Watts Happening Podcast

What does it mean to live a life of purpose? Today, we welcome local author Bill Hoeft to the show to explore that very question. Building on the success of his previous work, "Live Like Line, Love Like Ellyn," Bill joins us to discuss his newest book, "When the Father Comes Out to Meet Us." Together, Bill and Gary navigate the twists and turns of Bill's life journey and t...

Charlie returns to the podcast with a big announcement.. Camp Courageous’ most ambitious project to-date – a brand new, state of the art facility - the Pictured Rocks Camper Cabin! Fundraising has now begun for this fantastic new project! Check out this new episode of the podcast for more details or visit Camp Courageous’ website to make a donation today. www.campcourageous.org More places to find...

Bennett Stirtz has had an incredibly successful and unique college basketball career. From being recruited by Ben McCollum while in high school to now preparing for the NBA draft, join us for an inside look at his impressive path as a collegiate athlete. Whether you're a die-hard Hawkeye fan or just love a good story of grit and discipline, this is an interview you won't want to miss! Mo...

A member of the raid that took down Osama Bin Laden with 13 tours of duty on SEAL Team Six - to the center of a legal storm targeted at him by the government he risked his life to protect. You won’t believe the story of this true American hero. It is our great honor to have Matt Bissonnette join us on this special episode of the Watts Happening Podcast. For years after his retirement, Matt sought...

With three tours in Iraq as a combat physician and countless lives saved in the process, Jon’s story is truly one of bravery and selflessness.  Join us on this new episode of the podcast as Jon Kerstetter shares his astonishing journey - one full of incredible transitions: from an impoverished upbringing on an Oneida reservation to becoming a flight surgeon and a combat physician with our armed fo...

The new Head Coach of Hawkeye Men's Basketball, Ben McCollum, joins us on the podcast for a great conversation on Leadership, Competition, and all things Iowa sports! Coach McCollum currently holds a 10-2 record during his first season with the Hawks. Before coming to Iowa, McCollum built a reputation as one of the most successful coaches in collegiate basketball - spending one year leading D...

With over 1,000 members in Johnson County, Greater Iowa City, Inc is a network of business and public sector leaders who collaborate to support local companies, guide investment, and grow a resilient economy. Recently, Greater Iowa City led the campaign to support the Local Option Sales Tax for five communities in Johnson County. This vote was passed in all of these communities, which will provide...

You may hear this power duo on The Morning Scramble every weekday from 6-10 AM, but do you know about Eric’s background in drama and speech? Clare’s first introduction into radio? How about how much of their morning show is scripted vs improv?? Learn these details and more on this new episode of the Watts Happening Podcast! #iowa #corridor #easterniowa #cedarrapids #marion #solon #tiffin #iowacity...

This fall will be Dustin Elsbury’s second season as Regina’s Head Football Coach. This is in addition to his roles as a PE Teacher, Head Strength & Speed Coach, and Track Coach for the school. Check out this new episode of the podcast to hear how Coach Elsbury is adapting to his role at Regina, a deep dive into his background as an athlete and leader, his goals for the 2025 football season, an...

We’re joined this week by the University of Iowa’s VP of Principal Gifts, Tom DePrenger! Tom has worked for the U of I for nearly 30 years and is an expert in helping donors align their passions with the Hawkeyes' greatest needs. Join Gary and Tom on this new episode of the pod as they discuss the U of I’s wide variety of publicly supported initiatives, Tom’s history as a Hawkeye, the many un...

With Iowa ranking 2nd highest for cancer rates in the country, it’s important to have access to the specialized treatment of physicians like Dr. James Byrne, a Radiation Oncologist at UIHC. Join Gary and Dr. Byrne on this new episode as they discuss his UIHC’s unique cancer treatment methods, new innovations being found through cancer research, how “team science” collaboration is saving lives, and...

From discussing electric vehicles to how tariffs may affect the auto industry, join Gary as he talks with Ryan Faul - General Manager of Junge Ford North Liberty. #cedarrapids #iowa #corridor #easterniowa #iowacity #coralville #northliberty #podcast #solon #tiffin #local #podcasts #podcasting

We’re excited to be joined by two members of the Iowa City HBA board, Ali Salow & Jennie Wunderlich! Ali is the Executive Director of The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association while Jennie is the HBA President as well as the President of PSC Distribution & Studio H2O Kitchen & Bath Showroom. Join Gary, Ali & Jennie on next week’s podcast as they discuss the goals of the...

Talking real estate in the Corridor with Phil O’Brien! Phil is a founding member of Urban Acres Real Estate as well as the Board Director of Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS®. Join Gary and Phil on this new episode of the pod as they discuss the current housing market in the corridor, ways to start a career in real estate, tips for Realtor success, and much more!

We're joined on the podcast this week by former Iowa Wrestler, Alex Marinelli! From his iconic “Bull” mentality to his legendary battles in the Hawkeye singlet, Alex gives us an inside look at the grind, the triumphs, and the mindset that made him one of the most feared wrestlers in college history. Join Gary and Alex as they discuss his journey from starting wrestling at the age of four to b...

Team Rubicon is a veteran-led disaster response & humanitarian organization whose operations have helped countless communities across the globe to recover from natural disasters. We are joined on the podcast this week by two local Team Rubicon members, Jason Taylor and Sarah Lenger. Join Gary, Jason & Sarah as they discuss the background of the organization, Team Rubicon’s methods for prov...

Our guest this week is an Iowa wrestling legend, Tim Johnson! In addition to being an accomplished coach & inductee of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Tim’s voice has been broadcasted on over 500 college wrestling meets - including on twenty NCAA Wrestling Championships.  Video Version 🎥 https://youtu.be/iaqnfcrJUeo #cedarrapids #iowa #corridor #easterniowa #iowacity #coralville #northli...

Heartland Express is a leading national shipping company with a fleet of over 5,000 trucks and a headquarters in North Liberty. We are excited to be joined on the podcast this week by the Chairman & CEO of Heartland Express, Mike Gerdin. Learn more about Heartland Express by visiting www.heartlandexpress.com Video Version 🎥 https://youtu.be/w9igH99Ys_Q #cedarrapids #iowa #corridor #easterniow...

On the back of this November’s ballot, you’ll find an option to vote for the Johnson County Conservation Bond. Our guests this week are here to explain why voting “yes” to this referendum means more local trails, more parks, cleaner water, and a better quality of life. Learn more about the Johnson County Conservation Bond by visiting www. OurLandWaterFuture.org Video Version 🎥 https://youtu.be/Wm...

We’re joined on the pod by UIHC Urologist, Dr. Chad Tracy! Dr. Tracy performs hundreds of surgeries a year to treat prostate cancer as well as acts as a Professor of Urology at U of I teaching his specialty to upcoming physicians. Join Gary and Dr. Tracy as they discuss the likelihood of prostate cancer in men, how AI is helping to detect cancer, nuclear medicine treatments, and much more! Video V...

In addition to being the successful owner of multiple businesses, Eric Krob is a football coach for the Mt Vernon Mustangs and a father who’s adopted three sons (with 7 boys in total!). Join Gary and Eric on the podcast this week as the discuss the Eric’s own football career, the challenges and joys of adoption, as well as the wonderful businesses of Elite Stone, KBD Cabinets, and Illuminate Light...

We’re joined on the podcast this week by local award-winning hair stylist & salon owner, Bobby Thompson! Bobby is the founder of Thompson & Co Salon Parlor, which now has locations in Iowa City as well as Coralville. Join Gary and Bobby as they discuss the origins of Thompson & Co, the struggles & success of owning a business, current trends in cosmetology, and much more! Video Ver...

The Indian Creek Nature Center is a fantastic resource for the Corridor that promotes environmental education, sustainability practices, and engagement with nature for people of all ages. Learn more about the diverse offerings of ICNC by checking out this week's podcast with Executive Director, John Myers!

We're joined by Watts Group's own Caleb Shield to talk about the upcoming Iowa City Parade of Homes starting this weekend!

The University of Iowa offers the only D1 college Baseball team in the state. This prestigious program is led by our guest this week, Rick Heller. Rick has been at U of I since 2014 and has had a seasoned coaching career starting with his first collegiate Head Coach position at the age of just 24. Join Rick and Gary on this week’s podcast as they discuss the attributes of successful teamwork, phil...