’s very dry and bland where I’m from.” He graduated from Boise State University with a degree in communication. “That’s what brought me up here in 2014. And then, I loved it so much that I stayed…It’s just been such a nice place to be…you know, all four seasons, which is a luxury,” he laughs. Later, he added a master’s in human resource development through Idaho State University.
Austin is already a fan of Idaho Public Television. “For me, public television is so important. The more that we can disseminate information in a really credible and accessible way is so crucial. That’s what immediately drew me to working here. But then, hearing about the KNOW VAPE campaign and this new anti-substance-abuse campaign that we’ll be spearheading, it seems like a needed message right now. I think the landscape of youth drug use is kind of intense right now.” He adds, “Finding really creative ways to reach out to youth and make them question why they would be experimenting with substance abuse. Are there other ways that you can build community and find belonging that don’t come at the cost of your life?”
Since moving to Idaho, Austin has become a bit of a ‘ski bum.’ “I love skiing. I learned to ski six years ago. And I’ve just fallen in love with it.” He’s hitting the trails in the Boise Foothills, as well. “I’m starting to mountain bike. And that has been humbling, but also very fun to learn,” he laughs. He’s combining that hobby with another: “I love just riding my bike around town and trying new restaurants. I love the food scene here in Boise…I have an ongoing list on my phone of my top restaurants each year.” He recommends Amano in Caldwell for the carne asada tacos and the ceviche. Austin also enjoys exploring the Sawtooths, camping, and trips to McCall and Sun Valley.
Give Austin a bag of potato chips and he’s a happy fellow. “I love potato chips. Honestly, any type of chip, but especially any spicy chips…I also love doing a little charcuterie moment, you know, some salami, some nice cheeses, a couple of mustards to choose from…I love pickles, pickled everything…I like a lot of bold flavors,” he laughs. “I would rather order appetizers than dessert.”
Overall, Austin enjoys the vibe here in the Gem State. “Idaho is pretty exciting because there’s still so much potential…coming from Texas, it just felt like everything was already …‘set in its way’…it didn’t feel like you could infuse yourself into the state. And I think here, I can already see how people infuse themselves into the state…Idaho is developing and evolving and people are able to step into that and leave their thumbprint on it a little bit.”
Last but not least, Austin is a fan of Clifford the Big Red Dog. “I remember always watching that. And then I also watched a show called Cyberchase…I was kind of afraid of the Sesame Street characters. I was more into the animated shows than the puppet ones,” he laughs.