On AREA Podcast episode #024, we’re joined by Grace Larkey, Community Affairs Advisor at Chevron. Grace shares her journey from a northwest Iowa farm to renewable energy communications, how community involvement has shaped her career, and why mentorship, relationships, and regional partnerships are important to the future of the Ames region.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

On AREA Podcast episode #023, we’re joined by Paul Shirley, former Iowa State Cyclone basketball player turned author. He shares his journey as a professional basketball player across the NBA and overseas, his transition into writing, and how his work today helps individuals and teams build better habits, find focus, and create more meaningful work.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

On AREA Podcast episode #022, we’re joined by Brent Shanks, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Pyrone Systems. He shares his journey from academic research to launching a biotech startup, how Pyrone is developing sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals, and what it takes to bring breakthrough science into real-world use.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

On AREA Podcast episode #021, we’re joined by Dr. David Cook, President of Iowa State University. He shares his journey back to Ames to lead his alma mater, his leadership approach, and how Iowa State is building on its land-grant mission to drive innovation, workforce development, and economic impact across the state.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org

Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

On AREA Podcast episode #020, we’re joined by Ashley Thompson, President & CEO of United Way of Story County. Ashley shares her leadership journey, the evolving needs across the community, and how the United Way is bringing partners together to address challenges and drive long-term impact across Story County.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org

Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

On AREA Podcast episode #019, we’re joined by Mike Espeset, CEO at Story Construction. He shares his leadership journey within an employee-owned company, how Story Construction continues to grow across Iowa, and why culture, clear systems, and community engagement are key to long-term success.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org

Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org

On AREA Podcast episode #018, we’re joined by Clayton Mooney, co-founder, CEO, and Chief Farmer at Clayton Farms. He shares his unconventional path from professional poker to agriculture, how discipline and risk-taking shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and how his passion for running and ultramarathons influences how he builds and leads.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org

On AREA Podcast episode #017, we’re joined by Ag Tech Innovator and Investor Roger Underwood. He shares his entrepreneurial journey scaling Becker Underwood into a global company, his outlook on the future of agriculture, and why innovation, technology, and the Ames region are central to what comes next for the industry.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

On AREA Podcast episode #016, we are joined by Valerie Grubb, internationally-recognized keynote speaker and author on leadership. She shares insights from her corporate career, the realities of leading across generations, and practical strategies leaders can use to strengthen culture, retain talent, and elevate their teams.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Colorbiotics - https://www.colorbiotics.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org

On AREA Podcast episode #015, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University. She shares her journey to becoming the university’s first female president, her approach to leadership and innovation, and how Iowa State drives research and economic growth across Iowa and beyond.

The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com

Colorbiotics - https://www.colorbiotics.com

Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org