Simon Conway

Failures and successes are the focus this hour. SIMON and DENNIS KNEAL discuss the failures of state governments but later he celebrates the successes of the animals at the ARL's Second Chance Ranch that he visited today where he met Baby, the thoroughbred race horse. And NO, he did not put Baby in a corner!

Over half of state's governments are documented failures. No, REALLY! Because of this we are seeing mass exodus' from these states to successful, thriving states, like Florida. Journalist and Author, DENNIS KNEAL, explains to SIMON why certain states are failures and the chances that these "new neighbors" will bring thier failures with them to spread.

SIMON's very own 'Rocketman', retired astronaut and friend, CLAYTON ANDERSON shares his thoughts and insight on the President's announcement of the soon-coming Space Force Academy.

Michelle Obama was happy to send her daughters off to college and that has some people very angry. Why? As parents with a kid in college right now, SIMON and MRS. C explain why they agree with her. And later, our favorite astronaut is back on the show to talk about the announcement of the new Space Force academy.

The City of Waukee is having continuous problems with children playing in the streets of some neighborhoods. In an effort to keep kids and drivers safe, Waukee parents are about to start digging deep in their pockets from city fines. Waukee Mayor COURTNEY CLARK explains to SIMON why the city is taking it this far and how soon parents can expect fines to arrive in the mail.

SIMON is back, feeling better and ready to tackle the news of the day! After 3 days, the jury in the Lindsey Clancy murder trial still hasn't reached a verdict. Why? And later, why are Waukee parents being fined for their kids playing outside? SIMON asks all these questions and more this hour!

It's Friday and the weekend is almost here! Guest host MATT KITTLE helps MRS. C wrap up the week while SIMON is out and they discuss today's headlines, music and events around Iowa.

Guest host MATT KITTLE has been following the Lindsey Clancy murder trial and as we await the verdict he asks, "Is empathy a bad thing? Is it possible to be TOO empathetic?". And later he talks to REP. ZACH NUNN, who was just named the 3rd most Bipartisan Legislator in the House of Representatives.

Summer is quickly coming to an end and 'Friday Night Lights' will soon be be burning bright across Iowa. In addition to homework, bed time routines & packing lunches, parents also have school safety on their minds. Guest host, MATT KITTLE, talks to school safety expert MATT OSBORNE about how to keep kids and schools safe. And for a bit of Friday Fun, MATT asks what your favorite song of summer is as the dog days slip away quickly.

MATT KITTLE fills in for SIMON and this hour brings you stories from across the globe, including the horrible outcome from 2 air traffic controllers kicking off work early and absolute insanity from the Canadian Broadcasting Company in their pursuit to not offend anyone. Ironically, they've offended almost the whole of the United States in the process! What do you think - do you agree or are you offended?

MATT KITTLE fills in for SIMON and this hour discusses election integrity with guest Hans von Spakovsky as well as the latest from the Lindsey Clancy murder trial, tonight's anticipated eclipse and his thoughts on Meta's Facebook settlement with the state of Iowa.

MATT KITTLE fills in for SIMON while he's under the weather and MRS. C is behind the glass as normal. MATT brings you the latest on the passing of Nashville royalty, Dolly Parton, including the horribly distasteful - and lazy - move by CNN on a story about her death.

The State of Iowa is taking their lawsuit against Meta to the Supreme Court over the online safety of children. Will our Attorney General be successful? Will Meta admit their safety measures weren't safe after all? The Pro Bowl is now the No-Mo Bowl and SIMON & MRS. C want to tell you about what happened in their bedroom last night! Is it scandalous? TMI? Listen and find out!

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block a multi-state antitrust lawsuit in an attempt to stop the $110 billion Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery merger. Legal expert, ROBERT BORK, offers SIMON his insight and opinion on their filing and chances of success.

One of Iowa's most famous landmarks needs financial help. Maybe the compensation the state of Iowa just won against Meta can be used to help. SIMON tells you all about both this hour!

Iowa has had two major legal wins recently, one case against Meta and the other win against California. SIMON gets all of the details on both from Iowa's Attorney General, BRENNA BIRD.

The Bridges of Madison County are iconic and beautiful. It's where SIMON and MRS. C got engaged and married. It's where Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep filmed the romantic Hollywood hit of the same name. Now, Madison County needs our help to save and restore these famous Iowa landmarks. SIMON talks to Madison County officials DIANE FITCH and MIKE HACKETT about how we can all help.

The Major Richard Star Act was first introduced to Congress 6 years ago and it still hasn't been passed. SIMON talks to MARK LUCAS from VeteranAction.org about what is taking so long, what the controversy is and what needs to be done to get it passed.

Changes to the TSA program are coming to airports across the country, including Des Moines. Will this make your flying experience easier in the future? SIMON has the latest details for you on today's show. Also, after 6 years sitting in Congress, the Major Richard Star Act still hasn't been passed. SIMON asks why and what Iowans can do to help ensure our veterans get the benefits they earned.

From basketball news on the WNBA court to the NCAA gridiron, SIMON covers them both this hour!

Football season is back and the excitement is building for kickoff under the lights! SIMON talks to Drake University's head coach, MATT WALKER, on how he and his team are feeling as they head into the season.

Enes Kantor Freedom has been banned indefinitely from all WNBA Chicago Sky home games at the Wintrust Arena after last night's game. This might make his declaration to play for the WNBA as a woman a lot more challenging. SIMON talks to attorney JEREMY ROSENTHAL about all of this and more!

Sometimes the daily headlines are so insane they give us a headache or cause us to hold so much tension that it causes pain. For an excellent example look no further than the WNBA game in Chicago last night. SIMON tells you all about it but later he also has JASON MILDENBERGER from QC Kinetix live in studio with a potential solution for your pain.

Sadness swept our studio when it was announced that Dolly Parton passed away today. SIMON honors her legacy on the show while bringing you the news of the day.

School is back in session and local administrators are noticing a change in enrollment. Have parents actually made a choice in school choice? SIMON and COREY DI'ANGELIS talk all about it.

It's a sad day in the music world with the passing of musical legend and country icon, Dolly Parton, today. SIMON talks to Iowa's own country star, JASON BROWN, about the life, legacy and loss of Nashville's leading lady.

Becoming a Mother is beautiful and exciting for a woman but sometimes it can be harder than normal, especially when post partum depression overshadows the joyfulness emotions of bonding with a new baby. And then there are the ultra rare situations that go beyond depression and turn into tragedy, often at the hands of the baby's own mother. SIMON talks to DR. JOHN HUBER about the trial of Lindsey Clancy who is currently on trial for the murder of her children. The Prosecution says it was cold-blooded and planned. The Defense says it was Post-Partum Psychosis exacerbated by her medications. What is this new term and is it really a defense? Listen and tell us what you think.

Children are a gift. This hour SIMON talks about multiple headlines where children weren't thought of, valued or protected by their parents. SIMON discusses a wide scale of stories, from "please don't name your baby that" to "I can't believe they did that", including a conversation with DR. JOHN HUBER about a current headline that's so awful & sad that it registers off the charts of horrendous.

California Governor Gavin Newsom quietly signed Assembly Bill 2624, nicknamed the "Stop Nick Shirley Act", over the weekend. SIMON and DAN PERKINS discuss what this bill is all about, why it's been given such an odd nickname and by by who.

Nothing makes SIMON happier about his decision to live in Iowa than when he hears about all the wacky and outrageous things other state's governments are doing. Today he brings you two stories from two different states that makes him say "Thank God for common sense in Iowa!"

After President Trump's announcement today regarding imported beef, SIMON talks to the CEO of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, BRIAN WHALEY, to get his expert insight into the cattle industry and what this means for Iowa's beef producers.

After setting an all-time record, the 2026 Iowa State Fair has come to a successful end! SIMON is back in the WHO1040am studio bringing to light the headlines that matter, topics that affect you and discussions that matter.

Our Ambassador of Trade, JAMIESON GREER, was at the Iowa State Fair and live in the Crystal Studio with SIMON.

Fair Day #2 is packed with people and things here at the fairgrounds, including Iowa's Governor, Kim Reynolds, and Ambassador of Trade, Jamieson Greer. Also, IA Treasurer Roby Smith, Destination Grill, Daughters of the American Revolution, Superintendent of Doll Houses and Miniature Rooms and the guys that amaze us at the end of every night with the incredible drone show! All this and more!!!

It's the first day of the 2026 Iowa State Fair and SIMON & MRS. C bring you all things fair live from the Crystal Studio on the Grand Concourse, including the "King of the Fair", CEO Jeremy Parsons and "Mr. Iowa", Matt Whitaker, who is our current Ambassador to NATO.

First day of the 2026 Iowa State Fair! United States ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker joins us in the Crystal Studio We talk Little Hands on the Farm What's going on with JRs South Pork Ranch

First day of the 2026 Iowa State Fair! Trying Dirty Sodas from the Depot Talking black boots at the fair Talking Fair time Clydesdales come to the studio Governor Candidates need to sort it out

First day of the 2026 Iowa State Fair! CEO of the Iowa State Fair Jeremy Parsons joins the show. Talking State Fair Talking Blue Star Moms Simon gets interviewed by fan.

The ARL received a dog in horrible condition this week, weighing less than 10 pounds! SIMON talks to DR CATES from the Animal Rescue League to see how Blossom is doing and what the road ahead looks like for her.

What comes next? That's the question SIMON's asking both of his guests but for two completely different reasons. Listen to find out the who, the why and of course, the what!

Columnist for The American Conservative, SCOTT GREER. and SIMON discuss who the next "heir apparent" will be after President Trump's term is over. Who do you think will be christened to come next?

SIMON and MRS. C are hosting a blood drive on August 20th at the Iowa State Fair! Today he talks to TIM PALUCH from LifeServe on how easy donating is and why it's so important.

Blood bathe, blood giving, and bloody ridiculous - 3 stories, 1 central theme. SIMON covers it all!

Abdul El-Sayed won the Democrat Primary in Michigan last night. Is the tone and expectations of the Democratic party changing? SIMON and MARK MIX, President of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, talk all about it.

As SIMON continues the conversation about flock cameras, he talks to Rep. STEVEN HOLT, Chairman of the Iowa House Judiciary Committee, about the discussions in the legislature last session and what considerations will be taken this coming session.

See and be seen this hour! SIMON is excited to go see the new Buccee's that will be built in Urbandale soon but how many flock cameras will be watching him as he gets there? All this and more this hour.

This hour it's all about Family, Food., Fair, and Fear! Listen to find out what's on Simon's mind.

With schools soon back in session families are preparing for changes in routines. SIMON talks to Child Psychologist, Dr. JOHN HUBER, about ways you can help ease the anxiety of the new school year no matter their grade and help set them up for success.

Even as we look forward to fair food this week, there's still nothing better than delicious farm to table family meals. SIMON enjoys a chat with MIKE WHALEN, the owner of his favorite family restaurant, The Iowa Machine Shed, about how they are celebrating the fair and the new things to try.

The 2026 Iowa State Fair starts this week and SIMON is so excited that he's getting the inside early scoop from MINDY WILLIAMSON about what's new this year and what to expect for the 250th celebration of America!