Talk of Iowa

Comedian Jane Lynch, known for roles in Glee and Only Murders in the Building, has been bringing holiday spirit and her musical talents across the country for the last decade. Lynch spoke with Charity Nebbe ahead of her Iowa City performance about spreading the Christmas spirit through song. But first, we get to know Studio One host Mark Simmet, as he prepares to retire, and Iowa Public Radio's Morning Edition host Megan McKinney.

When science journalists Sadie Dingfelder mistook a stranger for her husband at the grocery store, it was the beginning of her discovery that she literally sees and processes the world differently than most people do. She details her experience in the memoir, Do I Know You?: A Faceblind Reporter's Journey into the Science of Sight, Memory, and Imagination. Host Charity Nebbe talks with Dingfelder about her journey of self discovery and her obsession with hidden neurodiversities. (This episode was originally produced April 28, 2025.)

Andrew Lopez is on FX's The Bear and Apple TV's Platonic with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. He also has his own show in development with HBO. But it wasn't long ago that he was a kid growing up in Pella. Then, Donna Reed is beloved for roles like Mary Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life and Donna Stone in The Donna Reed Show. She was born in Denison, where the Donna Reed Foundation keeps her legacy alive.These segments were produced in September and October 2025.

On this Horticulture Day, DNR Forester Mark Vitosh is here to give us some insight into the industry that brings so many people joy this time of year. When you buy a Christmas tree at a farm, tree lot or store, you're buying an agricultural product. More than 35 million Christmas Trees are harvested every year in the United States, and there are approximately 200 Christmas tree growers in Iowa. Later, horticulture expert Aaron Steil joins the conversation and the two give their advice on sprucing up your Christmas tree traditions and answer gardening questions.

The third annual Iowa Farmers of Color Conference takes place Saturday, Dec. 6. It's an opportunity for farmers of color from around the Midwest to come to together to learn from each other and build community. Sixth-generation farmer Todd Western III joins the program to preview the event. We also get to know another founder of Iowa Farmers of Color, Hannah Scates Kettler. She and her husband co-own Minerva's Meadow, an organic, no-till flower farm located near State Center. Then, we learn more about how farming has played a role in Black resiliency and activism for centuries from Felicite Wolfe of the African American Museum of Iowa. The exhibit "Rooted: Labor, Land and Legacy," shares the struggles and triumphs that Black farmers have seen in Iowa and the U.S. through present day.

Author and baker Beth Howard moved into the American Gothic house 15 years ago, started a pie stand and became known to many as the “pie lady.” Now, she's created a documentary that demonstrates how pie is baked into the cultural fabric of our state, called Pieowa: A Piece of America. Later in the show, naturalist Michelle Wiegand shares how Johnson County Conservation is encouraging residents to reduce their environmental footprint with a clothing swap event.

A conversation with author Kevin Wilson about his novel Run for the Hills, recorded at the Des Moines Public Library. Wilson and Charity Nebbe talk about reading out loud, Wilson's writing process and why his book sales spike in December.

If you're looking for brilliant, beautiful and delicious ideas for the holiday season, influencer and best-selling author Kaleb Wyse is the man to turn to. Wyse shares his favorite seasonal traditions and recipes, plus tips to avoid overwhelm and disregard the pressure to follow the latest trends at the holidays.

Iowa book lovers Devin Redmond, Molly Roberts and Amanda Lepper share their favorite new titles for kids, ages 0 to young adults.

Stephen King once said, “Books are a uniquely portable magic,” and that's just one of the reasons they make great gifts. Booksellers Jan Weismiller, Tim Budd and Linzi Murray share their recommendations.

The six leading corn-producing states have a cancer rate for young adults that is about 5% higher than the rest of the nation. We speak with two women who were diagnosed with cancer in their 30s about how the disease and treatment has effected their lives.

Apple harvest season is coming to an end, but there are ways to enjoy their flavor for more than just the fall.

A new documentary captured the experiences of Vietnam War veterans in Iowa. Then, a theatre started by Grant Wood and his friends turns 100 years old.

Two new exhibitions at the Dubuque Museum of Art rethink representation through Indigenous, Latinx and community-centered storytelling. Then, two sisters organize an annual Thanksgiving day giveaway of pies, no questions asked.

A new development theory out of Iowa State University reshapes how experts understand the impact of trauma and adverse childhood experiences on our memories and how those memories can change over time.

The inaugural Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival, a four-day event created by TellersBridge, showcased stories that span decades, cultures and emotional tones — including a first kiss, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement and a reflection on belonging from a storyteller who immigrated to the United States.

Fresh, ripe berries right out of the garden are a distant dream at the moment, but there are steps you can take now that will give those berries their best chance to thrive.

Writers Bob Leonard and Jason Walsmith share stories from their new series Portraits of Hunger in Iowa, documenting Iowans facing food insecurity and homelessness. Also, a conversation with members of the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra ahead of their first-ever honor orchestra concert.

We look at how Iowa's organic movement began, how it's evolved and what the future holds for the next generation of farmers.

When Mike Jay isn't announcing track and field meets around the state and country, he's sending running shoes to student athletes as part of the Track Guy Foundation. Also, a conversation about the veteran-led humanitarian organization Team Rubicon.

As food insecurity grows, Iowa's gardeners are stepping up to help feed those in need — plus, how an improv nonprofit is empowering Iowa's youth to grow confident on and off stage.

We've reached peak fall color across the state and leaves are dropping. This hour — fallen leaves, fall cleanup and overwintering tender perennials.

UNI gerontology professor Melinda Heinz launched a new course this semester that explores the importance of creative pursuits for older adults. Then, a space that is combating social isolation, particularly for older men.

The book Red Earth Nation: a History of the Meskwaki Settlement tells that story. On this Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with Meskwaki tribal historian Johnathan Buffalo and author Eric Steven Zimmer.

The number of people identifying as Native Americans in the U.S. nearly doubled between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census.

You may not know who Morgan Sackett is, but chances are good that his fingerprints are all over a TV show or a movie that you love. Also, a conversation with an Iowa City-based poet and fiber artist.

How to (s)care for spooky plants

Iowa storytellers share their own haunting stories. Then, we get spooky book recommendations for all ages of readers.

Reggie's Sleepout helps participants understand what it means to be without shelter on a cold fall night. Later in the show, remembering the man behind University of Northern Iowa's legendary "marathon class."

We Can Do Better, a book of speeches and letters, share's Johnson's messages of our shared responsibility to care for the earth. Then, how Riverside Iowa became the future birthplace of Captain Kirk.

One of the most influential criminologists in the world explores why Americans are drawn to the true crime genre. Then, efforts to preserve a wetland in northwestern Iowa.

As it gets colder outside, you may notice some creepy crawly household invaders inside. Here's what you should do

A clinician who works with a range of patients with autism helps us understand autism spectrum disorder, and Iowans in the autism community share their thoughts and experiences.

Opera legend Simon Estes and director Steve Schott discuss the making of their new documentary Simon Estes: A Heart and a Voice. Then, author John T. Price joins to discuss his latest work inspired by nature's ability to comfort through times of tragedy.

When buying a home, a mortgage isn't the only thing that can weigh down your finances. From repairs to maintenance, the true costs of owning a home can surprise you.

We discuss the Midwest origins of the "King of Late Night," plus the time a whole Iowa town came on Letterman's show. Then, we speak to a current producer for Seth Meyers.

Learn how to plant tulips, daffodils and other bulbs this fall for vibrant blooms come spring

Ruth Rabinowitz talks about moving from California to Iowa for a more present role on her family's farm. Then, Cedar Rapids chef Anthony Leonard on competing in Hell's Kitchen.

Ruth Harkin reflects on her career and memoir, When My Husband Ran for President and Other Short Stories. Plus, what gravestones can teach us about history ahead of the annual Oakland Cemetery walk.

The stories in Carol Roh Spalding's collection Waiting for Mr. Kim span more than 70 years and four generations of a Korean-American family.

Experts discuss the process of repatriating Indigenous cultural items and why it's important.

Ajay Nair, professor and chair of horticulture at Iowa State University, guides us through his garden's bedtime routine. Then, horticulturist Aaron Steil answers your questions.