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It's Worth Mentioning

It's Worth Mentioning

Written by: Rett Nelson
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A podcast for trivia buffs and history nerds that takes listeners back in time. Each episode features a guest or topic that's tied to Idaho's past.Copyright Rett Nelson World
Episodes
  • Childhood stardom and life after the spotlight with Johnny Whitaker

    Childhood stardom and life after the spotlight with Johnny Whitaker
    May 25 2026
    Johnny Whitaker was 6-years-old when he landed the part of Jody Davis in “Family Affair,” a sitcom that ran on CBS from 1966-1971. It told the story of a wealthy Manhattan bachelor, played by Brian Keith, who suddenly becomes the guardian of his late brother’s three orphaned children.

    Whitaker, who has ties to eastern Idaho, was one of the three children in the cast. From there, he went on to star in a string of Disney films and other film and TV productions.

    This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Rett Nelson speaks with Whitaker about his life and career.

    They begin the conversation talking about the late Sid Krofft, television producer and puppeteer behind a number of children’s classics, like “H.R. Pufnstuf,” “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” and “Land of the Lost.” Krofft died last month at age 96.
    Whitaker worked with Krofft on “Sigmund and the Sea Monsters” and offers some words on his passing.

    Nelson and Whitaker discuss Johnny’s ties to eastern Idaho through his mother — who grew up in Clifton, a small community near Preston — and his unexpected jump into show business at age 3 and a half.

    Whitaker shares his memories of Brian Keith and the beginnings of “Family Affair.” He also discusses his first movie role, a Disney film called “The Biscuit Eater,” and how that part came about.
    After starring in multiple Disney films, Whitaker appeared opposite a young Jody Foster in United Artists’ “Tom Sawyer.”

    Whitaker recalls an experience performing in Rexburg at the tail end of his childhood acting career, his experience attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his eventual excommunication from the church.

    Today, Whitaker has rejoined the faith and is working on several projects, including a short film project called “Skye Bleu.” Learn more about it here. You can also stay informed about everything in Whitaker’s life by visiting his website or joining his Facebook group.

    If you’re a fan of Whitaker’s work or enjoy classic films or TV shows, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

    Watch previous episodes of “It’s Worth Mentioning” here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip, guest idea or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com.

    RELATED LINK: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2023/04/how-a-former-child-star-with-ties-to-eastern-idaho-got-started-in-acting-overcame-a-10-year-battle-with-addiction/
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    37 mins
  • Before the funeral, this former elected official opened up about Dirk Kempthorne’s remarkable life

    Before the funeral, this former elected official opened up about Dirk Kempthorne’s remarkable life
    May 18 2026
    Friends and colleagues are remembering Dirk Kempthorne as “a man who truly loved our state” and who could help people “feel uniquely and genuinely seen.” Former Governor Butch Otter compared him to fictional characters Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” and Jefferson Smith from “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.”

    Idaho’s 30th governor passed away on April 24 after a battle with colon cancer. His lying-in-state ceremony was held on Friday in the rotunda of the capital building in Boise. His funeral was held on Saturday at the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise.

    This week on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Rett Nelson speaks with longtime attorney, historian and former elected official David Leroy about Kempthorne’s life and legacy. As a political colleague, Leroy shares his thoughts on Kempthorne’s passing and some memories of his personal interactions with the former Idaho leader.

    They discuss Kempthorne's 24-year political resume, beginning with his attendance at Idaho State University in the 1970s, where he was elected student body officer.

    Kempthorne's first foray into elected office after college was as mayor of Boise in 1985. After seven years in that role, he successfully ran for the U.S. Senate. He returned home after one term to run for governor.

    Kempthorne served as Idaho's 30th governor from 1999-2006. The last few months of his second term was interrupted by a federal appointment. President George W. Bush nominated him to serve as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, which Kempthorne accepted. He served in that capacity from 2006-2009.

    This conversation was recorded ahead of Kempthorne’s funeral, which is now available on-demand here.

    Watch previous episodes here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip, guest idea or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com.

    RELATED LINKS: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/05/idahoans-honor-late-us-interior-secretary-and-former-gov-dirk-kempthorne/

    https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/05/at-kempthornes-funeral-dad-and-pop-dirk-remembered-along-with-the-public-servant/

    https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/02/lessons-from-lincoln-idaho-historian-reflects-on-leadership-and-americas-250th/
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    32 mins
  • Caught in history: The untold story behind an iconic Teton Dam photo

    Caught in history: The untold story behind an iconic Teton Dam photo
    May 11 2026
    After seeing a wall of water pummel Rexburg, Brian and Brent Gibson, along with nine of their friends, congregated on the corner of Main Street and North 2nd East for a now-iconic photo.

    It was around 3 p.m. on June 5, 1976 — hours after the collapse of the Teton Dam. This summer, the Gibson brothers and the rest of the gang will reunite to retake the photo 50 years later.

    Today on “It’s Worth Mentioning,” Rett Nelson explores the story behind the photo ahead of its 50th anniversary.

    His first guest is the photographer, Steve Wasden. Wasden lives in Pocatello today, but his dad once owned a business in Rexburg, and he shares his memories of what happened that day.

    In an era before cell phones, he explains why he had a camera and the circumstances that led the group to gather for the photo.

    Wasden recalls his experiences with the aftermath and the cleanup, and catches us up on life since then.

    He shares his thoughts about reuniting with his classmates 50 years later, and why the disaster is worth remembering.

    Then, the Gibson brothers join us to share their memories, thoughts, and stories.

    If you live in eastern Idaho, you’ve likely heard about the Teton Dam collapse, and this is a unique story you don’t want to miss!

    Watch previous episodes here. Check out the show on Facebook. If you have a tip, guest idea or comment, email rett@eastidahonews.com.

    RELATED LINK: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2026/03/remembering-the-teton-dam-collapse-inside-the-failure-and-fight-to-rebuild/
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    53 mins
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