Talk of Iowa

Signing Off The Air: IPR's Pat Blank Retires After 43 Years In Broadcasting

During this Talk of Iowa podcast episode, IPR's Charity Nebbe talks with Pat Blank, host of All Things Considered, about her 43-year broadcasting career, and what comes next.

Vonnegut’s “Mother Night” Feels Eerily Familiar, Sixty Years Later

First published in 1961, then republished several years later from Iowa City, Kurt Vonnegut’s “Mother Night” explores issues of morality, humanity and individual responsibility in the aftermath of World War II. While the book explores an era of misinformation and mass tragedy decades in the past, the themes feel eerily relevant to the state of affairs in 2021.

“Dry January” Could Be Good News For Your Overall Health

2020 was a record year for liquor sales across the state, even with people spending less time at bars and restaurants.

Challenge Yourself To Embrace Winter

An increased emphasis on outdoor activities has been a rare silver lining to an otherwise difficult year dominated by the pandemic. But as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, it’s easy to retreat inside and shelve outdoor activities until spring returns. On this episode of Talk of Iowa, four winter enthusiasts challenge you to put on your boots, grab your wooly hat and embrace winter for all it has to offer

New Collection Celebrates Immigrant And Bicultural Iowans Through Personal Essay

The United States is a nation of immigrants, and Iowa’s state identity is richer for it.

How To Best Prepare Your Compost

Alongside Aaron Steil and Cindy Haynes, Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe learns the best practices for vermicomposting and preparing gardens for the spring.

Iowans Reflect On Insurrection In The U.S. Capitol

Pro-Trump extremists took control of the U.S. Capitol for several hours yesterday, disrupting Congressional proceedings to certify President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory. During this special podcast, Iowans reflect on what happened and how we move forward.

Steve Inskeep Discusses His New Book "Imperfect Union"

NPR's Steve Inskeep joins Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe to discuss his latest book, "Imperfect Union: How Jessie and John Fremont Mapped the West, Invented Celebrity, and Helped Cause the Civil War."

Calling All Citizen Scientists, Bird Watchers Needed

Doug Harr and Jim Pease join Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe to learn more about the nation's longest-running community science bird project

Understanding Heating, Furnaces And Attics

Home improvement expert Billy McAnally joins Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe to talk about home heating systems and answer listeners' questions.

Iowans Share Heartwarming Stories Of Acceptance And Community In Wake Of Pandemic And Derecho

Today’s Talk of Iowa features stories from Iowans who’ve helped their neighbors rebuild from the 2020 derecho, a family of seven serving hot meals for those in need, and acceptance.

The Best Of The Blues From 2020

IPR's Bob Dorr shares his picks for the best blues releases of 2020.

Life As An ICU Nurse During The Pandemic

Talk of Iowa's Charity Nebbe learns what it's like to be a nurse in an intensive care unit at this moment.

The Best Albums Of 2020

Studio One Tracks hosts provide 21 albums to take us to 2021

Top Holiday Gifts For Gardening

Talk Of Iowa 2021 Book Club Reading List Revealed

Charity Nebbe is joined by members of the Talk of Iowa Book Club team to discuss the 2021 reading list.

Top Folk Recordings Of 2020

This week and next we’re finding out about some of the best new music released in 2020.

Jupiter And Saturn Will Create "Christmas Star"

Talk of Iowa's Charity Nebbe is joined by Massimo Marengo of Iowa State University to explain the best ways to view the upcoming alignment of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21.

“Little Heathens” Paints Vivid Portrait Of Depression-Era Farm Life

“Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression” by Mildred Armstrong Kalish is a delightful and detailed account of early farm life; full of memories, recipes and family.

Outstanding Classical Recordings From 2020

As 2020 wraps up, it’s a great time to look back at the music that moved listeners through this difficult year.

New Novel “The Butterfly Effect” Brings Readers To Ames

Rachel Mans McKenny’s novel “The Butterfly Effect” covers some very familiar territory for many Iowans, especially those who live in Ames. The characters move through Iowa State’s Memorial Union, Parks Library, Mary Greeley Hospital and Reiman Gardens while exploring issues of identity and belonging.

How To Be A Good Neighbor

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, a conversation about how we can help each other through the long winter ahead.

The Life And Legacy Of John Lennon

Iowa Public Radio's Bob Dorr reflects on the day John Lennon died, and how it changed his life, 40 years after Lennon's assassination.

Iowa Goes Virtual For Holiday Performances

On this edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with a variety of creatives to find out about four different virtual holiday performances.

Contemplating Death And Mortality

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe and her guests talk about death.

How To Care For The Staple Holiday Plant

This "Hort Day" edition of the show talks about the Poinsettia, its history and how to care for the plants through the holiday season.

2020 Holiday Book Guide: Kids and Teens

Whether you’re looking for a new series for your middle reader, your child’s new favorite picture book, or a compelling graphic novel for your teen, there’s never been a better time to give the gift of reading.

A History Of Hope And Skepticism With Vaccinations

A brief history of vaccinations in this country and resistance to vaccination.

Inclusive, Online-Friendly Curriculum Earns Iowa City Art Teacher Statewide Award

The pandemic has changed how schooling happens across subjects. But when it comes to art education, achieving a hybrid in-person, online model required a little extra reconfiguring.

ISU Student Wins ACLU Award For Work Supporting Undocumented Students

Growing up in Iowa, David Paco Peña Medina knew he had a different lived experience from many of his classmates. His family moved to the U.S. from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico when he was three years old and he often found himself struggling with the stigma of being undocumented.

2020 Holiday Book Guide: Adult Readers

It’s Talk of Iowa’s annual holiday books show! Jan Weismiller and Tim Budd of Prairie Lights Books in Iowa City and Kathy Magruder of Pageturners Bookstore in Indianola join host Charity Nebbe to guide listeners through their top book recommendations for adult readers.

How To Safely Shop Local This Holiday Season

For many of Iowa's independent retailers, this holiday season could be a make or break moment. Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with several retailers from around the state to learn how they're creating a safe shopping experience.

Podcast "AgArts From Horse And Buggy Land" Highlights The Arts In Rural Iowa

Mary Swander is a former poet laureate of Iowa, a playwriter and author and executive director and founder of AgArts. And this year she’s added a few new adjectives to her description. She’s a podcaster and a biographer.

How To Virtually Play Games This Holiday Season

We invited Annelise Tarnowski of The Rook Room in Des Moines to explain some of the best ways to play board games virtually this holiday season.

How To Take Care Of Your Christmas Tree

On this "Horticulture Day" edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe is joined by DNR forester Mark Vitosh to learn about the best practices for taking care of Christmas trees

A University Of Iowa Theatre Arts Project Allows A Virtual Audience To Get To Know And Honor Essential Workers

Essential Workers: A Portrait is a University of Iowa Theater Arts project that helps us get to know and honor those who can’t stay safe by staying home.

The Meskwaki Nation On Overcoming 2020 Challenges And Reconnecting With Tribal Tradition Through Food

Shelley Buffalo talks about Meskwaki Food Sovereignty and National Native American Heritage Month.

The Awful Purdies On Their New Album "The Great Unraveling"

The Awful Purdies new album "The Great Unraveling" hits streaming services on December 1 and will be available on vinyl and CD on December 15.

Greg Hoch's "With Wings Extended" Explores The World Of Wood Ducks

The wood duck has a fascinating history of survival, conservation and they are stunningly beautiful. Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe speaks with author Greg Hoch to learn more.

Living And Dying With COVID-19 In Iowa

In this edition of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe talks with two survivors of COVID-19 and a man who lost both of his grandparents to the virus on the same day.

Preparing Your Fruit Plants For The Winter

Host Charity Nebbe is joined by Cindy Haynes and Gail Nonnecke of Iowa State University on this "horticulture day" edition of Talk of Iowa.

Here Are The All Iowa Reads Book Selections For 2021

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, it’s the official 2021 All Iowa Reads selections announcement! Host Charity Nebbe is joined by Angie Manfredi, chair of the teens and kids All Iowa Reads selection committees and Jillian Rutledge, co-chair of the All Iowa Reads adult selection committee for a look at the three books selected for next year.

Surviving The Pandemic Winter

COVID-19 is spreading wildly out of control in the state of Iowa, painting a concerning picture as we head into the cold and isolating winter months.

Wallace Stegner’s “Crossing to Safety” Celebrates Life’s Changes

“Crossing to Safety” by Pulitzer Prize winner Wallace Stegner was published in 1987. It was Stegner’s final novel and a beautiful, life affirming way to end a storied career.

Poetry Inspired By The Unpoetic

Poet Jennifer Knox discusses her new collection of poems with Talk of Iowa host Charity Nebbe.

Akwi Nji's "Remoir" Project

Akwi Nji is helping people tell their stories through textile memoirs using fabric remnants they've saved over time, like their grandmother's table cloth or their dad's old shirt. She's inviting people from all over the country to share their stories through "Remoir."

Cover Crops For The Home Organic Garden

As the use of cover crops continues to increase on local farms, home gardeners may be interested in trying the practice in their very own backyard.

Iowa Artist Unveils His Latest Work In Cedar Rapids

Jordan Weber talks about his latest art installation on November 5th.

Students In Robotics Program Adapt To The Challenges Of Pandemic

Hear how FIRST Tech Challenge grows, competes and adapts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author Tells His Story About Buying A Rundown Hotel In A Small Iowa Town

Scott Fisher talks about his adventures in inn keeping in his new book.