ISU Research Park
The Innovators Podcast
The Innovators Podcast was started in 2020 to highlight some of the incredible people in Ames, at Iowa State, and in the Research Park. Hosted by Research Park staff, the Podcast aims to share the stories of innovation and entrepreneurship that often go unseen in our communities.
Author
ISU Research Park
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Jul 6, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Podcast 76 - David Spalding, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations 06.07.2026 32:32
On episode 76 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews David Spalding, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR). In this episode, they celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Core Facility and discuss David's journey to becoming the Vice President of EDIR as well as the Core Facility's impact on economic devel...
Podcast 75 - Chris Sievers, Talent and Technology Leader at John Deere 04.06.2026 30:12
On episode 75 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Chris Sievers, University Partnership and Talent & Technology leader at John Deere. In this episode, Chris shares about his time at Iowa State University and his experience working at John Deere. He also shares his relationship to the Research Park. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 74 - Student Innovator Ryan Ryherd, Founder of Central Iowa Sod 07.05.2026 12:15
On episode 74 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Ryan Ryherd, Founder of Central Iowa Sod. In this episode, we discuss Ryan's start with entrepreneurship and how CYstarters has grown his business. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 73 - Billie Asmus, Founder and CEO of Repaint Studios 09.04.2026 29:51
On episode 73 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Billie Asmus, Founder and CEO of Repaint Studios. In this episode, Billie shares her experience becoming an entrepreneur, how she was able to get on Shark Tank, and landing a deal with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Thanks for listening!
Podcast 72 - Student Innovator Boluwarin Ojo, Founder of SparkDefy 05.03.2026 13:18
On episode 72 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Boluwarin Ojo, Founder of SparkDefy. In this episode, we learn how she is making strides in a market gap, how CYstarters has transformed her company, and her experience winning pitch competitions and co-founding the Black Designers Society. Than...
Podcast 71 - Student Innovator Kailey Stevens, Founder of Bolded K Studio 05.02.2026 21:20
On episode 71 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Kailey Stevens, Founder of Bolded K Studio. In this episode, we take a look at her development before and after completing the CYstarters program. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 70 - Student Innovator Ella Janssen, Founder of Monologue 08.01.2026 32:25
On episode 70 of the Innovators Podcast, Avery Smith, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Ella Janssen, Founder of Monologue. In this episode, we dive into how Monologue came to be and the strides Ella has made in her short year in business. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 69 - Student Innovator Madison Green, Founder of Perfect Motion 04.12.2025 12:14
On episode 69 of The Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Madison Green, Founder of Perfect Motion. In this episode, we had the privilege of meeting with Madison twice, once before her CYstarters experience, and once after, to get a view into how her business and mindset progressed throughout her time in t...
Podcast 68 - Nadilia Gomez, Chief Technology Officer of Iowa State University 06.11.2025 50:43
On episode 68 of the Innovators Podcast, Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the ISURP, interviews Nadilia Gomez, Chief Technology Officer of Iowa State University. In this episode, Nadilia shares insights into her role as CTO, what led her to this position, and what makes her work so unique. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 67 - Student Innovator Jesse Williams, Founder of Dinder 02.10.2025 19:51
On episode 67 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Jesse Williams, Founder of Dinder. In this episode we discuss what led Jesse to create his app, Dinder, and his experience with CYstarters. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 66 - Dr. Martin Gross, Founder and CEO of Gross-Wen Technologies 04.09.2025 26:39
On episode 66 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Directors of the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Dr. Martin Gross, Founder and CEO of Gross-Wen Technologies. In this episode, we discuss Martin's company and the major honors it has received over the past few months. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 65 - Student Innovators Gabe Hoehl and Stephen Peterson, participants of Make to Innovate 07.08.2025 29:29
On episode 65 of the Innovators Podcast, Avery Smith, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, Interviews Gabe Hoehl and Stephen Peterson, participants of the Make to Innovate program housed in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University. In this episode, they share about their project A.R.E.S. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 64 - Brent Williams, Founder and CEO of Benekiva 03.07.2025 26:26
On episode 64 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Brent Williams, Founder and CEO of Benekiva. In this episode, Brent shares the story behind Benekiva's founding and highlights the key resources that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 63 - Student Innovator Nathan Van Thomme, Founder of Heat Halo 05.06.2025 17:06
On episode 63 of the Innovators Podcast Avery Smith, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Nathan Van Thomme, Founder of Halo Heat. In this episode, we discuss how Nathan's past experiences led him to create Halo Heat and the resources he has utilized to maintain a successful business. Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy!
Podcast 62 - Zackry Brannen, Founder of Perfect Plantista 22.05.2025 38:44
On episode 62 of the Innovators Podcast, Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the ISURP, interviews Zackry Brannen, Founder of Perfect Plantista. In this episode we discuss how Zackry's experiences led him to create Perfect Plantista and the resources he has utilized to maintain successful business. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 61 - Dakota Belling, Founder of Bovi-Jet 08.05.2025 31:54
On episode 61 of the Innovators Podcast Avery Smith, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Dakota Belling, Founder of Bovi-Jet. In this episode, we dive into his company's surprising creation story and how it has changed since his graduation. Thank you for listening! Website: bovijet.com Instagram: bovijet Facebook: bovijet Email: dakotabellin...
Podcast 60 - Dr. Jennifer Margrett, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education 24.04.2025 35:00
On episode 60 of the Innovators Podcast, Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the ISURP, interviews Jennifer Margrett, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education, and researcher of the PROPEL study. In this episode we discuss the study that Dr. Margrett is leading, the search for participants, and how they are able to contribute to the Research Park ecosystem. Thank you for listening! Conta...
Podcast 59 - Zack Smith, Co-founder and CEO of Stock Cropper, Inc. 10.04.2025 51:16
On episode 59 of the Innovators Podcast, Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the ISURP, and Avery Smith, Communications and Marketing Intern at the ISURP, cohost a special episode featuring Avery’s dad, Zack Smith. Zack is the Co-founder and CEO of Stock Cropper, Inc. In this episode, we discuss the inspiration behind Stock Cropper, what the company is all about, and how it has evolved since 2020—...
Podcast 58 - Student Innovator Grant Veenstra, Founder of Frozen Gains 27.03.2025 13:49
On episode 58 of the Innovators Podcast, Breanna Selsor, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park is joined by Grant Veenstra as part of the Young Innovators Series. Grant discusses the backstory of his business and how CYstarters helped him. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 57 - Student Innovator Spenser Leise, Founder of Songbird Music Decor 13.03.2025 34:18
On episode 57 of the Innovators Podcast, Avery Smith, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park is joined by Spenser Leise as part of the Young Innovators Series. Spenser discusses his impressive method to creating and maintaining Songbird Music Decor by himself while recognizing CYstarters for the incredible impact they had on his company. Thank you for list...
Podcast 56 - Student Innovator Henry Shires, Co-Founder and CEO of Casmium 27.02.2025 29:31
On episode 56 of the Innovators Podcast, Avery Smith, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park is joined by Henry Shires as part of the Young Innovator Series. Henry discusses how Casmium came to be and the ongoing efforts by him and his team to continuously improve the company. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 55 - Cultivation Corridor Interns Lauren Zaabel and Ryan Konecne 13.02.2025 38:04
On episode 55 of the Innovators Podcast, Breanna Selsor, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park is joined by Lauren Zaabel and Ryan Konecne, Cultivation Corridor interns. Lauren and Ryan share their amazing experience in this program. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 54 - Student Innovator Ella Schulte, Founder of 'You' 30.01.2025 17:10
On episode 54 of the Innovators Podcast, Breanna Selsor, a Communications and Marketing Intern at Iowa State University is joined by Ella Schulte as part of the Young Innovators Series. Ella shares her inspiring story of the creation of her publication, 'You', and her experience in the CYstarters program. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 53 - Anuj Sharma, Director of FAST TrAC at ISU 06.01.2025 36:34
On episode 53 of the Innovators Podcast Alison Doyle, Associate Director of the Iowa State University Research Park, interviews Anuj Sharma, Director of FAST TrAC. In this episode, Anuj shares the story of how he joined FAST TrAC, along with his impressive career journey beyond it. Thank you for listening!
Podcast 52 - Student Innovators Alana Corwin, Founder and Jamal Beavers Jr., Director of Public Relations & Product Development of Apricity 03.12.2024 22:09
In episode 52, Breanna Selsor, a Marketing and Communications Intern at Iowa State University is joined by Alana Corwin and Jamal Beavers Jr. as part of the Young Innovators Series. Alana and Jamal dive into their journey in creating Apricity and their goals for the future of their company. Thank you for listening!
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