Talk of Iowa artwork

Talk of Iowa

908 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 82 ratings

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.

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Episodes

Finding Happiness And Achieving Flow

April 12, 2021 21:47 - 49 minutes - 68 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Benjamin Hunnicutt and Gary Gute about achieving happiness and channeling flow.

The History And Botany Of Daffodils

April 09, 2021 21:51 - 38 minutes - 53 MB

We’ll learn all about daffodils with horticulturists Aaron Steil and Cindy Haynes.

Frantzen Paints Portraits Of Resilient Students For Faces Of Iowa State

April 05, 2021 22:18 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MB

Host Charity Nebbe talks with Maquoketa artist Rose Frantzen, who painted six Iowa State University students who have shown resilience during the pandemic, and three of her subjects.

Look To Decorah North For All The Eagle Cam Action

April 05, 2021 21:53 - 17 minutes - 24 MB

Host Charity Nebbe gets all the latest eagle news from the Raptor Resource Project in Decorah.

Preparing Cool-Season Crops For Gardening

April 05, 2021 13:51 - 49 minutes - 67.4 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Cindy Haynes and Ajay Nair of Iowa State University about preparing cool-season crops for planting.

"Like Love" Explores Different Kinds Of Love Stories

April 02, 2021 11:57 - 31 minutes - 42.6 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Michele Morano, author of the new book "Like Love"

Proposed National Park To Serve As Bison Bridge

March 31, 2021 20:51 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Chad Pregracke of Living Lands and Waters about his new proposal for a National Park along and across the Mississippi River.

How Iowa Vaccine Alerts Has Helped Thousands Get COVID-19 Shots

March 31, 2021 20:44 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with the creator of the Iowa Vaccine Alerts Twitter account, Brian Finley.

Rain Gardens, Beautiful And Functional Additions To The Landscape

March 26, 2021 19:55 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

Traditional turf grass lawns aren’t very absorbent. When there’s a major rain event water runs off of lawns into storm gutters, swelling streams and rivers. Rain gardens can help. We learn more about them on this edition of Talk of Iowa.

Self-Deception Is Common But Can Be Used To Your Advantage

March 25, 2021 12:19 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with the host of Hidden Brain Shankar Vedantam.

The Unique Farming Culture Of Washington County

March 23, 2021 12:10 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with the hosts of the agriculture podcast Field Work.

Propagating Plants In The Home Garden

March 19, 2021 18:53 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MB

Plantlife is resilient and endlessly diverse. The perfect example? The many different methods that can be used for plant propagation.

Make Your Backyard A Pollinator’s Paradise

March 19, 2021 14:27 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

Working in the yard is a great way to cultivate delicious produce or to create a beautiful outdoor space for recreation. But did you know gardening and landscaping are also great ways to support habitats for pollinators and other wildlife?

Starting Seeds For Spring

March 18, 2021 17:04 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Richard Jauron and Aaron Steil about getting ready to garden this spring.

Adrienne Raphel's "Thinking Inside The Box" Explores Crossword Puzzle Culture

March 16, 2021 13:51 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with Adrienne Raphel about her new book "Thinking Inside The Box"

The Words Of Spring With Pat O'Conner

March 11, 2021 19:55 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MB

Host Charity Nebbe talks about the history of words associated with springtime.

Reflecting On One Year Of Covid-19 In Iowa

March 11, 2021 13:13 - 49 minutes - 67.2 MB

It was just one year ago that the world changed, seemingly overnight. COVID-19 went from being a growing threat in other places to being a reality here in Iowa. To date, at least one-in-ten Iowans have been infected with the virus and thousands have died.

Wildlife Begin To Emerge As Spring Closes In

March 10, 2021 13:06 - 49 minutes - 67.9 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with wildlife biologist Jim Pease about the wildlife that's emerging as we move into spring time.

United Through History Launches Contest To Highlight Black History

March 09, 2021 12:36 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Rachelle Chase of the new non-profit organization, "United Through History."

"Moon Of The Snowblind" Is New Telling Of The History Of The Spirit Lake Massacre

March 09, 2021 12:34 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MB

Host Charity Nebbe speaks with Gary Kelley and Kevin Mason about the history of the Spirit Lake Massacre and Kelley's new graphic novel, "Moon Of The Snowblind."

Marking The 175th Anniversary Of Iowa Statehood

March 05, 2021 12:40 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MB

Iowa was granted statehood 175 years ago on December 28, 1846. As the state marks this historical milestone, there’s an opportunity to study fuller, more complex and honest accounts of Iowa's history.

Tackling The Damage Done By Frozen Pipes And Other Winter Hazards

March 03, 2021 13:03 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

Home improvement expert Bill McAnally talks about identifying and repairing damage to homes during the winter months.

Celebrate Spring By Making Your Own Maple Syrup

March 01, 2021 13:13 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

The growing season is almost here. And while new life isn’t sprouting yet, these below freezing nights and above freezing days create the perfect conditions for tapping maple trees to create tasty, homemade syrup.

Larger School Districts Across Iowa Face Challenges With 100 Percent In-Person Learning Mandate

February 26, 2021 13:02 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

A check-in with the state's largest school district following implementation of the state mandate that all districts offer 100 percent in-person learning.

Becoming A Parent In A Global Pandemic

February 24, 2021 12:54 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MB

For many people, becoming a parent is the single biggest moment of their life. It’s a period full of joy, love and anxiety in the best of times. Becoming a parent or caring for a small child in a pandemic brings with it a whole new set of stressors and fears.

After Living In The Hospital His Whole Life, Fort Madison Child Goes Home

February 23, 2021 15:42 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with Aron Donaldson and Dr. Lyndsay Harshman about Aidan Moles going home for the first time.

Cedar Rapids Art Exhibit Shows A New Side Of Grant Wood

February 23, 2021 15:40 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MB

A new, extensive exhibit of the work of iconic Iowa artist Grant Wood is on display at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. “Grant Wood Revealed: Rarely Seen Works by an American Master” will be on display through May 16th as part of a yearlong celebration of the 175th anniversary of Iowa’s statehood.

Jeff Porter's Memoir Tells Heart Wrenching Story Of Losing His Wife

February 19, 2021 22:15 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with Jeff Porter, author of the new memoir "Planet Claire: Suite for Cello and Sad Eyed Lovers"

Iowa's History Camp Goes Virtual For 2021

February 19, 2021 13:32 - 48 minutes - 66.9 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe previews several of the presentations that will be a part of this year's Iowa History Camp.

Family Dynamics During The Pandemic

February 18, 2021 15:19 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with two experts in family and life sciences about how life at home has changed during the pandemic.

More Than A Netflix Series, “The Queen’s Gambit” Tackles Gender, Success and Addiction

February 16, 2021 23:04 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

Before it was a Netflix hit, “The Queen’s Gambit” was a 1983 novel written by University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop graduate Walter Tevis.

Living Histories: Archive Projects Empower LGBTQ Iowans To Share Stories

February 16, 2021 00:18 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MB

History has not always been kind to LGBTQ communities. Far too often, historical accounts of queer culture and individuals lean on writings and documents drafted from the outside, failing to authentically preserve the rich and diverse experiences of LGBTQ individuals. Aiden Bettine and AJ Lewis are working to help LGBTQ Iowans reclaim control of their legacies through two oral history and archive projects based out of Iowa City and Grinnell.

Clear Lake’s Surf Ballroom Gains National Historic Landmark Status

February 15, 2021 22:27 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake is best known for being the final place Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper performed before dying in a plane crash on February 2, 1959.

Pruning Your Shade Tree To Withstand The Test Of Time

February 12, 2021 21:23 - 50 minutes - 68.8 MB

Iowa DNR forester Mark Vitosh talks about pruning shade trees in a way that’ll strengthen and hopefully help them withstand the tests of weather and time.

Darwin Day Speaker On How Language Evolved, Diversity Among Scientists And The Need For Basic Scientific Training

February 11, 2021 21:51 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MB

Evolutionary biologist Erich Jarvis talks about the evolution of language, the importance of diversity among scientists and why he believes all Americans need basic scientific training.

Biebel’s “48 Blitz” Travels Through Familiar Territory For Any Midwesterner

February 11, 2021 21:47 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MB

Writer Brett Biebel talks about his debut short story collection: "48 Blitz."

Kut Kings Mobile Barbershop Still Facing Obstacles

February 11, 2021 17:04 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with William Burt about the challenges he still faces in getting his mobile barbershop running.

A Fitness Pioneer: Red Oak's Judi Sheppard Missett

February 11, 2021 16:59 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MB

On this edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with the Founder and CEO of Jazzercise, Judi Sheppard Missett.

An Update From COVID Recovery Iowa

February 09, 2021 22:53 - 18 minutes - 26 MB

An update from COVID Recovery Iowa and the many services they’re providing throughout the state over the course the pandemic.

Remembering Evelyn Birkby, Iowa’s Beloved Homemaker

February 09, 2021 22:52 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MB

A look back at Charity Neebe’s conversation with Evelyn Brikby from 2018.

Accepting Grief And Navigating The Loss Of A Loved One

February 08, 2021 23:35 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MB

A discussion about what it’s like to lose a loved one and the many different things you may need to navigate in the wake of that loss.

Linn County’s New Sustainability Program Manager Wants To Prioritize Climate Justice

January 29, 2021 21:24 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MB

In late August, Linn County’s first-ever sustainability program manager started work. The Board of Supervisors hired Tamara Marcus as part of the county’s plan to address climate change and environmental sustainability.

It’s Never Too Late (Or Too Early) To Take Up Chess

January 29, 2021 21:12 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MB

The game of chess is more than 1,000 years old, but it’s a game that continues to evolve and fascinate.

A History Of Iowa's Public Education System

January 28, 2021 22:49 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MB

On this edition of Talk of Iowa, the history of public education in Iowa, from rural one-room schools to our modern school system.

Coping With Depression During The Pandemic

January 28, 2021 12:36 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MB

A conversation on the different aspects of depression.

The Benefits Of A Nature-Based Education

January 27, 2021 13:47 - 48 minutes - 67 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with teachers from four different nature-based schools in Iowa.

Marking The 100th Anniversary Of The Birth Of Academy Award-Winning Actress, Donna Reed

January 25, 2021 21:58 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Host Charity Nebbe talks with Mary Owen about the 100th anniversary of the birth of Donna Reed – the Oscar award winning actress from Denison, Iowa.

Iowa Colleges And Universities Return For Spring Semester

January 25, 2021 19:17 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MB

Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with students, professors and administrators from Iowa colleges and universities about returning to campuses this month.

How To Coax Your Orchids Back To Bloom

January 22, 2021 21:23 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MB

This "Hort Day" edition of Talk of Iowa, we find out how to take care of orchids.

Understanding In-Person Learning And The Spread Of COVID-19 In The Classroom

January 21, 2021 22:38 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MB

Proposed changes for schools in Iowa and what research shows tells us about how COVID-19 spreads in the school environment.