The Iowa Podcast
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Senators from both parties discuss new Iowa school choice law.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a new school choice bill into law but what does it actually mean? Democrat Senator Nate Boulton and Republican Senator Brad Zaun explain what the new school choice bill means for Iowans. They have disagreements on this bill, of course, but they have a shared vision of helping children.…
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Special: Will Keeps of Starts Right Here Shooting
A message from Justin Brady, host of The Iowa Podcast: News broke today of a targeted shooting at Starts Right Here, an organization that helps kids that have challenging backgrounds. Two children have died and Will Holmes, whose stage name is Will Keeps, the organizations founder, was injured in the shooting. As of writing this,…
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Why is alcohol more expensive in Iowa?
Why is Alcohol more expensive in Iowa?! Megan McKay, the founder, and CEO of Peace Tree Brewing Company explains Iowa’s nutty laws, why she started the company in Knoxville and announces their newest Iowa beer, 99 Pils. Why is alcohol more expensive in Iowa? Alcohol in Iowa is more expensive because of Iowa laws that…
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Manufacturing coming to Iowa amid global economic shift.
Manufacturers are streamlining supply chains and bringing manufacturing to the USA. Leisa Fox started MakeDSM to ensure the Iowa manufacturing sector capitalizes on this historic opportunity. Apple made huge news by announcing their drawdown of manufacturing in China, but their move is only the most visible sign of a global manufacturing trend ongoing for years.…
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How to get marijuana in Iowa… legally
It can be difficult to keep up with Iowa medical marijuana laws, especially with how rapidly they change. Lucas Nelson, Group President of Bud & Mary’s, an Iowa-based cannabis company explained everything you need to know about how to get medical marijuana in Iowa. (Skip to that part) Marijuana products available in Iowa Iowa is…
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Will A.I. replace farmers or give them an edge?
It seems like we read about bizarre uses for Artificial intelligence (A.I.) every day, but what practical uses do we see in the field, and will A.I. farming help the farmer or replace the farmer entirely? Colin Hurd, CEO of Ames-based MACH, is creating A.I. technology already making its way into Iowa farms. Will A.I.…
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Is this Iowa town the future of rural tech jobs?
A new rural tech hub in Iowa? The small town of Stanton, Iowa has made heavy investments into tech, remote, and hybrid workers by bringing a robust fiber optic connection to every home. As remote work takes hold and they launch a new technology park, has their time come? Kevin Cabbage, CEO of Farmers Mutual…
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What to know before going to the Des Moines Airport
Update 5/29/25: The Des Moines International Airport construction project is at the half-way point. See a video tour and photos here » Iowa’s largest airport, the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) has been planning construction changes for years, but those changes are now in motion and visible from the street. Kevin Foley, Executive Director, explains…
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Why are Democrats leaving the Iowa Caucuses?
After 50 years, the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee has recommended Iowa lose its first-in-the-nation status. But not only that, Iowa won’t be in the first 5 early states at all. Laura Belin, Editor and Publisher of Bleeding Heartland, Iowa’s progressive news source, explains the reasons for this historic and tragic shift. The recommended calendar…
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Is wage theft costing Iowans $900M per year?
It made statewide news, and politicians, including former Congresswoman Cindy Axne, spread the story: wage theft in Iowa is a problem. It may be costing Iowa workers $900 million a year to overtime payment violations, minimum wage law violations, and other forms. That’s a big number, but how accurate is it? Sean Finn, a policy…