The Iowa Podcast
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Why are Western Gateway Restaurants in Des Moines closing?

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. Increasing taxes, work from home,…
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Does glyphosate cause cancer? Dr. Richard Deming reacts to news.

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 director of MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center explains why Iowa is #2 in cancer rates and what can be done.…
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Where are the best eagle watching locations in Iowa?

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. Watch the video to hear his tips and locations! Maggard is an…
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Iowa eyesore becomes iconic spot. Meet the The Ingersoll fixer

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 bringing back to life the…
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High Trestle Trail in Ankeny: Facts and Future Plans

20% of cyclists coming to Ankeny for the High Trestle Trail 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 massive and untapped revenue potential.…
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Functional medicine doctor on new food pyramid: results are obvious.

Many Iowans suffer from chronic health issues with 37% suffering form 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 new food pyramid to her…
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New US Mint Coin this week honors Iowan Dr. Norman Borlaug.

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 Prize Foundation…
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48,000 of you will fail your fitness goal unless you listen to this.

Why do New Year’s fitness resolutions so often fail? Nearly 80% of people abandon their goals within the first few months, while only about 9% manage to sustain long-term success. Iowa personal trainer and doctoral student in kinesiology, Nick Fey, who offers research-backed and practical insights into building lasting fitness habits. Fey emphasizes that success…
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Tax pro to Iowa business owners: do this in 2026

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. Keep in mind, all of this advice may not apply to your specific situation. Heck, this summary was…


