The Iowa Podcast
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What is “glamping?” People are coming to Iowa for this agri-tourism trend.
What is agri-tourism? Is it tractor driving and Oregon Trail classes? Not exactly. The global agri-tourism market size was valued at USD 69.24 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach USD 117.37 billion by 2027. And Iowa is getting a share of that pot! Kara Grupp, operator of Three Pines Farm near Cedar Falls…
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Go on a dam tour, rent free kid packs or climb a 100ft tower at Lake Red Rock.
Iowa’s largest lake is Lake Red Rock. It’s 10 minutes from Pella and 15 minutes from Knoxville. Park Ranger, Tracy Spry, offers insight into the lake, free kid packs, and super-simple water safety tactics. She also tells us how you can tour the inside of the dam and why tours changed after 9-11. Spry discusses…
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Iowa company’s AI doctor beats trained physicians. But will regulation hurt?
AI in healthcare can dramatically bring the cost of healthcare down, but only if Congress is cautious about regulating AI. Iowa tech founder and retina surgeon Michael Abramoff, MD, PhD of Digital Diagnostics out of Iowa City has developed an “AI Doctor” that can diagnose diabetic retinopathy faster, and more accurately than a trained physician.…
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Director of African American Museum of Iowa: why is Juneteenth important?
You probably heard all about Juneteenth, but do you know what it is? Do you know why it’s important? Many people don’t actually know the history. LaNisha Cassell, executive director of The African America Museum of Iowa explains the history, importance, and why owning slaves in the USA didn’t end with the Emancipation Proclamation. Iowa…
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University of Iowa Professor Explains New Apple Vision Pro Device
The Apple Vision Pro was just announced and it’s already the center of the conversation and quite a polarizing device. Juan Pablo Hourcade, Ph.D, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Informatics at The University of Iowa explains what the device does and gives a few use cases for manufacturing…
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Iowa secrets, fun travel destinations, and structural popcorn balls?
Iowa has secrets! Some are hidden in plain sight like a few mysterious concrete structures in a popular kids area at the Iowa State Fair. Megan Bannister, author and editor of Olio in Iowa is a walking encyclopedia of Iowa’s craziest stories and tells us the most famous destinations in Iowa! Famous destinations in Iowa…
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Why Iowans visit Story City to celebrate Scandinavian Heritage
Scandinavian Days happen every year in Story City and to celebrate Scandinavian immigrants, culture and traditions. This year, the event is June 2nd and 3rd. Shanon McKinley, Executive Director of the Story City Greater Chamber Connection explains the history of this annual tradition and how it’s evolved through the years. We also talk about Story City’s…
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Five day “camp” to prepare high schoolers for A.I. economy
The AI economy is coming. Parents want to know if AI training for Iowa students is something they should consider. Iowa high schoolers want to know how to prepare for the new generation of work. Jessi McQuerrey with the Association of Business and Industry explains how the Business Horizons program has pivoted to prepare students…
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Iowa Cubs to invest $65 Million in renovations. “Cubbie Village” coming soon?
Iowa Cubs General Manager Sam Bernabe is celebrating 40 years with the Iowa Cubs this year in a big way. Principal Park will soon begin a $65 Million renovation, with the goal of becoming an entertainment district resembling Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field, or Ballpark Village at Busch Stadium. Will downtown Des Moines soon connect to a…
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Meet the creators of Shift: The RAGBRAI documentary
Shift, The RAGBRAI Documentary People travel from across the globe to ride RAGBRAI and this week on May 4th, a new documentary premiers in Iowa revealing the stories, people and places that make up this ride. The documentary, titled Shift, was directed by Courtney Crowder and Kelsey Kremer of The Des Moines Register. The film explain…