Thirteen years ago The Iowa State Fair told Scott Carlson where he could put the brand new Iowa Craft Beer tent behind Diamond Jacks—a place no one would see. That didn't stop him and Iowa brewers across the state from outgrowing it, causing a move into the new giant tent they have today. 

Carlson tells of why, despite pouring beers left and right, their entire operation went completely unnoticed by The Iowa State Patrol. He explains the significance of the sirens and bullhorn that go off occasionally, and why people get excited when they kick the keg and have to wait 5 min for their beer. 

Hear Part 1 of our Iowa State Fair Podcast Special with the founder of Watcha Smokin' BBQ and her brisket "bribery" scheme here: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-state-fair-podcast-special

After making the top 3 best Iowa State Fair foods last year, Gwen Page of Watcha Smokin' BBQ is back in the top three with her Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll looking for a win out of 84 submissions. For those that don't know, it's highly competitive getting accepted in the Iowa State Fair as a food vendor. We ask how she made it in, and she confessed to brisket bribery!

Because Page has been going to the fair since a child, and is now a vendor, she tells her best secrets on how to make the most of the Iowa State Fair, especially if you have little kids.  

Hear part 2 of our Iowa State Fair Podcast special with the founder of the Iowa Craft Beer tent here: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-state-fair-podcast-special

The RNC is over, Donald Trump has received the nomination, Joe Biden is out and VP Harris has received his endorsement. It’s been a wild week for Republicans and the GOP, but the former President still has a long road ahead. Conservative Pundit and writer Shane Vander Hart discusses an RNC recap and gives his analysis on what the future holds.

Vander Hart explains why Trump must be cautious playing the victim for his legal troubles, and gives his take on why the Republican Party changed their platform to be less pro life. He discusses Vice President Harris’ prospects, and if the softer more reserved Trump will win any GOP holdouts.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/Shane-Vander-Hart

Waterways breathe and when you over engineer the way God designed them, it tends to have disastrous effects. Hannah Inman, CEO of the Great Outdoors Foundation, discusses water conservation in Iowa, watershed, flooding, and the official central Iowa ICON waterway project.

Inman also addresses the misconception that Iowa lacks outdoor activities, highlighting the state's network of over 800 miles of connected paved trails. She addresses water quality concerns, how to restore our native wetlands, and how Iowa farmers and outdoor enthusiasts are working together with tech companies to fix the flooding.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/hannah-inman-great-outdoors-foundation

Photo: Greg Henshall, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

80/35 this weekend features big acts like Killer Mike and OK Go but they have a few tricks up their sleeve. Because the event has moved from Downtown Des Moines to Waterworks Park, they've added some new features like camping, free stages, and what they're calling a "silent stage." What is that? Executive Director, Andy TeBockhorst explains what it is and why they're doing it.

80/35 is a massive event that expects to attract between twenty to thirty thousand people. The event, staffed by nearly 500 volunteers is put on by the Des Moines Music Coalition build a bigger music industry in the state of Iowa, making Iowa a music destination. TeBochorst discusses the hammock forest, vendors, community village, and how the event has evolved.

See the show notes and videos at https://iowapodcast.com/8035-andy-tebockhorst

Yankee Doodle Pops is a 4th of July celebration put on by the Des Moines Symphony every year on the state Capitol lawn. Maestro Joseph Giunta discusses how 9-11 changed his view of patriotism, and why it’s important to celebrate our troops and those who sacrificed. He also explains how he times 1812 overture cannon fire during their live performance. 

Giunta has been with the Des Moines Symphony for 35 years. He recalls the early years when he considered the Des Moines Symphony as stuffy and explains why The Yankee Doodle Pops idea was actually started during his time in Minnesota. He also explains why music education is extremely valuable to our youngsters. 

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/yankee-doodle-pops-joseph-giunta 

In a recent interview with Justin Brady on the Iowa Podcast, Keith Murphy, renowned sportscaster and radio host, shared insights and anecdotes from his illustrious 28-year career at WHO Channel 13 and his 15-year stint at KXNO radio. Murphy discussed the end of the Murph and Andy show, the dynamics of sports broadcasting, and his deep connection to Iowa.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/keith-murphy 

Northeastern Iowa, specifically Clayton Country is breathtaking, and camping is one of the best ways to experience it. Sadly, camping can also be quite intimidating for many. Kenny Slocum of Clayton County Conservation discusses their programs for kids through older adults, designed to make you an experienced camper in no time. 

Slocum is a Naturalist and Resource Manager for Clayton County Conservation. He dives into their brand new modern campground, set to launch in May of 2025, and he discusses their recently renovated 19th Century Motor Mill Historic Inn—the first project of many in that area. Clayton County Conservation manages 1400 acres, across 13 parks and natural areas. They have 3 rivers to paddle, over 20 miles of trails, and 3 different trout streams, one of which is famous.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/clayton-county-campsite-campfire-motor-mill-historic-inn

The Iowa Speedway in Newton won’t just be hosting the very first NASCAR Cup Series in its history, but can also brag about setting a sell-out record, says Iowa Speedway President Eric Peterson. The pre-sales were so large, there were no tickets available by the time tickets actually opened. Quite the accomplishment for Peterson who just took over the role in February of 2024. 

This weekend from June 14-16th will be quite intense. Even though Sunday is sold out, there are still tickets available for the Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series as of this interview. Peterson explains what’s so unique about the Cup Series, talks on the Iowa Speedway’s future in light of the 2021 turnaround, and previews all the top drivers coming to Iowa, including some home state favorites.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/nascar-cup-iowa-speedway 

In a special episode of the Iowa Podcast, guest host Mark Rixner explores the rising trend of mid-career changes with Laura Lacina, the visionary behind Home Slice Handmade Pies. Laura shares her inspirational journey from corporate roles to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passion.

Laura Lacina’s professional journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passion. Beginning with a degree in public relations from Northwest Missouri State University, Laura navigated various roles, including positions in a call center, AmeriCorps, and a nonprofit organization. Despite initial success, she found herself unfulfilled. "I needed creativity. I needed some kind of stimulation in that way," she explains.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/laura-lacina-home-slice-handmade-pies