The Iowa Podcast
You probably heard about it from a friend getting your morning coffee at Brewhemia or Daisy Chain. Or perhaps you saw your favorite Iowan post about it? Maybe you searched the net for something that interested you. So, what is The Iowa Podcast? It's Real Iowans, talking about real events and stuff within the state worth paying attention to. It seems like even objective news today is pushing some kind of agenda. You won't find that garbage here! We certainly won't shy away from real issues, and we certainly won't stay away from difficult questions, but on The Iowa Podcast we will never take our guests out of context or edit their comments in any way (unless we both agree of course—sometimes people say dumb stuff or cough in the microphone!)
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Will Iowa ban autonomous cars? Rep. Megan Jones answers the challenge of future regulations.
02/25/2026
Will Iowa ban autonomous cars? Rep. Megan Jones answers the challenge of future regulations.
As the Iowa Legislature navigates the accelerating reality of autonomous vehicles, State Representative Megan Jones (R-Sioux Rapids) is seeking a delicate balance between technological innovation and public safety. But the current state of the bill may create a regulatory framework that inadvertently bans them entirely. 💡 Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/autonomous-cars-iowa 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Jones chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee. She addresses the evolution of bills like HF 2375, HSB 598, HF 2673, which aim to define the "rules of the road" for driverless technology in the Hawkeye State. Chapters: 01:00 - Bills and Safety Fears 07:51 - Hazmat Trucks and Future Proofing 14:41 - Public Input and Liability Questions 16:30 - Liability and Tort Reform 19:24 - Insurance and Road Safety 22:10 - Bill Language and Labor Concerns 29:50 - State Rules and Closing Thoughts
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Iowa's hottest restaurants are closing. What happened?
02/18/2026
Iowa's hottest restaurants are closing. What happened?
Americana and Django, two iconic Des Moines restaurants, are gone for good and they’re not alone. 600 restaurants in Iowa will be closing in 2026 and it’s because the challenges are too many to count. Scott Carlson, owner of The Craft Beer Tent, and Gilroy’s opens up about Americana’s closing. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: Increasing taxes, work from home, zero-proof, changing food preferences, homeless population, increasing food and labor costs, regulatory burdens, food delivery, and rising insurance rates are just a few challenges most restaurateurs have to deal with. But Iowa eateries are dealing with all of them simultaneously. Carlson breaks down what happened and what needs to change. Chapters: - Welcome - Meet Scott Carlson - Why Americana Is Closing: ‘Death by a Thousand Cuts’ - Downtown Des Moines After COVID: Lost Office Crowds & Corporate Spending - Western Gateway Headwinds: Homelessness, Street Closures, Construction & Plumbing - The Bigger Picture - New Pressures on Margins - What Can Government Do? Small Business Blind Spots & the ‘Slow Exit from COVID’ Warning - Regulation, Liquor Liability, Insurance & Credit Card Fees Squeezing Restaurants - Changing Food Preferences - Food cost spikes & the limits of raising menu prices - Adapting without alienating customers - Seed oils vs beef tallow: how health rules reshaped frying - Food vs fuel - Why it’s called Gilroy’s: the ginger-themed origin story - Survival strategy: Des Moines’ “Golden Circle” - Construction & downtown events: the hidden cost to restaurants - The downtown dining experience - Wrap-up
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If glyphosate causes cancer, why is used on over 70% of Iowa crops?
02/11/2026
If glyphosate causes cancer, why is used on over 70% of Iowa crops?
The Florida surgeon general has labeled glyphosate a "contaminant" and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) considers it carcinogenic. So, why is it used on over 70% of Iowa fields? Dr. Richard Deming of MercyOne explains why Iowa is #2 in cancer rates and what can be done. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: Deming is an oncologist and director of the Richard Deming Cancer Center at MercyOne. He explains why almost 50% of cancer causes are preventable, but rates climb anyway. He goes into vivid detail on what causes cancer, including some of the very treatments that are supposed to fight it. He also explains why eating healthy food, lowering obesity, and perhaps even some yoga are stronger cancer fighters than we initially thought. Chapters: - Introduction and Topic Overview - Guest Introduction: Dr. Richard Deming - The Complexity of Cancer Causes - Government Actions on Glyphosate - Public Policy and Cancer Prevention - Environmental Factors and Cancer - Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Cancer Risk - Unique Cancer Risks in Iowa - The Impact of Obesity on Cancer - Organic Food and Cancer Rates - Modern Agriculture and Food Distribution - The Role of Mutations in Cancer - Cancer Screening and Prevention - Above and Beyond Cancer: A Public Charity - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Where are the best eagle watching locations in Iowa? Pro photographer tells us his secrets.
02/04/2026
Where are the best eagle watching locations in Iowa? Pro photographer tells us his secrets.
Want to see bald eagles snatching fish out of the water? Would you like to have a front row seat seeing eagles fight over a fresh meal? Professional photographer Ron Maggard explains how to find the best Iowa locations and what times are ideal. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/eagle-watching-locations-in-iowa 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Maggard is an Iowa-based wildlife photographer and he's a big fan of bald eagles. He explains why below zero temperatures in February are great for bald eagle photography and how to find the best eagle locations across the state. He also discusses some breathtaking experiences and what time of day gets the best photographs. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:10 Eagle Watching in Iowa: An Overview 00:25 Expert Insights: Ron Maggard on Eagle Watching 01:16 Best Locations for Eagle Watching 02:00 Why Winter is Ideal for Eagle Watching 07:24 Photography Tips for Capturing Eagles 10:51 Eagle Behavior and Interactions 13:28 Respecting Eagle Nests: Legal Distances and Common Mistakes 14:27 The Size and Construction of Eagle Nests 16:28 Eagle Watching in Iowa: A New Phenomenon 17:20 Photography Tips for Capturing Eagles 19:21 Eagle Behavior and Hunting Techniques 21:24 The Impact of Removing Roller Dams on Eagle Populations 22:29 Exploring Iowa's Hidden Gems Through Photography 24:40 Final Thoughts and Photography Advice
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Iowa eyesore becomes Iowa icon! Steve Peters on saving The Ingersoll
01/28/2026
Iowa eyesore becomes Iowa icon! Steve Peters on saving The Ingersoll
The drive down Ingersoll avenue is a juxtaposition of new and trendy, but also rundown and gross. But this month, with the launch of The Ingersoll that brand is finally behind us. Steve Peters, co-owner of The Ingersoll, and CEO of VenuWorks describes the process of saving the building and bringing back to life the iconic marquee. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: Peters says every inch of the building needed to be gutted and redone to save it. But Iowans have responded favorably, selling the venue out every night in January. And the good news doesn't stop there. Despite it being open for only a few weeks, 50% of the acts are from across the country. Musicians, actors, and touring groups are already getting in line to come perform for Iowans. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:13 The Ingersoll Theater: From Eyesore to Crown Jewel 01:14 Challenges and Delays in Renovation 03:04 The Grand Opening and Community Response 03:48 Historical Significance and Restoration Efforts 06:50 Modern Upgrades and Technological Enhancements 14:01 Community Support and Unexpected Challenges 14:53 Unexpected Challenges in Building Restoration 15:25 Community Support and Initial Steps 16:02 Long-term Viability and Programming Plans 16:31 Theater Offerings and Local Talent 18:58 Personal Connection to the Arts 19:36 Private vs. Public Funding in Theater Restoration 20:28 Ensuring Professional Management and Maintenance 23:03 Interest from Outside Acts and Community Involvement 27:29 Diverse Entertainment Spectrum 29:14 Conclusion and Ticket Information
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As cyclists come to this Iowa town, is revenue being left on the table?
01/21/2026
As cyclists come to this Iowa town, is revenue being left on the table?
20% of cyclists coming to Ankeny aren’t from Iowa. The economic potential cyclists bring is estimated to be in the billions, but currently each stay only brings $250 in economic activity. Derek Lord, Ankeny economic development director explains the retail and business opportunity accommodate the massive and untapped revenue potential. Will retailers answer the call? 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/high-trestle-trail-ankeny 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Lord explains the High Trestle Trail has brought 250,000 cyclists through Ankeny every year. Cutting right through the middle of Uptown, the revenue potential has been immense. Will hospitality companies capitalize on the potential in 2026? Lord also addresses the growth plans for the NE Ankeny annexation, new mixed use retail and apartments in Uptown, and why traffic on Delaware is probably not changing any time soon, especially as new retailers show interest. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:20 High Trestle Trail: A Unique Attraction 01:13 Flow Line and Glow Trail: Enhancing the Experience 03:39 Economic Impact and Visitor Statistics 08:22 Future Plans and Opportunities 16:21 Enhancing Hotel Amenities for Cyclists 16:42 Airbnb Opportunities in Rural Communities 17:29 Economic Impact of Bicycling in Iowa 18:40 Winter Biking Potential in Ankeny 21:14 Revitalizing Uptown Ankeny 28:05 Future Growth and Annexation Plans 30:56 Conclusion and Staying Informed
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Doctor shares how MAHA diet reverses chronic symptoms!
01/14/2026
Doctor shares how MAHA diet reverses chronic symptoms!
Many Iowans suffer from chronic health issues with 37% suffering from obesity. Will the new “MAHA” food pyramid actually help? The answer is yes, according to Dr. Rachel Poll. Poll is a functional medicine doctor at Delta Health in Clive, and has been recommending her own similar version of the new food pyramid to her patients for years, and the results are striking with many reversing chronic health issues. This week the Department of Health and Human Services published a new version of the 1980s food pyramid, but the change is striking with them literally flipping much of it upside down. Healthy fats are good, red meat is on top, and grains are deemphasized. Poll said her patients have been eating a similar version of this recommended diet for years and the results she sees are irrefutable.
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New US Coin honors Norman Borlaug who saved billions of lives from hunger.
01/08/2026
New US Coin honors Norman Borlaug who saved billions of lives from hunger.
This week, the US Mint launched a new coin honoring Iowa and Dr. Norman Borlaug. Many Iowans have heard his name, but most still don’t know who he is, how he saved billions of people or how why his innovation won him recognition alongside Nelson Mandela. Mashal Husain, President of The World Food Prize Foundation tells the story. Borlaug’s innovation in wheat is credited with saving billions of lives, and after he founded the World Food Prize in 1986, his work of ending global hunger continued. Husain unpacks his legacy, discusses the 40 laureates selected over the years, and explains the over 20 million dollar process to renovate the former Downtown Des Moines public library into the World Food Prize headquarters and Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines. *** 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:
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Personal trainer explains why resolutions fail and how to beat the odds
12/31/2025
Personal trainer explains why resolutions fail and how to beat the odds
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. It's people who keep things really simple. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: Chapters 00:00 - Shocking Fitness Statistics 00:53 Meet the Expert: Nick Fey 01:37 New Year's Resolutions and Gym Trends 07:13 Parkinson's Disease and Exercise 13:24 Creating Effective Fitness Plans 18:32 The Scale is a Liar 19:32 Setting Realistic Goals 20:21 Advice for Beginners 24:22 Understanding Good and Bad Soreness 30:05 Advanced Training Tips 31:51 Contacting Nick for Help
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Tax pro to Iowa business owners: do this before Jan 1st. CPA Ann Hartz breaks it down
12/24/2025
Tax pro to Iowa business owners: do this before Jan 1st. CPA Ann Hartz breaks it down
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 navigate the changes, explains when to switch from sole proprietorships to S corps, and when it's appropriate to spend money at the end of the year to save on taxes, and when it's stupid. Keep in mind, this advice may not apply to your specific situation. Please reach out to Hartz's team or your own CPA with questions. Chapters: 00:58 - Iowa Business Tax Incentives for 2026 03:39 - Understanding QBI and Business Structures 08:50 - Filing strategies for Business Owners 12:27 - End-of-Year Tax Planning Tips 23:36 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information
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Iowa Jewish community reacts to Australia Bondi Beach
12/17/2025
Iowa Jewish community reacts to Australia Bondi Beach
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 e-gift card when you buy $100 of e-gift cards. Use this official link:
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Patrick Albanese of Triple Espresso: Iowa’s longest running show
12/10/2025
Patrick Albanese of Triple Espresso: Iowa’s longest running show
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. Full show notes: *** 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:
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Terrace Hill hosts Christmas and tea parties and you can come
12/03/2025
Terrace Hill hosts Christmas and tea parties and you can come
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. Franta also shares some of the coolest rooms in Terrace Hill that most folks don’t have access to. Full show notes: *** 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:
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Last Minute Cranberry Sauce & Why Actions Today Make Thanksgiving Next Year Easy
11/26/2025
Last Minute Cranberry Sauce & Why Actions Today Make Thanksgiving Next Year Easy
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 the recipe and show notes. *** 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: *** Chapters: 00:00 - Last-Minute Dish & Prepping for next year 01:10 - Thanksgiving Preparation and Family Roles 03:16 - Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes Tips 05:22 - 15-min Cranberry Sauce Walkthrough 12:49 - Final Thoughts and Additional Resources
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Hubbell’s Rick Tollakson on Iowa Real Estate Status
11/19/2025
Hubbell’s Rick Tollakson on Iowa Real Estate Status
“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, affordable housing, and the ICON water trails taking inspiration from… Idaho? Full show notes: *** 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:
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Billie Asmus of Repaint Studios on Shark Tank experience
11/12/2025
Billie Asmus of Repaint Studios on Shark Tank experience
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 before spending over $30,000 on a mold for her product. For Shark Tank fans, and prospective entrepreneurs, Asmus gives a crash course worth hearing. Full show notes: *** 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:
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Food Bank of Iowa CEO on SNAP Lapse and Coming Storm
11/05/2025
Food Bank of Iowa CEO on SNAP Lapse and Coming Storm
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 great concerns they will be able to keep food on Iowans tables. Full show notes: *** 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:
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Ross Peterson of The Rush on DMPS Reimagining Education Concerns
10/29/2025
Ross Peterson of The Rush on DMPS Reimagining Education Concerns
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 Bond Measure, parent and teacher concerns have poured in. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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2025 Bourlaug Dialoge Exclusive The World Food Prize!
10/22/2025
2025 Bourlaug Dialoge Exclusive The World Food Prize!
In this special edition of the Iowa Podcast, recorded during the World Food Prize’s Borlaug Dialogue, host Justin Brady captures a rare cross-section of voices that drive the global food security conversation—from international leaders to Iowa farmers. Interviews with Mashal Husain, President of the World Food Prize Foundation; Brent Renner, soybean farmer and United Soybean Board member; and Ray Gasser, Iowa farmer and global agriculture advocate, paint a rich portrait of how Iowa's heartland is influencing global hunger solutions. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Saving Iowa Prairie Only Possible By Hand in the Loess Hills?
10/18/2025
Saving Iowa Prairie Only Possible By Hand in the Loess Hills?
99.9% of Iowa's prairies are gone and half of remaining 0.01% are in the Loess Hills. Saving and restoring native prairie land is critical to maintain soil health BUT saving it is remarkably difficult. Technological attempts have failed so Lance Brisbois of Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development has turned to a tried and true approach. Manually picking seed by hand. Brisbois’ last “Prairie Seed Harvest” for the season is Monday, October 20th. He’s looking for volunteers to walk through nature and pick seed. The seed is used for conservation efforts, grown for sale, and provided to the DNR to maintain soil health. He explains why saving plant species is critical to soil and water quality, and why terrain has prevented technological solutions. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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DMPS Interim Superintendent Matt Smith on Roberts hiring
10/16/2025
DMPS Interim Superintendent Matt Smith on Roberts hiring
The ICE arrest of Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts shocked Iowa, leaving community members with more questions than answers. In this interview, newly installed Interim Superintendent, Matt Smith tries to fill the information vacuum, but concedes much of the process was a mystery even to him. Serving as Associate Superintendent, this will be his second time stepping into the role left open by controversy. Smith says he was kept out of much of the Roberts hiring process and hasn't kept up with the news. Instead he is choosing to counter declining enrollment and sliding test scores by introducing a new trade school-leaning model and preschool. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Outside group involved in DMPS Superintendent Hiring?
10/08/2025
Outside group involved in DMPS Superintendent Hiring?
Des Moines Public Schools is now international news after its Superintendent was arrested by ICE. Ian Roberts criminal history including drug trafficking, illegal firearms, and even grand theft auto has slowly come to light led by a citizen journalist, Laura Powell. Powell is a civil rights lawyer from California, and discusses mysterious outsider groups that may have been involved. Powell’s research, questioned by local media at first then later copied, shows a disturbing pattern and potential negligence by the State Department of Education and The Des Moines School Board. Shockingly, she did most of her research on the open internet, and read Robert's own book where she learned he was part of a “death squad” in Guyana. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Amana Colonies Oktoberfest Celebrates 60 years!
10/01/2025
Amana Colonies Oktoberfest Celebrates 60 years!
This month the Amana Colonies Oktoberfest celebrates its 60-year anniversary and the Amana Colonies Bürgermeister himself, Jon Childers, joins us to explain the special occasion, free sausages, local bands, and of course… Lots of beer! He also explains the backstory, why the Amana communal living experiment failed and why they’re not Amish! The Amana Colonies are an Iowa institution, but most Iowans don’t actually understand their importance. They don’t understand the communal society was run by their church, or how they actually embraced technology vs the Amish community they’re often confused for. Childers, who is also the Executive Director of the Amana Heritage Society, explains their rich history. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Erin Kiernan of WHOTV on growing conflict in autism community.
09/24/2025
Erin Kiernan of WHOTV on growing conflict in autism community.
Erin Kiernan, anchor of WHOTV suddenly vanished off the airwaves leaving viewers to wonder what happened. Upon returning, she explained her time away from the camera was spent on her family, specifically her son Michael Francis who has Autism. She discusses the growing conflict within the autism community and why autism is still very misunderstood. She breaks down common misunderstanding’s like “the spectrum” and “levels” and the difference between Asperger's and autism. She also explains what a day in the life looks like, and how friends, neighbors, and family can help. She also addresses why finding a “cause” is suddenly controversial and the blowback she often receives for simply trying to help her son adapt and thrive. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Congressional candidate Christian Schlaefer: conservatives are targeted
09/17/2025
Congressional candidate Christian Schlaefer: conservatives are targeted
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 for revival? Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Rural Connections Begin with Investment and Growth
09/13/2025
Rural Connections Begin with Investment and Growth
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: *** 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:
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HHS: organ procurement started despite signs of life. Is Iowa impacted?
09/10/2025
HHS: organ procurement started despite signs of life. Is Iowa impacted?
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, and part of West Virginia. “Our findings show that hospitals allowed the organ procurement process to begin when patients showed signs of life, and this is horrifying. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Saturday Special: Being a Good Neighbor and Supporting Iowa's Farmers
09/06/2025
Saturday Special: Being a Good Neighbor and Supporting Iowa's Farmers
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 location of livestock barns. Waddingham says they want to grow the livestock industry successfully and responsibly. Full show notes: *** 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
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Painting mystery locations in Madison County on a time limit?
09/03/2025
Painting mystery locations in Madison County on a time limit?
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 the end of their 4 hour time limit, they will be selling the art. You can experience the entire thing from beginning to end, and buy the result. Find this show on your favorite app: *** 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:
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Adam Steen running for Iowa Governor
08/27/2025
Adam Steen running for Iowa Governor
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 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:
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