The Iowa Podcast

Iowa State Treasurer Candidate John Norwood explains his IPERS concerns, discusses the problems with Iowa officials selecting lowest-bidders on state projects, and shares how he'd pull all state funds from national banks into Iowa banks. Despite Iowa Republicans being clear about supporting IPERS with no intention to change it, Norwood shares why he is still concerned. He also explains the economi...

Dave Bushaw is the first "no party" candidate in Iowa, and perhaps in US History and that brand rings true. He's pro 2nd amendment, wants gun safety in schools, but is also pro-single payer healthcare. Bushaw's views are varied and it's clear he's not beholden to any particular party. Bushaw discusses his view on the "right to work scam," corrects claims he is pro mandatory military service, and d...

Nate Willems is running for Attorney General and said he'd go further than the DNR on punishing recent polluters. We asked how far in the future. He also explains why he initially voted against a bill that would monitor sex offenders in the state, but voted for the final bill. Willems also explains how he'd recoup lost wages for Iowa workers and also defends a controversial post on Twitter (now X)...

Michael Bridgford is running for Congress as an independent, hoping to gain a seat in the US House of Representatives that acts as a marriage counselor or relationships therapist between Republicans and Democrats. He tells us that his independent voice is an advantage for him and for Iowa. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player:  https://iowapodcast.com/michael-bridgford ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk t...

Senate Candidate Thomas Laehn is an independent running for Iowa's open senate seat. While most people question what one independent voice can do in an ocean of blue and red, he sees it as a strategic advantage: that one vote can force a quorum and force DC Senators to actually have a dialogue. It's an often overlooked fact but because there are only 100 Senators and control is often on razor thin...

Chris McGowan is running for Congress in Iowa's 4th district. He re-affirms his support for the continued military operation in Iran, albeit with some caveats. He also explains his thinking on tariffs after they still haven't achieved their goal, but he also discusses why civil treatment of his political opponent is important. McGowan, an Air Force veteran, explains his children are currently serv...

The Former Great Plains Regional Admin of HUD is running for Congress. Joe Mitchell discusses his friendship with Charlie Kirk, what Kirk would have to say about Iowa State Fair protests, accountability for healthcare providers who pushed gender surgeries, and how both incentives and regulations are driving up housing prices. The Trump appointee also explains his thinking on flock cameras, mass su...

Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is running for Senate in Iowa and this discussion she explains her position on the root cause of healthcare problems, if regulations for our "safety" are actually keeping things more expensive, and proper regulations around Ai. Hinson has served in US Congress since 2021 and is looking to be elected into one of Iowa's 2 senate seats, soon vacated by Joni Ernst who is no...

Faith and healthcare have defined State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott's run for Congress. She answers questions on the role of health insurance vs healthcare costs, and addresses criticism about her faith conflicting with her political views. Trone Garriott is running for Congress in Iowa's 3rd district against incumbent Zach Nunn. She explains why she voted against SNAP regulations that would limi...

Businessman Zach Lahn surprised the state of Iowa getting the GOP nomination for Governor but before Iowans can vote for him, they have questions about the permanency of his data center "moratorium," what was discussed in his meetings with big ag, and if he will take a hard stance against them if elected. Lahn is also asked about if he aligns more with Chris Jones, Democrat running for Secretary o...

Iowa's state auditor, Rob Sand is within spitting distance of becoming Iowa's next Governor. But before checking that box, Iowans have questions about family funding, Lauridsen Group, Dave Muhlbauer's DNR violations, education funding, his cancer plan, and if he really believes in "not redder or bluer." Sand also doubles down on claims his opponent, Zach Lahn is "from Kansas" and explains why his...

Representative Lindsay James is currently an Iowa House member, and she's asking Iowans for a promotion to the big house in DC. James joins us to discuss why her stances on healthcare, cancer rates, and "fighting corruption" will get her into US Congress. James explains her positions and defends criticisms for missing 50% of votes in the Iowa legislature. She discusses her concerns over price goug...

Private calls with HHS Secretary Bobby Kennedy, pressure from Rep. Zach Nunn to drop out, and court challenges removing ballot access? Libertarian Candidate for US Congress, Marco Battaglia shares what was discussed on their phone calls, and the list of resources the GOP said they'd attempt should Battaglia not cave. This isn't the first time Battaglia has run for Congress, facing numerous legal c...

It's no surprise RAGBRAI cyclists will soon pedal their way into Iowa, but what may be a surprise is this year's exclusive Field of Dreams stop and a mystery celebrity who's coming for a ride. RAGBRAI executive director, Matt Phippen explains the incredible town support, and memorable experiences that come with the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. Phippen explains how the ride broke i...

If you're an Iowa outdoors fanatic, you likely follow or have heard of Outdoors Dan. Dan Young has been a familiar voice on WHO Radio, ESPN Radio, and KXNO and The Outdoor Call Radio Network online. Young shares his best bow hunting and fishing advice, including taking down a bear, or two, or three. Young explains tips for beginners and pros including some of his favorite fishing spots. He also ex...

American is 250 years old and Clear Lake, Iowa is celebrating with a bang! Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Stacy Doughan explains why 60,000 Iowans squeeze into the town during this massive celebration, visitor FAQs, and why key decisions around lake restoration improved the local area. 💡 Official show page with links: https://iowapodcast.com/clear-lake-4th-of-july ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk to N...

County fairs are county-wide celebrations, but because of their local focus Iowans don't understand the incredible economic impact they have on our state. Thomas Barnes explains the billion dollar economic impact county fairs have, and why our 99 counties somehow have 106 county fairs. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: http://iowapodcast.com/association-of-iowa-fairs ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk...

It's almost here! Le Mars Iowa hosts it's annual Ice Cream Days festival. Executive Director, Kristen Heimgartner explains the history of the special event, how you can get free ice cream, why their town is growing, and how their biggest employer, Wells, sources dairy from Iowa farms. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/ice-cream-days   ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk to Nate...

With cancer rates and water quality concerns, Iowans are paying close attention to the Secretary of Agriculture race. Should we make changes? Should we ban chemical pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate? Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said his administration will prioritize accelerating voluntary conservation practices vs new regulations, laws, or mandates. 💡 Find this show on your favorit...

Iowa's craft beer scene is experiencing a shift toward crisp, lower-alcohol beverages. Noreen Otto, the executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, and "ringmaster" of The Iowa Craft Brew Festival, highlights a major renaissance in craft ciders made from heritage fruits grown in local orchards.  💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/craft-brew-festival ⚖️ Hurt at wor...

Marked by unprecedented vacancies in its top offices, Iowa is seeing a wild election cycle. Kathie Obradovich, editor-in-chief of the IowaCapital Dispatch, breaks down the bizarre election cycle, how the GOP Gubernatorial primary may have flipped, what's happening in the Senate and Congressional races, and is Iowa still a purple state? 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast...

Staff Sergeant Ben Doyle of the The US Army gives us a first hand look at what happens when a soldier falls and also teaches ONE simple thing we can do this Memorial Day to honor our fallen.  💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/memorial-day ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk to Nate Boulton for free: https://workerslawyers.com  🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https...

In the past, the Secretary of Agriculture position wasn't a race that demanded a lot of attention. As most Iowans become increasingly concerned with Iowa soil health and water quality however, the race has taken more attention and Chris Jones hopes his solutions for Iowa water quality will land him the job. Jones discusses how he proposes to fix the "upstream" problems and what regulations may be...

It's Tulip Time! Iowan's are aware of the annual Tulip Time Festival in Pella, Iowa BUT did you know it's a honeypot of high-brow visitors? Royalty and even musical celebrities are known to make an appearance, all for the love of Dutch heritage and culture. Jessi Galligan, Executive Director of Pella Historical Museums & Tulip Time joins us. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowap...

According to new data from Edison Research, more people are listening to podcasts in the USA than radio. It's the very first time this has happened. Ryan Snaadt of Snaadt media comes in the studio to explain why podcasts aren't just limited to news companies or publishers. Any brand or person can start a show. Is radio dead? 💡 Find this show on every app: https://iowapodcast.com/ryan-snaadt-media...