Talk of Iowa

Last summer, University of Iowa archaeologists uncovered the first-ever well-preserved mastodon skull scientifically excavated in Wayne County. That was only the beginning of this community minded project.

Julie Moffitt, 57, dreamed of running Western States, a 100-mile race through California's grueling Sierra Nevada Mountains. Almost a decade later, she made it to the finish.

Horticulture specialists give their lawn care tips and answer listener questions.

Historians discuss Iowa's significance as a part of the Underground Railroad.

Rep. Aime Wichendal, the first transgender woman elected to the Iowa Statehouse, talks about being transgender in Iowa and watching gender identity being removed from the Iowa Civil Rights Code during her first session.

From 1875 to 1973, Fairfield, Iowa was home to Parsons College. When the school closed, it left a major void in the community, which that was quickly filled by an another — unconventional — university.

A conversation with author Peniel Joseph about his new book Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution.

What's currently threatening the health of Iowa's trees and forests?

A conversation with author Kevin Wilson about his new novel Run for the Hills, recorded at the Des Moines Public Library.

Today, we listen back to conversations with Iowan artist and author Luke Stoffel and Danish artist Thomas Dambo.

For the Talk of Iowa Book Club, author Angeline Boulley and expert readers discuss Warrior Girl Unearthed.

In honor of Pride Month, we're listening back to a conversation with gay rights activist and native Iowan Sean Strub.

Plant experts give their tips on planting and caring for beans and other legumes.

A look at how cystic fibrosis has become more treatable with a doctor who has studied it for 50 years. And a new folk art museum opens in the Amana Colonies.

The questions on a civics exam required for Iowa high school students will be much like those on a U.S. Citizenship exam. Then, we learn what it takes for an immigrant to become a citizen of the United States.

Iowa booksellers share their favorite titles for young readers, from picture books to young adult stories.

Find new fiction and nonfiction titles to add to your summer reading list with help from Iowa's independent booksellers.

Find out which conifer species are recommended in Iowa.

The Iowa City Bike Library is working to broaden who a cyclist is and reduce barriers to biking.

How did Iowa become the home to one of the largest publicly held Haitian art collections in the world?

Author and mindfulness coach Becky Schmooke discusses her new book on leadership and a teacher reflects on the importance of National History Day.

It's been a very good year for spring blossoms, but most of them have faded, and now it's time for other flowers to step into the spotlight.

There are many ways to learn about history, but visiting a historic site may be one of the most powerful.

Caregiving always comes with challenges, but those in the sandwich generation are pulled between the needs of several generations.

Each family comes with their own culture, humor and traditions, which can complicate marrying into them.

Known as America's favorite pastime, the sport of baseball was once believed to be one the Amana Colonies' greatest challenges.

Kiwi berries are a delicious, non-fuzzy fruit that can survive in Iowa's climate.

The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy in Cedar Rapids provides low cost and free arts programming to people of all ages.

Fern Kupfer discusses her new novel Strong Women of Chicago, and a look at Iowa organizations that help pet-owners-in-need feed their pets.

The Trump administration has taken many steps to dismantle federal climate protections, but community efforts to fight climate change remain.

Expert birders share all you need to know as millions of birds pass through or make the journey to Iowa this spring.

Ants can help your garden thrive, but what happens when they do the opposite?

Libraries, museums and theatres are just a few of the community institutions facing federal funding losses statewide.

An Iowa transplant has channeled what he calls laziness into forming two successful companies, publishing a memoir and now turning that into a staged musical.

The recently expanded Ames History Museum is full of surprises for all generations.

We revisit a conversation with celebrated author Joyce Carol Oates, recorded live at Des Moines Central Public Library May 30, 2024.

Now that summer is approaching, succession planting can help your garden grow.

The Public Art Incubator at the University of Northern Iowa connects students with artists who create large sculptures.

When someone suggested the book The Lifespan of a Fact be adapted for the stage, authors John D'Agata and Jim Fingal thought it was a silly idea. In 2018, it made its Broadway debut.

Five speakers shared their stories of grappling with gender and masculinity at a live event hosted by Investigate Midwest.

When 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.

This time of year, we start to see plant diseases emerge that will give you trouble later in the season.