Why one Iowa Farm is basically an outdoor Dave and Busters for kids.
Release Date: 05/03/2025
Congressional candidate Christian Schlaefer: conservatives are targeted
The Iowa Podcast
Charlie Kirk’s killing sent shockwaves through the entire world but Congressional candidate Christian Schlaefer says the violence isn’t surprising. In an exclusive sit down interview, he explains younger conservatives have seen the increase in hatred and vitriol including himself. Schlaefer takes a strong position against what he considers a United States that has strayed from its Christian roots. He mentions he is no stranger to threats of violence, especially after announcing he was running for Congress as a republican. We ask if we’ve approached a flashpoint or a turning point...
info_outline
Rural Connections Begin with Investment and Growth
The Iowa Podcast
If you want to see how the state is advocating for many different areas of Iowa, the Empower Rural Iowa Task Force would be a good place to start. It is co-chaired by Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer and aims to invest, grow, and connect rural America through many different programs and initiatives. Important aspects of maintaining rural America are being monitored by the task force. From the internet or jobs to tackling food deserts, in order to have a thriving community for U.S. farmers and their families, their needs have to be met. Find this show on your favorite app: ...
info_outline
HHS: organ procurement started despite signs of life. Is Iowa impacted?
The Iowa Podcast
HHS released a bombshell report in July finding organ procurement organizations had began the procurement process while patients showed signs of life. But Suzanne Conrad, CEO of the Iowa Donor Network, an OPO that covers Iowa, disagrees with the framing of the story. Conrad explains how the process works in Iowa, what checks and balances are in place, and how this news has impacted organ donations. In July, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced HHS’s discovery of what they consider to be disturbing behavior for an organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Kentucky, southwest Ohio,...
info_outline
Saturday Special: Being a Good Neighbor and Supporting Iowa's Farmers
The Iowa Podcast
There are many ways to be a good neighbor, for Iowa's farmers, it is an important part of telling their story. Brian Waddingham is the executive director for the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers he says their group was made by farmers to support farmers and that means advocacy and implementing best management practices. Guest host and farm broadcaster, David Geiger hosts in this Saturday special. As farmer technology improves, diversification becomes more possible. Farmers are specializing, conservation practices become more common, and there's a scientific approach to the best...
info_outline
Painting mystery locations in Madison County on a time limit?
The Iowa Podcast
Painters from across the state of Iowa are coming to Madison County for a fascinating real-time art challenge. They will be assigned mystery landscape locations in the area and paint their assigned scene under time constraints all with a live audience. Sarah Pugh, the Executive Director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce explains what this “Plein Air” event is all about. Pugh says artist canvases will be checked and stamped on arrival and they will be assigned mystery locations. Without any preparation, artists will travel to that location and begin painting. And you can watch. At...
info_outline
Adam Steen running for Iowa Governor
The Iowa Podcast
Adam Steen is running for Iowa Governor. Appointed by Governor Reynolds in 2021 to lead the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, he announced his candidacy for Governor this week and says he’s running as “the faith guy.” But what does that mean? Steen left no room for confusion. He explains why his faith matters to him, and explains how it would impact his Governing decisions. He explains his views on life beginning at conception, and he explains his belief in property rights as they relate to Carbon pipelines. Find this show on your favorite app: *** Exclusive for...
info_outline
Organic food for kids sabotaged by US Government?
The Iowa Podcast
Camp Creek Organic Produce owner, James Nisly is the Iowa’s organic farmer. Nisly discusses why transitions to organic farms is hard, how soil health translates to your nutrition, and how his efforts to provide healthy organic food for Iowa schools are being opposed by the US Government. Starting in 1998, Nisly was one of the first to go organic in Iowa. Only recently, has the world caught up with what new research is starting to show: organic food is more nutritious. Nisly discusses many topics in organic farming, one of which is providing healthy organic produce for kids through...
info_outline
Iowa Emergency Response Chief On Emergency Prep and EAS
The Iowa Podcast
Do you know what risks are present in your own neighborhood? Probably not says Director John Benson, of The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He gives advice for every Iowan in case of an emergency, because in many cases the Cavalry can’t make it until it’s too late. Director Benson says the Iowa, FEMA, and help will eventually get to you, but it’s up to you to hold out until they arrive. He discusses flood preparedness, what changes the state if making to ensure floods happen less, and how emergency alert systems are changing as technology changes. Find this...
info_outline
Cynthia Fodor & Steve Karlin discuss KCCI turning 70!
The Iowa Podcast
As KCCI turns 70 years old, Cynthia Fodor & Steve Karlin come into the studio to take a walk down memory lane and discuss moments that defined them, and the station. The dynamic duo are known far beyond just their Iowa coverage, often leading national news cycles due to their Presidential access and finger on the USA pulse. Karlin and Fodor discuss Democrat party pain leaving Iowa, the rise of citizen journalists, and career-defining moments that Iowans never saw on TV. They explain their favorite Iowa State Fair moments and answer the big question everyone asks: what are they doing...
info_outline
Norwalk Mayor Tom Phillips Master Plan: Get A Buc-ee’s, Rule Iowa!
The Iowa Podcast
If you think Mayor Tom Phillips is joking as he petitions Buc-ee’s to build their first Iowa location in Norwalk, you’re wrong. He’s serious, it's not a PR stunt. And if you talk to him about the Norwalk master plan, it all makes sense. Mayor Phillips discusses the beloved convenience store, their growing school district, and discusses a major hush-hush $500M project. Norwalk has grown 43% since 2010 making it the 6th faster growing state in Iowa. Houses and businesses are growing at a fast rate, and data centers are eying the area with excitement. Phillips discusses challenges to their...
info_outlineFarms aren’t fun. Right? Someone tell Samantha (Sammy) Petersen of Bloomsbury Farms in Atkins, Iowa. As a 5th generation farmer she has helped her parents build an agritourism destination in the Eastern Iowa empire. While many Iowa farms have been jumping into the agritourism trend, Peterson says her mother jumped on the trend 30 years ago. Talk about agritourism trendsetters!
Starting out as a grain farm, today Bloomsbury Farms is growing “U-Pick” flowers, has acres of tulip gardens, and of course has a pumpkin patch, but the big attraction is Instagram-worthy experience. Petersen explains all the thought that went around creating an immersive outdoor farm experience for their guests. They’ve even gone as far to help guests pick the right time for that cute photo with their golden-hour date night, and strategically placed camera stands so you can rub it in your coastal elite friends’ faces.
Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/sammy-petersen-bloomsbury-farms
***
Exclusive for IowaPodcast.com listeners:
Get your free Jethro's BBQ $30 off e-gift card when you buy $100 of e-gift cards. Use this official link: https://jethrosdesmoines.cardfoundry.com/giftcards/card_details