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
14-year-old Iowa scientist named finalist in national 3M competition with emission-reducing idea
August 04, 2022 12:00Shanza Sami, 14, is taking on air pollution in a powerful way. She's developed an extension for catalytic converters designed to reduce emissions from vehicles that run on fossil fuels
Iowa's Minnette Doderer was a trailblazer
August 02, 2022 12:00In this episode, an exerpt from IPR's podcast From the Archives reflects on the career of Iowa legislator Minnette Doderer, who fought for equal treatment for men and women.
Discover alternative berries to plant in your garden
July 30, 2022 12:00You're in for a berry special treat for this Horticulture Day edition of Talk of Iowa.
An event highlighting the lived experiences of Black women returns plus a look at a debut Iowa play that spotlights dementia
July 29, 2022 11:00A new play being staged in eastern Iowa that tells the story of a family caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease hits close to home for its cast and crew.
Iowan addresses past abuses of Midwestern lands and offers hope in new book
July 28, 2022 12:00Neil Hamilton's new book The Land Remains blends personal memoir, a history of Midwestern land conservation, and an analysis of contemporary environmental issues to tell the story of how land shapes our lives.
Legacy of Cedar Falls musician continues nearly four decades after his passing
July 27, 2022 12:00A country blues artist whose life and music was featured at the Hearst Center for the Arts earlier this year is now being recognized posthumously with the 2022 Melendy Spirit Award from the Cedar Falls Community Foundation.
Backyard beekeeping and a peek at the latest episode of 'From the Archives'
July 26, 2022 12:00A conversation on beekeeping and an excerpt from the latest episode of IPR's From the Archives.
What to do about those Japanese beetles
July 23, 2022 11:00On this horticulture day: monarch butterflies — which were recently listed as endangered — and what we can do as individuals to support the species. We’ll also talk about the Japanese beetle — the most destructive insect pest in the landscape and garden.
Amid rising COVID cases and little guidance, some of the most vulnerable Iowans feel left behind
July 22, 2022 12:00Health care experts and Iowans who are at high-risk for death and severe illness from COVID-19 share their personal stories about this stage of the pandemic.
The Dream Team celebrates 25 years of training young riders for RAGBRAI
July 21, 2022 12:00As thousands of riders prepare for RAGBRAI next week, one bike team is celebrating 25 years of working with young riders on and off the course.
The Hate U Give tells fictional story that could be ripped from the headlines
July 20, 2022 12:00The Talk of Iowa Book Club has been reading the young adult novel The Hate U Give, one of the most banned books in the United States, including in Iowa.
Tips for roof repair
July 19, 2022 12:00A home improvement expert discusses when it’s time for a new roof and how to go about replacing it.
Fields of gold in your own backyard
July 16, 2022 12:00Experts share how to grow a favorite summer treat on a cob in your own backyard.
Tree tatters and other foliage afflictions
July 09, 2022 11:00Experts troubleshoot how to address various issues with trees.
A look back at the 1619 Freedom School's first year and its future
July 08, 2022 12:00The 1619 Freedom School in Waterloo is a free after-school program designed to help students improve their literacy and develop a love for reading through a curriculum centered on Black American history.
King Lear's Iowa page turner set to music in premiere opera
July 07, 2022 12:00Author Jane Smiley's literary retelling of King Lear, A Thousand Acres, is taking the stage as part of Des Moines Metro Opera's 50th season.
Legendary performer Simon Estes ends nearly 60-year operatic career
July 06, 2022 12:00The Des Moines Metro Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess will be Simon Estes’ final opera before he retires at age 84.
Caring for trees planted since the derecho
July 02, 2022 11:00As we approach the second anniversary of the 2020 derecho there are many newly planted trees in Iowa. Good care can help them grow strong.
More young adults are reconsidering parenthood
July 01, 2022 12:00An increasing number of young adults report not wanting children. Host Charity Nebbe speaks with filmmaker Therese Shechter, whose most recent documentary "examines what it means to say no to motherhood in a society that assumes all women want children, and an Iowa doctor witnessing a recent spike in the number of men seeking vasectomies. Also this hour, 9-year-old Matthew Lamb from Iowa City discusses his recent role on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building.
Exploring Iowa's rivers
June 30, 2022 12:00An Iowa State professor shares the benefits of adventuring in Iowa’s rivers and the potential hazards to be aware of while paddling.
LGBTQ representation in history and literature
June 29, 2022 11:00This pride month, revisit Charity Nebbe’s conversation awith historians about preserving narratives from LGBTQ+ Iowans. Later in the hour, a Des Moines librarian shares some of her favorite LGBTQ+ reads.
Kids under 5 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine
June 28, 2022 11:00A pediatrician shares the benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations for children, and the creator of Iowa Vaccine Alerts talks about the limited availability of doses.
50 years since Title IX, Iowa women share how the law impacted them
June 24, 2022 12:00Title IX passed 50 years ago, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal funds. Though the impacts have been broad, the law is best known for opening the doors for women's sports.
Why men avoid the doctor
June 23, 2022 12:05According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, 65% of male participants say they avoid the doctor. A Mercy physician discusses the importance of preventive care.
Using Buddhist teachings and the science of psychology to get unstuck
June 22, 2022 12:00The author of “Finding the Freedom to Get Unstuck and Be Happier” unpacks how the findings of Buddhism and psychology can change our lives.
Highlights from Juneteenth: The Movement 2022
June 21, 2022 22:07Black artists from across Iowa perform, discuss the meaning of the Juneteenth celebration and talk about how their experiences as Black Iowans fuel their music.
Planning for and adapting to evolving landscapes
June 18, 2022 12:00The plants that we live with are constantly growing and changing and as the landscape evolves, we may need to change with it.
Experts share baby formula resources and advice amid the shortage
June 17, 2022 12:00Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa Director Jean Drulis and UnityPoint Pediatrician Dr. Katie Halyko join the conversation. Then, Charity Nebbe talks with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks about her latest novel, Horse.
Juneteenth celebrations grow as Iowa journalist films Black changemakers
June 16, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe and guests discuss the history of Juneteenth and the recent swell of Juneteenth celebrations in Iowa. Later on, journalist Ty Rushing shares his new documentary on Iowa PBS that tackles how to end racism.
Smiley's Shakespeare retelling will hit the stage in opera adaptation
June 15, 2022 12:00The Talk of Iowa Book Club has been reading A Thousand Acres, by Jane Smiley. Host Charity Nebbe discusses the book's impact with the author, as well as two expert readers, including one who has adapted the book into an opera premiering next month.
Meskwaki artist describes growing up in Cedar Falls
June 14, 2022 12:00When Duane Slick was a child growing up in Cedar Falls, his parents told him not to talk about his Meskwaki and Ho-Chunk heritage at school. He followed their code of silence, but found a way to express himself through art.
Groundcovers that get the job done and won't take over
June 11, 2022 12:00Reiman Gardens Director Ed Lyon joins this episode of Garden Variety to discuss groundcovers. Then ISU's Aaron Steil joins the show to answer your horticulture questions.
Professional book lovers share their favorite summer reads for kids and young adults
June 09, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe discusses the best new books for children and young adults with Amanda Lepper of Dog Eared Books in Ames, Becky Preston of the Des Moines Public Library, and Iowa City teacher/librarian Devin Redmond.
Local booksellers share their top summer reads for adults
June 08, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe chats with independent Iowa booksellers about their favorite reads for the summer.
Disability Rights Iowa's mission for a more accessible state
June 07, 2022 12:00Catherine Johnson, executive director of Disability Rights Iowa, shares her passion for advocacy and vision for a more accessible future. Plus, an Iowa Public Radio episode of From the Archives looks back on a speech Richard Nixon delivered in defense of the Vietnam War.
Getting rid of ants in your home and garden
June 04, 2022 12:00On this Horticulture Day episode of Talk of Iowa, Charity Nebbe talks ants with Iowa State University entomologist Donald Lewis before the Hort Day team answers your questions.
Please touch the art: Iowa artist explores disability rights in her multi-sensory work
June 03, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe talks to Iowa-based artist Jill Wells and mentees of her Artist X Advocacy program.
Writers' workshop alum explores ambition and idealism in new novel
June 02, 2022 12:00Award-winning author Alexander Maksik discusses his latest novel, and guests from Good Neighbor Iowa discuss the pros of chemical-free lawn care.
A look back over the extraordinary career of ISU's Donald Lewis
June 01, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe talks to Donald Lewis about insects, his career and retirement.
The finer points of planting and caring for sweet potatoes
May 28, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe talks to Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist Dan Fillius about growing and caring for sweet potatoes.
How native plants sustain our ecosystems
May 27, 2022 12:00Listen back to Charity Nebbe's 2019 interview with Doug Tallamy about how using native plants in your landscape can support a vibrant local ecosystem.
Spanish speaking Iowans search for news and information in their native language
May 26, 2022 12:00Host Charity Nebbe and her guests talk about efforts to improve information access for Spanish Speaking Iowans including IPR News En Español and the work of Hola Iowa.
The research surrounding COVID-19 and its connection to diabetes
May 25, 2022 12:00Even mild SARS-CoV-2 infections increase a patient's chance of developing diabetes, according to a growing body of reserach.
Debra Marquart goes right to the heart of Iowa culture and reveals her heart in new essays
May 24, 2022 12:00Charity Nebbe talks to Debra Marquart, Iowa’s Poet Laureate, about her book The Night We Landed on the Moon: Essays Between Exile & Belonging.
Strategies for keeping peonies, irises and other spring blooms for longer
May 21, 2022 12:00Herbaceous peonies are a beautiful spring sight but heavy rains and powdery mildew can sunset these blooms before their time.
Paula Oberbroeckling's cold case and the weekly 5K that's part of an international movement
May 20, 2022 12:00Listen back to Charity Nebbe's conversation with Katherine Dykstra about the 50-year-old cold case of Paula Oberbroekling.
A frank conversation about preventing youth suicide
May 19, 2022 12:00Suicide is the number two leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 24, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This hour, resources for recognizing suicidal ideation in young people and how to broach the subject.
The best use of concrete
May 18, 2022 11:00There's a big difference between concrete pavers and stamped concrete. But depending on your situation, one may be a better fit for your patio than the other.
Virtual reality, a suspicious death and a Coralville retirement home at the center of a new novel
May 17, 2022 11:00A new novel explores the relationship between virtual and actual reality. And a new IPR podcast looks back at the audio treasures of yesteryear.
Apple trees and Iowa's early summer temperatures
May 14, 2022 12:00Whether it's a sour cherry or Goldrush apple, any number of bugs or blights can render fruit-bearing trees fruitless.