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If there's one thing church leaders should be obsessed with, it's the front door. In this special compilation episode, we’ve pulled together four conversations from leading churches and ministry organizations that are seeing success in helping first-time guests move from curious visitors to fully engaged disciples. The challenge facing churches today is different than it was even a few years ago. Guests are arriving with different motivations, different expectations, and different questions. Churches that continue using yesterday's assimilation strategies may unintentionally lose people God is already drawing. Don’t miss the four critical lessons every church should consider as they prepare for the fall ministry season. From changing guest motivations to intentional follow-up systems, discipleship pathways, and data-driven care, each conversation offers practical insights that can help churches better connect with the people walking through their doors. People Are Coming to Church Looking for God Greg Curtis shares a remarkable shift he's seeing among first-time guests, particularly younger adults. Where people once came primarily looking for community, support, or practical life help, many are now arriving already searching for God. In some cases, they've already begun reading Scripture, exploring faith, or experiencing spiritual curiosity before ever attending a service. This means churches must be prepared to engage people with greater intentionality from the moment they arrive. Key Takeaway // Many first-time guests are no longer casually checking out church. They're arriving with genuine questions about God and faith, often after beginning a spiritual journey on their own. Churches must be prepared to meet that curiosity with intentional next steps. Listen to the Full Episode // They’re Looking for God … Don’t Miss Them: Fixing Your Church’s Assimilation Problem with Greg Curtis & Tommy Carreras (March 26, 2026) Follow-Up Can't Be Left to Chance John Sellers explains how Journey Church creates a clear and repeatable process for helping guests take their next step. Through intentional touchpoints—including a welcoming first interaction, relational next-step environments, and a six-week follow-up process involving texts, emails, phone calls, and personal invitations—the church ensures guests don't simply attend once and disappear. Consistent follow-up may not be flashy, but it remains one of the most effective growth strategies churches can implement. Key Takeaway // Fast-growing churches rarely rely on a single welcome interaction. They build systems that encourage guests to take multiple steps over several weeks, increasing the likelihood that visitors become connected participants. Listen to the Full Episode // From Guests to Baptisms: Building Clear Next Steps with John Sellers (November 13, 2025) A Clear Pathway Helps People Keep Moving Ashley Lentz outlines Lutheran Church of Hope's discipleship pathway, which helps leaders identify where people are spiritually and what their next step should be. Rather than treating every attendee the same, the church intentionally helps people move from seeker to believer, from believer to follower, and ultimately into servant leadership. The framework creates clarity for both staff and volunteers while helping people continue growing long after their first visit. Key Takeaway // People are far more likely to stay engaged when churches provide a defined pathway for spiritual growth. Clarity helps both guests and leaders understand what comes next. Listen to the Full Episode // Clarity Is Kindness: Simplifying Next Steps in a Growing Church with Ashley Lentz (September 18, 2025) Data Is a Tool for Shepherding, Not Just Administration Ronee de Leon of TouchPoint challenges churches to view their database as more than a record-keeping system. Using her framework of Conviction, Collection, Clarity, and Care, she explains how churches can use data to proactively identify opportunities for discipleship and connection. Effective data practices ensure people do not fall through the cracks and allow churches to provide personalized care at scale. Key Takeaway // Churches cannot effectively shepherd hundreds—or thousands—of people through memory alone. Healthy systems and meaningful data help leaders identify opportunities for connection, care, and discipleship before people drift away. Listen to the Full Episode // From Data to Discipleship: The Four Cs Every Church Needs with Ronee de Leon (April 30, 2026) This episode serves as a timely challenge for church leaders preparing for the months ahead. As more spiritually curious people walk through church doors, the question isn't whether guests are coming. It's whether our systems, pathways, and follow-up processes are prepared to help them stay. The churches seeing the greatest impact are not leaving assimilation to chance. They're intentionally creating environments where people can move from a first visit to a life transformed by Jesus. Thank You for Tuning In! There are a lot of podcasts you could be tuning into today, but you chose unSeminary, and I'm grateful for that. If you enjoyed today's show, please share it by using the social media buttons you see at the left hand side of this page. Also, kindly consider taking the 60-seconds it takes to leave an honest review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, they're extremely helpful when it comes to the ranking of the show and you can bet that I read every single one of them personally! Episode Transcript Rich Birch — Friends, Rich here from the unSeminary Podcast. Thanks so much for tuning in. We’ve got a very special compilation episode for you.Rich Birch — Listen, I have heard echoes of similar things happening over the last year or so on the podcast, so we’re pulling together these episodes because I want to point out to you critical lessons for your church, particularly here in the summertime, as you think about what are some things that we should be reloading for this fall. Listen, friends, you know, and I know that you and I are a part of the local church and the local church is the only organization in the world that exists for people that are not here yet. You and I should be fanatically focused on the front door.Rich Birch — We should be first-time-guest-obsessed. And on today’s episode, I want to peek in on four discussions that talk about changing dynamics when it comes to connecting with first time guests. And no conversation around this whole area of assimilation would be complete without talking to and listening to Greg Curtis. Rich Birch — If you do not know Greg, where have you been? He’s been at Eastside Church for the last decade running their assimilation work. And he’s really seeing some interesting shifts in particularly young adults when it comes that I keep seeing across the country. And in this clip, he’s going to open up and tell you about a subtle shift that he has seen and some of the changes they’ve made around assimilating people when they come in.Rich Birch — Now, today’s conversation, we’re going to really frame around Greg’s three part model. We talk about the screen to the seat, the seat to the circle, and then the circle to the street. We want you to understand that how we’re connecting with guests today is different than what it looked like five years ago.Rich Birch — It’s definitely different than what it looked like pre-COVID. So let’s listen in first and see if we can catch what Greg is seeing and think about the dynamics that you’re seeing at your church. Listen in to what Greg’s got to say… [Clip 1 Begins]Rich Birch — People get assimilated, get connected. What have you noticed maybe something that’s maybe different in the way people are engaging right now that’s different than maybe even a year or two ago?Greg Curtis — A crescendo over the last two years has been remarkable in its shift towards—this is going to sound crazy because we’re talking to churches—they’re wanting God now. And what I mean by that is prior, we were having to sell the benefits of following Jesus – most growing churches, which there are. And I think it was a compelling thing to share with the culture.Greg Curtis — And so people were coming to church to find community, to find help with parenting, to find support in marriage or to, you know, a variety of different things. And so the draw and what was causing people to engage with church was really, what help in my life? How can I increase the quality of my life? Maybe even get some pretty powerful pain points addressed. Greg Curtis — This has shifted. I’ll put it in the terms of our young adult pastor. His name is Charles. He came to me. He said, Greg, prior to two, three years ago, maybe not even that long, he said young adults were coming, 80% of them to find friends and community, and about 20% to find God.Greg Curtis — He goes, it’s flipped. It’s flipped. Now it’s 80% God and 20% community.Greg Curtis — And that has expressed itself in some remarkable ways. I’ll just throw two out. At the end of last year, I was covering somebody, a pastor who was going to baptize somebody after the service. He had to be gone. So I said, yeah, I’ll cover it. So in our context, I’ll meet that person ahead of time and kind of show them where to sit in the service, when to come out, where the baptistry is, et cetera.Greg Curtis — And I met her. She was 28 years old, named Connie. And I said, as we’re walking through the baptistry, so, you know, I asked these typical questions: how long have you been coming to Eastside, which is my church?Greg Curtis — And she says, oh, I’ve never been to Eastside. I was like, oh, so you’re from our online campus. And she goes, no, I’ve never really heard of Eastside.Greg Curtis — And I said, well, what’s led you to be baptized today? And this was her story. She goes, I grew up in a very non-religious home, and I’ve never been to church. And I vowed I’d never even date a religious person. But I had some friends, three months ago, that invited me to watch The Chosen with them. I didn’t want to.Greg Curtis — I was mad at myself for getting engaged after the first episode, kept watching, decided to buy myself a Bible two months ago. I started reading the Old Testament and New Testament concurrently and decided I love Jesus and I want to follow Him, and I could tell what I needed to do was get baptized. But, get this, I’m the game day operations coordinator for the NFL. So I work on Sundays, and I just Googled who would baptize me on a Saturday. And your form came up, and I filled it out. So here I am.Rich Birch — Wow. That’s amazing. Greg Curtis — Yeah. And I’ll tell you what, she didn’t know, Rich, that this baptism was going to be in front of other people until we were in the water and the whole church was looking at her. Rich Birch — Wow. That’s incredible.Greg Curtis — The questions she had, we’ve remained in touch. The questions she asks are so precious. But I’m telling you, I’ve had a few of those that are similar. That one’s pretty dramatic, but are very similar. No background at all. They’re coming because they’re having a God moment before they get to us.Rich Birch — Yeah. Greg Curtis — And that’s a big shift because God is doing something literally worldwide and in our culture right now that they’re coming to us to find God, and they’re already encountering him in some way, and they need help with that and want it. And that’s a huge shift. [Clip 1 Ends]Rich Birch — Fantastic. Listen, if 80% of the guests are arriving at your church with a God question burning in their heart, the first 60 minutes, what we do every single weekend is critically important. I have seen this over my career.Rich Birch — Listen, I had recently one of those birthdays with a zero on the end. And I can tell you, as someone who’s been three decades into ministry experience, there was a time where people stumbled into our churches. And that’s just frankly not happening anymore.Rich Birch — People are arriving with real questions. And we might have been able to, in a previous generation, entertain them or try to diffuse this idea that we ain’t your mama’s church. But that isn’t where people are at anymore. Rich Birch — They’re coming with real live questions in their heart. They’re not stumbling into your church on Sunday morning because they don’t know what’s going on there. They’re coming looking for real questions.Rich Birch — And you and I, our processes, what we do on Sunday morning has got to meet that intensity. We can’t just hand them a coffee mug and say, we’ll see you next week. We’ve got to follow them up with some fervor and excitement and frankly a bit more intensity than what most churches are doing. Rich Birch — I love this conversation that’s coming up with John Sellers. He’s executive pastor of locations at Journey Church in Central Florida—three campuses with a fourth on the way—and is one of the most consistently fastest-growing churches in the country. Now, listen to what John talks about when he talks about the follow-up process, that they aren’t just leaving it to chance. They are working with intention to move these first time guests and get them plugged in. Rich Birch — The question I have for you is, is this the kind of intensity that you’re following up your first time guests with? Let’s listen in. [Clip 2 Begins]John Sellers — So at our church, every location has a tent. It’s a new here tent. And so the first step that we’re communicating, the clear step on that first or second week is: stop by the tent.John Sellers — Like, I know that’s a big step and we have to remind our serve team. And behind the curtain, that seems simple to us, but like to a new person at a church, even going to a tent or making themselves known by filling out a Connect card, even if it’s digital, like that’s a big step for somebody. John Sellers — And so a lot of our communication’s go to the tent. We’d love to meet you. We’ve got a gift card for you just to celebrate the step of faith you took to be here today. And so once they take that step, it starts us being able to follow up through text messages, emails, phone calls, and really encouraging them to step into our Next Steps class.John Sellers — And so when they step into our Next Steps class, one of the things we’re even constantly trying to think through what we call it because “class” probably isn’t the best way to describe it. And we’re actually revamping it right now. John Sellers — But for us, even that Next Steps class is a round table. It’s relational. It’s getting them around our Next Steps team that wants to hear their story. You know, what brought you through the doors? Wants to begin to hear about maybe what’s on their heart? Where are they at? What’s their next faith step?John Sellers — And so those are the first couple of weeks. If we can encourage them to stop by the tent, that allows us to stay in contact with them relationally. And then the next step would be go to one of our Next Steps classes after a service.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good. Can we pull apart a bit of the detail there? Just because I know people are wondering this because I get these questions.Rich Birch — So it sounds like when you arrive at the New Year tent, there’s a gift card there. Where’s that gift card for? What is the value of that? And why a gift card? Talk to us about that.John Sellers — Yes. So for now, and we’ve experimented, we’ll change this up like constantly. But right now it’s for a local coffee shop. And it’s literally a $5 gift card. It’s just a thank you to say thank you for coming. John Sellers — It’s a little gift bag. It’s got information about our church, obviously. And it’s just a step. The way we phrase it is we know it’s a big step of faith you took to be here today. And so we just want to celebrate the fact that you made it in the room. And so that’s what it is – $5. John Sellers — On big events, we’ll do a Journey Church cup and make it a little more substantial. But it’s just a $5 gift card to a local coffee shop.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s great. And I love the thinking behind that, friends, that are listening in, is sometimes what I see churches do, they’ll be like, hey, if you want to get connected, or if you’ve got interested about your Next Steps, or if you’re wondering where to go, drop by the tent outside. People are not asking that question when they first come.Rich Birch — We’ve got to take a celebratory step. And I like what you’re saying. I love that language of we want to celebrate the faith step by being here today. And we want to give you a gift in exchange for that. People will do that for a $5 gift card, or a coffee mug, or whatever. That’s good.Rich Birch — And then the other thing that caught my attention you said was, you said: and we follow up with texts and emails. Talk about how many of that, what’s that communication process look like? There’s another area where I see churches drop the ball all the time.John Sellers — Sure, it’s a variety. There’s a workflow that we use through our database system planning center that is owned by our Weekend Experience team members. But basically, it starts with an email from our lead pastor with a short video for them to watch, a message directly from him.John Sellers — It includes a text message or phone call from the location pastors within two weeks. It includes other text messages and emails. So it lasts about six weeks. And it’s more information about how to take steps at our church. John Sellers — And so some of its vision, a lot of it is geared towards stepping into the Next Steps class. But yes, it’s multiple, and it’s a variety. And it’s over the span of six weeks. And then we even have, you know, workflows built out that, you know, if somebody goes through that six-week process without taking the next step, that periodically we’ll check back in with them. [Clip 2 Ends]Rich Birch — Boring stuff grows churches. I’ve said it before. I’m going to keep saying it.Rich Birch — A monthly Next Steps cadence or New Year cadence, whatever you call it at your church, a $5 gift card may not be exciting, but it’s the kind of thing that we see time and time again at fast-growing churches. But the question is, what happens after week six? Where do we take people beyond this initial connection?Rich Birch — In fact, I’ve seen in some churches that have done extensive studies on this. If people do not get plugged in in the first 100 days, they might come, they might even come back. But if they don’t take a significant step, that is get on a team or in a group in those first 100 days, they will just not connect to your church. Rich Birch — So I want to peek in on a conversation we had with Ashley Lentz. She’s the Connections Pastor at a fantastic church, Lutheran Church of Hope, a multi-site church with seven campuses in Central Iowa. There’s 7,000 people at their one location every single weekend.Rich Birch — And she really takes the longer arc view. Where do we go? It’s really, going back to what Greg talked about, there’s this kind of seat to circle, and then there’s the circle to street. That’s what this conversation is all about. How do we get these people who have taken these first few steps, what are we doing to get them actually plugged in? Let’s listen in to what Ashley has to say. Rich Birch — There’s so much we can learn here. And again, I want you to be thinking about when you think about this fall at your church, are there some things you should be adjusting as we go into the fall? [Clip 3 Begins]Ashley Lentz — One of the tools that we use, and it is very much an internal tool is what I would call it. We call it the Hope Circle. And it is what I would call a discipleship tool or a discipleship pathway.Ashley Lentz — And if I were to say that to our congregation members, they would really have no idea what I’m talking about. It is very internal. But it’s helpful to identify where people are on this Hope Circle.Ashley Lentz — And so the circle starts with being a seeker. At a church our size, we have people every weekend who have zero idea what the church thing is about. They’ve maybe never been introduced to Jesus. Someone just invited them to church. They maybe knew they needed church and walked in the door, but have no idea what to expect. And so they are seeking something that has been missing in their life.Ashley Lentz — And so helping people identify if that’s where you are, here are kind of the very preliminary places that would be helpful for you to start plugging in. As we move around that circle, we get to believers, people who are like, okay, I’m bought into the Jesus thing. I’ve heard the message, I believe, now what? I wanna understand this better. I believe in Jesus. I believe in God. I’m here for it, but I don’t really know the things. Ashley Lentz — So where do we go from there and how do we help them then move into being super excited about Jesus? I don’t just believe, I’m on fire for Jesus. I’m a follower, right? I am all in, my life looks different. I’ve been transformed. How do I follow him? Ashley Lentz — And then how do you serve people in that arena too? Because that’s gonna look different than somebody who’s come in as a seeker looking for Jesus and somebody who’s on fire for Jesus.Ashley Lentz — So how do we move them around the circle? So it’s seeker, believer, follower, and then kind of the last part of our circle is servant leader. How do we move them then into serving and letting the transformed nature of the gospel pour out of them into the world around us?Ashley Lentz — And I would say our secret sauce here at Hope is we love volunteers. Like as we move people around the Hope Circle, I and my colleagues, we want to equip people to lead. So being a servant leader inside these walls, but also outside these walls is really like, that’s what’s attractional to people is letting them know like you’re on fire for Jesus, go tell everyone about it and serve in the arena you find yourself in, whether in the church or outside the church. [Clip 3 Ends]Rich Birch — A pathway you can’t measure is a pathway you cannot improve. Friends, you’ve got a brain problem. Over 200 people, you simply cannot track where people are at in the processes we have talked about before.Rich Birch — Your mind literally cannot hold in place where all of these people are at in their process. And so underneath everything we’ve talked about today, you need a robust approach to data. Rich Birch — Listen, your church database is a care mechanism. It’s just a way we make sure people do not fall through the cracks. And so everything that we’ve talked about in today’s episode needs a robust approach to data and the way you handle data to move people just from a broad, kind of like they’re attending all the way through to caring, ensuring that they are plugged in. So I wanna peek into one final conversation. Rich Birch — Ronee de Leon, she’s the executive director of Partner Church Success at Touchpoint. But outside of that, she’s formerly on staff at a large multi-site church in Columbus, Ohio. And Touchpoint sits across hundreds of churches and Ronee sees the patterns.Rich Birch — Listen, what I want you to listen to carefully here is these four Cs that she talks about. Conviction, collection, clarity, care. And ask your question, are you doing this with your data?Rich Birch — Does your data structure actually allow you to move people along in a way that ensures that we’re actually getting them plugged in? Friends, I don’t want you to miss the opportunity that God’s bringing your way. And this conversation could help you think differently about that, particularly in the next couple of months. [Clip 4 Begins]Ronee de Leon — Let’s alliterate some more. Like I said, I was on church staff for a long time. Rich Birch — Yes, exactly.Ronee de Leon — And it does become memorable, right? So this is a really simple framework that really is more stages. It’s a progression. But even though it’s simple, whether they know it or not, every church is in one of these stages when it comes to data-driven discipleship. Ronee de Leon — And so four kind of Cs of this or stages are conviction, collection, clarity, and care. And I’ll just give a brief description of each of those and then we can go dive in a little bit deeper.Ronee de Leon — But conviction, really the question that we’re answering here is, do you truly believe this matters even when it’s not easy? So leaders believe that shepherding is important, but do we wanna move into doing it proactively? And are we comfortable using data as a tool to do that well? So that’s kind of the conviction piece. Do you really believe that this matters? Ronee de Leon — Collection then, are you committed to consistently gathering the data that’s needed? Not just once, but as a rhythm. It’s hard work, but it is a worthy cause, a valiant effort. Ronee de Leon — Let’s move to clarity real quick. Again, the question we’re answering is, now that you have the data, do you have the insight? Do you really see what it’s telling you? And what are we doing with it?Ronee de Leon — And then the last one here, of course, is where we’re acting on the insights to connect with our people. Will you actually act on the insights and shepherd people or will it stay theoretical? That’s kind of where we’re headed with this. [Clip 4 Ends] Rich Birch — We started this off today talking about how we see this pattern happening across the church. And I think these four episodes really hang incredibly together. Greg Curtis, he really named the moment that we’re in. I really do think that we’re seeing something that is generationally important. And I do not want your church to miss it. Rich Birch — John Sellers, I thought gave a really clear discussion around how we move these people that are arriving. How do we get them to take those first steps and get plugged in? Rich Birch — Then Ashley Lentz, she unpacked what it looked like to go from the seat to the circle, to the circle to the street pathway. What are we doing to actually get people to plug in deep in our community?Rich Birch — And then finally, Ronee brought it home, giving us a measurement layer to really bring the whole thing together with some honesty and truth. Rich Birch — Listen, this is the question: if I was sitting across from you and your staff this week, if I was in your staff meeting, the question I would simply ask is this, which of these four pieces is the weakest in our church as we approach this fall? And what’s the smallest move we could make in the next 30 days to improve where we need to in these areas? Rich Birch — We’ve got links to all of these show notes before. Please stay tuned. We’ve got incredible episodes coming up all summer long and all fall long here at unSeminary. Rich Birch — We’re on a mission to help 100 churches like yours grow by a thousand people by talking about stuff they don’t talk about in seminary. Rich Birch — Thanks so much for being here, friends. We’ll see you next week. Take care.

This episode features Jane Reasoner and Abbey Eckberg of Confluence discussing new research on the potential for missing middle housing in Central Iowa. Get session descriptions and slides speakers shared at https://www.pchtf.org/post/reflections-on-housing-matters-symposium-2026

In this episode of the ShopNotes Podcast, Phil, Logan, and John cover everything from vintage woodworking tools to the surprisingly competitive gas station scene in the Midwest. We kick things off with listener comments about the upcoming "Domino Killer" joinery tools, Kreg's woodworking-focused approach to tool development, and the ongoing debate between premium and budget woodworking equipment. Then Phil shares the ups and downs of rebuilding his vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press—including seized bearings, stubborn chucks, hydraulic presses, and why old machines aren't always as easy to restore as YouTube makes them look. Plus, we somehow spend a significant amount of time discussing Casey's, QuickStar, QuickTrip, breakfast pizza, and the convenience-store culture of Iowa. Vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press restoration Woodworking tool repairs and maintenance Kreg vs Festool discussions Grizzly Makers Challenge Woodworking side-business opportunities Router table storage projects Custom furniture design process Church door construction and installation Used woodworking tools and machine restoration Midwest gas station culture Have a question, comment, or smart remark? Email us at woodsmith@woodsmith.com or leave a comment below.

We saw the grain markets along with crude oil, live cattle and lean hogs under pressure on Wednesday as the markets searched for direction ahead of the holiday weekend. Gold did rally and that is one of many items that Mike Zuzolo with Global Commodity Analytics is watching for the broader market picture. We look at charts across gold, corn and cattle on today's show. Find more online at https://www.globalcommresearch.com. Also in Segment Two of today's show, we get agronomic update from BASF Technical Services Representative Mark Storr from Central Iowa who shares details on spring planting season and why fungicide timing is crucial during the early growing season.

When it comes to selling a home, most people only think about what buyers want. But what about the seller? Every seller has different priorities, and the right approach depends on what matters most to you. On WHO Morning News with Jeff Angelo, I explain the three seller programs my team offers, each one designed around a different goal: price, certainty, or convenience. Watch my video to find out which one fits your situation.

On episode 74 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Ryan Ryherd, Founder of Central Iowa Sod. In this episode, we discuss Ryan's start with entrepreneurship and how CYstarters has grown his business. Thank you for listening!

ISU Professor Dr. Chad Hart talks with us about the impact of recent events on farm economics. The Iowa Pork Producers' Public Policy Director, Harrison Furlow, joins as we continue to reflect on the state legislative session and the Iowa Farm Act. Iowa State Extension field agronomist Meaghan Anderson drops by with info on Central Iowa. And Don Roose has some big information in our market analysis segments.

[00:00:26] On this day in Iowa weather history: 7 tornadoes touched down in Iowa on May 7, 1964, causing significant damage and injuries in northeastern Iowa [00:00:59] 7-day forecast: Quiet, seasonal stretch ahead with temps in the 60s–70s; minimal rainfall statewide (up to 1/4" in southeast Iowa Saturday night) [00:01:39] Field work update: Central Iowa behind due to wet spring; northwest Iowa drier and further along, but dealing with drought conditions and freeze damage to early-planted soybeans [00:02:51] Frost outlook: No significant frost expected; coldest nights are Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday with lows in the mid-30s in northern Iowa [00:04:21] Extended outlook (8–14 days): Warmer-than-average temperatures expected May 12–16; near-normal rainfall [00:05:12] Monthly May outlook: Leaning warm for the second half of the month; overall lean dry for May following the 6th wettest April on record in 154 years [00:07:20] Past week's weather notables: Lake Park recorded 3.79" of rain; statewide temps ran 3.2°F below average; high of 86°F in Davenport, low of 23°F at Spencer Municipal Airport; 70 stations hit 32°F or below [00:09:01] Specialty crop impacts: Wilson's Orchard (near Des Moines) running frost protection on strawberries and apples; king blossoms blackened by a drop to 24°F; lower-than-expected apple fruit set possibly due to poor pollination conditions [00:11:51] Grape damage: Randall Vos reports significantly worse frost damage to grapes in eastern Iowa vs. western Iowa; topography played a major role [00:12:32] Thrips update: Western flower thrips confirmed in apple blossoms in western Iowa; high onion thrips numbers also reported; possible link to warm, dry winter under investigation [00:16:07] Planting recommendations: Good window opening for melon transplants, winter squash, zucchini, cucurbits, and possibly basil; wait another 1–2 weeks for peppers [00:17:43] Low tunnel flower report ahead of Mother's Day: Iceland poppies and dianthus blooming reliably [00:19:23] Pest alert: Flea beetles already present in Iowa — earlier than the VDIFN forecasting tool indicated; Dan plans to follow up with UW Extension on proper tool usage summary generated using claude.ai

What if the most stressful part of selling your home didn't have to be stressful at all? For most sellers, it's not finding a buyer that causes anxiety. It's getting through the inspection period and wondering what's going to come up. That's why we offer a Certified Pre-Owned Home Program where your home is pre-inspected and fully vetted before it ever hits the market, so you're in control of what gets addressed and how. It turns the inspection from a deal-breaker into a breeze. Watch my video to see how this program works and why it's one of the smartest things a seller in Central Iowa can do.

Chad Husman from Stalcup Ag Services gives us a boots on the ground update after some strong storms went through Northwest Iowa last night. We look at growing conditions in Central Iowa with ISU Extension agronomist Meaghan Anderson and get a peek at the DMACC Agribusiness farm from Travis Lautner. US Commodities' Don Roose has today's market rundown!

Wondering when's the best time to sell your home in Central Iowa this year? With interest rates making headlines, it's easy to feel hesitant. Most people don't realize that selling in the right month can boost your home's value. In this video, I'll show the key months in 2026 and why timing can get you top dollar. If you wait past that window, you could miss out on that growth. Click here to see when your home could earn the most this year.

Help. Hope. Honor. HELP Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa by reporting what you know - anonymously - via their tip line, website or app. HOPE for the endless lines at airports and some relief for unpaid TSA employees is coming as President Trump sent ICE agents to airports across the country today to help ease the burden while the current government shutdown continues. HONOR was shown over the weekend for the lives of our two most recent military losses. SIMON and MRS. C attended the visitations and funeral services for Major Jeff O'brien and Sgt Declan Coady who were killed in action during the explosion on March 1st in Kuwait by Iranian drone attacks. They share their thoughts after witnessing the community coming together in support of the families of these fallen heroes.

In light of the incredible development of an arrest last week in the 15yr old cold case of local realtor Ashley Okland, who was murdered in 2011 at a West Des Moines Open House. SIMON talks to GREG WILEY from Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa about how citizens can help solve crimes while staying anonymous. Tipsters can remain COMPLETELY ANONYMOUS and can be submitted via 3 ways - calling the tip line, submitting tips online or by using their app. *DETAILS FOR EACH BELOW* 1) Anonymously CALL THE TIP LINE - (515) 223-1400 OR 800-452-1111 2.) ONLINE TIP SUBMISSIONS at Crimestoppersofcentraliowa.com OR p3tips.com 3.) DOWNLOAD & SUBMIT via their APP - P3TIPS Cash rewards, up to $5,000, are provided via an assigned number system that is given to the anonymous tipster, when that number is given/verified at the bank they simply hand over the cash reward in an envelope and walk away. SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. EVEN ANONYMOUSLY. IT'S JUST THAT SIMPLE.

In this episode of Even Better, host Sinikka Waugh is joined by Catherine Schut for a heartfelt conversation about building genuine human connection through the simple beauty of flowers. Catherine shares how her local flower farm has become a gathering place for community, bringing together fellow small‑business owners, loyal customers, and neighbors through shared experiences and small acts of kindness. Together, they explore the many ways flowers help us connect: supporting clients and colleagues, celebrating meaningful milestones, offering comfort to friends and family, or creating quiet moments of self‑care. Catherine also reflects on how spending time with nature invites us to slow down, get creative, and express emotions we sometimes struggle to put into words. Whether you love flowers or simply appreciate the power of presence, this conversation offers a gentle reminder that beauty grows connection, and connection strengthens community. Catherine Schut, founder/owner of Hive and Petal - a boutique beekeeping flower farm focused on growing seasonal, unique flowers in Central Iowa. Personal beliefs of the farm: organically inspired practices & creating an environment where ALL can thrive.   Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hiveandpetal LinkedIn URLhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hiveandpetal Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/hiveandpetal Other...www.hiveandpetal.com

At Hilltop, we believe following Jesus is about More Than Sunday. We are called to live out our faith every day of the week. In this collection, called Brick by Brick, Pastor Brandon shares our heart to see Central Iowa transformed by the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. It takes each of us following after Him, building this house together. Join our Pastor for the second sermon, “The Home.” If you'd like to learn more about our church or how you can be involved, you can do so at www.thisishilltop.church

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, March 5, 2026, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. Grain futures are stable due to strong energy prices and lower South American crop estimates. USDA projects a decline in corn acres, potentially leading to higher prices. Ethanol production fell to 1.095 million barrels per day, with inventories reaching 26.313 million barrels. Livestock values are correcting, supported by a tight US cattle inventory. China's pork production reached 15.7 million metric tons in Q4 2025, causing prices to drop. Severe thunderstorms are forecasted for Central Iowa, with potential for large hail and tornadoes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At Hilltop, we believe following Jesus is about More Than Sunday. We are called to live out our faith every day of the week. In this collection, called Brick by Brick, Pastor Brandon shares our heart to see Central Iowa transformed by the love of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. It takes each of us following after Him, building this house together. Join our Pastor for the first sermon, “The House.” If you'd like to learn more about our church or how you can be involved, you can do so at www.thisishilltop.church

Thinking about selling your Central Iowa home in 2026? Most sellers underestimate how small updates and thoughtful presentation can change the way buyers respond. I'm breaking down practical ways to get your home ready, so it catches the eye of the right buyers. From simple repairs to staging, the right approach can turn interest into strong offers. Stick around to find out what it takes to get serious offers quickly.

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, February 11, 2026, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. The USDA's February WASDE report showed modest adjustments to domestic balance sheets, with traders skeptical about increased Chinese soybean purchases. Corn stockpiles are projected at 2.1207 billion bushels, up from 2.2127 billion, with exports at 3.3 billion bushels. Wheat inventories are expected to end at 931 million bushels. Beef prices were down, with Choice down 21 cents and Select down 45 cents. Light rain and snow are forecast for parts of Central Iowa, with potential for isolated slick spots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wondering what the 2026 Central Iowa real estate market will look like? After years of uncertainty and fluctuations, many potential buyers and sellers remain on the sidelines, afraid of getting the timing wrong. In this update, I'm breaking down what's actually happening beneath the headlines about rates, inventory, and buyer behavior. Right now, mortgage rates are easing to around the low to mid-sixes, creating new opportunities for refinancing and purchasing that you might not have considered. If you want to know what the market may bring this year, check out my video.

It's the day after the gubernatorial debate, hosted by Iowa Moms for Liberty, and Simon has the rundown of who was there, who wasn't, who did well, who exceeded expectations and who over delivered. Who did Simon think won overall? He tells us as well as opening up the phone calls for listener's opinions. Also, President Trump was in here in Central Iowa yesterday. Before his rally he made a surprise visit to THE IOWA MACHINE SHED. Simon talks to MIKE WHALEN, owner of the Machine Shed, about the honor of hosting the President at his restaurant, including the surprising initial phone call from the White House.

Today on Forefront 360, Cody interviews Matthew J. Andrews. Matthew J. Andrews is primarily a poet, although he dabbles in prose. In his work, Matthew examines the intersection of the spiritual and the secular, the wrestling match between belief and doubt, and the challenges of practicing an ancient faith in a modern world. His writing also explores the many faces of the natural world and the sacredness of small moments, among other things. He is a native Californian now living in Central Iowa.  When he is not writing, Matthew is a professional private investigator, a voracious reader, an amateur chef, a wannabe outdoorsman, a sometimes runner, a doting husband, and a competent father of two. 

0000019a-a67f-d443-affb-b77f0b3b0000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2025-11-21/new-central-iowa-water-quality-report-has-implications-statewideBrady JohnsonNew central Iowa water quality report has implications statewide

Send us a textCISS donations: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cissgeneralfunddonationsCISS upcoming events: https://centraliowashelter.org/events/Support the show

Bryan is an avid kayaker and camper who lives in Central Iowa. Bryan spends as much of his free time as possible enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, he had an experience, in May or June of 2016, that tarnished his love of being in the great outdoors. When he had that experience, he and 13 of his friends were kayaking down the Middle Racoon River. Some of them were very experienced at kayaking, others were novices. The group was approaching a place in the river that could be dangerous for novice kayakers, so Bryan and his good friend, Mark, decided to paddle ahead so they could stand on a sandbar that would allow them to watch the novices navigate that dangerous stretch of the river. Before Bryan and Mark made it to that sandbar, however, a rock the size of a softball hit the water inches from Mark's kayak. What happened next forever changed how Bryan and his friends look at the great outdoors. We hope you'll tune in and listen to Bryan chronicle what happened that day. If you do, you'll understand why Bryan feels angst when he thinks about what happened.If you've had at least one Sasquatch sighting and would like to be a guest on the show, please go to BigfootEyewitness.com and let me know. I'd love to hear from you.If you'd like to help support the show, by buying your own Bigfoot Eyewitness t-shirt or sweatshirt, please visit the Bigfoot Eyewitness Show Store, by going to https://Dogman-Encounters.MyShopify.comI produce 4 other shows that are available on your favorite podcast app. If you haven't checked them out, here are links to all 4 channels on the Spreaker App...My Bigfoot Sighting https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-bigfoot-sighting Dogman Tales https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dogman-tales--6640134Dogman Encounters https://www.spreaker.com/show/dogman-encounters-radio_2 My Paranormal Experience https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-paranormal-experience Thanks, as always, for listening!

Jay is driving Central Iowa for the broadcast today and makes observations he says he has never seen before.

Guest Scott Matter describes the Dream Team as a five-month cycling program for teenagers in Central Iowa that provides a unique opportunity for teenagers to build relationships, achieve personal growth, and learn from adult mentors. The program shows youth that BIG goals can be attained with sufficient planning and preparation. Beginning in March, the teens and mentors begin preparing and training for the late July 400-500-mile week-long bike ride across Iowa called RAGBRAI. Find out how you can get involved by participating, volunteering or donating at www.dreamteamdesmoines.org. Catch up on the latest stories by tuning in to the Dream Team podcast: Moving Forward. We would love it if you would consider supporting Bike Talk with Dave by rating, reviewing and sharing on your favorite podcast platform. We'd invite you to support the show financially at www.buymeacoffee.com or on Venmo @David-Mable. You'll receive a Bike Talk with Dave sticker!Follow Bike Talk with Dave on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biketalkwithdave/ and Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun, and you can now find every episode on your computer at www.biketalk.bike. And now available on YouTube on the Bike Talk with Dave YouTube channel!And if you need any digital media work: photography, videography and editing, podcast production and editing, look no further than Mable Media. Connect at www.mablemedia.net to help grow your brand and connect with your audience!

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, September 03, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. US corn and soybean crops are seeing a decline in ratings due to both normal maturity and disease. Market bulls are struggling to support yield estimates, including those from the USDA. US trade talks have stalled, and the export market has slowed. Soybean crush in the US increased by 5.9% year-over-year, with 6.14 million tons crushed in July. Cattle prices remain strong, but futures could weaken. Severe weather threats include large hail and damaging winds in Central Iowa, with more showers expected in central Nebraska and north-central Kansas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Ray Griffin - Crooked Agenda: 9-11 Deception, Al-Qaeda, Afghanistan. Speaking at Drake University in Des Moines, IA on 4/23/2010 Sponsored by 911 Truth of Central Iowa www.ia911truth.orgCopyright Disclaimer: - Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for FAIR USE for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of FAIR USE.

In this episode, Anna Claussen (Voices for Rural Resilience) and Ash Hanson (Department of Public Transformation) talk with Central Iowa muralist and organizer Siriaco “Siricasso” Garcia about the power of art to bring visibility to diversity in rural communities. Siricasso shares how he turned to the canvas to process personal hardship and express experiences too often judged or silenced because, as he says, “the canvas always talks back.” His vibrant work highlights the beauty, resilience, and rich diversity of rural Iowa in bold and healing ways -- with projects like “Middle of Nowhere Festival”-- and challenges systems of oppression by encouraging us to claim our stories as our own brand -- creating space for others to feel seen, connected, and not alone.

Welcome to Episode 193 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. Central Iowa's water quality challenges are making headlines. In this episode, we discuss those challenges and the progress that's being made in protecting water quality with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa State University researcher Dr. Mike Castellano.  Resources mentioned in this episode:  ConservationCountsIowa.com CleanWaterIowa.org N-FACT nitrogen fertilizer application consultation tool

In this episode of the Ag Tribes Report, host Vance Crowe is joined by Jason Hanson, a former USDA NRCS employee who has transitioned to sustainable farming in North Carolina. The discussion delves into the challenges of modern farming, including the oversupply in the corn market and the impact of electric vehicles on ethanol demand. Jason provides insights into the struggles of small farmers and the complexities of agricultural policies.The episode also covers significant agricultural news, including Central Iowa's nitrate contamination crisis and the Trump administration's decision to rescind the roadless rule, opening millions of acres to logging. Jason and Vance discuss the implications of these issues, exploring the balance between environmental conservation and economic development. The conversation extends to the role of nonprofits in agriculture and the potential for innovative solutions outside of government intervention. The episode concludes with a discussion on the Bitcoin land price report and Jason's views on the future of agriculture and land management.

Welcome back to The Green Grind Podcast! In this episode of The Green Grind, Kory and LeRoy sit down with Adam Jones, owner of Warren Lawns based in Central Iowa. Adam shares how he transitioned from full-time ministry to launching his lawn care company with a focus on fertilization, weed and pest control. He explains how staying focused, keeping things simple, and delivering exceptional customer experience helped him grow a successful business without getting distracted by every opportunity that came his way. From building a brand known for top-tier service to navigating the noise of social media advice, Adam delivers real, relatable insight for anyone trying to grow their company with purpose. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale smart, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on focus, execution, and long-term thinking. Powered by Jobber and Protiv!  Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1.  https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for today, May 14, 2025, with host Lorrie Boyer. These quick and informative episodes cover the commodity markets, weather, and the big things happening in agriculture each morning. Weather conditions are mixed, with favoring planting in the west and there being wet in the east. Soybean demand could drop by 20% if US-China trade doesn't improve by late summer. Weekly ethanol production is expected to decline slightly, and corn production is forecasted at 15.82 billion bushels. Livestock markets were cautious, with box beef prices mixed. Thunderstorms were possible in Central Iowa, and high winds are forecasted for South Dakota Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is the 7th year for the Central Iowa Business Conference and here to talk about what to expect at the May 22nd event is Gina Wright the Vice President of the Urbandale Chamber of Commerce.  This is your invitation to join  hundreds of business professionals designed to help you "Lead, Shift and Transform".  The event is not only for folks in Central Iowa but from across the Midwest and the registration fee is only $325 for a full day of inspiration. You can register here.  Now, meet Gina. Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

So, here is the question that begs to be answered: Does, as President Trump said, the U.S. subsidize Canada to the tune of $200 billion a year?  Stick with us, we have an answer. This is the Business News Headlines for Thursday the 8th day of May and thanks for being here. In other news, Markets moved up today largely on the news of a U.S. and United Kingdom trade deal…and we'll break that down. Even though the 10 year treasury hasn't climbed above 5% the mortgage rate on a 30 year fixed is still elevated. The number of Americans filing for unemployment claims has fallen and we'll share the numbers. The Wall Street Report and the top ten job opportunities for graduates as reported by LinkedIn.  For the conversation you'll hear from Gina Wright the Vice President of the Urbandale, Iowa Chamber of Commerce and the upcoming Central Iowa Business Conference that isn't only for Central Iowa….let's go! Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

MORE THAN MORE | Dylan sits down with our 2024 More Than More Award winner, Nichole Johnson, Director of Client Experience for Megan Mitchum + Co. Nichole joined forces with Megan in 2015, bringing a background in family services and a passion for helping others. She's known for meeting clients where they're at and taking the time to truly understand their stories. She shares how that same heart for service fuels both her work in real estate and her volunteer efforts with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa.   Speakers: Dylan de Bruin, Co-Broker/Co-Owner Nichole Johnson, Director of Client Experience for Megan Mitchum + Co.   Subscribe to the More Than More Podcast for new weekly episodes as we discuss building meaningful and impactful businesses, careers, and lives through real estate.   Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube  

Today you'll learn more about the ICON Water Trails project that will be a huge economic driver for Central Iowa.  Here we talk about the ten years ICON has been around, what they have accomplished and what FUN things are slated to become real in 2025 and 2026. Plus how local communities in the Greater Des Moines Metro are helping support the effort and enhance their own waterways.  My guest is Stephanie Oppel the leader of the ICON Water Trails a non-profit that is harnessing the rivers and streams of Central Iowa in what is a major economic development push.  Enjoy...we did! Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

While not in the newscast this evening you need to know that the Iowa Legislature has voted to strip a protected class of individuals from the states Civil Rights Law...the only state in the nation to do so...and their target?  People who are trans or non-binary.  And the business community?  Silent. Yes, there will be business consequences here but nobody seems to care. On that happy note, let's get started and should you wish to to follow us on social media you can find us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  And our website is just a click away where you can scroll through all of our newscasts. Here's what we've got for you today:  Tough Tariff Talk Tanks Wall Street; The agency that protects consumers...done; How about a "Golden Visa"? No not a credit card; Heard about the economic boycott that takes place on Friday? The Wall Street Report; And more people filed for unemployment last week. For the conversation you'll hear from Stephanie Oppel the leader of the ICON Water Trails a non-profit that is harnessing the rivers and streams of Central Iowa in what is a major economic development push.  Some fun things are coming yet this year and we'll talk about it all.  Enjoy, we sure did! Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

It's the Business News Headlines for Thursday the 30th day of January and thanks for being with us.  Hard to believe that today, here in Central Iowa, we reached 58 degrees.  But, they tell us winter is coming back next week. If you want to follow us  on social media you can find us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  And our website is just a click away where you can scroll through all of our newscasts. Here's what we've got for you today and in under 9 minutes: Once again YOU proved many experts wrong; Mastercard and Visa had a great year but...there is a but; The European Central Bank lowered its prime rate and why; Meta, even though Zuckerberg cozied up to President Trump, paid up; A new 30-year mortgage rate report to share; The Wall Street Report; So, who is going to deliver your Amazon package? We have a guess. Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Levi Cermak of Elevator Spaces joins the Iowa Manufacturing Podcast to discuss how co-warehousing has revolutionized Omaha's manufacturing scene—and how it's coming soon to Des Moines. With over 100 companies benefiting from services like warehousing, kitting, docking, and operational support, Elevator Spaces is creating more than logistics solutions; they're building thriving business communities. Levi shares how their new Des Moines location, set to launch at 12th and Mulberry this spring, aims to support Central Iowa's makers and manufacturers. He breaks down how shared logistics services reduce costs, streamline operations, and create opportunities for collaboration. Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/levi-cermak-co-warehousing-in-des-moines   

Welcome back to The Green Grind Podcast! This week Kory and LeRoy sit down with Evan Breuer, Founder & CEO of Executive Outdoor Solutions, formerly known as Evan's Almighty Lawn Care. Since starting in 2013, Evan has grown his company into one of the most trusted outdoor service providers in Central Iowa. Known for its attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and a highly satisfied client base, Executive Outdoor Solutions has set a standard in the industry. In this episode, Evan shares how he transformed his small business into a thriving enterprise, the challenges he's faced along the way, and the strategies he's used to overcome them. Whether you're looking for inspiration to grow your own business or insights into how to enhance your customer relationships, this episode is packed with valuable advice. Tune in to hear Evan's story and his tips for building a trusted brand in the green industry! Powered by Jobber and Protiv!  Free Trial and 20% off Jobber for 6 months: go.getjobber.com/ballardinc Need a website? Use the code GreenGrind to get your first month for $1. Green Frog Web Design guarantees to have your website live in 3 weeks from the projected start date or its FREE for a year. https://www.greenfrogwebdesign.com/koryballard

Website: https://citizensforhanson.comProtect our kids from far left policies in Central Iowa!

Central Iowa Out of Darkness Walk by STAR 102.5/Des Moines

We kick things off today with a story about those "frequent flyer" programs offered by the airlines which is now being looked at by the U.S. Government and why.  Also today you'll meet one of our newest friends musician Tony McGhee.  A chance meeting last week put me in touch with this very talented drummer and writer.  You won't want to miss out. Meanwhile, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today: Secretary Buttigieg wants to know more from the airlines; The confusing world of U.S. jobs; Wall Street closed mixed and we'll share what happened; Some restaurant news from Red Lobster; Some retail news from pharmacy chain Rite Aid; The Wall Street Report; More labor troubles for Amazon. For the interview you'll meet professional drummer Tony McGhee who now lives in Central Iowa but works his craft across the U.S. and parts of Europe. I had no idea of how deep his story was and, frankly, I was blown away. You can hook up with Tony McGhee here on his Facebook Page and check out his music on Amazon, Spotify and more.  Let's go! Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Welcome to the final day of August and 100 degrees here in Central Iowa.  They say it's due to "Corn Sweat" which is the moisture released by acres and acres of corn grown in the Midwest. See what you learn here? And Happy National Dog Day!  Yofi says, "Hi!"  Also, if you want to reach out to us on social media you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram. Facebook? Sure were there too.  Here's what we've got for you today: Canada joins the U.S. in 100% tariffs on EV's from China; And...why; Kroger and Albertsons fight to allow their merger to happen; Uber is fined millions by the Dutch and we'll share why; What does Delta and Outback Steakhouse have in common? Traveling over the Labor Day Weekend? Advice is to have a back up plan and be patient; The Wall Street Report; So, what's with Apple and "Glow-Time"? Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Most of us may call Central Iowa home, but for Jesus followers, we know it's not really home. We're actually a bit like the Israelites in Jeremiah 29. Join us as Pastor Jeremy shows us what God asks of His people while they wait in exile. Bring your Cultivate guidebooks to take notes on the do's and don'ts of living in our temporary home. Then see how living that way can result in a flourishing for our entire community.

Central Iowa schools are restricting cell phones during classes. Rob Randazzo at Des Moines Hoover explains. Bergman Academy in Des Moines is also adjusting their policies. Sidney Gerritsen & Katie Ewing explain. Iowa's teacher shortage is inspiring a path for para educators to become fully licensed teachers. Kris Donnelly, University of Northern Iowa. Safe Kids-Des Moines has back-to-school safety reminders.

An Iowa Veterans organization inspired one Iowan to help fellow veterans connect with each other and employers who could provide them careers after the military. Frank Sposeto founded the River Valley Veterans Networking Group and is calling on Veterans and employers in Central Iowa to get together and create partnerships that will last for years to come. Find out how the group works, where they meet, and how employers can get involved in finding talented Veterans in search of long-term employment.   For more information on the River Valley Veterans Networking Group, find them on Facebook by visiting:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553038048289 

According to a financial literacy survey conducted by Schwab Financial, 89 percent of American adults believe that lack of financial literacy contributes to bigger social issues like wealth, racial, and gender inequality. Stoy Hall is a resident of Omaha, Nebraska, and pursued a BSBA in finance with a minor in business law and insurance from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. During his college years, he was a four-year letter winner for the Bulldogs and worked as a professional teen development officer at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa. This experience led him to pursue a career in financial planning and wealth management, and he is determined to rid the world of financial illiteracy. Stoy believes that financial literacy should not be restricted to the ultra-wealthy and has made it his mission to end financial illiteracy in the general population. He is an active member of the community and participates in events and seminars such as Females & Finance and the Black and Brown Business Summit. Stoy Hall is a forward-thinking individual in the field of financial planning and wealth management. He emphasizes inclusivity and holistic client well-being as the CEO and founder of Black Mammoth and Kālā Capital, respectively. He is also a dedicated father who advocates for the importance of family and personal growth. Stoy Hall believes that emotional intelligence and the psychological facets of wealth management are essential and embodies this in the Modern Family Office approach of his work. He has a passion for culinary diversity and parallels his zest for food with a rich, experience-focused view of wealth. He hosts the NoBS Wealth Podcast and fosters transparent dialogues on financial literacy and empowerment, connecting with thought leaders to explore wealth beyond the numbers. For more information, visit https://www.blackmammoth.com/. Follow @StoyHall.