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The Iowa Podcast

by 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!)

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Oct 15, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. State Treasurer candidate, John Norwood, wants state funds in Iowa banks

    Iowa State Treasurer Candidate John Norwood explains his IPERS concerns, discusses the problems with Iowa officials selecting lowest-bidders on state projects, and shares how he'd pull all state funds from national banks into Iowa banks. Despite Iowa Republicans being clear about supporting IPERS...

  2. Iowa's first "no party" candidate, Dave Bushaw challenges party loyalists

    Dave Bushaw is the first "no party" candidate in Iowa, and perhaps in US History and that brand rings true. He's pro 2nd amendment, wants gun safety in schools, but is also pro-single payer healthcare. Bushaw's views are varied and it's clear he's not beholden to any particular party. Bushaw...

  3. Nate Willems for Attorney General on pollution and wage theft

    Nate Willems is running for Attorney General and said he'd go further than the DNR on punishing recent polluters. We asked how far in the future. He also explains why he initially voted against a bill that would monitor sex offenders in the state, but voted for the final bill. Willems also…

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  4. Michael Bridgford, running for Congress or GOP & DEM Relationship Counselor?

    Michael Bridgford is running for Congress as an independent, hoping to gain a seat in the US House of Representatives that acts as a marriage counselor or relationships therapist between Republicans and Democrats. He tells us that his independent voice is an advantage for him and for Iowa. 💡…

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  5. Senate Candidate Thomas Laehn Says His One Vote Can Force Change

    Senate Candidate Thomas Laehn is an independent running for Iowa's open senate seat. While most people question what one independent voice can do in an ocean of blue and red, he sees it as a strategic advantage: that one vote can force a quorum and force DC Senators to actually have a dialogue....

  6. Chris McGowan for Congress on tariffs, Iran, and civility.

    Chris McGowan is running for Congress in Iowa's 4th district. He re-affirms his support for the continued military operation in Iran, albeit with some caveats. He also explains his thinking on tariffs after they still haven't achieved their goal, but he also discusses why civil treatment of his...

  7. Joe Mitchell for Congress on housing and gender surgery accountability

    The Former Great Plains Regional Admin of HUD is running for Congress. Joe Mitchell discusses his friendship with Charlie Kirk, what Kirk would have to say about Iowa State Fair protests, accountability for healthcare providers who pushed gender surgeries, and how both incentives and regulations...

  8. Ashley Hinson on socialism, AI and GOP Senate toss-up

    Congresswoman Ashley Hinson is running for Senate in Iowa and this discussion she explains her position on the root cause of healthcare problems, if regulations for our "safety" are actually keeping things more expensive, and proper regulations around Ai. Hinson has served in US Congress since…

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  9. Exclusive sit down with Sarah Trone Garriott on faith and healthcare

    Faith and healthcare have defined State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott's run for Congress. She answers questions on the role of health insurance vs healthcare costs, and addresses criticism about her faith conflicting with her political views. Trone Garriott is running for Congress in Iowa's 3rd...

  10. Zach Lahn on data center pusback, big ag meetings, and cancer accountability

    Businessman Zach Lahn surprised the state of Iowa getting the GOP nomination for Governor but before Iowans can vote for him, they have questions about the permanency of his data center "moratorium," what was discussed in his meetings with big ag, and if he will take a hard stance against them if...

  11. Rob Sand on Lauridesen group, Dave Muhlbauer criticism, and partisanship

    Iowa's state auditor, Rob Sand is within spitting distance of becoming Iowa's next Governor. But before checking that box, Iowans have questions about family funding, Lauridsen Group, Dave Muhlbauer's DNR violations, education funding, his cancer plan, and if he really believes in "not redder or...

  12. Congressional candidate Lindsay James on healthcare, cancer rates and new taxes

    Representative Lindsay James is currently an Iowa House member, and she's asking Iowans for a promotion to the big house in DC. James joins us to discuss why her stances on healthcare, cancer rates, and "fighting corruption" will get her into US Congress. James explains her positions and defends...

  13. Libertarian Congr. Candidate, Marco Battaglia on ballot access, RFK and Rep. Nunn conversations.

    Private calls with HHS Secretary Bobby Kennedy, pressure from Rep. Zach Nunn to drop out, and court challenges removing ballot access? Libertarian Candidate for US Congress, Marco Battaglia shares what was discussed on their phone calls, and the list of resources the GOP said they'd attempt…

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  14. RAGBRAI: Special Field of Dreams Stop and Mystery Guest

    It's no surprise RAGBRAI cyclists will soon pedal their way into Iowa, but what may be a surprise is this year's exclusive Field of Dreams stop and a mystery celebrity who's coming for a ride. RAGBRAI executive director, Matt Phippen explains the incredible town support, and memorable experiences...

  15. Outdoors Dan Young shares his best fishing and hunting advice

    If you're an Iowa outdoors fanatic, you likely follow or have heard of Outdoors Dan. Dan Young has been a familiar voice on WHO Radio, ESPN Radio, and KXNO and The Outdoor Call Radio Network online. Young shares his best bow hunting and fishing advice, including taking down a bear, or two, or...

  16. Clear Lake 4th of July is like a Hallmark Movie

    American is 250 years old and Clear Lake, Iowa is celebrating with a bang! Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Stacy Doughan explains why 60,000 Iowans squeeze into the town during this massive celebration, visitor FAQs, and why key decisions around lake restoration improved the local area. 💡...

  17. Iowa County Fairs bring in over 1 billion dollars for Iowa!

    County fairs are county-wide celebrations, but because of their local focus Iowans don't understand the incredible economic impact they have on our state. Thomas Barnes explains the billion dollar economic impact county fairs have, and why our 99 counties somehow have 106 county fairs. 💡 Find…

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  18. Ice Cream Days in Le Mars, Iowa. A brief history and how to attend!

    It's almost here! Le Mars Iowa hosts it's annual Ice Cream Days festival. Executive Director, Kristen Heimgartner explains the history of the special event, how you can get free ice cream, why their town is growing, and how their biggest employer, Wells, sources dairy from Iowa farms. 💡 Find…

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  19. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, Mike Naig not concerned on glyphosate

    With cancer rates and water quality concerns, Iowans are paying close attention to the Secretary of Agriculture race. Should we make changes? Should we ban chemical pesticides or herbicides like glyphosate? Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said his administration will prioritize accelerating...

  20. Iowa beer trends and what's behind the Iowa Craft Brew Festival?

    Iowa's craft beer scene is experiencing a shift toward crisp, lower-alcohol beverages. Noreen Otto, the executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, and "ringmaster" of The Iowa Craft Brew Festival, highlights a major renaissance in craft ciders made from heritage fruits grown in local orchards....

  21. Lahn Pops, Feenstra Drops, but Can They Pound Sand? Kathie Obradovich of The Iowa Capital Dispatch explains

    Marked by unprecedented vacancies in its top offices, Iowa is seeing a wild election cycle. Kathie Obradovich, editor-in-chief of the IowaCapital Dispatch, breaks down the bizarre election cycle, how the GOP Gubernatorial primary may have flipped, what's happening in the Senate and Congressional...

  22. Veteran gives behind-the-curtain look at what happens when a soldier falls

    Staff Sergeant Ben Doyle of the The US Army gives us a first hand look at what happens when a soldier falls and also teaches ONE simple thing we can do this Memorial Day to honor our fallen. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/memorial-day ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk to...

  23. Chris Jones is running for Secretary of Agriculture in Iowa to correct Iowa's water problems.

    In the past, the Secretary of Agriculture position wasn't a race that demanded a lot of attention. As most Iowans become increasingly concerned with Iowa soil health and water quality however, the race has taken more attention and Chris Jones hopes his solutions for Iowa water quality will land…

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  24. The Tulip Time Festival is this week in Pella, Iowa. Will Dutch Royalty show up?

    It's Tulip Time! Iowan's are aware of the annual Tulip Time Festival in Pella, Iowa BUT did you know it's a honeypot of high-brow visitors? Royalty and even musical celebrities are known to make an appearance, all for the love of Dutch heritage and culture. Jessi Galligan, Executive Director of...

  25. More people listen to podcasts now than radio nationally. Is radio dying? What does that mean for brands?

    According to new data from Edison Research, more people are listening to podcasts in the USA than radio. It's the very first time this has happened. Ryan Snaadt of Snaadt media comes in the studio to explain why podcasts aren't just limited to news companies or publishers. Any brand or person can...

  26. Can Ai be creative? Composer Tony Bohnenkamp asks if Ai can't experience life, how can it create?

    While AI is an incredibly sophisticated "copy paste" tool capable of replicating patterns, can it close the biological "last mile" of creativity that defines true artistry? Tony Bohnenkamp of The Canary Collective, and former member of The Nadas discusses the creative process of composing…

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  27. Iowa Artisan "Vibe Coding" the Future of Centuries-Old Trade

    What happens when a centuries-old trade meets the cutting edge of artificial intelligence? Riana LeJeune is proving that upholstery is far from a "dying art" by launching a first-of-its-kind national apprenticeship and developing a global design app without any coding knowledge. 💡 Find this show...

  28. Local NW Iowa newspaper bucking national trend in growth by launching a new podcast!

    As newspapers struggle across the country, one small town in Northwestern Iowa is bucking the trend. Not only are they're seeing subscriber and advertiser growth through a new podcast. Erin Sommers, editor of The Record Democrat in Pocahontas, Iowa explains why she launched their new podcast, "On...

  29. Zach Lahn, Iowa's MAHA Candidate for Governor wants to break up big ag. Are farmers on board?

    Zach Lahn is running for Governor in Iowa and he happens to be the very first candidate to be endorsed by RFK JR's MAHA Action organization. In this discussion, Lahn explains his intent to stop subsidies and veto incentives for big ag, even if it means losing party backing entirely. Links: 💡…

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  30. Burlington's downtown is thriving. Was The Capitol Theater the catalyst?

    Back in 2012, downtown Burlington was a beautiful, albeit quiet. But today it's thriving and active, at times with four shows performing simultaneously in the downtown area. Jeff Poulter, Director of The Capitol Theater complex discusses the historic theater and the thriving Downtown area. 💡…

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  31. Iowa's "risk averse" nature linked to farmer trauma? Dr. Chris Morris of ISU explains the research.

    Have you heard Iowans are "risk averse" creatures? Research from Iowa State University not only suggests this may be true, but its origin may be tied to farmer trauma, passed down to our children and grandchildren. Chris Morris, PhD research shows stress from farming has a compounding effect over...

  32. Major media and Iowa tourism use his photos. Meet The Iowa Road Trip Guy!

    If you've seen a national media story featuring Iowa, visited the Des Moines airport, picked up an Iowa magazine, checked out the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page, or have seen any Iowa tourism website, you've likely appreciated his work. His name is Brian Abeling and he explains the stories behind...

  33. Des Moines Symphony is one of four in the country in developing young musicians.

    The Des Moines Symphony is 1 of 4 symphonies in the USA with a young musician academy, which is the focus of their final 3 Masterworks performances. Get 20% off using code: IOWAPODCAST to see this unique experience right here in Iowa! Maestro Joseph Giunta breaks down their final three…

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  34. 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...

  35. 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. 💡...

  36. 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. 💡...

  37. 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:...

  38. 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…

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  39. 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...

  40. 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…

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  41. 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...

  42. 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...

  43. 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…

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  44. 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...

  45. 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."...

  46. 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…

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  47. 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...

  48. 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…

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  49. 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...

  50. 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'…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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!)

HOSTED BY

The Iowa Podcast

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Iowa Podcast have?

The Iowa Podcast currently has 229 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Iowa Podcast about?

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...

How often does The Iowa Podcast release new episodes?

The Iowa Podcast publishes regularly with 229 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to The Iowa Podcast?

You can listen to The Iowa Podcast 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 Iowa Podcast?

The Iowa Podcast is created and hosted by The Iowa Podcast.
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