As 2026 ushers in sweeping tax reforms for business owners, CPA Ann Hartz, founder of Ann Hartz CPA in Des Moines, offers tactical steps business owners can take before January 1st to avoid overpaying their 2025 taxes.

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Paying your taxes is a civic duty, but no one wants to overpay and deal with uncertainty. Hartz offers a strategic roadmap to navigate the changes, explains when to switch from sole proprietorships to S corps, and when it's appropriate to spend money at the end of the year to save on taxes, and when it's stupid.

Keep in mind, this advice may not apply to your specific situation. Please reach out to Hartz's team or your own CPA with questions.

Chapters: 00:58 - Iowa Business Tax Incentives for 2026 03:39 - Understanding QBI and Business Structures 08:50 - Filing strategies for Business Owners 12:27 - End-of-Year Tax Planning Tips 23:36 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Antisemitism is a problem not just in Australia but here in Iowa. The last few years have been an eye opener for a few of us, but sadly not all. Sadly, most Iowans still have the blinders on, or think this problem will simply go away. In fact, it has gotten worse.

Jarad Bernstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines discusses the violent Hanukkah attack at Australia's Bondi Beach and warns on the rise of antisemitism around the world—and its undeniable impact close to home.

https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-jewish-community

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Tell me if you've heard this one… three actors walk into a show, one gets sick and goes to the hospital, the others finish the show and the audience thinks it's part of the show. Patrick Albanese of Triple Espresso reacts to 30 Years, crazy stories, and what surprised him most about "Iowa Nice."

Albanese couldn't have picked out Iowa on a map when he heard of the show opportunity but not only did he end up moving to Iowa permanently, he found his wife here! Albanese reflects on Triple Espresso's incredible success and why their apolitical, family friendly show grew in popularity.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/patrickalbanese

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High tea, Victorian costumes, classy Christmas parties, and you're invited. Did you have any clue that any Iowan can sign up for tea parties, and this month the official Terrace Hill Christmas party? Also called the Governor's Mansion you can also do a tour, but you can't go to the basement vault. We asked Terrace Hill administrator, Molly Franta what's inside.

Terrace Hill hosts Christmas and tea parties and most Iowans have no idea they can come and check it out, sip some tea and enjoy the music. The party benefits the Iowa National Guard and care packages are sent to our troops. Franta also shares some of the coolest rooms in Terrace Hill that most folks don't have access to.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/terrace-hill-christmas

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In this special Thanksgiving show, host Justin Brady asks his wife, Vanessa Brady, how to whip up a 15 minute cranberry sauce for those of you with no time, using few ingredients. This cranberry sauce is a yearly go-to. It can be prepped early, but in your case, you can go to the store, buy a few ingredients, prep, make, and serve all in 2 hours or less.

She also explains why actions you take today and tomorrow will determine how easy next year is. Now is the best time to plan, and she explains how to do it and how to organize notes so next year involves no guessing and no stress. Go to https://iowapodcast.com/thanksgiving for the recipe and show notes.

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Chapters: 00:00 - Last-Minute Dish & Prepping for next year 01:10 - Thanksgiving Preparation and Family Roles 03:16 - Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes Tips 05:22 - 15-min Cranberry Sauce Walkthrough 12:49 - Final Thoughts and Additional Resources

"Move that bus!" is a phrase ABC watchers remember. And so does Rick Tollakson, the CEO of Hubbell Realty, Iowa's largest real estate company. He discussed working with Extreme Home Makeover and how it changed Iowa real estate. He also gives his expert analysis on Iowa home values, home costs, and how to keep young people in Iowa.

Tollakson just launched a new book called Think Bigger, Lead Better. In the book he discusses stories about Iowa and how he grew Hubbell into the powerhouse it is today. Tollakson also dives into current market conditions, downtown Des Moines challenges, affordable housing, and the ICON water trails taking inspiration from… Idaho?

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-real-estate-market

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If you're a Shark Tank fan, you saw Iowa Falls native Billie Asmus, Founder of Repaint Studios get a deal with Chip and Joanna Gains, and Barbara Corcoran. But you also didn't see quite a bit. You didn't see the full 1 hour pitch, you didn't see Chip trying to crush her paint tray, and you didn't see the 5 years leading up to her "lucky break."

Asmus discusses her experience, and tells other Iowans how to get in the tank: Spoiler: it's about hard work and trying over and over again. She explains her backstory and risks, but also explains how she mitigated risks up front before spending over $30,000 on a mold for her product. For Shark Tank fans, and prospective entrepreneurs, Asmus gives a crash course worth hearing.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/billie-asmus-shark-tank-repaint-studios

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SNAP benefits are extended through November but only at 50%. Because Congress didn't appropriate funds, The White House released a contingency fund this week, November 3rd. Tami Nielsen, CEO of The Food Bank of Iowa explains the impact on Iowa, how the funds will be allocated, and why Iowans' SNAP benefits might still be delayed for weeks.

One out of every 9 meals for food insecure Iowans is covered by The Food Bank of Iowa and their partner pantries. This means, Iowans will now be turning to food pantries to fill that gap. Due to the incredible increase in need, The Food Bank of Iowa has great concerns they will be able to keep food on Iowans tables.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/food-bank-of-iowa-tami-nielsen-snap

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The Des Moines Public Schools Bond Measure, dubbed the Reimagining Education program, is up for a vote November 4th, which will increase funding by 265 million dollars. Iowa podcast host, Ross Peterson of The Rush shares his research of the measure but also his concerns.

New Superintendent Matt Smith shared updates on Des Moines Public Schools, advocating for new Pre-K programs, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) changes, but Peterson says accountability is needed before this measure should pass. Peterson has one child enrolled in DMPS and ever since sharing his research on the Bond Measure, parent and teacher concerns have poured in.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/Des-Moines-Public-Schools-Ballot-Measure

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In this special edition of the Iowa Podcast, recorded during the World Food Prize's Borlaug Dialogue, host Justin Brady captures a rare cross-section of voices that drive the global food security conversation—from international leaders to Iowa farmers.

Interviews with Mashal Husain, President of the World Food Prize Foundation; Brent Renner, soybean farmer and United Soybean Board member; and Ray Gasser, Iowa farmer and global agriculture advocate, paint a rich portrait of how Iowa's heartland is influencing global hunger solutions.

Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/world-food-prize

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