Talk of Iowa
908 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 82 ratingsTalk 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
Beyond Hostas: A Variety Of Plants Grow In Shade
June 19, 2020 20:59 - 48 minutesWhat if you have a shady spot in your lawn and you don’t want to plant hostas?
Return To Learn: The Future Of Schools Post COVID-19
June 18, 2020 21:52 - 48 minutesStudents around the world experienced an abrupt, anticlimactic ending to their academic year. Although students are now officially on summer break, administrators and school leaders are actively creating plans for how to safely bring students back to the classroom in the fall.
Jazz In The Fight For Civil Rights
June 17, 2020 22:34 - 31 minutes - 1.82 KBThe impact of jazz music in America reaches far beyond the musical innovation of the genre. On today's episode of Talk of Iowa , Charity Nebbe speaks with Damani Phillips, director of jazz studies and associate professor of African-American studies at the University of Iowa , about the role jazz played during the fight for civil rights in the 1960s.
New Memoir About Griff, Drake University's Retiring Mascot
June 17, 2020 22:30 - 17 minutes - 1.02 KBAt Drake University, there is one top dog on campus: Griff the bulldog. Unfortunately, June 30 marks Griff's last day as Drake University's mascot. In the fall, "Griff II (aka, George)" will take his place during a change of harness ceremony. To honor Griff's tenure as mascot, author Gary Porter wrote a memoir about Griff entitled "Griff: My Life as Drake's Top Dog."
The Best New Fiction And Nonfiction Books To Read This Summer
June 16, 2020 13:07 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBThe coronavirus pandemic has made this a difficult time to sell books, an unfortunate time to publish a book and a wonderful time for many to read. In this edition of Talk of Iowa , it’s the annual summer books show. If you’re looking for powerful fiction, a read that might challenge your ideas and broaden your mind, poetry that explores the depths of joy, or a light-hearted escape, we have books for you.
Dig For History At Home With Talk Of Iowa Summer Camp
June 15, 2020 20:50 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBArchaeologists don’t have to travel the world to dig up history. In fact there might be an archaeological dig waiting for you in your trash can. During this episode of Talk of Iowa , learn how to explore history and heritage at home with Elizabeth Reetz of the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist.
Caring For Roses
June 12, 2020 20:01 - 49 minutes - 2.9 KBRoses are a great way to bring color and drama to your garden. Whatever beautiful species of rose is your favorite, Aaron Steil, assistant director of Reiman Gardens, and Richard Jauron of ISU Extension offer advice to get the most out of your roses.
Latinx Iowans Reflect On Disproportionate Impact Of COVID-19
June 11, 2020 22:03 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBHispanic and Latino Iowans make up only 6.2 percent of the state's population, but are disproportinately impacted by COVID-19, accounting for 27 percent of all positive cases, according to state data . On this episode of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe speaks to Latinx Iowans about their experiences and concerns regarding the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on their community.
"Delights And Shadows" Paints A Poetic Image Of The Midwest
June 10, 2020 21:52 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBFormer U.S. Poet Laureate Ted Kooser’s poetry is clear, accessible and powerful. His collection Delights & Shadows won the Pulitzer Prize for poetry, and the painterly language and relatable depictions of Midwestern life featured in the book have solidified Kooser’s place in American poetry history.
Theater Camp At Home
June 09, 2020 20:00 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBOn this episode of Talk of Iowa we’re going to the theater. The Des Moines Community Playhouse hosts summer camps every year, usually inviting young people into the playhouse to act, sing, dance, laugh and learn. This summer their camps have gone virtual. The first week of camp is underway, but there’s still time for you to get involved in the coming weeks. They’ve also agreed to bring theater camp to today’s show. What does it mean? Improvise ; verb, to make, invent or arrange offhand. Music...
Raising Black Kids In A Racist America
June 08, 2020 22:48 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBThe recent killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others have brought violence and racism against black Americans to the forefront of political and social conversation . Data from the advocacy group Mapping Police Violence shows that black Americans are at an increased risk of being killed by police, accounting for 24% of all people killed by police in 2019, despite making up only 13% of the nation’s population. The U.S. Department of Justice also reports that the victims...
No, That's Probably Not A Murder Hornet In Your Backyard
June 05, 2020 21:30 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBRemember all of those stories about the so-called ' murder hornet ?' A lot of it turned out to be hype, but invasive insects are a real threat. On this episode of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe is joined by Iowa State University professor of entomology Donald Lewis and Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist Richard Jauron for a look at what’s buzzing in your backyard. Experts also take questions from listeners across the state.
How To Be An Ally For Racial Justice
June 04, 2020 21:03 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBThe death of George Floyd at the hands of a white, Minneapolis police officer has sparked protests against police brutality and racial injustice worldwide. These protests are not just about George Floyd’s death, or even the deaths of Breonna Taylor or Ahmaud Arbery. This kind of violence is not new. Activists and individuals have been working for a long time to raise awareness and effect change. The visibility of this moment has led many people who haven't been involved in the past to ask: Wh...
Starting Your Deck Or Patio Project
June 03, 2020 20:26 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBWith many summer plans canceled or modified, it just might be a good time to cross a big project off your home improvement 'to do' list and build that deck. On this episode of Talk of Iowa , Charity Nebbe is joined by home improvement expert Bill McAnally. He guides us through the process of planning and building a deck and answers listener questions about the projects they're working on.
Exploring The Milky Way Galaxy And Beyond
June 01, 2020 22:05 - 48 minutes - 2.84 KBSummer may be a little different this year, but it's still a wonderful time for learning and adventure. Welcome to Talk of Iowa Summer Camp! Every Tuesday all summer long you can join us for "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages.
The Benefits Of A Diary
June 01, 2020 21:33 - 18 minutes - 1.06 KBWe are living through strange and difficult times. This is a period in history that will not be forgotten and you can contribute to the historical record by keeping a diary.
Nick Nurse On His Career And The Future Of Basketball
June 01, 2020 21:30 - 31 minutes - 1.82 KBAs a basketball player from Carroll, he helped the 1985 Kuemper Catholic High School team win the state high school basketball championship. Last year, as head coach, Nick Nurse led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship.
The Short, Beautiful Life Of Peonies
May 29, 2020 20:11 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBEvery spring they burst forth, usually in late May or early June. On this edition of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe is joined by Extension horticulturist Richard Jauron and Aaron Steil of Reiman Gardens to talk about the many different types of peonies and how to care for them. GUESTS : Aaron Steil , assistant director of Reiman Gardens Richard Jauron , ISU Extension horticulture specialist
The First Settlers Of Iowa
May 27, 2020 23:47 - 47 minutes - 2.8 KBWhile schools have been closed, we've hosted a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes designed to be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Moving forward, join us every Tuesday throughout the summer for learning and fun with "Talk of Iowa" Summer Camp .
Combating The Stigma Of COVID-19
May 27, 2020 22:24 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBCOVID-19 has touched all of our lives in some way. With nearly 18,000 confirmed cases in Iowa (as of May 27, 2020) more and more of us have had the disease, know someone who has had it or even lost someone to the disease. But for a variety of reasons many people feel uncomfortable sharing their personal experiences with COVID-19. They may fear they’ll be blamed for not taking enough precautions or that the loss of a loved one might be politicized.
Iowa’s Native Ecosystems
May 26, 2020 12:20 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. This is our last biology class, but join us every Tuesday throughout the summer for learning and fun with Talk of Iowa Summer Camp Before the land was transformed by settlement Iowa was covered with tall grass prairie. Over much of the state there was an ocean of tall grasses and flowers as far as the eye could see. There were wooded areas along many of the s...
Protecting Existing Trees
May 22, 2020 19:12 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBEven though many parts of life have slowed down lately, construction work continues to move forward. But building new houses, adding additions, patios, decks, and sidewalks might affect existing trees.
Iowa's Role During World War II
May 21, 2020 05:00 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
Our New Relationship With Leisure
May 20, 2020 21:58 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBThe COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed two important parts of life for almost every adult in the United States -- our relationships with work and leisure time. On this episode of Talk of Iowa , Charity Nebbe speaks with two men who study how we work and how we play.
How Did We Get Here? A Look At The Theory Of Evolution
May 19, 2020 13:26 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about biology, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history. On this edition of Talk of Iowa biologists Maurine Neiman and Jim Colbert will introduce listeners to the theory of evolution.
It's Time To Plant Tomatoes
May 15, 2020 21:30 - 47 minutes - 2.78 KBHeirloom or hybrid, cherry or grape, Roma or Amish Paste. When it comes to planting tomatoes, there are a lot of choices to make. On this episode of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe is joined by Richard Jauron, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist and Ajay Nair, associate professor of horticulture at Iowa State University and Extension vegetable specialist for a look at the do’s and don'ts of tomato planting and care. Guests include: Richard Jauron, Extension horticulture ...
Digging Up Iowa History
May 14, 2020 05:00 - 48 minutes - 2.87 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history. Editor's note: Due to a power outage in Iowa City we're airing this Iowa History program that originally aired on April 7, 2015. Did you know that Iowa is home to approximately 27,000 recorded archaeological sites? All over the state there are records of Iowans...
Iowa Writer’s Workshop Graduate Recalls Life in Halfway House
May 13, 2020 17:13 - 49 minutes - 2.91 KBThis program originally aired on July 11, 2018. In this episode of Talk of Iowa , Iowa Writer’s Workshop graduate Tom Macher talks with host Charity Nebbe about his debut memoir Halfway . He reflects on his childhood, growing up in a commune and a boys home, and the path that led him towards alcoholism. “I felt like [alcohol] was the thing that I had been missing my whole life,” Tom says. “It wasn’t that I was missing a relationship with my father, or whatever other hole we feel inside oursel...
On Being A Wild Parent
May 11, 2020 21:24 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
Creativity In Quarantine
May 11, 2020 16:43 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBCreative people often work in isolation, which means a shelter-in-place mentality is not unfamiliar. However, so many creative fields such as publishing and live music have affected people's livelihoods. With returning to normal off in the distance, we wanted to know how creative people have been handling this new world and how they've found comfort in the arts.
It's Planting Season
May 08, 2020 21:46 - 42 minutes - 2.52 KBOn this edition of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe speaks with Aaron Steil and Richard Jauron to guide listeners on selecting vegetables and annual flowers. They also answer questions about protecting gardens and plants from overnight frost warnings, and caring for plants as they begin to grow. GUESTS : Aaron Steil , assistant director of Reiman Gardens in Ames Richard Jauron , extension horticulture specialist at Iowa State University
Century Old Fight For Equality Continues
May 07, 2020 23:37 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history. The nation is celebrating the 100 th anniversary of the 19 th Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment gave women the right to vote. During this episode of Talk of Iowa , political scientist Karen Kedrowski explains how the 19 th Amendment was the culminat...
"Eligible" Puts A Modern, Midwestern Spin On Jane Austen
May 06, 2020 21:33 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBIn her book Eligible , author Curtis Sittenfeld retells the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice with a modern, Midwestern twist. The Bennet family lives in Cincinnati, Liz Bennet is a journalist in her late 30’s and the bachelors Bingley and Darcy are wealthy doctors with coastal ties.
Woodpeckers: Carpenters Of The Bird World
May 04, 2020 22:55 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
Will Your Summer Plans Be Dampened By COVID-19?
May 04, 2020 22:47 - 30 minutes - 1.78 KBSummer is just around the corner and this year it comes with a great deal of uncertainty. As businesses begin to reopen, how do you decide what level of risk you’re comfortable with? On this edition of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe is joined by Dr. Rossana Rossa, an infectious diseases specialist, to discuss how Iowans are going to have to make hard choices about whether to partake in recreational activities over the coming months.
A Quest To Climb All 7 Summits
May 04, 2020 18:41 - 17 minutes - 1.02 KBThe first Iowa woman to summit Mount Everest back in 2016 is on a mission to climb all seven of the highest peaks in the world. The 7 summit seeker has one left – Mount Vinson on the continent of Antarctica. The mountain peaks at 4,892 meters or 16,050 feet high, and Iowa native and climber, Jen Loeb, is hoping to conquer her expedition in November of 2021.
Short On Outdoor Space? Try A Container Garden.
May 04, 2020 13:18 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBGardening isn’t limited to sprawling backyards and hand-built raised beds. With just a few buckets, pails or pots you can transform even the smallest balcony or patio into a healthy and diverse container garden bursting with spring flavor.
Making History Come To Life
April 29, 2020 22:58 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
IPR's Rob Dillard Reflects On More Than Two Decades Of Radio
April 29, 2020 22:52 - 30 minutes - 1.78 KBFor the past 20 years, Iowa Public Radio’s Rob Dillard has been working hard to keep Iowans informed and share some of Iowa’s unique voices.
Factory Workers Are The Heroes In New Film "Working Man"
April 29, 2020 22:49 - 17 minutes - 1.02 KBWhat does it mean to find a sense of self in work? The new film " Working Man " explores this question through a group of laid off factory workers as they fight for the reopening of their fictional factory -- the last of its kind in the small Midwestern city where they live.
Iowa's Furry Wetland Creatures
April 27, 2020 22:27 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history. The animals we’ll learn about on this edition of Talk of Iowa excel at swimming, holding their breaths and have coats that humans envy. Wildlife biologist Jim Pease will introduce listeners to some of the hairy critters that make their homes in Iowa’s wetlands....
Class Of 2020 Mourns End-Of-Year Celebrations, But Remains Focused On Future
April 27, 2020 18:09 - 47 minutes - 2.8 KBThe Iowa high school class of 2020 is experiencing a very different senior year than any class that has come before it. In many cases, prom has already been canceled. Year books will go unsigned. There will be no final performances or competitions. Commencement ceremonies are canceled, postponed or will go virtual. During a time when so many people are sick or have died of COVID-19, it may seem trivial to focus on this loss, but for seniors who have spent 13 years of schooling building up to ...
Arbor Day And The Best Ways To Plant Trees
April 24, 2020 19:52 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBOn this episode of Talk of Iowa , Charity Nebbe invites Richard Jauron and Aaron Steil to talk about the best methods for planting trees this arbor day. Jauron and Steil also answer listener questions about the plants and trees in their lives. Guests: Aaron Steil , assistant director, Reiman Gardens Richard Jauron , extension horticulture specialist, Iowa State University
Sacrifice In Times Of Crisis
April 22, 2020 20:35 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
Faith During COVID-19
April 22, 2020 20:12 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBFor those who identify as spiritual or religious, faith may offer comfort and support in a time of overwhelming uncertainty. But with houses of worship shuttered and group meetings restricted, faith groups are being forced to get creative and focus on remote accessibility.
Wading Birds: Am I Heron You Right?
April 21, 2020 14:01 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
Distance Learning Creates Barriers For Some Special Ed Students
April 20, 2020 21:42 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBEducators, parents and students are all struggling to find their way through distance learning, but the challenges can be even greater for special education students.
Slugs And Snails Coming To A Garden Near You
April 17, 2020 21:19 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBThey’re slimy, gray, hungry and love to eat holes in the leaves of your hostas. On this edition of Talk of Iowa , host Charity Nebbe speaks with Entomologist Donald Lewis, Horticulturist Richard Jauron and Forester Mark Vitosh about slugs and their fellow gastropods – snails. Listeners also get their questions answered about plants and trees. Guests: Mark Vitosh , Iowa DNR Forester Donald Lewis , professor of entomology at Iowa State University Richard Jauron , Iowa State University Extension...
The History Of Childhood In Iowa
April 15, 2020 20:50 - 47 minutes - 2.81 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.
Spring Chorus: Iowa's Frogs And Toads
April 14, 2020 14:21 - 47 minutes - 2.8 KBWhile schools are closed, we're creating a series of "Talk of Iowa" episodes that will be fun and educational for learners of all ages. Every Tuesday, we'll learn about Iowa wildlife, and every Thursday, we'll learn about Iowa history.