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


    • Jun 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 1,194 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

    Some of this summer's best books for young readers

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 47:59


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

    Put together your summer reading list

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 47:59


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

    How to give your conifers a chance to thrive

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 47:55


    Find out which conifer species are recommended in Iowa.

    This Iowa City nonprofit seeks to democratize bicycling

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 48:01


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

    These Iowan institutions are working to digitize Haitian art history

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 48:04


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

    The future of national history day in Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 47:59


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

    Late spring blooms are having their moment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 47:25


    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.

    Take a summer trip to these state historic sites

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 48:04


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

    'Sandwiched' between care for children and aging parents

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 48:02


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

    The complexities of in-law relationships

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 47:57


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

    The Amana Colonies banned, then embraced, baseball in the early 20th century

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 48:02


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

    How to grow kiwi berries in Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 47:41


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

    Artistry and education merge at a school in Eastern Iowa

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 47:15


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

    Women take back the streets of Chicago in new novel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 47:57


    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.

    How some cities and organizations are continuing to fight against climate change

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 48:02


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

    The wonders of spring migration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 47:49


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

    How to keep ants out of your garden

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 47:49


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

    Hundreds of nonprofits in Iowa suffer from federal funding cuts

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 47:53


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

    Is laziness the key to success? A Fairfield man says yes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 47:59


    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.

    An inside look at the new Ames History Museum

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 48:05


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

    Joyce Carol Oates believes in happy endings

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 47:22


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

    Maximizing your garden this growing season

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 47:51


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

    Artistry for students at University of Northern Iowa takes shape

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 47:57


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

    Play based on Iowa professor's book makes homecoming

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 48:04


    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.

    Beyond the stereotypes of a modern man

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 48:01


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

    Journalist writes about her facial blindness and other hidden neurodiversities

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 47:59


    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.

    Protecting your garden from plant diseases

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2025 48:03


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

    Iowa art exhibit embodies race, regionalism and representation in the heart of the Midwest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 47:44


    The "It's a fine thing," exhibit at the Stanley Museum explores the Black Midwestern experience.

    'Into Light' exhibit elevates the stories of Iowans lost to drug addiction

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 48:00


    "Into Light" is a national art activism project that seeks to dismantle the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.

    Celebrating 30 years of culinary excellence on 'The Splendid Table'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 47:56


    To celebrate thirty years of eating, growing, harvesting and cooking on The Splendid Table, the show is going on tour and will make a stop in Iowa City.

    A Holocaust story told through virtual reality

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 48:04


    A Walk Through Westerbork takes viewers with Rodi Glass, a Dutch Holocaust survivor, as she visits the sites of her survival.

    How to care for your lawns this spring

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 47:33


    With spring in bloom, it's time to start caring for your grass.

    Unlike fashion and music, some building trends should stay in the last century

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 47:44


    Rock and roll from the 1970s and 80s endures, but some of the building practices in those decades was much more miss than hit.

    Twenty-five years after, mentorship turns into a performance about experiencing differences

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 48:02


    When Jan Gross and Heather Lobban-Viravong first met at Grinnell College 25 years ago, they had little in common.

    Grappling with community, faith, and truth in 'The Exvangelicals'

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 48:06


    Author Sarah McCammon and expert readers discuss The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.

    Mark Daley describes his complicated journey to fatherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 47:51


    Author Mark Daley has shared his experiences fostering and what he learned along the way in the book Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care and the Risks We Take for Family.

    What does it mean to be a man?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 47:59


    We asked Iowans what it means to be a man in 2025.

    Exploring the safety gap between women and men

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 47:50


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

    How gendered understandings of medicine have influenced health care

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 48:06


    On this episode in our series on the gender gap, the history and persistent effects of gender disparities in health care.

    Minding the success gap in education

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 47:57


    Girls are more likely than boys to graduate from high school on time, more girls take advanced courses in high school and significantly more women are earning college degrees.

    The political gap between men and women

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 47:28


    For decades, men have been moving to the right and women have been moving to the left. What has influenced this divide and what issues does it pose for our relationships?

    Leafy greens to plant this season

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 47:51


    From lettuce germination to handling pests, vegetable gardening can be a challenge, but our experts are here to help.

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