In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe and Food Bank of Iowa, Maxwell sits down with legendary Des Moines radio personality Jimmy Wright, whose remarkable 37-year career in the market—35 of them at a single station—has cemented his status as a cornerstone of local broadcasting. The two reflect on Jimmy’s journey, beginning with his early days at Buena Vista College, where the encouragement of a professor and a serendipitous internship opportunity opened doors to his lifelong passion for radio.

Jimmy shares vivid memories of his ascent in the industry, recalling pivotal moments like his start at KDWZ, his tenure at Q-102 during its heyday, and the evolution of STAR 102.5. He highlights the role of mentorship and collaboration, crediting influential figures such as Maxwell, Tom Martins, and others who guided him along the way.

Listeners are treated to anecdotes about the Midwest’s tight-knit radio community, the transformative power of music, and unforgettable moments with artists like Jon Bon Jovi, Ludacris, and Teddy Swims. Jimmy’s infectious enthusiasm for his craft shines through as he discusses his signature radio shows, from Club Z93 to Totally ‘80s Friday Night, and his dedication to blending pop with diverse influences.

Beyond the microphone, Jimmy reflects on the joys of boating at Saylorville Lake, where he finds peace away from the demands of his multifaceted role as an on-air personality, programmer, and mentor. He also speaks candidly about the challenges facing modern radio, from industry-wide stress to the need for localism in programming.

With his unwavering love for the medium, Jimmy remains a beacon of consistency and creativity. His commitment to showcasing local talent, staying connected to his audience, and delivering joy through the airwaves serves as an inspiration for aspiring broadcasters and a testament to the enduring power of community-focused radio.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa

In this engaging episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe and Food Bank of Iowa, Maxwell sits down with Neil Pond, a former Iowa resident and a freelance national entertainment writer and editor. With a career spanning decades in the country music industry, Neil reflects on his fascinating journey, beginning with his time at Country America Magazine in Des Moines and extending to his dynamic career as a writer, editor, and drummer in Nashville.

Neil shares his experience working at Music City News in Nashville before moving to Iowa to join Meredith Corporation, where he played a pivotal role in connecting the Country America publication with the Nashville Network during the golden age of 1990s country music. From ice skating in Central Park with Shania Twain to teaching Billy Ray Cyrus how to play Marco Polo, Neil recounts behind-the-scenes moments that offer a rare glimpse into the humanity of country music stars. He also highlights his close relationships with legends like Garth Brooks and Dwight Yoakam.

Listeners will enjoy Neil’s reflections on the evolution of country music, the industry's shift from its humble roots to its modern complexities, and the enduring impact of the '80s and '90s on today's music scene. Neil also discusses his current role as a movie critic, his involvement with a Blondie tribute band, Blondeme, and his insights into the ever-changing landscape of Nashville’s music industry.

This episode is rich with anecdotes about icons like Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, and George Jones, and features Neil’s thoughts on up-and-coming artists like Grace Bowers. Whether you're a country music fan, a follower of Nashville's evolving culture, or simply enjoy a good story, this episode is a treasure trove of memories and insights.

Tune in for an entertaining journey through Neil Pond’s life and career, celebrating his deep connection to Iowa and his enduring passion for storytelling.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa

In this engaging episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe and Food Bank of Iowa, Maxwell sits down with Kipper McGee, a former Iowa radio manager, digital media consultant, and author of Brandwidth: How Big Broadcasting Is Missing the Mediamorphosis. Together, they delve into the rapid technological, economic, and cultural shifts impacting the radio industry and its future in the digital age.

McGee reflects on radio's transformation, highlighting how technological advancements—from transistor radios to smartphones—have altered the way audiences consume audio content. He explains how streaming, podcasts, and platforms like TikTok and YouTube have not only fragmented audiences but also shifted advertiser priorities, leaving radio to grapple with declining reach and revenue.

Maxwell and McGee candidly discuss the challenges facing radio, including debt-driven cost-cutting, loss of local engagement, and the erosion of community-centric programming. McGee laments the industry's "death by a thousand cuts" as valuable local talent and iconic formats are sacrificed for short-term savings. Yet, he sees hope in radio's potential to adapt by embracing its core strengths: community connection, live engagement, and human creativity.

They also explore the parallels between today’s media landscape and past entertainment shifts, likening radio's current struggle to vaudeville's decline in the 20th century. McGee stresses the need for radio to reinvent itself by integrating digital platforms, fostering niche "vertical" communities, and innovating with new content models. He suggests radio's future lies in creating meaningful, hyperlocal, and engaging experiences that cannot be replicated by algorithms.

In closing, McGee remains optimistic, urging the industry to embrace change rather than resist it. He underscores the vital role of community-focused programming and the unique power of radio to thrive even in emergencies. Maxwell concludes by praising McGee's expertise and passion, emphasizing the importance of supporting radio's evolution into its next chapter.

Be sure to check out Kipper's podcast Brandwidth On Demand on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food Bank of Iowa

Food Bank of Iowa

In this special "Weekend Pour" episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Abe Goldstein, a multifaceted Iowan known for his community involvement and accordion skills, to share the fascinating story of how he became a spokesperson for WELLABE.

Abe humorously recounts his journey, starting as a loyal customer who received a marketing packet addressed “Well, Abe” after the company rebranded. Mistaking it as a personalized joke, Abe embraced the moment, sharing a playful social media post donning WELLABE-branded gear. To his surprise, this led to an official offer to represent the company online.

Throughout the conversation, Abe's wit and storytelling shine. He recalls childhood memories of searching fruitlessly for souvenirs bearing his name and how WELLABE's personalized touch resonated with him. From this serendipitous beginning, Abe now interviews individuals about their retirement planning and insurance needs for WELLABE, blending conversation with his signature humor.

The discussion also highlights Abe's broader contributions to Iowa's cultural scene. As head of the Community Jazz Center and an active volunteer with the Iowa State Fair and local schools, Abe epitomizes civic engagement. Maxwell dives into Abe's passion for connecting people through music and his knack for taking on tasks—just don’t ask him to sit on a committee!

Abe reflects on his insurance journey, emphasizing the importance of trusting professionals and WELLABE’s array of products, from Medicare supplements to dental coverage. Sharing his own retirement experiences, he underscores the value of preparation, trust, and community support.

This episode, rich in humor and insight, celebrates Abe’s unique blend of advocacy, creativity, and charm, embodying the vibrant spirit of Iowa. Tune in for a heartwarming and entertaining conversation that’s sure to leave you smiling—and maybe even thinking about your own insurance needs.

And be sure to check out Abe's video series with WELLABE by clicking HERE!

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by WELLABE, Maxwell chats with Terry Rich, an Iowa native whose journey from a college math major to a cable TV pioneer and entrepreneur is as compelling as it is inspiring. Terry recounts his early days in cable television, starting as a producer-director in Des Moines when the industry was just taking root. Hired by the legendary Bill Riley, Terry began door-to-door sales to promote the novel concept of cable TV—learning to embrace rejection and cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit.

Terry reflects on the rapid growth of the industry, likening it to the modern podcasting boom. From assisting in the launch of MTV and CNN to working alongside visionaries like Ted Turner, Terry’s career flourished in this dynamic environment. He humorously recalls his initial indifference to stock options, which eventually turned into life-changing rewards.

The conversation also explores Terry’s transition into management, where he oversaw expansions in central Iowa and beyond. He candidly discusses the challenges of restructuring teams and the lessons learned from mentors who valued fairness and honesty.

After stepping away from cable, Terry's life took another turn. Propelled by his entrepreneurial mindset and connections from a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, he launched several ventures, including a satellite uplink service, a radio station, and a newsletter business. Terry emphasizes the importance of diversification in business and the value of working for others before going solo.

This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and the willingness to raise your hand for new opportunities. From rural Iowa to national stages, Terry Rich’s story inspires listeners to embrace change and think beyond the conventional. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply enjoy a good story, this episode offers valuable insights and a hearty dose of humor.

In a special Christmas episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, Maxwell sits down with Father Michael Amadeo, Pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Des Moines, for a heartfelt conversation exploring the timeless story of Christmas and its deeper meaning. Father Amadeo eloquently draws parallels between ancient Bethlehem and modern-day Iowa, reflecting on how God’s choice of a humble town for the birth of Jesus underscores a message of divine closeness to the lowly and forgotten.

Father Amadeo provides rich insights into the biblical narrative, emphasizing the humanity and faith of Mary and Joseph. He recounts Mary's fear and courage upon learning of her role in the Nativity, Joseph's profound faith in accepting the angel's guidance, and the societal challenges both faced. Their story resonates with themes of perseverance, community support, and trust in God during life's most uncertain moments.

The conversation delves into the broader cast of characters surrounding Jesus' birth, from the marginalized shepherds to the mysterious magi, all seeking the light in a time of darkness. Father Amadeo explores how the Christmas story reveals a God who enters the messiness of human existence, bringing hope and healing to those burdened by life's trials.

Through historical and theological reflections, including the origins of December 25th as the date of celebration, Father Amadeo ties the ancient story to enduring truths. He emphasizes that the essence of Christmas lies in the assurance that we are never alone—God’s presence and the strength of communal bonds offer light even in the darkest times.

For Father Amadeo, Christmas represents hope: the promise of a greater plan beyond our struggles and the invitation to allow light and reconciliation to guide our lives. His reflections offer a meaningful reminder of the season’s true spirit—a message of faith, love, and resilience.

In this special edition of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, “The Weekend Pour,” Maxwell dives deep into the fascinating world of Iowa’s music and concert photography with the legendary Mark Lage. Known for his uncanny ability to capture the raw emotion and energy of live performances, Mark’s work has graced local publications, magazines, and album covers, creating a visual legacy of Iowa’s vibrant music scene.

With a career spanning decades, Mark recounts his journey from acing a single college photography class at Grand View to amassing over 144,000 photos in the last six years alone. He shares how his dual passion for beauty and design, honed during a career as a hairstylist, naturally extended into photography. His unique approach—waiting for the perfect moment and understanding the rhythm of music—sets his images apart, capturing the soul of performers and their craft.

Mark also discusses the challenges of shooting in live settings, from battling obstructive microphones to navigating crowded pits at major festivals like Hinterland. He reminisces about working with local bands like Flipside, as well as his collaborations with cherished Iowa musicians, including The Nadas and Ducharme-Jones Band.

A highlight of the conversation is Mark’s stunning coffee table book, a 302-page masterpiece featuring over 1,000 photos from five years of Iowa music history. He credits international artist and mentor Oyoram and designer Lindsay Murray for inspiring and shaping the project, which captures iconic moments from events like PorchFest and Monday Night Live at xBk.

Available at MarkLagePhoto.com, the book serves as both a tribute to Iowa’s thriving music community and a nostalgic keepsake for fans. With plans to chronicle an entire decade of Iowa music, Mark remains a cornerstone of the state’s artistic culture in his retirement.

This heartfelt episode celebrates the artistry, dedication, and community that make Iowa’s music scene unforgettable.

A special thanks to WELLABE for helping to support these podcasts!

In this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, presented by Wellabe, Maxwell sits down with director William Rock and actor Stephanie Schneider to explore their journey of creating the upcoming independent film, Jury of Her Peers. Set in rural Iowa in 1900, the film is inspired by a real-life axe murder and the subsequent trial of a farm wife accused of killing her husband. The filmmakers weave a compelling narrative of isolation, friendship, and resilience while capturing the social dynamics of the early 20th century.

William Rock shares the genesis of the project, tracing its roots to a chance discovery of the story during a scenic drive through Medora, Iowa, during the pandemic. His research unearthed the historical murder case that inspired journalist Susan Glaspell to write a one-act play and short story, both now in the public domain. Rock saw the potential for a modern retelling that preserves its haunting themes and layered characters.

Stephanie Schneider, who plays Dora Hale, the accused farm wife, reflects on the emotional depth and challenges of portraying a character navigating loneliness and societal judgment. She highlights the intricate dynamics between her character and others, including estranged family members and friends, as they grapple with personal and communal trials.

The filmmakers also discuss the logistical challenges of independent filmmaking in Iowa, from securing authentic period locations to assembling a talented cast and crew. With a shoestring budget and a dedicated team, they emphasize the importance of collaboration, creativity, and determination. The project has attracted a skilled local crew, including award-winning cinematographer John Hanson, known for his success in the 48-Hour Film Festival circuit.

Set to release in early 2025, Jury of Her Peers promises to be a testament to the burgeoning independent film scene in Iowa. Maxwell highlights the team’s dedication to storytelling and their efforts to inspire a new wave of local filmmaking. Follow the link for details on the film's release - https://www.juryofherpeers.com/

On "The Weekend Pour" - a special edition of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast - Maxwell sits down with Matt Roberts, Chief Planning Officer at Syverson Strege, to discuss crucial year-end tax and financial planning strategies. (*More about Matt, and a recap of our conversation with additional useful information is below!)

With the December 31st deadline looming, Matt emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, particularly for charitable giving. He explains the thresholds for deductions and highlights tools like donor-advised funds for flexible, impactful giving.

The conversation also delves into preparing for potential tax code changes in 2025, offering actionable advice for navigating uncertain tax landscapes. Matt discusses accelerating income or deductions based on future tax scenarios and the importance of collaborating with CPAs for accurate tax projections.

Listeners learn about Syverson Strege’s comprehensive financial planning approach, which includes retirement and estate planning. Matt also introduces their Financial Foundations program, aimed at teaching younger generations budgeting and saving basics. This insightful episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in their financial journey.

*Matt Roberts, MFM, CFP®, CAP®, is the Chief Planning Officer at Syverson Strege and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner. He is committed to serving others to enrich and empower their lives. His primary focus is to ensure clients maximize what they desire from their money and reach their personal and financial goals. Matt strives to provide peace of mind, joy, and clarity of personal and family wealth through comprehensive financial planning strategies. Matt also leads the firm’s Planning Committee which is responsible for the oversight of the financial process. He earned his B.S. in finance from Iowa State University and a Master of Financial Management (MFM) degree from Drake University.

A recap of our conversation and some extra info:

With the end of the year fast approaching, now is the time to ensure your ducks are in a row to take advantage of charitable giving opportunities, tax-deferred growth investments, and other tax-related strategies. 

 Items to Handle Before December 31

• Gifts to charity must be made before the end of the year. This includes gifts of cash, securities, and personal property. In addition, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) will need to be made by the end of the year to provide benefit in 2024. 
• Consider a Donor Advised Fund for larger charitable gifts to generate a deduction this year, while delaying the actual gift to charity to when it makes sense for you.
• This may sound odd, but there could be a case made to generate more income in 2024 if possible. This could include harvesting capital gains or doing a Roth conversion. With the potential sunset of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at the end of 2025, tax rates may increase in 2026.
• If you have access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan such as a 401(k) or 403(b), you could consider maximizing the contributions you put into the plan. The maximum employee contribution for a 401(k) and 403(b) is $23,000. An additional contribution of $7,500 can be made for those 50 or older. Unlike IRA contributions, these contributions need to be made before year-end to qualify for 2024.

 Items That Could be Handled Before April 15

• Traditional and Roth IRA contributions can be made up until you file your taxes or April 15. The maximum contribution is $7,000 with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution for those 50 or older.
• Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions may also be made up until you file your taxes or April 15. The maximum contribution to an HSA for an individual is $4,150 or $8,300 for a family. There is a $1,000 catch-up if you are 55 or older.
• As a parent or grandparent, you may have established a 529 Plan to help save for college. Each state has their own rules regarding the deductibility of contributions that can offset state income taxes. You can see your state rules by clicking here. 

 Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast is presented by Wellabe. Be well.

On this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, sponsored by WELLABE, Maxwell sits down with Luke Dickens, the charismatic owner of Vinyl Cup Records and Marv’s Record Shop. A self-made entrepreneur with a passion for vinyl, Luke shares the fascinating journey that led him from a basement startup to managing four thriving record stores and collaborating with legendary musicians.

The conversation dives into the modern resurgence of vinyl, its tactile appeal, and the challenges posed by skyrocketing production costs. Luke offers a candid perspective on the state of the industry, balancing the niche appeal of vinyl with the broader dominance of streaming platforms. He reflects on how records have evolved from casual listening to a curated, meaningful experience.

Luke also sheds light on the economics of running record stores, emphasizing the delicate balance between offering premium collections and maintaining affordability. He shares stories of cross-country trips to secure prized collections and the community-focused ethos driving his business.

Beyond the record shop, Luke discusses his foray into artist management, recounting how his work with John Prine's family and the "Oh Boy Roadshow" became a gateway to the national music scene. From directing rehearsals at the iconic Ryman Auditorium to connecting with legends like Emmylou Harris and Jackson Browne, Luke’s anecdotes highlight his humility, adaptability, and dedication to fostering creativity.

This episode captures Luke’s relentless drive to grow, his respect for the artists he supports, and his unshakable belief in creating memorable experiences—whether through a rare vinyl find or a transformative musical collaboration. A must-listen for music lovers and aspiring entrepreneurs alike!