The Purple Zone

The Naming of The Purple Zone: What It Really Means

Send us Fan Mail It's a solo episode this week and Alexis is pulling back the curtain. Most people hear "The Purple Zone" and think politics: red meets blue, somewhere in the middle. But that's not where the name came from, and it's not what it means. Alexis takes you back to where the podcast really started: the early days of her PhD program, and the idea that began shaping everything she'd go on to build. Before diving in, Alexis shares a few stories from her weekend, moments that turned out to be an unexpected, real-time reflection of last episode's conversation, Dance with Dignity. If you haven't listened yet, this will make you want to. Then, she breaks down the two features at the heart of actually reaching the Purple Zone: dialogue and collaboration. Dialogue is where dignity lives. Collaboration is where intention becomes action. Alexis shares what these look like in practice, not just in theory, and leaves you with a challenge (or maybe more of a request) for your own reflection this week. This one's personal and foundational...and it's a must-listen if you've ever wondered what "Purple Zone" really means. 🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a review...it helps more people find the show. Share it with a friend. Let's keep growing this community, together. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

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Idaho’s AI in Education Journey: Guardrails, Implementation, and the “Now What?”

Send us Fan Mail Alexis Morgan welcomes Will Goodman, Director of People and Organizational Services for Boise School District, to unpack the Idaho journey of AI in Education legislation and why Idaho is leading the nation on guardrails and implementation. They talk candidly about the question many people are asking: Is this a good move, or a potential risk? They dive into the process behind Senate Bill 1227, including the work group work and how the bill ultimately moved through the 2026 legislative session. From there, the conversation gets practical: what implementation actually looks like on the ground, and how Idaho is working to answer the “now what?” for schools. The episode covers educator impact, student impact, the parent perspective, and industry perspective, including the most common concerns like misinformation, data privacy, and the difference between screen time and AI. Will and Alexis explore what we’re actually worried about when AI enters classrooms, and they end by reinforcing the episode’s guiding theme: AI is already here, so the goal is human-centered guardrails: first, middle, and last...including clear boundaries for what should never be automated in schools. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

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My Date with Dignity

Send us Fan Mail In this opening episode of the season, I’m stepping in solo to share a quick recap of my summer with my kids as they head into a new chapter: college town life and off-to-school mornings that feel like both a goodbye and a beginning. But the heart of this episode is my “date with dignity.” I’m sharing a personal story in honor of my late aunt, an important relationship, a lasting lesson, and a reminder that dignity isn’t just a word we say. It’s something we practice, protect, and show up for. From there, I’ll talk about what you can expect this year, including: a new collaboration with a national group, upcoming local conversations, a new type of book club, and policy breakdowns. My Date with Dignity is a season opener about meaning, civic life, and what it looks like to insist that our communities, and the people in them, matter. Thanks for being here. 💜 Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

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Community Schools, Shared Power: Mountain Home's “One Town, One Team”

Send us Fan Mail In this season opener, Alexis Morgan sits down with guest Stehvn Tesar, principal at Bennett High School, to explore how the community school strategy at Bennett High helps meet students’ needs and strengthens the surrounding community. We start by defining what a community school is and why this model fits the Mountain Home School District, before digging into the work happening at Bennett High, including an alternative school approach designed to support students through real barriers. You’ll hear how collaborative, community-driven leadership supports key priorities: Improvements in Student academic outcome Family & community engagement Student belonging Food insecurity support Mental health support We also spotlight how the strategy is used through programs like T-shirts, a STEM center, daycare, and a greenhouse, and discuss feedback from students, parents, and community members. Finally, we look at why this approach is continuing to grow across Idaho. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

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Rethinking Tech in the Classroom with Joey Palmer

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Alexis sits down with Joey Palmer, a school administrator in the Treasure Valley (larger Boise area in Idaho), who’s taking a different approach to technology in the classroom. This isn’t about being anti-tech—it’s about asking better questions: When does technology actually improve learning, and when does it get in the way? Joey shares how his district is shifting from tech as the default to tech as a tool, one that should be purposeful, powerful, and proportional. We talk about No-Tech Days, bell-to-bell phone expectations, and the return of more analog learning like paper drafting, face-to-face discussion, printed reading, and hands-on problem solving. We also get into what classroom observations revealed about off-task device use, the mixed research behind EdTech programs, and the growing tension between reducing screen dependence while also preparing students for a future shaped by AI. What stands out most about Joey is not just his willingness to challenge conventional thinking, but his openness to rethink his own ideas, engage perspectives that push him, and keep learning. This conversation is for educators, parents, and policymakers thinking seriously about the role of technology in schools. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

1 in 5 Rural Idaho Students Rely on IDLA: And It Just Lost Half Its Funding

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Alexis sat down with Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA) Superintendent Dr. Jeff Simmons to unpack what really happened with HB 940 and related legislation and why this moment is about far more than online classes. We break down the full policy landscape and the impacts on kids in the state? The 50% in funding cuts to IDLA means fewer courses, fewer enrollments, and a new reality for schools trying to meet student needs. But here’s where it matters most: IDLA isn’t just a program...it’s statewide infrastructure. For many schools, especially in rural Idaho, it’s how students access required courses, dual credit, credit recovery, and pathways to graduation. When that access changes, the ripple effects don’t show up in headlines, they show up in student schedules, missed opportunities, and narrowed futures. We also get into what lawmakers intended, where perception and reality diverged, and what it felt like to lead through a moment of statewide uncertainty. This conversation ultimately asks a bigger question: What does the state owe students when it comes to access? Because this isn’t just about IDLA. It’s about whether every Idaho student has what they need to succeed. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Anti-Teacher Union Bill Breakdown (HB 516) & The System Impact

Send us Fan Mail This episode breaks down a new Idaho law impacting teachers unions, but more importantly, what it reveals about how policy actually works in practice. This isn’t just about unions. It’s about systems, processes, and what happens when infrastructure quietly shifts underneath schools. Segment Breakdown: 1. Radiator Capping (process shift): Bypassing the normal legislative process changes how policy gets vetted, debated, and understood. 2. What HB 516 Actually Does: It does not ban unions, it restricts how districts interact with them. 3. Payroll Deduction Ban: Districts can no longer deduct union dues from paychecks. 4. Broad Definition of Union Activity: The law creates gray areas, making it unclear what qualifies, thus increasing risk for districts. 5. Representation Still Exists--With Conditions: Unions can still represent teachers, but now with added administrative burden and reimbursement requirements. 6. Majority Requirement (Not New): The 50% + 1 threshold remains, but verification and compliance expectations are tighter. 7. Facility Use & District Partnerships: Unclear guidance will likely lead districts to act more cautiously. 8. Who This Applies To: The law targets teachers unions specifically, not all unions. 9. Governor Little's Position: He signed the law, but raised concerns about overreach and ambiguity. 10. The Bigger Impact: This isn't just political, it affects infrastructure, trust, and the ability for systems to work together. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

The Stories that Shaped Us and Built our Communities

Send us Fan Mail Lately I’ve been asking myself a question. Have we forgotten the stories that built the communities we live in today… or were many of us never really taught them in the first place? In this reflective solo episode, Alexis explores the stories that shaped her understanding of service and community, from Anne Frank and a Holocaust survivor who visited her classroom, to her immigrant grandfather’s journey to America in 1914, to visiting Minidoka National Historic Site with her children. She also shares the story of discovering the Idaho PTA archives, the work of 35 mothers who founded the organization in 1905, and reflects on the legacy of Rebecca Brown Mitchell, a pioneer teacher and the first woman to serve as chaplain of the Idaho Legislature. This episode isn’t about politics. It’s about something deeper: how history, family stories, and community memory shape who we are, and why staying connected to those stories still matters today. Because maybe the work of civic life isn’t about shouting louder or retreating further. Maybe it begins with remembering where we come from and recognizing that our individual stories are part of something larger. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Idaho Lawmaking 101: The Budget, Medicaid, and a Rare Senate Rejection

Send us Fan Mail Budgets aren’t flashy and they’re usually not the most fun thing to talk about. But when the Idaho Senate rejected the state’s largest budget bill the $5.7 billion Health and Welfare budget it revealed deeper tensions inside the Legislature over fiscal responsibility, Medicaid spending, and recent tax cuts. In this episode of The Purple Zone, I break down: 1. How Idaho’s budget process works, 2. Why the Senate rejected the proposal, and 3. Work to connect the policy to our everyday language and lives, because budgets are where government decisions become real for communities. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

All about Charter Schools and the Missing Innovation Pipeline with Duncan Robb

Send us Fan Mail Idaho has had charter schools for nearly three decades. They were created to innovate, and the question today is: are they doing that? In this episode, I’m joined by Duncan Robb, education policy expert and the writer behind the Substack K–12 Education in Idaho (k12educationidaho.substack.com). We break down the basics, what charter schools are (and aren’t), how they’re governed, and the role of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission...then zoom out to the bigger policy design question: if charters were meant to be “labs of innovation,” who is responsible for making sure what works actually transfers to traditional public schools? We also talk through current education policy debates, including state testing, accountability, and what meaningful flexibility really looks like in practice. By the end of the conversation, it was clear we had only scratched the surface, so stay tuned for more conversations with Duncan as we continue digging into charter schools and education policy in Idaho. Bonus: Duncan and I don’t agree on everything, which makes for a fun conversation. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Idaho’s Doctor Shortage, WWAMI, & the $1 Billion Rural Health Grant with Rep. Dustin Manwaring

Send us Fan Mail Idaho ranks 50th in physicians per capita and 44th in primary care access. So what’s the real plan to fix it? In this episode, I sit down with Representative Dustin Manwaring to break down Idaho’s Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) strategy, the proposed 36-month rollout, and how it intersects with the $1 billion Rural Health Transformation Grant. We talk through the core problem the working group set out to solve and what “Train Here, Stay Here, Grow Here” actually means in practice and how it connects with workforce pipelines, residency expansion, and long-term retention? We also dig into the definition of “rural.” Critical access hospitals? Small towns near metro hubs? Urban hospitals that support rural areas? How the taskforce defines rural will shape who benefits and how federal dollars are distributed. Plus: How the UME plan intersects with the $1B rural investment What legislators are watching to ensure accountability Whether Idaho’s low resident-to-medical-student ratio limits retention The future of WWAMI and how new legislation could shift seat allocations Whether Idaho eventually needs its own full medical school If this plan works, what will Idaho’s physician landscape look like 10 years from now? This is a forward-looking conversation about workforce, access, and how policy decisions today shape healthcare for the next generation. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Federalism, Elections, and the Constitution: Who Actually Has the Power?

Send us Fan Mail Who actually has the power over elections in the United States — the federal government, the states, or the president? Alexis takes you go back to the Constitution itself. Because here’s the truth: many adults have never been taught (or have near forgotten) how the Constitution is structured, where power is assigned, or why federalism exists in the first place. (This is a super basic/quick overview). When we don’t understand that structure, modern debates about elections can feel confusing, emotional, and disconnected from reality. Alexis walks through the basics most people missed: how the Constitution is organized what the Articles actually assign to Congress, the President, and the courts where federalism lives in the text how the Bill of Rights — especially the 10th Amendment — draws a clear line between federal and state power From there, she gets concrete about elections: who runs them, who sets guardrails, and why the president has no constitutional authority to administer or centralize elections. To help frame today’s tensions, she puts two books into conversation — The Divided States of America by Donald F. Kettl and American Covenant by Yuval Levin — exploring whether federalism is a system that’s breaking down… or one that’s doing exactly what it was designed to do. This episode isn’t about personalities or partisan talking points. It’s about structure, limits, and why understanding the Constitution changes how we see current events. Because policy isn’t abstract. It’s personal. And federalism is where our disagreements are meant to live. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

The Real Cost of Underfunded Special Education

Send us Fan Mail When special education isn’t fully funded, the cost doesn’t disappear...it gets absorbed by families, classrooms, and educators. In this solo episode of The Purple Zone, I unpack what underfunded special education actually looks like on the ground: for students whose needs go unmet, for teachers navigating behavior and safety challenges without enough support, and for families trying to advocate for their children in complex systems they didn’t design. Through two personal stories and Idaho-specific context, this episode explores: how funding gaps create real tradeoffs for all students, not just those in special education, why some families experience far more strain than others when support falls short, how unmet mental health and behavioral needs show up in classrooms, and what changes when schools have the staffing, resources, and partnerships they need. This isn’t a conversation about blame; it’s about design. Special education is a legal mandate, but it’s also a shared responsibility. When it’s underfunded, districts are forced into impossible choices, families carry heavier burdens, and educators are stretched thin. And yet, partnership still matters. When schools and families work together, especially in times of constraint, the experience for students can change. If you want to understand why special education funding affects the entire school community, and why addressing it is urgent...not someday, but now...this episode is for you. Because policy isn’t abstract. It’s personal. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Efficiency Meets Reality: Hard Math, Hard Choices 2026 Legislative Session

Send us Fan Mail The math ain’t mathing...and that’s not about blame, it’s about reality. Yes this podcast has the words BUDGET, LEGISLATURE, DOGE, and GOVERNANCE...but I promise it's NOT boring--but rather something that is intended to help ALL Idahoans (and my friends in other states), understand and connect where you are right now--with governance choices. Idaho is entering the 2026 legislative session facing a significant budget challenge. Alexis doesn’t attempt to retrace every step that led to this moment, but instead acknowledges where the state is now...shaped by recent fiscal choices, and focuses on what that reality requires going forward. We look at how past budget crises were softened by federal dollars, why that backstop doesn’t exist this time, and how recent fiscal choices have narrowed the state’s options. We also unpack what “efficiency” really means in public administration, including the role of New Public Management, the limits of treating budget decisions as neutral or technical, and Dwight Waldo’s (public admin scholar) reminder that efficiency is never value-free. The episode also takes a closer look at Idaho’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), its stated goals, its work over the past several months, and what its outcomes tell us about incremental reform versus sweeping change. Along the way, we ask a key governance question: if limiting government is a priority, what do rising numbers of bills and new laws actually signal about the size and scope of the state? This is a grounded, nonpartisan conversation about budgets, governance, and accountability AND why acknowledging the past is essential to navigating what comes next. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

The Room Where it Happens: Getting Access to Where Idaho Policy Decisions are Made

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the first Purple Zone episode of 2026. As the new year begins and the legislative session ramps up (start date is January 12) ... I’m sharing three important opportunities and announcements for Idahoans who care about kids, families, schools, and the policies that shape our communities. First, we’re talking about Idaho PTA Day on the Hill, happening Tuesday, January 20, at the State Capitol. This year’s event includes a lunch with lawmakers and offers a meaningful chance to connect directly with the decision-makers shaping policies that impact our children...and all of us. 👉 Learn more and register at idahopta.org Second, I’m announcing the launch of the Idaho Kids Impact Council, a new space designed to connect parent leaders from across the state through virtual conversations. These Zoom calls will bring Idaho decision-makers directly to families and communities, creating room to hear firsthand about the issues impacting kids and communities at the state level. Third, I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited to serve as a public policy analyst for The Ranch Podcast, hosted by Matt Todd. Matt joins me for this conversation to talk about what this new role means and how it can help Idahoans better understand what’s happening behind the headlines. A Public Policy Recap. I'm so excited! So stayed tuned. As always, I want to hear from you. Send me a message if you’re interested in the Idaho Kids Impact Council, have questions about any of these opportunities, or want to share what Idaho topics are on your mind, because this show is always about seeing our state through the lens of policy, practice, and people. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

A Five-Year Grant Promise Cut Short: What’s Happening to Idaho’s Community Schools

Send us Fan Mail Last Friday, Idaho school and community leaders were notified that a major federal education grant already awarded and already supporting students is being cut short. The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) State Scaling Grant, awarded to Idaho through the United Way of Treasure Valley, was designed as a five-year investment supporting 47 rural & title one public schools. That funding is now scheduled to end three 1/2 years early, putting more than $30 million in support and nearly 60 full-time positions at risk. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis breaks down: What the Full-Service Community Schools grant is and what it is not Why the community school strategy is an adaptable, locally led approach that works especially well in Idaho What’s actually behind the federal decision to discontinue the grant early What Idaho schools, districts, and partners are doing right now to appeal the decision And how parents, educators, and community members can help This conversation isn’t about partisan politics, it’s about Idaho kids, Idaho schools, and Idaho communities, and whether schools can finish work that is already underway. 👉 Take Action 📄 Send/email an appeal letter: LINK TO LETTER 📊 Read the Idaho Community Schools Fact Sheet: LINK TO FACT SHEET Policy matters, but people matter more. And right now, Idaho needs voices. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

When Policy Meets a Viral Moment: Inside Idaho’s HB 41 (Flags & Schools Bill)

Send us Fan Mail How does a bill actually move through a legislature — not in textbooks, but in real life? In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis takes a deep dive into House Bill 41, Idaho’s 2025 “flags and schools” law, a bill that unexpectedly became tied to the now-viral West Ada classroom incident and sparked national debate about patriotism, symbolism, and expression in schools. But instead of reacting to the headlines, we’re stepping back and dissecting HB 41 through one of the most influential theories in public policy: the Multiple Streams Framework. Alexis sits down with the bill’s sponsor, Representative Ted Hill, to unpack how HB 41 traveled from idea → draft → committee → law, and how a viral moment altered the trajectory in ways no one anticipated. Together, they explore: How the “problem” of flags in classrooms was defined — and redefined What policy options were on the table before the 2025 session even began How the West Ada sign incident transformed a local issue into a statewide flashpoint (The Everyone is Welcome Here Sign Topic) Why Idaho’s political climate made the bill’s momentum almost inevitable How media attention shaped not just perception, but implementation And whether the viral moment created the “policy window” that pushed HB 41 across the finish line This episode isn’t about litigating the bill. It’s about understanding the mechanics of how real policy happens: through the collision of problem definitions, political climates, ready-made solutions, and unexpected focusing events. If you’ve ever wondered how a symbolic bill becomes a statewide law, or why certain ideas rise while others fade, this case study of HB 41 is a masterclass in policymaking in the modern era. This is The Purple Zone — where policy, practice, & people meet. Let’s jump in. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

The Assassination That Rewired American Government

Send us Fan Mail What do a disappointed office-seeker, a presidential assassination, a reform act from the 1880s, and an academic essay from Woodrow Wilson have to do with your life today? More than you think. In this episode, Alexis traces the surprising story of how the U.S. moved from a full-blown spoils system—“to the victor belong the spoils”—to a modern merit-based civil service. You’ll hear how President James Garfield’s assassination jolted the country into passing the Pendleton Act, how Woodrow Wilson helped launch public administration as its own field, and why all of this matters right now as Schedule F (now Schedule Policy/Career) reopens the debate over loyalty vs. expertise in federal jobs. This isn’t about which party is “right.” It’s about the kind of government we want: One run by professionals? One run by political loyalists? Or something in between? If you’ve ever wondered how civil servants actually got here—and whether we’re drifting back toward a modern spoils system—this episode is your roadmap. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Human → AI → Human: Navigating AI with Integrity, Clarity & Curiosity

Send us Fan Mail Alexis sits down with Will Goodman, Chief Technology Officer for the Boise School District and a central voice in Idaho’s statewide conversations on AI in K–12 education. Will and Alexis serve together on an AI in K-12 Education Workgroup in Idaho, and in this episode, they dig into the real questions Idaho is navigating right now. Together they explore: With 94% of Idaho students in public schools, what does “getting AI right” actually mean for an entire system? How schools can maintain academic integrity while using AI as a learning partner. What “Human → AI → Human” looks like in a real classroom? How to communicate clearly with parents about what AI is, and isn’t, doing in Idaho classrooms. What conversations parents should be having at home? How AI fits alongside Digital Literacy and digital citizenship. How Idaho’s approach compares to states like Colorado, Utah, and Georgia. How we’ll measure success: learning outcomes, efficiency, and equity. The cultural challenge of moving from fear to curiosity. Safeguarding human dignity and agency in an AI-driven world. What responsible AI in Idaho education could look like in 3–5 years. If this conversation sparks a thought, concern, or idea—reach out. Idaho’s framework is a living document, and community voices matter. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com

Who Runs This Town? Local Government & the Art of Folding in the Cheese

Send us Fan Mail Most people can name the President—but not their local city council members. In this episode of The Purple Zone, Alexis sits down with Matt Todd, host of The Ranch Podcast, to unpack what local government actually does and why it matters. From who really decides where roads go (hint: it’s not your Eagle City Council members) to how citizens can get involved at every level, this episode gets you started with Local Gov 101. Matt shares insights from his conversations with elected officials, candidates, and civic leaders—offering real Idaho examples that bring policy to life. Along the way, a parallel to that unforgettable Schitt’s Creek scene: when Moira tells David to “fold in the cheese,” but never explains how. That’s how local government can feel...knowing it's there, but not knowing how to describe who does what and how. Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong Idahoan, this conversation breaks down structures, responsibilities, and the small steps we can all take to keep democracy strong from the bottom up. Because nothing changes unless we change it. 🎙️ A must-listen for every citizen who believes their vote...and their voice...matters. Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration. email@thealexismorgan.com Find great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy: https://www.thealexismorgan.com