Talk of Iowa

Talk of Iowa

Talk of Iowa is a place for Iowans to connect to our shared culture and what it means to live in Iowa. Host Charity Nebbe brings a mix of regular guests and a range of experts to discuss the arts, history, literature and everything else happening in Iowa. Every day brings something new — even if it's in a recurring segment like Talk of Iowa Book Club or comes from a familiar voice on Horticulture Day.

Episodes

Time to clean up your garden

October 11, 2025 • 47 mins
Ajay Nair, professor and chair of horticulture at Iowa State University, guides us through his garden's bedtime routine. Then, horticulturist Aaron Steil answers your questions.
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The 2026 All Iowa Reads picks are here!

October 10, 2025 • 47 mins
The All Iowa Reads committee reveals the titles for 2026. First, we revisit a conversation with educator Amanda Jones about her book, That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.
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Decorah community and Crown Prince of Norway celebrate 200 years of transatlantic relationship

October 9, 2025 • 48 mins
The City of Decorah was visited by royalty this week.
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Nick Offerman says woodworking is a superpower in this digital world

October 8, 2025 • 48 mins
Nick Offerman is coming to Des Moines Oct. 14 to talk about his new book aimed at children, “Little Woodchucks: Offerman’s Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery.”
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Remembering Jane Goodall

October 7, 2025 • 47 mins
We honor Jane Goodall’s legacy with a look back at her 2025 conversation and reflect on her impact with wildlife biologist Jim Peases.
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Why fall leaves change when they do

October 4, 2025 • 47 mins
All you need to know about changing leaves and Autumn color
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'We crapped in our nest' a conversation with Art Cullen

October 3, 2025 • 48 mins
The editor and co-owner of the Storm Lake Times Pilot discusses his new book, Dear Marty, We Crapped In Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World.
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Actor Andrew Lopez is excited to highlight the flyover country on screen

October 2, 2025 • 47 mins
An interview with actor, writer and comedian Andrew Lopez, and a preview of the first Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival
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'Choosing dance over despair' while living with Schizophrenia

October 1, 2025 • 47 mins
Margalea Warner, who has lived with schizophrenia for more than four decades, discusses her about her new memoir. Then, we’ll talk with Iowa native and soprano opera singer Jessica Faselt.
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How climate change impacts health in rural America

September 30, 2025 • 47 mins
A sociologist discusses the unique challenges rural communities face concerning climate change and health care. Then, a look at the Midwest Crossword Tournament.
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Prevent plant disease this year and next

September 27, 2025 • 47 mins
The best ways to protect your vegetable garden from disease
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Academic freedom expert believes threats today are greater than McCarthyism

September 26, 2025 • 47 mins
Legal scholar David Rabban discusses academic freedom during a moment when it is at risk. Also, Gazette reporters share their answers to reader questions as part of their Curious Iowa series.
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An inside look at the new Ames History Museum

September 25, 2025 • 48 mins
The recently expanded Ames History Museum is full of surprises for all generations.
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Anti-racism as a daily practice

September 24, 2025 • 47 mins
Author Jennifer Harvey joins the program to talk about her new book, Anti-Racism As Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities and Help Create a Just World.
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For Fred Armisen, comedy and music go hand-in-hand

September 23, 2025 • 47 mins
Fred Armisen is coming to Iowa in October as part of his "Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome" tour. Also, we continue our Iowa Famous series by digging into the life and career of Donna Reed with her daughter.
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Give your perennials some tender loving care

September 20, 2025 • 47 mins
Horticulturists offer advice on storing and saving tender perennials during an Iowa winter.
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Celebrating 50 years of education through art with ISU museums

September 19, 2025 • 47 mins
A new exhibits look at 50 years of Iowa State University Museums.
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Famous Iowans, from former SNL cast member to Miss Piggy

September 18, 2025 • 40 mins
From quirky t-shirts to SNL laughs to a glamorous Muppet — discover what makes these Iowans truly famous.
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'Divergent' author's latest series brings Polish folklore to Chicago

September 17, 2025 • 39 mins
Veronica Roth talks about her latest book, To Clutch a Razor, and becoming a bestselling author at 22-years-old.
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Nature, mental health and climate conversations at the IEC Conference

September 16, 2025 • 41 mins
Author Florence Williams discusses the mental health benefits of nature and climate scientist Chris Gloninger talks about starting constructive conversations on climate change.
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