AREA Podcast

On AREA Podcast episode #030, we’re joined by Rob Sand, 2026 Democratic nominee for Governor of Iowa. He shares his journey from Decorah to public service, his experience as Iowa State Auditor, and his perspective on the economy, public education, costs, and the future of Iowa.

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

Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar - https://heartlandroofingandsiding.com

On AREA Podcast episode #029, we’re joined by Zach Lahn, 2026 Republican nominee for Governor of Iowa. He shares his journey as a sixth-generation Iowan, businessman, and farmer, his experience running a statewide campaign, and his vision for the future of Iowa.

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

Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar - https://heartlandroofingandsiding.com

On AREA Podcast episode #028, we’re joined by Jamie Pollard, Endowed Cyclone Director of Athletics at Iowa State University. He reflects on 21 years of leadership at Iowa State, the transformation of Cyclone athletics, his decision to retire, the vision behind CyTown and the future of Iowa State Athletics.

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

Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar - https://heartlandroofingandsiding.com

On AREA Podcast episode #027, we’re joined by NASCAR driver Carson Ware and Andrew Allen, President & CEO of YSS, as they share the story behind the “Before It Becomes More” campaign. They discuss Ware’s journey through addiction and recovery, the importance of reducing stigma, and how he's using his NASCAR platform to encourage others to seek help.

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

Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Solar - https://heartlandroofingandsiding.com

On AREA Podcast episode #026, we’re joined by Nicole Romey, owner of Bold Dance by Peach. She shares her journey from lifelong dancer to entrepreneur, how she built a studio centered on confidence and belonging, and why dance is about much more than performance. It’s about developing skills that last a lifetime.

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 #025, we're joined by Kent Rotert, Vice President at Colorbiotics. He shares his journey helping build the company into an industry leader, how Colorbiotics has grown through multiple ownership transitions, and why innovation and customer focus continue to drive its success from Ames to markets around the world.

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 #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