Talk of Iowa

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Talk of Iowa is the place for Iowans to interact with and learn from each other. Together we delve into culture, history, art, and literature. We want you to come away connected to our culture and what it means to live in Iowa.

Iowa Public Radio


    • Oct 8, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 1,279 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Talk of Iowa podcast, hosted by Charity Nebbe, is a true gem for those seeking a mix of education and personal stories in a casual setting. With her genuine intrigue and welcoming tone, Nebbe invites listeners and guests alike into a space of sharing that is both educational and personal. This program is the perfect companion to various activities like house chores, cooking, long drives, or moments of downtime. As a post-college student who has lived outside Iowa for years, I must express my gratitude towards Ms. Nebbe and the rest of the team for consistently renewing my Iowa pride and offering me a way to welcome my non-Iowan friends into a deeper understanding of my love for this state known for its pigs, corn, and so much more.

    One of the best aspects of The Talk of Iowa podcast is its ability to cover a wide range of topics that are both relevant and interesting to listeners. From discussions on current events to interviews with local artists or experts in various fields, there is always something new to learn and explore. The show's dedication to providing educational content in an accessible manner ensures that listeners can easily engage with complex subjects without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the personal touch brought by Charity Nebbe's engaging interview style adds depth and relatability to each episode.

    However, like any podcast, The Talk of Iowa does have some shortcomings. One aspect that could be improved upon is the occasional lack of diversity among guests. While the show does cover a broad range of topics, there seems to be a recurring pattern where certain perspectives or voices are underrepresented. Increasing diversity among guests would not only enhance the overall listening experience but also provide a more well-rounded view on different subjects.

    In conclusion, The Talk of Iowa podcast stands out as an exceptional source of knowledge and storytelling through its engaging host and diverse array of topics. Its ability to connect with listeners on both an educational and personal level makes it an ideal companion for various activities and a valuable resource for those seeking insight into the Iowa experience. Although there is room for improvement in terms of guest diversity, the overall quality of this podcast is commendable. As an Iowan living away from home, I am grateful to Charity Nebbe and her team for consistently renewing my love and pride for the state, while also allowing me to share that appreciation with others. Well done!



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    Latest episodes from Talk of Iowa

    Nick Offerman says woodworking is a superpower in this digital world

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 48:05


    Nick Offerman is coming to Des Moines Oct. 14 to talk about his new book aimed at children, “Little Woodchucks: Offerman's Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery.”

    Remembering Jane Goodall

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 47:24


    We honor Jane Goodall's legacy with a look back at her 2025 conversation and reflect on her impact with wildlife biologist Jim Peases.

    Why fall leaves change when they do

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 47:50


    All you need to know about changing leaves and Autumn color

    'We crapped in our nest' a conversation with Art Cullen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2025 48:01


    The editor and co-owner of the Storm Lake Times Pilot discusses his new book, Dear Marty, We Crapped In Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World.

    Actor Andrew Lopez is excited to highlight the flyover country on screen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2025 47:52


    An interview with actor, writer and comedian Andrew Lopez, and a preview of the first Cedar Rapids Storytelling Festival

    'Choosing dance over despair' details living with Schizophrenia

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2025 47:52


    Margalea Warner, who has lived with schizophrenia for more than four decades, discusses her about her new memoir. Then, we'll talk with Iowa native and soprano opera singer Jessica Faselt.

    How climate change impacts health in rural America

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 47:39


    A sociologist discusses the unique challenges rural communities face concerning climate change and health care. Then, a look at the Midwest Crossword Tournament.

    Prevent plant disease this year and next

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 47:59


    The best ways to protect your vegetable garden from disease

    Academic freedom expert believes threats today are greater than McCarthyism

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2025 47:50


    Legal scholar David Rabban discusses academic freedom during a moment when it is at risk. Also, Gazette reporters share their answers to reader questions as part of their Curious Iowa series.

    An inside look at the new Ames History Museum

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2025 48:05


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

    Anti-racism as a daily practice

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2025 47:39


    Author Jennifer Harvey joins the program to talk about her new book, Anti-Racism As Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities and Help Create a Just World.

    For Fred Armisen, comedy and music go hand-in-hand

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 47:48


    Fred Armisen is coming to Iowa in October as part of his "Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome" tour. Also, we continue our Iowa Famous series by digging into the life and career of Donna Reed with her daughter.

    Give your perennials some tender loving care

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 47:57


    Horticulturists offer advice on storing and saving tender perennials during an Iowa winter.

    Celebrating 50 years of education through art with ISU museums

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2025 47:28


    A new exhibits look at 50 years of Iowa State University Museums.

    Famous Iowans, from former SNL cast member to Miss Piggy

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 40:43


    From quirky t-shirts to SNL laughs to a glamorous Muppet — discover what makes these Iowans truly famous.

    'Divergent' author's latest series brings Polish folklore to Chicago

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2025 39:42


    Veronica Roth talks about her latest book, To Clutch a Razor, and becoming a bestselling author at 22-years-old.

    Nature, mental health and climate conversations at the IEC Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 41:37


    Author Florence Williams discusses the mental health benefits of nature and climate scientist Chris Gloninger talks about starting constructive conversations on climate change.

    Cool season annuals to keep your garden bright

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 39:23


    These are the plants that will thrive as the temperature cools.

    A walk through a 'wild place' with Robin Wall Kimmerer

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2025 42:29


    We tour the Corriell Nature Preserve with Robin Wall Kimmerer and talk about the tools of land preservation.

    A 'big city' museum in a town of a couple thousand residents

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 40:23


    The Kalona Historical Village in southeast Iowa may be a tourism spot geared toward the past, but its features and exhibits have constantly evolved.

    Freedom of Expression project gives a platform to artists of all abilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2025 48:09


    A public arts and culture initiative provides a yearlong mentorship for around a dozen Iowa artists with disabilities who work across a variety of mediums. Then, playwright Mary Swander discusses her new one-man show, Coop.

    How empty nesters fill the void as children launch their adult lives

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 47:50


    Some parents struggle to see their children leave home, while others see it as a new and exciting phase of their life. Empty nesters share their experiences.

    Prepping for next year's perfect lawn

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 48:05


    If you want your dream lawn by next year, now's the time to get started.

    What does it mean to be a man?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2025 48:00


    We asked Iowans masculinity means to them 2025.

    Women and men experience different types of threats to their safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 47:52


    Women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, while men are more likely than women to be murdered. But we don't socialize boys and girls to understand the real threats to their safety.

    How gendered understandings of medicine influenced health care

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2025 47:50


    On this encore episode, the gender gap in health care diagnosis, outcomes and research.

    When to harvest the fruits of your labor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 47:52


    On this Hort Day episode, we learn how patience and perfect timing are the keys to a delicious fruit harvest.

    How gender impacts success in education

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 47:51


    On this encore edition of Talk of Iowa, a look at how girls have been able to catch up to boys on measures of success and why boys, especially boys of color, experience more discipline.

    The political gap between men and women

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 47:50


    For decades, a political gap has been growing between men and women, with Generation Z having the largest political divide.

    Late Iowa City pianist's legacy uplifts next generation of musicians

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 47:55


    When Iowa City musician Brian Cretzmeyer died of cancer at the age of 29, his family and friends created a music festival to keep his memory alive. Later, our Iowa Famous series continues with a former NFL kicker.

    Pet sounds: How dogs are communicating with their people

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 47:50


    Some pet-owners are talking with their pets using augmentative interspecies communication devices — learning more about what animals want, feel and understand.

    How to harness the power of cover crops

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 47:55


    Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist Dan Fillius shares how to use cover crops in your garden.

    Four-day school weeks are increasing across Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 48:05


    Six Iowa public school districts operated on a four-day week during the 2023-2024 school year. This fall, 27 districts will be using this schedule.

    Upcoming movie will feature the bloody fight over alcohol sales in Iowa City

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 48:05


    The upcoming movie Death of a Brewer tells the story of the three breweries that dominated the northside of Iowa City in the 1880s.

    State Historical Research Center in Iowa City set to close in 2026

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 47:53


    We hear what's behind this decision from the historical society and from the group that is protesting the closure. Then, a conversation with Emili Johnson, founder of the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast.

    Book explores the hidden artistry of prosthetic eyes in Iowa City

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 47:44


    A conversation with Dan Roche, author of Eyes By Hand, and Iowa City ocularist Lindsay Wagner-Pronk.

    Crash course in tree identification

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 47:52


    Anyone can appreciate the beauty of a tree, but to understand trees and care for them properly, it's important to go a little deeper.

    Efforts to bring back prairie grass that once covered 85% of Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 47:45


    Prairie experts Jim Pease and Mark Muller talk about what we can learn from the prairie and the wildlife that live in it.

    A look into the butter cooler with the Iowa State Fair butter sculptor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 47:53


    Today, a conversation with Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt. And, we talk with the owner of a new boozy bookstore in West Branch.

    The 1937 novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' still moves readers today

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 47:42


    For the Talk of Iowa Book Club, a conversation about Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.

    The role of ag in the U.S. becoming a global superpower

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 48:03


    Author Peter Simons discusses his book Global Heartland: Cultivating the American Century on the Midwestern Farm. Then, an ISU wildlife extension specialist offers a new resource for Iowans who want to support wildlife.

    How fireflies light up our summer nights

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 47:52


    Today, entomologist Zach Schumm demystify these bio-luminescent insects.

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