PODCAST · business
The CW Pod
by Iowa Everywhere
You know Chris Williams from Cyclone Fanatic and Iowa Everywhere, but in this interview-based program Chris brings your favorite sidebar content in a different light. With his guests, Chris will deep dive into his many eclectic passions, including business, leadership, family, small-town soul, sports, and more.
Episodes
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CW Pod: REACTION - Jared Benko Named Iowa State AD! What’s Next for the Cyclones?
Iowa State has hired Jared Benko as its next athletic director. Chris Williams is joined by Jake Brend and Levi Stevenson for an in-depth reaction to the hire, the challenges facing Cyclone Athletics, and what Benko’s leadership could mean for the next era in Ames. The crew examines Benko’s...
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CW Pod: CEO Reynolds Cramer on How Fareway Stays Different
How has Fareway built a loyal following across Iowa and the Midwest? Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer joins Chris Williams on the CW Pod to discuss the company’s approach to grocery shopping, food prices, customer service, technology, and community. Cramer shares the story behind Fareway’s growth…
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CW Pod: Iowa State’s NEXT 20 Years & AI Takes Over College Sports
Jamie Pollard is retiring as Iowa State’s athletic director after more than 20 years. What comes next for Iowa State Athletics? Chris Williams looks at Pollard’s legacy, the future of the Cyclones, Matt Campbell’s departure, Jimmy Rogers, NIL, revenue, and what Iowa State needs to do to compete…
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CW Pod: Is College Football Losing What Made It Great? Levi Stevenson on the Future of the Game
Is college football losing what made it great? Chris Williams and Levi Stevenson dive deep into Chuck Klosterman’s new book Football and what it says about the past, present, and future of the sport. Levi joins the CW Pod for a wide-ranging conversation about NCAA Football video games, football’s...
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CW Pod: Iowa’s wake-up call & the price of standing still
Chris Williams breaks down how The Athletic’s football payroll report could bring Iowa and Iowa State together in the push for state support, and why sports gambling revenue belongs in the conversation. Also, Chris explores what small businesses are missing about AI, and how to use it to do…
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CW Pod: Can Iowa State Compete in the Big 12? Jeff Woody Breaks Down the Cyclones + Big 12
Chris Williams welcomes Jeff Woody back to the CW Pod to break down Iowa State's 16-13 Cy-Hawk loss to Iowa and what the Cyclones showed in the rivalry game. Woody explains why Iowa State's defense could be one of the Big 12's best, including the aggressive scheme, defensive line, Beni Ngoyi, and...
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CW Pod: Iowa vs. Iowa State Is HERE! Jeff Woody & Chad Leistikow Break Down the Cy-Hawk
Cy-Hawk Week is finally here, and Chris Williams is joined by Jeff Woody and Chad Leistikow to break down the biggest questions surrounding Iowa vs. Iowa State! Jeff Woody takes an in-depth look at Iowa State's first game under Jimmy Rogers, including the new defensive scheme, the Cyclones'...
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CW Pod: Iowa State Is Entering a NEW Era. Here's What I Expect
The Jimmy Rogers era at Iowa State is finally here, but before the Cyclones kick off a new chapter, Chris Williams takes you inside one of the most emotional nights of his journalism career. CW opens up about the night Matt Campbell announced he was leaving Iowa State after the most successful...
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CW Pod: Chris Williams' 6 BEST College Football Bets for 2026🔒
Chris Williams reveals his six best college football bets for the 2026 season. With Week Zero finally here, Williams breaks down his favorite futures and win-total bets. Williams explains why he believes Texas Tech is the best team in the Big 12, why Miami is the clear favorite in the ACC, and…
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CW Pod: The Back-to-School Struggle Every Parent Knows
Back-to-school season is here, and parents everywhere are experiencing the same mix of excitement, guilt, and anxiety. Chris Williams and Mackenzie Eddie have an honest conversation about sending their kids back to school, the emotional challenge of watching children grow up, and the very real...
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CW Pod with Scott Siepker: Is College Football Losing Fans?
Chris Williams is joined by Scott Siepker for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of college football, why so many fans are feeling disconnected from the sport, and whether the business of college athletics has finally gone too far. The two debate conference realignment, NIL, the…
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CW Pod with Scott Dochterman: Congress Could Change College Sports FOREVER
Chris Williams is joined by Scott Dochterman of The Athletic to break down the proposed Protect College Sports Act and what it could mean for Iowa, Iowa State, the Big Ten, the Big 12, NIL, roster spending, College Football Playoff expansion, and the future of college athletics. The two discuss…
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CW Pod: How Scott Siepker went viral during the World Cup | Social Media, Algorithms & Life Lessons
Scott Siepker joins Chris Williams to discuss how his World Cup videos reached soccer fans around the globe, and what the experience revealed about social media algorithms, viral content and human connection. Chris and Scott also explore the cultural impact of the World Cup, lessons content...
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CW Pod: Chris Connolly on the Future of Casey's Center, NCAA Tournaments & Iowa Hoops in Des Moines
Chris Williams sits down with Iowa Events Center General Manager Chris Connolly for an in-depth conversation about the future of Casey's Center, hosting NCAA Tournament games, bringing major concerts to Des Moines, Iowa basketball's return to downtown, and the continued growth of Iowa's premier...
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BREAKING: Jamie Pollard Announces 2027 Retirement
Chris Williams, Chris Hassel, and Jake Brend react to Jamie Pollard announcing his retirement from Iowa State in June 2027. The CW Pod is presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon and the Lonely Oak Distillery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod: Big 12 Media Days Begin, Texas Tech's Growing Problem & Brett Yormark's Missed Opportunity
Chris Williams is in Frisco, Texas, for a reaction from Day 1 of Big 12 Football Media Days. He breaks down Brett Yormark's press conference, explains why the commissioner missed an opportunity to address the Brendan Sorsby situation, reacts to the conference's new Monster Energy partnership, and...
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CW Pod: Fireworks with Tony Wenck, Fatherhood & Ranking the Rocky Movies
Chris Williams welcomes fireworks expert Tony Wenck to discuss Iowa's growing fireworks culture, Fourth of July traditions, and how to safely build the perfect backyard fireworks show. Then, Chris is joined by his daughters for a Father's Day conversation about experiencing the Rocky movies for…
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CW Pod with Mackenzie Eddie: Dance Moms, Dirty Counters & UFC at the White House
Chris Williams welcomes Mackenzie Eddie back to the CW Pod for a wide-ranging conversation covering dance recitals, youth sports parents, marriage debates over clutter, and the UFC's controversial event at the White House. The two compare notes on life as sports and dance parents, discuss why...
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CW Pod: The WNBA Has a Messaging Problem, Not a Caitlin Clark Problem
Chris Williams takes a deep dive into the WNBA, Caitlin Clark, media narratives, and why he believes the league's biggest challenge has nothing to do with basketball. Along the way, he shares a personal coaching story from Bondurant Little League and reflects on one of the most fascinating…
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CW Pod with Nate Boulton: Can Congress Actually Fix College Sports?
Chris Williams welcomes attorney Nate Boulton for a deep dive into the future of college athletics as Congress prepares to debate major NCAA legislation on Capitol Hill. From NIL and collective bargaining to transfer portal chaos and Olympic sports funding, the guys unpack why college sports may…
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CW Pod: 24-Team CFP Debate, Big Ten's View On Pollard & Future of Bowl Games with Scott Dochterman
Chris Williams welcomes Scott Dochterman to break down the Big Ten's reaction to Jamie Pollard’s viral comments, the future of the College Football Playoff, and why the bowl system needs to be changed. 🔥 How the Big Ten reacted to Jamie Pollard Dochterman was at the Big Ten meetings when…
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CW Pod: Jamie Pollard Fires Back & The Future of Sports Media
Chris Williams delivers a solo deep dive into the future of college sports, media, streaming, and why the current system may be headed for a complete shakeup. 🔥 Jamie Pollard fires back Williams reacts to Jamie Pollard openly challenging the SEC and Big Ten, arguing that maybe the Big 12 and ACC...
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CW Pod: Aliens, Area 51 & Hulkamania with Scott Siepker
Chris Williams is joined by Scott Siepker to dive into the government’s latest UFO report, conspiracy theories, Area 51, Hulk Hogan’s complicated legacy, Ted Turner’s media empire, and why nostalgia hits harder than ever. 👽 The UFO report finally drops Chris and Scott react to the government’s...
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CW Pod: Is the Big 12 Playing a Rigged Game? John Kurtz Breaks It Down
Chris Williams is joined by John Kurtz (Open for Business) for a deep dive into the future of the Big 12—and whether the league can truly compete in today’s college sports landscape. 🏈 Is the System Rigged? With massive revenue gaps between the Big Ten, SEC, and Big 12, the guys debate whether…
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CW Pod with Pastor Mike Janes: Control, Anxiety & Finding Your North Star
Chris Williams sits down with Pastor Mike Janes for a thoughtful conversation covering anxiety, control, parenting, and how to actually find peace in 2026. 🧠 Why We’re More Anxious Than Ever From social media algorithms to constant bad news cycles, the guys break down why modern life keeps…
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CW Pod with Mackenzie Eddie: NASCAR, Parenting Perspective & The Feeling You Didn’t Expect
Chris Williams is joined by Mackenzie Eddie for a different kind of CW Pod—less sports, more life. 🏁 NASCAR Weekend Reflections Chris shares a special weekend with his daughter at the track—and the unexpected feeling of dread that hits when those perfect moments come to an end. ❤️ Parenting,...
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CW Pod with Scott Siepker: Are We Ready for What’s Coming? AI, Space & The Future of Everything
Chris Williams is joined by Scott Siepker for one of the most all-over-the-place episodes of the CW Pod. 🚀 Space, AI & The Future: From rocket launches to space debris fears, the guys go deep on where technology is headed—and whether humans are actually ready for it. 🤖 Are We Replacing…
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CW Pod: Why Kyle Green Said Yes to UNI — And What Comes Next
Chris Williams sits down with new UNI Panthers men's basketball head coach Kyle Green for a quick-hitting conversation during one of the busiest weeks of his career. 🏀 The Opportunity of a Lifetime: Green talks about how quickly everything came together—and why UNI was the only job that could…
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CW Pod: Georges Niang & Jess Settles Talk Sweet 16
Chris Williams is joined by Iowa State great Georges Niang and Iowa Hawkeyes legend Jess Settles to break down the Cyclones and Hawkeyes as they prepare for the Sweet 16. Niang and Settles bring elite insight into what it takes to win in March, analyzing Iowa State’s matchup against Tennessee…
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CW Pod: Who killed Cinderella?
Chris Williams discusses why it’s actually the transfer portal that is killing the little guys in the NCAA Tournament. Plus, a different type of “lifting me up,” all courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod: Choppin' it up with MasterChef Champion Grant Gillon
Chris Williams welcomes MasterChef Season 13 Champion Grant Gillon to discuss his new partnership with Iowa Everywhere and what's to come. What was it like being in the same kitchen as Gordon Ramsey? CW picks his brain on his love for cooking and more, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn…
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CW Pod: Living a fulfilling life with Dr. Richard Deming
On today’s episode of CW Pod, Chris Williams sits down with renowned oncologist Dr. Richard Deming of the MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center for an inspiring and insightful conversation about living a healthy, meaningful life. Dr. Deming shares powerful perspectives on how attitude can shape...
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CW Pod: Why its a GOOD idea for NDSU to move to the FBS
Chris Williams discusses the changing landscape of sports media as podcasts continue to overtake traditional radio in reach, influence, and audience engagement. On this episode of CW Pod, Chris breaks down why podcasting has become the dominant platform for sports talk and what it means for the...
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CW Pod: What is Hilton Magic?
Following Iowa State’s win over Houston at Hilton Coliseum, Chris Williams breaks down what “Hilton Magic” really means and why the Cyclones continue to thrive at home under T.J. Otzelberger. Chris also discusses the growing challenges for Kansas State and fired head coach Jerome Tang, and how…
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CW Pod: When a melody brings back a memory
Chris Williams reflects on a surprisingly emotional night that he had recently at a concert with his family. Courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod: Coach Derrin Hansen breaks down Iowa State's success ahead of a loaded February
Chris Williams welcomes longtime Division I coach and ESPN+ analyst Derrin Hansen to The CW Pod for a deep dive into Iowa State basketball. As the Cyclones enter the most challenging stretch of their Big 12 schedule, Hansen breaks down why Iowa State is playing at such a high level, what makes…
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CW Pod with Mackenzie Eddie: Landman, Coyotes, AI, and more
Chris Williams welcomes Overthinking's Mackenzie Eddie to discuss their thoughts on Landman, how AI is taking over the world, and Dry January. Can Mackenzie domesticate a coyote? All this and more courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod: How much is your college football team worth?
Chris Williams analyzes a recent Wall Street Journal article that gave valuations of every FBS football program. Where did Iowa and Iowa State end up, and why? Williams digs deep with the “why” on this week’s CW Pod, courtesy of Steeple Ridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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CW Pod with Jon Heacock: Picking the brain of The Professor
Chris Williams sits down with former Iowa State Defensive Coordinator Jon Heacock to discuss his recent retirement, his football philosophy, and highlights from his 43-year coaching career. What's the reasoning behind sunglasses at night? All this and more presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon.…
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CW Pod: 2025 Festivus Airing of Grievances
Chris Williams has a lot of problems with society...and now you're gonna hear about it. Hear all of CW's grievances with college football, halftime shows, the tipping problem, and more. Courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod: Picking the 2025 College Football Playoff First Round
Chris Williams makes his picks for the 2025 College Football Playoff, courtesy of Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod with Ben Bruns: Navigating the transition from Matt Campbell to Jimmy Rogers
Chris Williams welcomes Ben Bruns to discuss everything that has happened in this transitional period between Matt Campbell and Jimmy Rogers at Iowa State. What's next for the Cyclones? All of their thoughts and more presented by Steeple Ridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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CW Pod with Keith Murphy: Behind the scenes of “Fanatic: Stories from 20 Years Inside Iowa State.”
Chris Williams is joined and interviewed by his longtime mentor, Keith Murphy, regarding the release of his new book: “Fanatic: Stories from 20 Years Inside Iowa State.” The two discuss the process of writing and researching the book, what Chris hopes the audience gets from it, highlights from…
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CW Pod: Dillingham talks local NIL, YouTube TV beat the bully, and more
Chris Williams dissects Kenny Dillingham's comments about local communities. Does he have a point? YouTube TV pushed back against ESPN and came out on top - while also looking out for the fans. Celebrating the death of the BCS and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad...
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CW Pod: Weekend reaction to Iowa State and Iowa, hoops started to pick up
Chris Williams reacts and delivers his thoughts on Iowa's last-second loss to Oregon. Can Iowa get to the next level? Iowa State finally gets back in the win column. Touching on hoops and more presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW Pod: Disney is not a victim
Chris Williams breaks down the big dispute between Disney and Google regarding ESPN and YouTubeTV. It’s another example of how only the fans get screwed. Also, did Nebraska really need to increase Matt Rhule’s contract buyout to $71 million last week? A lot of sports business this week on the CW...
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CW Pod: Spooky Season Special with Mackenzie Eddie
Chris Williams welcomes Overthinking's Mackenzie Eddie to talk about the paranormal. There's no way everything is a coincidence, right? Diving into Halloween, life, and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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CW POD: Revenue isn’t the problem for college athletics
Chris Williams takes a deep dive into the Big Ten’s reported interest in acquiring money from a private investment firm. Not everyone is on the same page. What’s it mean for the future? Chris peels off layers of what he believes to be coded language form the Michigan Board of Regents. A lot to...
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CW Pod: Franklin ripple in CFB, State of the Union for the Cyclones, and Tech's success
Chris Williams dives into college football this week to discuss the James Franklin firing and what it means for the rest of college football. Will anyone catch Texas Tech in the Big 12? Touching on what Iowa State needs to do moving forward and more. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more...
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CW Pod: Season preview with Drake head coach Eric Henderson
Chris sits down with his old friend, Drake head coach Eric Henderson, to look ahead at his debut season leading the Bulldog program. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
You know Chris Williams from Cyclone Fanatic and Iowa Everywhere, but in this interview-based program Chris brings your favorite sidebar content in a different light. With his guests, Chris will deep dive into his many eclectic passions, including business, leadership, family, small-town soul, sports, and more.
HOSTED BY
Iowa Everywhere
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The CW Pod have?
The CW Pod currently has 84 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The CW Pod about?
You know Chris Williams from Cyclone Fanatic and Iowa Everywhere, but in this interview-based program Chris brings your favorite sidebar content in a different light. With his guests, Chris will deep dive into his many eclectic passions, including business, leadership, family, small-town soul,...
How often does The CW Pod release new episodes?
The CW Pod has 84 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The CW Pod?
You can listen to The CW Pod on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The CW Pod?
The CW Pod is created and hosted by Iowa Everywhere.
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