Talk of Iowa

Talk of Iowa is a place for Iowans to connect to our shared culture and what it means to live in Iowa. Host Charity Nebbe brings a mix of regular guests and a range of experts to discuss the arts, history, literature and everything else happening in Iowa. Every day brings something new — even if it's in a recurring segment like Talk of Iowa Book Club or comes from a familiar voice on Horticulture Day.

100 episodes

8d ago latest

5x a week cadence

English language

▶ Play latestRSS feed Website Society Culture Arts Education Self Improvement

https://www.iowapublicradio.org/podcast/talk-of-iowa/rss.xml

Episodes 100

Into the woods
yesterday · 47:46
The woods may be lovely, dark and deep, but most Iowa woodlands are plagued with invasive species. On this Horticulture Day episode, we talk with DNR District Forester Mark Vitosh about the non-native invasive plants that we should be concerned about in Iowa forests and some management techniques. Then, Iowa State University Horticulture Professor Cindy Haynes joins us to answer listener questions.
Commemorative plaza and statue recognizes Johnson County namesake
2d ago · 48:03
Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson was the first Black woman to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and went on to build a distinguished career in higher education. In 2020, she was made the new namesake of Johnson County. We talk with her great-niece, Sonya Jackson, the lead consultant on the Dr. Lulu Merle Johnson project, and project historian Rebecca Conard. Then, poet and artist Dave Morice, known to many as Dr. Alphabet, died after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. We speak with his son Danny Maurice about the impact of his words and how he is being remembered in Iowa City.
Memoir explores family history and a legacy of generational trauma
3d ago · 48:06
On this episode, we talk with Mari Miller about her memoir 'That Which Does Not Kill Us.' It explores her family history and a legacy of generational trauma and how that has impacted her own health. Then, we talk with veterinarian and Iowa State professor Bill Williams about pet owner vaccine hesitancy. He talks about what he's seen at his practice and how to approach pet owners with questions about vaccination.
Social media drains hours of our time — how do we take control back from the algorithm?
4d ago · 48:05
The vast majority of Americans engage with some kind of social media. Some of it is wonderful, some is terrible and its definitely habit forming. On this episode, we talk about how social media affects the lives and mental health of teenagers and adults. We also discuss realistic ways we can set boundaries with technology, limit our screentime and focus on our physical reality. (This show was originally produced Jan. 20, 2026.)
Loess Hills Hiking Guide highlights 20 places to hike and explore
5d ago · 47:56
The Loess Hills in Western Iowa were shaped by wind. It's a rare and rugged landscape that is home to some of the largest tracts of native prairie in the state. On this episode, we learn about the new Loess Hills Hiking Guide, which highlights 20 places to hike and explore. We talk with its creator Seth Brooks of Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development and Tyler Ruge of Monona County Conservation about why these landforms are so unique and how access has improved. Jason Taylor of the Bur Oak Land Trust also joins us to talk about how prescribed burns have shaped the Loess Hills. The
Taking care of your turf
8d ago · 47:45
One of the perennial questions we field on Horticulture Day is when to plant grass seed. The answer is right now. On this episode, we talk with Iowa State University turfgrass specialist Adam Thoms about seeding and overseeding your lawn. We also talk about the fall lawn chores you should have on your horizon. Then, horticulturist Aaron Steil also joins us to answer listener questions.
The Lobe Rangers say conservation and commercial success go hand in hand
9d ago · 48:05
On this episode, we meet the Lobe Rangers, three Iowa farmers from who are frustrated with how few of their fellow farmers have implemented conservation practices. We learn about their vision for a more sustainable future for Iowa. Then, 'Talk of Iowa' Summer School continues with agriculture teacher Anna Brooks. She makes the farm to table process a focus of her classes.
Paint it Back boasts bold colors, sounds and ideas in Clinton
11d ago · 48:01
Clinton artists Gabi Torres and Chris Shannon have helped put the city of Clinton on the map with their annual Paint it Back event. Starting as an effort to activate a vacant building with artists' murals near the Mississippi River in 2023 has gotten bigger each year, with an art market, live music, kids activities and more. For its fourth year, they’re moving west to downtown with a mission to make this its biggest year ever. We talk with co-founder Gabi Torres, Paint it Back Board President Matt Parbs on the impact its had on the Clinton community, and Colorado-based artist James Foster, aka
Understanding how aging impacts safe driving
12d ago · 48:02
Losing the ability to drive can mean that an older person can no longer live independently. On this episode, we talk about aging, driving and how to know when it's time to stop. We hear from Justin Mason, associate research scientist at the University of Iowa's Driving Safety Research Institute, and Anne Dickerson, director of the research for Older Adult Driver Initiative (ROADI) at East Carolina University, about what happens to our driving abilities as we age and making plans to stop driving. We also talk with John McCurdy, executive director of the Southwest Iowa Planning Council about alt
Diagnosing your tomato plants
15d ago · 47:43
Eating a ripe tomato fresh from the garden is one of the true pleasures of summer, but growing tomatoes can be challenging — especially if your plants get hit by disease. On this Horticulture Day episode, we talk about tomatoes and their many diseases with Chelsea Harbach, plant disease diagnostician with the Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Then, horticulturist Aaron Steil joins us to answer listener questions.
A look into the butter cooler with the Iowa State Fair butter sculptor
16d ago
On this episode, we listen back to some of our favorite state fair interviews. We talk with Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt and her apprentices, her twin daughters Hannah and Grace, about working together and making buttery artwork. Then, we travel to the fairgrounds to take a ride on the Sky Glider with Tracy Shedd. Shedd has worked on the Sky Glider in some capacity for the last 50 years. (Portions of this episode were originally produced August 2025 and August 2024.)
Memoir explores an Iowa farmer's stewardship legacy, sustainable practices
17d ago · 48:00
In 1973, Ron Rosmann gave up his plans to go to graduate school and moved back home to Westphalia to run the family farm. In 1973, he did something radical — he stopped using chemical inputs. Rosmann has been farming for more than 50 years, and he's one of the founding members of Practical Farmers of Iowa, a farmer-led community that focuses on sustainable agriculture. He joins us on this episode to talk about his book, 'A Practical Farmer's Journey: A History of Community, Stewardship and Resilience.' We also talk with Steve Hopkins, a member of Practical Farmers of Iowa and an innovator in r
'The Book Thief' still has a lasting impact on readers two decades later
18d ago · 48:05
On this episode of the 'Talk of Iowa' Book Club, we talk about 'The Book Thief' with author Markus Zusak and two expert readers. It's a story about a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany who steals books — and it's narrated by death. They reflect on the book's 20th anniversary and discuss how reading it in 2026 feels the same and different than at its release in 2006.
ISU study observes parent-teen relationships over decades
19d ago · 48:04
The teenage years can be tough for parents and kids and new research from Iowa State University tells us that the consequences of that conflict can linger for decades. On this episode, we learn about Iowa State's Family Transitions Project. It is one of the nation's most extensive longitudinal studies of family life. We talk with Iowa State University professor Tricia Neppl and doctoral student Jannatul Ferdous Zinia about the program and a recent study that came out of the project about tension between parents and their children. Then, 'Talk of Iowa Summer School' continues with middle school
Mum's the word
22d ago · 47:42
Beautiful fall mums will soon be everywhere. But, getting them to grow in your home landscape takes more planning.On this horticulture day episode, host Charity Nebbe talks with Randall Vos, ISU Extension horticulture specialist, about producing fall plants on demand. Then, ISU horticulture professor Cindy Haynes joins to help answer listener questions.
Hoover Presidential Library and Museum reopens after $20 million renovation
23d ago · 48:05
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch first opened on Aug.10, 1962. It reopened on Aug. 6, 2026, after a $20 million complete renovation. On this episode, we speak with Mundi McCarty, president and CEO of the Hoover Presidential Foundation. She shares the vision for the renovation and the collaborative efforts that made it possible. Then, we tour the museum with Museum and Library Director Thomas Schwartz. He also discusses his role in shaping the museum narrative and his hopes for visitor engagement.
Smithsonian Museum features the work of Iowa State Fair competitors
24d ago · 48:05
The 2026 Iowa State Fair is almost here. On this episode, we meet some of the winningest State Fair competitors of all time. Dr. Rod Zeitler is a master canner, Deb Zeitler is a master weaver and Marcia Miller is a master pie maker. Rod and Deb Zeitler's State Fair entries made it to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. And Marcia Miller shares how she turned her State Fair pie domination into a way to raise money for animals. Then, a new documentary tells an untold State Fair story. East side native and filmmaker Shawn Hicks decided to capture those who live around the State Fair grounds
New documentary provides a portrait of poet Mary Oliver
25d ago · 48:03
Mary Oliver's poetry has touched millions of readers. She passed away in 2019, but a new documentary tells her story. On this episode, we talk with filmmaker and former University of Iowa professor Sasha Waters about her film 'Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World.' She shares her experience working on the film and discusses Mary Oliver's legacy. The film is screening in Iowa City through Aug. 13, and will be released on PBS on Aug. 25. Then, we meet musician Ari Dubin, founder the Rolling Hills Music Festival. This new classical music festival looks to celebrate musicians in Central I
Greene County students celebrate predecessors who fought in Civil War
26d ago · 47:57
In 1861, 32 students and two teachers from Greene County left to enlist in the Union Army. The school closed behind them and 11 of them never came home. On this episode, we learn about the schoolboy soldiers of Rippey and the people who are keeping this history alive. We talk with local historian Chuck Offenburger, who spoke to a Greene County High School class, which then inspired students and history teacher Dena Boyd to research further into the soldiers. We also hear from one of those students, Oliver Harris, and Rippey resident Mary Weaver who have all been involved in bringing the School
These perennials thrive in the summer heat
29d ago · 47:41
If your yard and landscape look worse for the wear after a few weeks extreme heat, maybe it's time to think about a refresh. On this Horticulture Day episode, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist Aaron Steil joins us. He tells us about the beautiful perennials that thrive in the heat of summer. We also talk with DNR Forester Mark Vitosh, and he and Steil answer listener questions.
Life after cancer for young adults
1mo ago · 48:01
Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation and young people — ages 15-49 — are not being spared. The six leading corn-producing states have a cancer rate for young adults that is about 5% higher than the rest of the nation. Host Charity Nebbe speaks with director of the Iowa Cancer Registry Mary Charlton and two young cancer survivors. (This show was originally produced November 24, 2025.)
Africa Live Network launches Iowa African Film Festival
1mo ago · 48:04
When the Africa Live Network announced the first Iowa African Film Festival, they were overwhelmed with submissions. We talk with Jack Chimbetete, founder of the Africa Live Network, about how the Iowa African Film Festival will showcase African culture and about what it means to connect people from the African diaspora. We also talk with Omar Love, founder and executive director of The Motherland Experience Festival. The Iowa African Film Festival takes place Aug. 6 through 8 at Drake University in Des Moines. The festival ends on Aug. 8 with the Motherland Experience Festival, a day of Afric
Iowa painter wins international award for portrait
1mo ago · 47:48
Painter Rose Frantzen of Maquoketa recently won top honors at the prestigious Portrait Society of America's International Portrait Competition. Frantzen, co-founder of the Maquoketa Art Experience, discusses her career and why Iowa is where she makes her home. Then, Tamara Marcus, owner of Empowered Solutions Collective, discusses how a gardening and yoga class helps Cedar Rapids youth make sustainability a part of their everyday lives.
Find hidden gems across the state with the Iowa State Park Passport
1mo ago · 47:56
Any time is a great time to visit an Iowa State Park, but if you go now through the end of October, you can discover hidden gems with the Iowa State Parks Passport. On this episode, we learn about the Iowa State Parks Passport, which encourages Iowans to explore historic landmarks and scenic overlooks around the state. We also talk with William Bortz about his new poetry collection. Then, we meet Anne Harris Carter, the new director of the African American Museum of Iowa.
Best practices for this harvest season
1mo ago · 47:30
We are at the height of the season for homegrown produce. On this Horticulture Day episode, we talk about what's ripe and nearly ripe, and best practices for this harvest season. Then Dan and Aaron answer listener questions.