The Iowa Podcast

One year ago, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists invaded Israel slaughtering as many Jews as they could find. Jarad Bernstein of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines joined us one year ago with hope the international community would fully support Israel and the Jewish people. What happened instead is tragic: the international community turned its back on Israel and the Jewish p...

Discussion in recent weeks has centered around pesticides and toxins in the food we grow, much of it from Iowa. According to Professor Neil Hamilton, creator of The Iowa Nature Summit and Drake law professor, we apply pesticides to over 25 million acres of farmland each year, but what impact is that really having? Does that have something to do with our 2nd in the nation cancer rates? There's no e...

Van Harden of WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie Show has been retired from radio for years. He sat down to discuss what he's been up to, his reaction to seeing the famous WHO Radio microphone in the Reagan film, and he reacts to local radio's struggle to maintain focus on their community. Harden presided not only as host of Iowa's most popular morning show, but as program director for the state's largest...

Libertarian Marco Battaglia, challenger for Congressman Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd congressional district, was kicked off the ballot but most Iowans don't understand why. The reason? Iowa Libertarians voted 181 minutes too early. Adding insult to injury, Battaglia says they caught the error but were told by the Iowa Secretary of State's Office and his own party, it wouldn't be a concern.  As the majo...

For the next year, Iowa is a Cyclone state. In the annual CyHawk face-off, the Iowa State University Cyclones beat the University of Iowa Hawkeyes and all the bragging rights that come with it. How'd they do it? It was the uniforms. Their head of equipment breaks down the entire process and explains how they're made, and how player heads are digitally scanned to custom-fit their helmets. Jon Sedgw...

The RFK endorsement of Donald Trump highlighted an issue that most people don't think about on a daily basis. Is food in the USA safe or does it fuel chronic disease? Are pesticides getting into our food? Are seed oils worse than other oils? What is processed food, and why does it matter? Registered dietitian Kelli Hanson provides a research-backed overview.  Hanson discusses why most people are m...

The 2024 DNC has concluded but the road ahead remains difficult for Kamala Harris. Former Democratic Candidate for Iowa Governor and Harris advisor, Deidre DeJear discusses what's next and addresses the Robert F. Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard endorsements. Did they suck the wind out of Harris sails? Do Democrats have a problem? DeJear recounts the 2019 election when Harris dropped out before the Iowa...

Before COVID, it was on the rise, but after COVID, "it has skyrocketed," says Navy SEAL Robert Carter. Carter has an MBA from The University of Iowa. We address challenges in Police response, new Iowa laws that take a proactive approach and how AI technology can reduce shootings, while maintaining privacy. School shootings have been on the rise since the 1960s, with a significant increase followin...

The 2024-2025 school year in Iowa is here and for parents that means clutter and school supplies all over the floor, balancing conflicting schedules, packing healthy lunches without needing a PhD in Nutrition, and going to culinary school. Professional Organizer, Jennifer Robb, founder of Simple Organizing Strategies gives her trade secrets to keeping it shockingly simple.  Robb works with parents...

As the regional director of Youth For Christ and Christian living in Beirut, John Sagherian's perspective on Israel, Palestine crosses known political lines and talking points we've heard. Last week, a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike 2 miles from his home. Part Iowan, part Lebanese, he gives his honest thoughts nearly one year into the conflict and how his home has be...

Thirteen years ago The Iowa State Fair told Scott Carlson where he could put the brand new Iowa Craft Beer tent behind Diamond Jacks—a place no one would see. That didn't stop him and Iowa brewers across the state from outgrowing it, causing a move into the new giant tent they have today.  Carlson tells of why, despite pouring beers left and right, their entire operation went completely unnoticed...

After making the top 3 best Iowa State Fair foods last year, Gwen Page of Watcha Smokin' BBQ is back in the top three with her Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll looking for a win out of 84 submissions. For those that don't know, it's highly competitive getting accepted in the Iowa State Fair as a food vendor. We ask how she made it in, and she confessed to brisket bribery! Because Page has been going to the fai...

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 playin...

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...

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 e...

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 f...

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...

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 Conser...

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 Ju...

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 pursu...

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...

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? Droog has been involved with...

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 all businesses are currently shut down.  Minden was hit extremely hard by the tornado's that hit the western part of the state. One life has been lost...

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 repres...