In this episode of Downtown Dish, hosts Anna Moyers Stone and Charlie Nusser chat about Iowa City’s pre-holiday events—like the Kids Market, Hunt for the Elves, and Small Business Saturday—before welcoming Leslie Nolte, founder of Nolte Academy, the Iowa Conservatory (ICON), and the James Theater. Leslie shares her journey as a dancer, entrepreneur, and arts advocate, discussing ICON’s impact as Iowa’s only accredited visual and performing arts high school, her experiences running downtown businesses, and the vibrant arts community she’s helped build. The conversation is full of local stories, laughter, and inspiration for supporting creativity in Iowa City.

About Downtown Dish: The hit Iowa City radio show is now a hit Iowa City podcast! Join Anna and Charlie every month as they dish on everything about downtown Iowa City, including interviews with area movers and shakers, news headlines, and even some spicy gossip!

This show is presented in partnership between the Downtown Iowa City District and the Corridor Business Journal, and is produced and distributed by Upload Media Group.