The Iowa Podcast
You probably heard about it from a friend getting your morning coffee at Brewhemia or Daisy Chain. Or perhaps you saw your favorite Iowan post about it? Maybe you searched the net for something that interested you. So, what is The Iowa Podcast? It's Real Iowans, talking about real events and stuff within the state worth paying attention to. It seems like even objective news today is pushing some kind of agenda. You won't find that garbage here! We certainly won't shy away from real issues, and we certainly won't stay away from difficult questions, but on The Iowa Podcast we will never take our guests out of context or edit their comments in any way (unless we both agree of course—sometimes people say dumb stuff or cough in the microphone!)
Episodes
The RNC is over, Donald Trump has received the nomination, Joe Biden is out and VP Harris has received his endorsement. It’s been a wild week for Republicans and the GOP, but the former President still has a long road ahead. Conservative Pundit and writer Shane Vander Hart discusses an RNC recap and gives his analysis on what the future holds.
Vander Hart explains why Trump must be cautious playing the vic...
Waterways breathe and when you over engineer the way God designed them, it tends to have disastrous effects. Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation, discusses water conservation in Iowa, watershed, flooding, and the official central Iowa ICON waterway project.
Inman also addresses the misconception that Iowa lacks outdoor activities, highlighting the state's network of over 800 miles of connected paved trails. She addre...
80/35 this weekend features big acts like Killer Mike and OK Go but they have a few tricks up their sleeve. Because the event has moved from Downtown Des Moines to Waterworks Park, they've added some new features like camping, free stages, and what they're calling a "silent stage." What is that? Executive Director, Andy TeBockhorst explains what it is and why they're doing it.
80/35 is a massive event that expects to attract betwee...
Yankee Doodle Pops is a 4th of July celebration put on by the Des Moines Symphony every year on the state Capitol lawn. Maestro Joseph Giunta discusses how 9-11 changed his view of patriotism, and why it’s important to celebrate our troops and those who sacrificed. He also explains how he times 1812 overture cannon fire during their live performance.
Giunta has been with the Des Moines Symphony for 35 years. He recalls the early y...
In a recent interview with Justin Brady on the Iowa Podcast, Keith Murphy, renowned sportscaster and radio host, shared insights and anecdotes from his illustrious 28-year career at WHO Channel 13 and his 15-year stint at KXNO radio. Murphy discussed the end of the Murph and Andy show, the dynamics of sports broadcasting, and his deep connection to Iowa.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/keith-mu...
Northeastern Iowa, specifically Clayton Country is breathtaking, and camping is one of the best ways to experience it. Sadly, camping can also be quite intimidating for many. Kenny Slocum of Clayton County Conservation discusses their programs for kids through older adults, designed to make you an experienced camper in no time.
Slocum is a Naturalist and Resource Manager for Clayton County Conservation. H...
The Iowa Speedway in Newton won’t just be hosting the very first NASCAR Cup Series in its history, but can also brag about setting a sell-out record, says Iowa Speedway President Eric Peterson. The pre-sales were so large, there were no tickets available by the time tickets actually opened. Quite the accomplishment for Peterson who just took over the role in February of 2024.
This weekend from June 14-16t...
In a special episode of the Iowa Podcast, guest host Mark Rixner explores the rising trend of mid-career changes with Laura Lacina, the visionary behind Home Slice Handmade Pies. Laura shares her inspirational journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passion.
Laura Lacina’s professional journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one's ...
Climbing Kites has rapidly become a leader in the burgeoning world of THC-infused beverages, bringing a new kind of social drink to the Midwest. Dave Moore (CEO) and Scott Selix (co-founder) share their journey, the legal landscape, and the cultural shift toward these unique products.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-moore-scott-selix-climbing-kites
If you think Iowa is flat, you've never ridden the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad. Director Mike Wendel explains how the tracks were almost completely lost in 1983, but saved. He also tells how you can enjoy the railroad in open air cars, with dinner, or even on specialized bikes that go over the 150 foot bridge!
The railroad opens for their regular season this weekend, May 24th. Wendel, who is the Director of the James H. Andrew Ra...
The Orange City Tulip Festival is this weekend, you should go. Executive Committee Promo Chair, Jennie Droog gives you a sneak peek at the events, food, and festivities. She also tells us about their obsession over authentic period-accurate costumes. Oh, and yes, we had to ask about the "other" tulip festival. Do they compete with Pella? Are there secret cage matches?
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How bad was the tornado damage in Minden, Iowa? You have no idea. Mayor Kevin Zimmerman gives a heartbreaking update on how the local Sheriff's department shut down access to the city, their water treatment plant was completely destroyed, and almost al...
Many of Iowa's farmers' markets open this weekend and exclusive we discussed what to expect with three of the state's largest. Taryn Kafer of The Dubuque Farmers' Market, Amelia Klatt of the Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market, and Missy Carter of The Freight House Farmers Market in Davenport join the show to discuss why their market is the best.
Combined, Des Moines, Dubuque, and Davenport represent more than 800 vendors and are ...
Lola's Fine Hot Sauce used to be an iconic Iowa brand that had achieved some impressive national success. But those days are over. Founder Taufeek Shah announces Lola's achieved what most consumer packaged goods (CPG) business owners only dream of: national distribution in Walmart. He discusses starting in an Iowa farmer's market, how COVID actually helped them grow, and teases 7 new products.
Lola's is now a national brand competi...
In a fascinating interview, the Director of the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), Scott Marler explains why 2023 had more fatalities than 2022, and why the COVID-related shutdown had a bizarre impact on Iowans lead foots. He also shares how roads are being re-engineered to accommodate mistakes we make when driving, and how they're anticipating the future of self-driving cars.
376 Iowans lost their lives on Iowa roads last y...
749,000 fish in Iowa waterways were killed when 265,000 gallons of liquid nitrogen fertilizer was accidentally dumped into the East Nishnabotna River near Red Oak. Dr. Michelle Soupir, a Professor at Iowa State University with expertise in Nonpoint Source Pollution, waterways and watershed explains the impact, and cautions on drinking water in some parts of the state.
On March 9th, a valve at NEW Co-op was accidentally left open ca...
Governor Reynold signed HF 2612 into law, impacting all nine Area Education Agencies (AEAs) in the state. Senators Lynn Evans, a Republican, and Sarah Trone Garriottt, a Democrat came in studio to discuss how this negatively or positively impacts Iowans, and why they disagree on aspects of this bill.
Republicans say this was designed to bring accountability, transparency, and consistency to AEAs, turning ...
Why are these famous people all coming to DMACC in Iowa? Time Magazine's “100 Most Influential People,” Dr. Alan Stern; National Geographic’s “Adventurer of the Year;” Maureen “Mo” Beck; National Geographic Explorer Dr. Niall McCann; Commander Susan Kil-rain; youngest person to pilot a NASA space shuttle mission; and Jonathan Frakes, Commander Ryker on StarTrek. Provost Dr. Anthony Paustian says how you can attend.
How many times have you heard that installing solar panels on your roof will pay you back? Or perhaps you heard the energy companies will even pay you! That’s not the full story says Ryan Warren of QsTN—an Iowa energy strategist and solar expert. He breaks down all the confusion, and says why Iowa’s geography can generate similar solar energy to Arizona!
Warren has a PhD in mechanical engineering from Iowa...
Spring Break is here, but many Iowans will be staying within the state. According to AAA, nearly 25% of Iowans (22%) will take a Spring Break vacation. The result is local boutique experiences seeing an influx. “We’re going gangbusters,” says Pritesh Patel, Owner of Hotel Pommier in Indianola. He discusses a viral post, and why business is booming.
Before COVID, business leaders like Bill Gates suggested travel would likely never r...
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