Talk of Iowa

Follow Talk of Iowa
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 41m AVG DURATION
    • 1,295 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!



    More podcasts from Iowa Public Radio

    Search for episodes from Talk of Iowa with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Talk of Iowa

    Reggie's Sleepout, a youth homelessness fundraiser, turns 20

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 47:58


    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."

    The legacy of Iowa lawmaker and conservationist Paul W. Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2025 48:05


    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.

    What's behind the American obsession with true crime?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 47:50


    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.

    americans iowa true crime american obsession
    What to do about fall pests in your home

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 47:58


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

    Learning about life with autism

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 47:42


    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.

    Documentary captures the life of barrier-breaking singer Simon Estes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 47:53


    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.

    The hidden costs of homeownership

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 47:55


    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.

    Johnny Carson and other Iowa late-night connections

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 47:55


    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.

    Planting fall bulbs for a beautiful spring

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 47:47


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

    Ruth Rabinowitz's land healing journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 47:53


    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 shares how she broke ceilings with humor and heart in her memoir

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 47:55


    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.

    'Americanness' across two cultures and 70 years

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 47:44


    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.

    The long, slow process of repatriation of Indigenous cultural items continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 47:56


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

    Time to clean up your garden

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 47:54


    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.

    The 2026 All Iowa Reads picks are here!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 47:20


    The All Iowa Reads committee reveals the titles for 2026. First, we revisit a conversation with educator Amanda Jones about her book, That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.

    Decorah community and Crown Prince of Norway celebrate 200 years of transatlantic relationship

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 48:03


    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.

    Claim Talk of Iowa

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel