Exploring Iowa’s Food Culture with Marvin Azzopardi: How the Des Moines Farmers Market, Local Bites Food Hall, and the EatFuti App are Contributing
Release Date: 11/13/2024
Personal trainer explains why resolutions fail and how to beat the odds
The Iowa Podcast
48,000 of the Iowans we serve will fail their fitness New Year's resolutions. That's about 80% of our listeners if you're doing the math. The reason many people fail isn't because they think small, it's because think too big or have no specified goal at all. The 9% who hit their goals keep it way simpler says personal trainer Nick Fey. Fey is a Doctoral Student in Kinesiology and has a Masters in Kinesiology. He explains the cycle of who shows up at the gym around this time, who gives up, how long they last, and why. Believe it or not, it's not the natural athletes who stick with it....
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Tax pro to Iowa business owners: do this before Jan 1st. CPA Ann Hartz breaks it down
The Iowa Podcast
As 2026 ushers in sweeping tax reforms for business owners, CPA Ann Hartz, founder of Ann Hartz CPA in Des Moines, offers tactical steps business owners can take before January 1st to avoid overpaying their 2025 taxes. 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-cpa Paying your taxes is a civic duty, but no one wants to overpay and deal with uncertainty. Hartz offers a strategic roadmap to...
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Iowa Jewish community reacts to Australia Bondi Beach
The Iowa Podcast
Antisemitism is a problem not just in Australia but here in Iowa. The last few years have been an eye opener for a few of us, but sadly not all. Sadly, most Iowans still have the blinders on, or think this problem will simply go away. In fact, it has gotten worse. Jarad Bernstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines discusses the violent Hanukkah attack at Australia's Bondi Beach and warns on the rise of antisemitism around the world—and its undeniable impact close to home. *** Exclusive for IowaPodcast.com listeners: Get your free Jethro's BBQ $30 off...
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Patrick Albanese of Triple Espresso: Iowa’s longest running show
The Iowa Podcast
Tell me if you’ve heard this one… three actors walk into a show, one gets sick and goes to the hospital, the others finish the show and the audience thinks it’s part of the show. Patrick Albanese of Triple Espresso reacts to 30 Years, crazy stories, and what surprised him most about “Iowa Nice.” Albanese couldn’t have picked out Iowa on a map when he heard of the show opportunity but not only did he end up moving to Iowa permanently, he found his wife here! Albanese reflects on Triple Espresso’s incredible success and why their apolitical, family friendly show grew in popularity....
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Terrace Hill hosts Christmas and tea parties and you can come
The Iowa Podcast
High tea, Victorian costumes, classy Christmas parties, and you’re invited. Did you have any clue that any Iowan can sign up for tea parties, and this month the official Terrace Hill Christmas party? Also called the Governor’s Mansion you can also do a tour, but you can’t go to the basement vault. We asked Terrace Hill administrator, Molly Franta what’s inside. Terrace Hill hosts Christmas and tea parties and most Iowans have no idea they can come and check it out, sip some tea and enjoy the music. The party benefits the Iowa National Guard and care packages are sent to our troops....
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Last Minute Cranberry Sauce & Why Actions Today Make Thanksgiving Next Year Easy
The Iowa Podcast
In this special Thanksgiving show, host Justin Brady asks his wife, Vanessa Brady, how to whip up a 15 minute cranberry sauce for those of you with no time, using few ingredients. This cranberry sauce is a yearly go-to. It can be prepped early, but in your case, you can go to the store, buy a few ingredients, prep, make, and serve all in 2 hours or less. She also explains why actions you take today and tomorrow will determine how easy next year is. Now is the best time to plan, and she explains how to do it and how to organize notes so next year involves no guessing and no stress. Go to for...
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Hubbell’s Rick Tollakson on Iowa Real Estate Status
The Iowa Podcast
“Move that bus!” is a phrase ABC watchers remember. And so does Rick Tollakson, the CEO of Hubbell Realty, Iowa’s largest real estate company. He discussed working with Extreme Home Makeover and how it changed Iowa real estate. He also gives his expert analysis on Iowa home values, home costs, and how to keep young people in Iowa. Tollakson just launched a new book called Think Bigger, Lead Better. In the book he discusses stories about Iowa and how he grew Hubbell into the powerhouse it is today. Tollakson also dives into current market conditions, downtown Des Moines challenges,...
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Billie Asmus of Repaint Studios on Shark Tank experience
The Iowa Podcast
If you’re a Shark Tank fan, you saw Iowa Falls native Billie Asmus, Founder of Repaint Studios get a deal with Chip and Joanna Gains, and Barbara Corcoran. But you also didn’t see quite a bit. You didn’t see the full 1 hour pitch, you didn’t see Chip trying to crush her paint tray, and you didn’t see the 5 years leading up to her “lucky break.” Asmus discusses her experience, and tells other Iowans how to get in the tank: Spoiler: it’s about hard work and trying over and over again. She explains her backstory and risks, but also explains how she mitigated risks up front...
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Food Bank of Iowa CEO on SNAP Lapse and Coming Storm
The Iowa Podcast
SNAP benefits are extended through November but only at 50%. Because Congress didn’t appropriate funds, The White House released a contingency fund this week, November 3rd. Tami Nielsen, CEO of The Food Bank of Iowa explains the impact on Iowa, how the funds will be allocated, and why Iowans’ SNAP benefits might still be delayed for weeks. One out of every 9 meals for food insecure Iowans is covered by The Food Bank of Iowa and their partner pantries. This means, Iowans will now be turning to food pantries to fill that gap. Due to the incredible increase in need, The Food Bank of Iowa has...
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Ross Peterson of The Rush on DMPS Reimagining Education Concerns
The Iowa Podcast
The Des Moines Public Schools Bond Measure, dubbed the Reimagining Education program, is up for a vote November 4th, which will increase funding by 265 million dollars. Iowa podcast host, Ross Peterson of The Rush shares his research of the measure but also his concerns. New Superintendent Matt Smith shared updates on Des Moines Public Schools, advocating for new Pre-K programs, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) changes, but Peterson says accountability is needed before this measure should pass. Peterson has one child enrolled in DMPS and ever since sharing his research on the...
info_outlineOn this episode of the Iowa Podcast, host Jensen Cummings dives into Iowa’s vibrant food culture with Marvin Azzopardi, a passionate entrepreneur behind EatFuti, Local Bites Food Hall, and All-City Catering. Together, they explore the dynamic Des Moines Farmers Market— America's second-largest— and discuss how it shapes the local culinary scene. Marvin shares how he connects Iowa farmers, chefs, and diners to create a community that celebrates locally-sourced food. They discuss Marvin’s journey in the food industry and his commitment to fostering connections, from the iconic farmers market to Local Bites in downtown Des Moines.
Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at Iowa's food scene as Marvin spotlights chefs like Joe from Harbinger, who collaborate directly with farmers to bring local flavors to their menus. Marvin also shares his vision for Local Bites, a hub for diverse cuisines like Baba’s Gyros, MmmBap Korean, and What A Pho, where small food businesses can thrive. The episode also highlights the innovative EatFuti app, designed to support local eateries and enhance off-premise dining. Marvin discusses his community work with organizations like Best Buddies, showing his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the plate.
Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/marvin-azzopardi-iowa-food-culture