STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
Reporter Heath Druzin will discuss Christian nationalism and how political extremism is shaping our democracy during two separate events in the Wood River Valley this week.
Druzin’s is a former reporter for Boise State Radio and the Idaho Statesman whose 2022 podcast “Extremely American,” took listeners inside militias and other far-right groups working to remake America. He will discuss strategies for engaging in productive dialogue in polarized times while in the Wood River Valley.
He will speak at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, at The Community Library in Ketchum, in a conversation moderated by Martha Williams, the library’s director of programs and education.
He will speak at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at the Senior Connection in Hailey in a conversation moderated by Brian Johns a member of the Magic Valley Times-News editorial board.
Both programs are free. Registration is recommended to reserve a seat for The Community Library’s presentation at https://thecommunitylibrary.libcal.com/event/15676954. That program will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/5565259. And it will be recorded, available to watch later on The Community Library’s Event Archive.
People can save a seat at The Senior Connection at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qvy2pdj.
Druzin’s visit has been organized by Idaho Solutions, a Twin Falls-based nonprofit focused on policy and community engagement. The talk is part of its “The More You Know” series.
The events are being held in partnership with Boise State Public Radio, The Community Library, Mormon Women for Ethical Government-Idaho Chapter, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Wood River Jewish Community and Wood River Valley members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Druzin followed up his “Extremely American” podcast with one in 2025 looking more specifically at Christian nationalism and its attempts to install theocracy. He followed the movement through the story of Doug Wilson’s influential far-right church in Moscow, Idaho.
His podcast, “Howl,” looks at 30 years of Wolf Reintroduction in the West.
He spent more than six years as a war correspondent for Stars and Stripes in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prior to launching his podcasts, he was Boie State Public Radio’s Guns & America fellow, during which he focused on extremist movements, suicide prevent on and gun culture.
He also has reported for outlets such as NPR, BBC and the Daily Beast
“Heath is an excellent guide into this topic for those who aren’t sure what Christian nationalism is, or who are yearning to understand its pull and growing influence, especially here in Idaho,” said Martha Williams. “As a journalist, he approaches the movement and the people involved with integrity and curiosity. Their beliefs may anger some, but it’s only through honest questions and answers that understanding and a way forward become possible.”
Chenele Dixon, founder of the Idaho Solutions’ series, said that when communities take time to engage in complex issues, civic trust grows.
“This conversation helps Idahoans better understand how Christian nationalism is influencing our democracy and public life,” she added.