THE AMNER MARTINEZ PODCAST

What happens when two people who genuinely love Des Moines sit down over great food and cocktails?You get a conversation that starts with restaurants... and ends up becoming one of the best discussions about community, entrepreneurship, and why local businesses matter.Nationally published lifestyle writer Karla Walsh joins Amner Martinez inside Bar Martinez in Historic Highland Park for a wide-ranging conversation about the city they both care deeply about.This conversation celebrates the people and places shaping Des Moines—from longtime favorites like Proof, Harbinger, Oak Park, Americana, Clyde's, Bartender's Handshake, The Contrary, Secret Admirer, Cream, Aposto, and Bar Martinez, to the entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders continuing to move our city forward, including George Formaro, Nick Tillinghast, Jeff Bruning, and many others.How do we make sure local businesses continue to thrive?Along the way, they dive into:• Why Des Moines has quietly become one of the Midwest's best food cities• Why so many beloved restaurants are closing• The difference between food critics and storytellers• The cocktail renaissance happening across Central Iowa• Hidden gems worth driving across Iowa for• Why supporting local restaurants means supporting entire neighborhoods• How hospitality creates community• Why Highland Park is becoming one of the city's most exciting places to watchWhether you've lived here your entire life or just moved to Iowa, this conversation will make you appreciate the people building Des Moines one small business at a time.

his episode takes place at North End Barbershop in Highland Park—Amner’s regular barbershop.

It’s a familiar place, but when you really sit inside it, you start to notice everything happening around the cuts.

People come in, sit down, catch up, laugh, talk about life. It’s just part of the rhythm here.

North End isn’t just where people get a haircut. It’s where they show up, stay connected, and run into familiar faces.

Amner spends the day in the chair, stepping into conversations and moments that naturally unfold in a place like this.

This is the kind of spot every neighborhood has—but not every neighborhood protects.

In this episode, Amner Martinez sits down with Iowa State Representative Rob Johnson for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, new legislation, civic engagement, and what’s really happening inside the Iowa Capitol.

Rob shares his personal journey from growing up in the projects of Chicago to becoming one of the few Black elected officials in Iowa. He talks about the influence of his mother, the importance of civic involvement, and why mental health is the real crisis affecting communities today.

This is a raw and eye-opening conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the power of showing up for your community.

In this episode, Amner sits down with Emma Colman of the Sierra Club for a powerful conversation about climate change, environmental accountability, and the future of clean water in Iowa.

The discussion centers around the award-winning documentary Iowa’s Dirty Secret: The True Cost of Burning Coal, directed by Trevor Tejeda-Gervais. The film explores the real and often hidden costs of coal-fired power in Iowa — from public health impacts to environmental damage and the broader political implications tied to energy production.

Amner and Emma dive into:

• The health and environmental consequences of coal plant pollution in Iowa

• How energy policy intersects with state and local politics

• Nitrates in Iowa’s water supply and the broader water quality crisis

• The tension between economic interests and environmental responsibility

• What communities can do to advocate for transparency and change

With firsthand accounts featured in the documentary and on-the-ground advocacy experience, Emma brings clarity to complex issues affecting Iowa families every day.

This episode is an honest, thoughtful look at how climate change, public health, and politics collide — and what’s at stake for Iowa’s future.

🎬 Learn more about the documentary: iowasdirtysecret.com

What does it really mean to live well? And are most of us getting it wrong?

In this deeply personal and provocative conversation, Amner Martinez sits down with Dr. Richard Kim, Associate Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and author of Confucianism and the Philosophy of Well-Being.

Rather than abstract ideas, Dr. Kim brings philosophy into real life — family, community, conflict, faith, and everyday choices. Drawing on Confucian wisdom, he challenges our modern obsession with happiness, productivity, and success, arguing that a “good life” is built through small, consistent rituals of care: how we greet others, how we disagree, how we show up for family, and how we remain human in divided times.

Amner reflects on his own life — from growing up in Guatemala to navigating America today — asking raw questions about chaos, morality, belonging, and what it means to stay grounded when the world feels broken.

This episode will make you rethink:

• What you’re actually chasing in life

• Whether happiness is enough

• How philosophy can help us love better, argue better, and live better

If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected — this conversation is for you.

In this special episode, Amner talks with 10-year-old Ruby Rollins about AI, school, and life — plus favorite movies, cats vs. dogs, school drama, and what “67” really means.

Ruby’s perspective is honest, curious, and refreshing, offering a glimpse into how kids are thinking about the world today. A lighthearted but meaningful conversation that reminds us the next generation is already asking big questions.

In scary times, facts matter.

In this episode, Amner is joined by an immigration lawyer to have a real, honest conversation about immigration in America. Together, they break down employment and business immigration, address the harmful narratives surrounding immigrants, and challenge the misinformation constantly shared on social media and television.

Amner talks about why he values education over influence, and why understanding the truth behind immigration — not fear-based talking points — is more important than ever.

This episode is about facts, clarity, and pushing back against narratives that do real harm.

Amner se sienta con Fabiola Schrrmeister, la querida periodista y conductora de radio de Des Moines, en una conversación que revela la persona detrás del micrófono.

Fabiola comparte su increíble trayectoria, cómo construyó su carrera desde cero y las lecciones que aprendió en el camino. Además, abre su corazón sobre cómo su vida cambió por completo al conocer a su ahora esposo, y cómo esa experiencia transformó su visión de la familia y los sueños personales.

Entre risas, momentos de reflexión y consejos llenos de inspiración, esta entrevista revela momentos y detalles de su historia que pocas veces se comparten.

Lo que escucharás:

• Sus primeros pasos y cómo logró consolidarse en el periodismo y convertirse en una conductora de radio muy querida.

• Momentos clave que definieron su carrera y su crecimiento profesional.

• Cómo conocer a su esposo transformó su vida y su perspectiva sobre el amor y los sueños.

• Historias personales que inspiran, conectan y motivan a seguir tus propias metas.

• Consejos y reflexiones que todos podemos aplicar en nuestra vida cotidiana.

Dale play y descubre a Fabiola Schrrmeister como nunca antes la habías escuchado: su carrera, su historia  y las lecciones que la han hecho una mujer y profesional admirable.

Immigration is all over the news — but how much of what we hear is fact, and how much is opinion?

In this episode of The Amner Martinez Podcast, Amner talks with immigration lawyer Sonia Parras to uncover the truth about immigration in the United States. From the tragedies of family separation to the politics driving public opinion, Sonia explains what’s really happening inside the system and what people often get wrong about immigration law.

This conversation cuts through misinformation and media spin to bring you real insight from someone who’s been fighting for immigrant rights for decades.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s true, what’s exaggerated, and what’s at stake — this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Immigration myths vs. legal realities

• Why media coverage often gets it wrong

• The human cost of family separation

• What real immigration reform could look like

Listen now to hear the truth about immigration from an expert who lives it every day.

It’s easy to ignore local elections… until you realize they touch everything in your day-to-day life. Amner and Rob Barron dive into what it means to step up for Des Moines — and why your voice here has more power than you think.