Inside Iowa

Earlier this year our friend from WHO TV13 and someone whom we trust on the weekly to help make our outdoor and travel plans was thrown a curveball. Now it's our turn to help him and others back.  Listen to Jason Parkin's story and learn about the upcoming annual Optimism Walk and how to get involved. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This show is a chance to step outside your comfort zone and into a bigger world.  It is a big world full of different cultures with different opportunities, but we all need the same basic necessities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You love to golf?  You love kids?  This week we spoke with Megan Johnson with Isaiah 117. They are changing the way foster care begins in Central Iowa. Check your calendars for September 10th.  We discussed their upcoming annual golf tourney at Waveland Golf Course.  There's still room to join!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The DSM Community Playhouse has named Chelsea Haaland as the new Executive Director.  Chelsea is alumni of both Hoover High School and UNI and most recently served as the related arts curriculum facilitator for the Waukee Community School District.  She said that for a theatre kid this is an amazing opportunity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talked with Sergeants Roger Drown and Tyler Palmer with the Altoona Police Department about National Night Out coming up Tuesday, August 4th. Wait until you hear about what they have planned this year including a chance for your child to win a new bike.  #community See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michelle Roling and Jeff Nelson with ISU have dedicated their lives to student counseling and suicide prevention. With today's technology however our college students are the first generation to experience adolescence with smart phones and social media as a constant consumption and it has effected them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This show is your invite to join the celebration of the 25th Anniversary MARS Foundation Golf Outing.  What is the MARS Foundation?  Listen to two very strong women sharing a bit of their stories about not only living with MS but kicking it's butt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's podcast will answer so many questions you may have regarding this year's Iowa State Fair and more.  We talk with Mindy Williamson we lovingly call the "head fair nerd" and she wears that title with pride. What's new.  Where to park.  Busing.  New food. New shaded areas.  Getting tickets early and so much more.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We love the excitement of the event.  We love seeing the pros in action a.k.a. Zach Johnson.  But let's not forget about that middle "C" in the Principal Charity Classic.  Jo Christine Miles is the Chair of the Charitable Purpose of the PCC explaining how EVERYONE involved even the spectators contribute to the success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Physical Fitness has been linked to better mental health.  It's beneficial to dementia and Alzheimer's patients, less stress and over all quality of life.  This week Jessica Fedson our go to gal on physical fitness shares he own stories on how it's helped her depression, her son and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Isaiah 117 is working on helping change the way Iowa foster care begins.  Megan Johnson talked this week about removal day and why it matters.  Children are coming into foster care here in Iowa at a rapid rate which begs the question where are they going and how are we caring for them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all have a story. Della grew up in Templeton.  Her story includes family, farming, whiskey and Al Capone. Learn why she became a teacher, the different roads her six children took and her wisdom to those in school now considering a career in education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27th.  Come out to the Altoona Shrine and learn about the Shriners commitment to making a difference in the world through brotherhood, family, fun and philanthropy.  Open to everyone!  With food/beverages/raffles Oh My!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we started our own Mental Health conversation with Iowa Healthiest State Initiative. Having these conversations are just as important as a conversation about any other ailment that effects your life. While May is Mental Health Awareness Month the open talks need to happen all year round.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you or someone you know and love has Parkinson's Disease the APDA Iowa Chapter are the people to turn to. This show is about the disease and the upcoming conference right here in Des Moines.  You're invited to a day of community and information that will help you live your life to the fullest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie has known since she was 7 years old what she wanted to be when she grew up.  It all started with a very scary and unexpected thing that happened to her father.  Hear that story and more from this Lincoln High School grad.  We all have stories.  This is a chance to share them.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jenn Gogerty is a fellow Iowan who has been living with Multiple Sclerosis for 25 years.  Yet she still finds the time and energy and passion to give back to others.  Hear her story and why it would be so wonderful to have you join us for the upcoming WALK MS DES MOINES 2026 coming up on May 9th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Would you consider fostering a dog and becoming a member of the "Mutt Mafia?"  Also we need our animal lovers to unite.  Iowa is the only state in the entire country that doesn't make animal torture a  felony first offense.  Please call your  Senator at 515-281- 3371 and let them know you support bill SF2099 and you'd like it to pass this session.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our topic this week is diabetes and the upcoming Breakthrough T1D Walk.  Type 1 diabetes symptoms can affect thirst, weight, urination, vision and your kidneys.  There are around 20,000 Iowans dealing with it.  Learn where to turn on this week's Inside Iowa Podcast.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suicide isn't an easy conversation to have but it needs to happen.  Each suicide impacts 135 people.  In the time you listen to the Inside Iowa Podcast 2 more lives will have been lost.  However every kind word can cause a ripple effect.  Listen and then join us for the Out Of The Darkness Walk 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 At the Iowa Donor Network they like to highlight the power of one donor.  One organ donor can save up to 8 lives and one tissue donor can heal and enhance the lives of up to 300 people.  Here in Iowa there are over 600 people waiting for an organ transplant.  Learn how to become a donor and the importance of the upcoming Give Life 5K.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Food Bank Of Iowa isn't just about giving people food. They give families hope and resilience. They provide the tools we all need to go to work and school and to be vital productive members of our communities.  The need continues to grow as does the Food Bank Of Iowa and their ways to help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is more to The Pony Express Riders Of Iowa than you know.  As a matter of fact you don't even have to ride a horse to be a member.  It's about the giving back and supporting of disabled Iowans with Easter Seals and Camp Sunnyside.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They are very much a part of the future of agriculture in Iowa.  This week we spoke with Tyler Pudenz and Lauren Meier with ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with your invite to this year's Animal Learning Day.  It's FREE and OPEN TO EVERYONE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we talked with the President of Talent Collective DSM.  There isn't a lack of workforce talent in Iowa but a pipeline shortage.  They exist to bridge that gap between the students in our community and what's needed in middle skill jobs in Iowa.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The people of the APDA Iowa Chapter and the community in general will go above and beyond to help you and get you everything you need.  If you're newly diagnosed and don't know where to turn don't be afraid to reach out to them.  The worst thing is to feel like you're going through this alone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you have a senior citizen in your life?  Do you know who has not only their backs but yours?  Today's technology can make any of us victims.  This show is about making sure you're armed with what you need to protect yourself no matter your age.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She is an Iowa native who is a leading Iowa entrepreneur now giving her time and money for our upcoming Iowa Cares For St. Jude Kids Radiothon.  Why a hospital in Memphis you may ask?  Listen to this week's show to answer that question and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We spoke this week with two people you definitely want on your side when you begin doubting your world and yourself.  This Valentine's Day have some self compassion.  Loving yourself is important to your well being.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental Health is an issue we could all get better at talking about. This week learn about Hope On The Hoof. They are an Equine-Assisted Healing program born from a dream to combine the peaceful and healing nature of horses with a passion to help people through various mental health struggles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do the people of Iowa stay here.  Those who have been here their whole lives.  The people that have helped grow the state.  The people behind the scenes that keep things running.  Those who don't always get the spot light.  This month it's Iowa native AJ Skogerson.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our first guest every year like clock work is Lee Ann Bakros Marketing and PR with the Des Moines Playhouse.  Listen to this week's podcast to learn of the opportunities, excitement and memories to be made no matter what your talents (acting/carpentry/production) with the historical Des Moines Playhouse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of our topics this year included becoming a foster parent with the support of Foster Squad and helping our four legged friends transition from no home to a forever home with Oh My Dog Rescue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of our topics this year included Crime Stoppers Of Central Iowa and how you can stay anonymous while helping keep our communities safe, staying fit for no one but ourselves and food insecurities including using your double up food bucks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've started a new segment on the Inside Iowa Show called The People Of Iowa. We'll do this once a month.  We all have great stories to tell.  I'd like to share some with you.  This months guest is Bill Freestone...a Road Grader Driver or Superhero?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our topics on this week's podcast are for all ages.  From outside falls to inside falls, going out on the ice or keeping your Christmas trees hydrated.  We also discussed the importance of making sure our older family members stay hydrated and more.  Plus...do you know what the penguin walk is?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traci Schermerhorn with Foster Squad talked with us regarding the number of children in just the state of Iowa alone in need of a foster home.  We had a great conversation regarding what they do, how they help families adjusting to fostering and the upcoming Operation Santa for the holidays.  Listen and find out how you can help. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are in an era of unprecedented need for food and assistance which makes it an interesting time for food banking. The need is greater than they've ever seen before. Including during covid and over the past three years.  Hunger Free Holidays is going on now and the way the Food Bank can stretch a dollar will astonish you.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Studies show that there are over 12 million pounds of unclaimed cremated remains. Find out on this week's show how Iowa based Final Salute is helping lay these men, women and children to rest with honor and dignity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jami Haberl is the Executive Director of Healthiest State Initiative.  She came on the show this week with concerns of how the government shutdown is effecting food insecurities in Iowa. Are you familiar with "Double Up Food Bucks"?  Listen this week for more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nerdvember is going on it's 4th year.  It's about individuals empowering themselves.  Don't let the haters determine who you are or who you'll become.  Nerdvember is about suicide awareness and knowing you are more than who you let others think you are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a one of a kind dog rescue that doesn't have a brick and mortar location.  Instead they find foster homes for all of  their rescue dogs.  Learn more about them and their upcoming Bingo fundraiser coming up on October 24th.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yeah it's hard to believe that we are this far into the "new" year.  But here we are.  This week with spoke with our go to guy Chief Mike Cardwell with the Urbandale Fire Department on the things we need to plan for as our seasons change.  It could save your home and your family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I recently met someone in the business of self fitness who makes it so simple and reassuring. Listen this week for yourself.  No matter your age.  No matter your weight.  No matter your reasons. You don't need to be looking for a  "Muscle Mike" bod to enhance your own well being. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 48 years of service in Iowa Law Enforcement and working management with the Iowa Department of Transportation Chief David Lorenzen has retired. This week we talked about growing up in Iowa, his years of experience and what's on the horizon.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BBBS of Central Iowa currently have 250 youths on a waiting list looking for a mentor.  If you would like to have a positive impact on a young Iowan's life learn more on this week's podcast about the upcoming "Icons Of Impact Auction" coming up in October.  It's life changing for both the 'BIG' and the 'LITTLE'.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sobering fact is that 11% of adults over 65 in Iowa are living with Alzheimer's Disease.  Plus 1 in 5 caregivers are caring for someone with Alzheimer's.  Listen this week for more including where to get free help and camaraderie. Join us for our 2025 Walk To End Alzheimer's.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has Parkinson's Disease touched your life?  That's what the APDA is here for.  They're a grassroots organization that covers the state of Iowa.  Learn more about them at this year's Optimism Walk.  Listen to this week's show for the details.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All of us have experienced our own mental health challenges and or worried about someone we cared about.  It's common to not know where to turn for help and support.  This week's Inside Iowa Show will give you hope and direction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Need help with your finances?  These are the people who can help get you there with their FREE programs. We spoke this week with Heather Kriener with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.