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How Communities Grow
Spend enough time in Meridian and you start to see how this community grows. It rarely happens through big dramatic moments. More often it is the result of small decisions made over time. A family choosing to settle here. Someone opening a business. Neighbors showing up to support a local cause.
Those decisions are investments.
Some are financial. Starting a company, buying property, or setting money aside for the future all require a belief that the effort today will matter down the road.
But many investments look different.
Sometimes it is a parent encouraging a child to try something new. Sometimes it is time spent helping a community organization or volunteering at a local event. And sometimes it is simply stepping back long enough to think about where we are headed.
Several stories in this issue reflect that idea. The most meaningful investments rarely produce instant results. They tend to unfold slowly, often beginning with someone willing to take a chance on something that is not fully proven yet.
Communities grow the same way.
Meridian continues to evolve because people keep investing their time, their ideas, and their energy into this place. Some of those investments build businesses. Others build traditions, events, and the sense of community that makes a city feel like home.
In the end, the future of a community is simply the result of thousands of those decisions made over time.
Russell Detablan | editorial@boisecitylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tammy de Weerd, Bill Overton, Laura Sanchezquan, Jordan Gray, Aimee L. Cook, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bill Overton, Spoken Wines, Jordan Gray, Ashley Loeb
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
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city scene
1-3: In February, Expo Idaho became a weekend crossroads for connection and planning as the Idaho Business League hosted both the Women’s Lifestyle Expo and the Idaho Dream Wedding Expo. The back-to-back gatherings drew Treasure Valley residents looking to support local businesses, explore new ideas, and mark life’s milestones.
CONTINUED
city scene
4-6: At the Women’s Lifestyle Expo, more than 100 vendors filled the hall with boutique clothing, handcrafted goods, home décor, beauty services, and specialty foods sourced from around the region. Short presentations on personal development, wellness, and financial planning offered moments of reflection amid the steady browsing.
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7-9: Across the venue, engaged couples navigated aisles of florists, photographers, venues, planners, and designers at the Idaho Dream Wedding Expo. A fashion show spotlighted current bridal trends as families and friends weighed options for ceremonies and celebrations ahead. Together, the Idaho Business League events highlighted Meridian’s role as a gathering place for regional entrepreneurs and families planning what comes next.
Photography by @Meridian.Lifestyle
We
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Noteworthy in Idaho
ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER
A New Community Hub
City officials broke ground on the new Meridian Community Center and Settlers Park expansion, a project that will house parks programming, fire outreach services, new playground space, walking paths, a dog park, and expanded parking by late 2027.
New Wellness Studio
Downtown Boise
Torque Body Shop marked its official ribbon cutting January 6, transforming the former The GYM space into a downtown Boise fitness and wellness studio offering strength training, group classes, recovery services, and community programming. TorqueBodyShop.com
$1 Million Matching Challenge
Camp Rainbow Gold announced a $1 million matching gift from the Tomlinson Foundation to complete Hidden Paradise’s Main Lodge, a critical 10,000-square-foot facility supporting Idaho children facing serious medical challenges. HiddenParadise.org
From Belgium to Boise
Serge Pilaet and Els Vrijsen brought traditional Belgian chocolate craftsmanship to the Treasure Valley, launching The Belgian BonBon and blending European heritage with Idaho entrepreneurship. TheBelgianBonbon.com
Field Studies at Initial Point
Meridian City Hall’s Initial Point Gallery presents “Field Studies: Interpreting the West,” featuring work by Lisa Flowers Ross and Clementine Zenner, with an artist reception April 7 and the exhibit on view through April 24. MeridianCity.org
Time, Age, & Risk
As retirement approaches, time becomes more valuable than returns, changing how we evaluate investment risk
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL OVERTON
Summit of Thompson Peak with youngest son Sam, Sawtooth Range. Low risk.
When I was younger, my calculus for risk in my outdoor pursuits was pretty straightforward. Could this kill me? If so, how likely is that outcome? Could this seriously injure me? If so, how likely is that outcome?
Risk assessment complete. Boom. Done.
If I felt comfortable with the answers to those questions, I was good to go. As a young man, I was confident and bold in my ability to assess the dangers and overlay my skills and limitations — and, if I’m honest, probably a little bit stupid. Fortunately, I am still alive and have never suffered any serious injuries from those pursuits. It’s true what they say: sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.
Now that I’m older — and at least a little wiser — my calculus for risk has changed significantly. I still enjoy many of the same pursuits, but my physical limitations are greater, and the consequences of an undesired outcome feel heavier. Recovery takes longer. Injuries linger. Responsibilities are different. I still participate, but my risk assessment process is more nuanced and a lot less bold.
Interestingly, I see our investment risk tolerance follow a very similar trajectory as we age.
When retirement is a distant concept somewhere beyond the horizon, risk feels abstract. A downturn is inconvenient, but it’s temporary. As long as you have time on your side, the math tends to work itself out. But as retirement begins to come into view — and as
CONTINUED >
Sport climbing in Red Rocks, NV. Moderate risk.
our accumulated savings represent decades of disciplined effort — something shifts. We begin to recognize that we now have a lot more to lose.
Even the biggest risk takers eventually understand that, at some point, protection begins to matter more than growth.
As we age, our most valuable commodity is not the balance in our retirement accounts — it is time. If your retirement portfolio takes a 40% to 60% hit while you’re in your 30s or 40s, it’s painful but survivable. You have years, maybe decades, to recover. But that same hit in your 50s or 60s can be devastating, primarily because of the time required to recoup those losses.
After a major setback, your account must earn back every dollar it lost before it can begin compounding again. And if you are already in retirement and
“At some point, protecting what you’ve built becomes more important than chasing what you might gain.”
withdrawing funds, the recovery becomes even more difficult because growth must occur from a smaller earning base. In some cases, you may never fully regain what was lost.
If you are in that window where retirement is visible on the horizon, it makes sense to reevaluate your risk tolerance. The calculus changes. What once felt bold and appropriate may no longer be wise.
Time is our most precious asset. Plan your investment strategy accordingly.
Bill Overton is a financial advisor with Advanced Financial Solutions in Idaho.
Family sailing adventure in San Diego Harbor on a busy Saturday. Moderate risk.
Sawtooth backpacking adventure- low risk.
Climbing the fnal pitch of Stur Chimney on Mount Hepburn, Idaho.
Plant You r Kitchen Garden
BACKYARD GARDENS OFFER FRESH VEGGIES AND FOOD FOR YOUR SOUL
A quick guide for simple ideas to start off your backyard kitchen garden. With endless health and medicinal benefits, combined with the beauty and enjoyment to be found, gardening is endlessly rewarding.
GETTING STARTED
• Plant your vegetable options right into your beds with flowers, the pollinators (bees, butterflies and more) are attracted to the beautiful flowers and your veggies will easily and abundantly go-tofruit, living harmoniously in one bed.
• Every garden needs a rain gauge - you’ll be surprised at how fun it is to check. There is nothing like rain water for your garden. (This is optional, but definitely fun).
• Get your family involved. It’s never too late!
• Just go for it, our local climate can be weird and often extreme but don’t let it stop you- the most success and fun I’ve had was just going for it. Experiment and see what you love and what works best for you!
• In most cases, when watering, don’t water the petals and leaves, (especially when they’re in direct sunlight) try to water straight to the soil. All they need is water, nutrients and light to thrive! (and maybe a little love helps too!)
• Don’t forget herbs: Lavender, Mint, Lemon Verbena, Oregano, Basil, Cilantro, Parsley and more. Don’t be afraid to skip the spice rack and grab your seasoning from the garden.
What to Plant
Whether starting from seed or seedlings, you can’t go wrong with these options. Start with foods you know you like to eat.
TOMATOES: They’re delicious, money-saving, good for eating fresh and for preserving. Tomatoes come in endless colors, shapes and sizes. Plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil, ideally in full sun, and ensure they receive consistent moisture, supporting them with cages or stakes as they grow.
OKRA: Okra loves our hot summers and full sun. Don’t wait too long to pick your okra, ideally harvesting them when they are 2 to 4 inches long. Can be eaten raw on a salad or best served deep fried. (The flower that turns into the okra itself is uniquely beautiful as well!)
EGGPLANT: Eggplant is a short season vegetable and a relative of peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. It thrives in heat and full sun and can be deliciously made into baba ganoush and many other delicious dishes.
ARTICLE BY LAURA SANCHEZQUAN
PEPPERS: Like tomatoes, peppers have many purposes and variations. Plant them in a sunny location with welldrained soil after the last frost, spacing them 18 inches apart, and provide consistent watering while ensuring the soil doesn't become waterlogged.
Flowers Bring Pollinators
Flowers bring joy to all five of our senses, but they also bring pollinators to our garden in order to ensure your backyard kitchen will produce lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Not to mention they also contain health and even medicinal properties.
HIBISCUS:
Make sure your hibiscus plants, whether tropical or hardy, get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to achieve optimum blooming. Hibiscus flowers can be made into a delicious tea that can be served hot or ice cold (and is a good source of Vitamin C). With over 200 varieties of hibiscus world wide, their blooms only last a day or two! Stunning in all shapes, sizes and colors.
MARIGOLDS:
To the surprise of most people, marigold flowers are edible. Whether used fresh, dried, or infused into various beverages, Marigolds have a multitude of uses in the kitchen. An added benefit of planting these bright and low maintenance flowers next to tomatoes– they help keep pests away from devouring your tomatoes while also encouraging pollinators.
ZINNIAS: PLUMBAGO:
These bright, colorful garden gems have many benefits beyond their beauty and ease of care. Along with attracting pollinators, and being low maintenance they also have medicinal properties. Zinnias have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, they’re rich in antioxidants, and the natural compounds in zinnias can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Plumbago is thought to have many health benefits, such as its anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer properties, resulting from its principal chemical components, which are concentrated in the roots, leaves, and stems of plants. This attractive light purple flowering plant thrives in the sun, and has moderate watering needs. Trim and prune to suit your own preferences of growth and it’s a welcome, abundantly beautiful member of any garden.
FROM TO LEGACY
The terrain that reshaped an American wine region
ARTICLE BY TAMMY DE WEERD
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPOKEN WINES + PROVIDED
The galets roulés of The Rocks District
Unproven ground—an investment that started a legacy.
A wide stretch of round river stones lay exposed to the sun — a field most people would have overlooked. It was 1996, and Christophe Baron, a young vigneron originally from Champagne, was on his way to Oregon to invest in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
A friend, seeing the photo in a book he was carrying of the stony vineyards of Châteauneuf-duPape, told him there was land “like that here.”
Christophe drove out to see it.
He stepped onto the rocky ground, looked around, and said simply:
“This is it.”
That quiet moment redirected the course of his life — and, ultimately, the direction of Northwest wine.
LEAVING THE EXPECTED PATH
Christophe grew up in Champagne and studied in Burgundy. Becoming a vigneron was straightforward; staying in France and his family’s roots in wine since the 16th century would have been the natural path. Instead, he chose to travel, work harvests, and learn the craft, finding his own direction.
Oregon seemed like the logical place to start his own path. The varieties were familiar. The industry was established. The investment was clear.
But standing on those stones, the plan changed. It wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t strategic. It was immediate. Something in the land spoke to him, and he followed it.
INVESTING IN UNPROVEN GROUND
At the time, no one believed vineyards could succeed on those rocks. Locals questioned the idea. Some referred to him as “the crazy French guy” as he began the work of planting vines in terrain that fought back.
The stones were so dense that Christophe and his crew used crowbars to wedge the young vines into place. Nothing about the work was easy.
Still, he invested — not in what the land was, but in what he believed it could become. Vines that create great wine must struggle. This place was perfect.
CONTINUED >
Christophe Baron in the early days of planting vines by hand
Christophe Baron
Baron’s High-density plantings, a traditional Rhône-inspired viticulture
A DIFFERENT KIND OF CAPITAL
Christophe calls himself a vigneron — a winegrower — because the focus is on the vineyard, not the cellar. Everything begins with the land.
He farmed organically from the start and moved fully into biodynamics in 2002, long before it became more widely accepted. His approach favored patience over speed, observation over intervention, and horses over tractors where possible.
High-density planting, long timelines before releasing wines, and a commitment to traditional methods required significant investment. Not all of it financial. Much of it was time, attention, and belief.
THE REGION THAT FOLLOWED
Over time, Christophe’s early vineyards developed into what would become Cayuse, No Girls, Horsepower — each an expression of the land he had first seen in 1996 — while Hors Catégorie would later become his defining vineyard in the North Fork area of the Walla Walla Valley.
As the wines gained recognition, other vignerons and wineries began investing in the same area. What once looked like unworkable ground has since become The Rocks District of MiltonFreewater AVA, now home to more than 500 planted acres.
A region that didn’t exist before now carries an identity shaped by the same stones Christophe first walked across nearly thirty years ago.
LOOKING AHEAD
Christophe pays close attention to how new generations engage with wine. He understands that younger drinkers look for connection, story, and authenticity. During the pandemic, he introduced Double Lucky — a more accessible wine meant to meet people where they are.
Through each of his labels, he focuses on expression of place, clarity of farming, and respect for the vineyard. His investment continues to be centered on doing things at the highest level and letting the land lead.
AN INVESTMENT THAT STARTED A LEGACY
There’s no need to overstate what happened that day in 1996. It didn’t look like a milestone. It looked like an empty field of river stones.
But for Christophe Baron, that field was the beginning. He stepped onto land no one believed in, recognized something familiar, and trusted it. The work that followed helped shape a new chapter of Northwest wine — patiently, steadily, and from the ground up.
Sometimes the most significant investments begin that way— not with announcements, but with a simple statement spoken on unproven ground.
“This is it.”
Tammy de Weerd is a contributing writer for Boise Lifestyle and Meridian Lifestyle. She is also the co-founder of Spoken Wines.
Wines from the Bionic portfolio — Cayuse, Horsepower, No Girls, Hors Catégorie, and Double Lucky — most are rooted in The Rocks.
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From Medieval Pageantry to Nordic Lore
THE IDAHO RENAISSANCE FAIRE BROADENED ITS SEASONAL OFFERINGS WITH SKÅL, A WINTER CELEBRATION ROOTED IN NORSE HERITAGE
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN GRAY
SKÅL dawned bright and cold on a February weekend in Caldwell, where furs, cloaks, and horned helmets stood out against the frosty fields. The inaugural winter gathering, presented by the Idaho Renaissance Faire organization, introduced a Nordic twist to the group’s well-known historical festivals.
Part celebration, part living history experience, SKÅL centered on Norse culture and heritage. Musicians performed traditional-inspired sets while dancers moved between vendor tents. Guests tried their hand at themed quests, listened to presentations on the Norse pantheon, and learned about mythic figures who once shaped Scandinavian storytelling.
Families and dedicated reenactors alike leaned into the moment. Some arrived in carefully constructed Viking attire, complete with leatherwork and hand-forged accessories. Others came simply to explore, browsing booths filled with handcrafted goods, from drinking horns to items etched with runes. Children tested foam axes and shields while adults gathered near warming fires to exchange stories and watch demonstrations.
While Idaho Renaissance Faire events are often associated with warmer months and medieval pageantry, SKÅL offered a seasonal counterpart, drawing the community outdoors despite the chill. The gathering
reflected the organization’s broader mission: creating immersive, educational environments that invite participants to step briefly into another era. For many attendees, the appeal lay in that shared sense of play and discovery.
Organizers say additional events are planned throughout the year, including the traditional Renaissance Faire. The nonprofit is also working toward establishing a permanent home for future festivals and programming in the region. For details on upcoming events, visit idahorenfair.org.
ARTICLE BY AIMEE L. COOK
MOUNTAIN LUXURY, THOUGHTFULLY REIMAGINED
A SHORT DRIVE FROM MERIDIAN, GRAND HYATT DEER VALLEY OFFERS LATE-SEASON SKIING, THOUGHTFUL DINING, RESTORATIVE SPA EXPERIENCES, AND A REFINED MOUNTAIN ATMOSPHERE
Dreaming of a five-star mountain getaway without boarding a plane? Grand Hyatt Deer Valley offers Idaho travelers a refined retreat just a day’s drive from Meridian. Nestled in Utah’s scenic Wasatch Back, the resort feels removed from daily routine while remaining comfortably accessible — an easy long weekend for families, couples, or friends craving alpine air and a change of pace.
The drive itself marks the transition. Valley roads gradually give way to rising peaks, and within a few hours the landscape shifts from familiar farmland to mountain terrain. It is close enough to feel convenient, yet far enough to create the mental reset that makes a getaway worthwhile.
Spring skiing carries its own rhythm. Bluebird skies, softened snow, and longer daylight hours make late-season runs especially appealing.
The property is part of Deer Valley’s East Village expansion, one of the more ambitious resort developments currently underway in North America. New lifts, expanded terrain, residences, and additional lodging are reshaping this side of the mountain while maintaining the understated character Deer Valley is known for. The result feels both established and newly energized.
LATE-SEASON SKIING AND MOUNTAIN MOMENTS
Spring skiing carries its own rhythm. Bluebird skies, softened snow, and longer daylight hours make late-season runs especially appealing. With ski-in/ski-out access, guests can step directly onto the slopes and spend the morning taking in panoramic mountain views. Onsite ski butlers coordinate equipment fittings in-room, streamlining the process before the first lift of the day.
For those who prefer a slower pace, the setting invites lingering. Crisp mornings give way to sunny afternoons, and the atmosphere feels less hurried than peak winter. Après-ski becomes less about rushing and more about gathering. Some guests head out for village strolls, while others return indoors to warm up near the fire.
Beyond skiing, the mountain setting offers quiet trails, scenic overlooks, and space simply to pause. Even a short walk outside the hotel grounds reveals expansive views that remind visitors why the Wasatch Back continues to draw travelers season after season.
NOSHING WHILE THERE
Dining anchors the stay. Remington Hall has shifted toward a refined steakhouse approach, focusing on carefully prepared cuts and thoughtful presentation in a space that blends alpine and contemporary design. Shareable starters and crafted cocktails lend themselves to relaxed evenings that stretch comfortably past sunset. Chefs Viktor Merenyi and Michael Bauer introduced updated offerings in November, leaning into technique and regional influence without straying from familiar comforts.
High Chocolate in the Living Room area provides a quieter ritual — rich sipping chocolate paired with house-made treats. The experience feels unhurried and intentionally simple. Saturday S’mores gatherings offer another informal way to end the day, particularly for families returning from the slopes.
AGACI SPA & WELLNESS
Agaci Spa & Wellness emphasizes restorative treatments in a calm setting. Curated massages, body therapies, and facials provide space to recharge after active days outdoors. The Altitude Adjustment Massage addresses the fatigue some guests feel at elevation, a practical addition for mountain stays. A well-equipped fitness center allows visitors to maintain routines while away from home.
KID-APPROVED AND PET-FRIENDLY
Family travel feels flexible here. The Nexus Lounge & Arcade offers gaming consoles and classic machines for teens and tweens, while younger children can participate in supervised programming through Camp Hyatt Kids Club. The atmosphere balances polish with approachability, making it comfortable for multi-generational trips.
Dogs are welcomed with designated amenities and outdoor space, allowing the entire household to travel together without complication.
For Idaho residents seeking a mountain retreat within driving distance, Grand Hyatt Deer Valley offers late-season adventure balanced with comfort and quiet — close enough to be practical, far enough to feel like a true escape.
TREASURE VALLEY RESIDENTS EMBRACE CLEANUP AS SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
WHERE FITNESS MEETS CIVIC PRIDE
ARTICLE BY STAFF WRITER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BOISE NICE
“PLOGGING
As Earth Week approaches, Boise will once again combine movement and community pride with Boise Plogs 2026, a weeklong event inviting residents to get outside, get active, and help keep the Treasure Valley clean.
From Sunday, April 19 through Saturday, April 25, participants are encouraged to join neighbors, friends, and coworkers in a rising global trend known as plogging — a blend of jogging or walking while picking up litter along the way.
Plogging began in Sweden in 2016 and has since spread around the world as a simple way to build community stewardship into a walk or run. In Boise, the concept has been embraced by the nonprofit Boise Nice Project to not only improve local neighborhoods but to invite purposeful physical activity as part of everyday life.
HOW IT WORKS
Participants in Boise Plogs can choose to plog anywhere in the Treasure Valley, whether along the Greenbelt, in southwest neighborhoods, near the foothills, or on downtown streets. The event has no rigid route, race clock, or finish line — rather, organizers suggest plogging for at least 30 minutes at a time to make a meaningful impact.
“By joining together to clean up local streets and parks, residents make visible what many already feel: that taking care of Boise means taking responsibility for the spaces we share.”
Those who register can pick up plogging supplies and thankyou swag — including a reusable tumbler — ahead of time. In past years, these items were available at local partners such as Zamzow’s, making it easy for Boiseans to grab gear before heading out into their neighborhoods.
Boise Plogs isn’t a traditional race. There’s no timing chip or leaderboard, and participants are welcome regardless of age or fitness level. You can walk, jog, hop, skip or simply stroll while collecting whatever litter you find along the way. The underlying goal is to cultivate ongoing care for the environment and community spaces that are shared by all.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
What sets Boise Plogs apart from other fitness events is how it grounds environmental action in everyday life. Rather than a oneday service project, the event encourages residents to view neighborhood cleanup as part of the ethos of living here — a subtle extension of the region’s outdoor culture and community connectedness.
Past City Lifestyle coverage highlighted that Boise Plogs wraps environmental awareness into a social experience that fits
naturally into local lifestyles, from families exploring parks to coworkers organizing group plogging outings.
There are often lighthearted competitive elements too, such as prizes for the most creative team names, the most unique litter found, or the greatest volume of trash collected — friendly incentives that make participation fun without pressure.
WHY IT MATTERS
In a city that regularly tops lists as one of the nicest places to live, events like Boise Plogs reinforce the idea that community care is more than a slogan. It’s a practical, physical act that involves people of all ages and walks of life. By joining together to clean up local streets and parks, residents make visible what many already feel: that taking care of Boise means taking responsibility for the spaces we share.
For those interested, registration typically opens in early March, and plogging materials become available for pickup in mid-April ahead of the event week. Participants are encouraged to share photos of their plogging outings on social media to inspire others. Happy plogging, and visit BoiseNice.org to learn more.
Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL
An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.
Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.
A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.
Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?
A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.
Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?
A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.
Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?
A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.
“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”
Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?
A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”
Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.
This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.
for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.
the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his heart.
Redefining MVP
FEATURING TIM TEBOW
Meridian + Valley Events
APRIL 2026
1 — IDAHO STEELHEADS VS. KANSAS CITY MAVERICKS
Idaho Central Arena, 7:10 PM: ECHL hockey action. idahosteelheads.com
2 — FIRST THURSDAY DOWNTOWN BOISE
5-9 PM: Food, beverage tastings, art exhibits, retail trunk shows, live music, family activities, and entertainment. DowntownBoise.org
3 — MORGAN JAY
Morrison Center, 7 PM: The Goofy Guy Tour. morrisoncenter.com
3 — DISNEY’S FROZEN
Civic Center, 7:30 PM: A snowy stage adventure filled with music, magic, and heart. nampaciviccenter.com
4 — BOISE FARMER’S MARKET
Downtown Boise, 9 AM: Opening day of fresh, local, seasonal food. theboisefarmersmarket.com