In this powerful episode of the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Ian Roberts, Superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, as he shares his compelling leadership journey and vision for the future of education in Iowa’s largest school district. With responsibility for over 31,000 students and 72 aging school buildings, Dr. Roberts discusses the challenges and opportunities ahead, including a $51 million bond referendum on the horizon. He shares how his leadership team embraces change to create environments where all children can thrive and be "well"—academically, emotionally, and physically—in a rapidly evolving world.
We’re also joined by Frank Kelly, economist and founder of Fulcrum Macro Advisors, who brings a global lens to the conversation. Kelly dives into geopolitical and economic pressures shaping our future, from energy markets to semiconductors, and explores how LGPs (legal government policies) impact health crises like addiction and the fight against global narcotics cartels. With insights on Russia, China, and a shifting Middle East, Kelly links today’s challenges with America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026, echoing Marilyn Monroe: "Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together." This is a conversation about readiness—for our schools, economy, and global role in the next American chapter.
Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/olympic-champion-and-global-economist-in-iowa
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.