How many times have you heard that installing solar panels on your roof will pay you back? Or perhaps you heard the energy companies will even pay you! That’s not the full story says Ryan Warren of QsTN—an Iowa energy strategist and solar expert. He breaks down all the confusion, and says why Iowa’s geography can generate similar solar energy to Arizona!

Warren has a PhD in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University and is a solar energy nerd. He explains why many solar energy claims are slick accounting and marketing tricks, how to know if solar panels will actually pay you back, how solar technology has changed, and why solar suddenly took off despite it being an old technology. 

Hear the full show:  https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-solar-providers

Spring Break is here, but many Iowans will be staying within the state. According to AAA, nearly 25% of Iowans (22%) will take a Spring Break vacation. The result is local boutique experiences seeing an influx. “We’re going gangbusters,” says Pritesh Patel, Owner of Hotel Pommier in Indianola. He discusses a viral post, and why business is booming.

Before COVID, business leaders like Bill Gates suggested travel would likely never return—but the travel naysayers were wrong in a big way. The opposite turned out to be true, with travel booming. But that was before inflation, record credit card debt, and airline maintenance concerns. How do these factors impact local travel and what does the future hold for Iowa tourism? 

Hear the full show:  https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-spring-break 

The past two weeks, Ankeny High School and Ankeny Centennial High School have been hosting a career and college day for their students. Justin Brady was invited to attend, representing The Iowa Podcast and we asked the students about their future aspirations. Make sure to go to visit our website to see the video versions of these interviews. 

Generally, there is a pattern of empathy blended with a strong financial outlook when it comes to these interviews. Most students were focused on how their skills can help other people, adults and children. Others were motivated by clear paths to a safe financial future. Only a handful of students I spoke with were focused on artistic, performing, music, or creative fields. 

See the full videos and show notes here (including a photo of time traveling Hall and Oates): https://iowapodcast.com/ankeny-career-day 

I drank live bacteria on a podcast and lived to tell the tale. Not only was it delicious, but Jake Troja, founder of Kismet Kombucha explains why it’s actually good for me. Jokes aside, Troja’s journey into Kombucha, a naturally fermented beverage, started when he and his wife were looking for healthy alternatives. 

What started as a hobby turned into a business during the pandemic. Today, Kismet is in Hy-Vee, Fareway, and many other stores. Kombucha has grown in popularity, in part, due to the zero-proof movement, and Gen Z’s aversion to alcohol—in fact, Kombucha is a popular ingredient in many “mock-tails” (or non-alcoholic cocktails.) As people search for healthier food and beverages, research shows quality Kombucha is full of natural probiotics, and great for gut health.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/kismet-kombucha-jake-troja 

Chief Dana Wingert is in charge of Iowa's largest Police force. In the last few years he recalls riots, protests, the defund the Police movement, and removal of the Student Resource Officer (SRO) program at Des Moines Public Schools. With a rise in violence in the schools, is it time to bring officers back into the schools? Are his officers seeing the impact of anti-Police rhetoric? 

Wingert discusses department accountability, his thoughts on recording Police, and how his officers are held accountable, specifically how does Des Moines and Iowa in general ensure we aren't hiring bad cops who have been fired for bad behavior. He also recalls a moment when a few school board members tried to have him fired. 

Full show notes are here: https://iowapodcast.com/Chief-Dana-Wingert-Des-Moines-Police 

Hawkeye basketball superstar, Caitlin Clark, was knocked to the ground when a fan rushed the court causing injury concerns. Thankfully Clark is fine, but student athletes 22 and under like Clark are more injury prone than before, says Dr. Brett McDonough of Delta Health. Shoulder and elbow surgeries have increased by 500%, and ACL surgeries over 400%. What’s going on?

McDonough has worked with Minnesota Vikings and Twins players, traveled with UFC for multiple events, has worked with NASCAR drivers, and with multiple Olympic Athletes. He says there are many reasons for student athletes becoming more injury prone. 3.5M kids under 14 are now facing sports-related injuries every year, and the majority are in practice. He explains what actions parents and coaches can take to reverse this trend quickly. 

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/sports-injuries-iowa-caitlin-clark 

After closing their Clive location in July of 2021, Table 128 will officially re-open in downtown Des Moines in mid March. Facing numerous delays, the restaurant’s future was a mystery until now. In this exclusive interview, Executive Chef and owner, Lynn Pritchard explains what’s new, what remains unchanged, and tells the story on how restaurateurs like him pivoted to survive during the COVID pandemic. 

Pritchard also tells how restaurants have changed over the last few years, and why local food does actually taste better. It’s not in your head! Many assume the “buy local” approach is a feel-good focus, but in reality, Pritchard is seeking locally-sourced ingredients due to the increased flavor they provide. 

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/table-128-des-moines

Newly elected Mayor of Des Moines, Connie Boesen has completed her first 30 days in office and she explains the feedback she’s heard, and how she plans on attracting businesses back to Des Moines. Boesen takes the role at a challenging time with nearly 1 million square feet in Des Moines empty, and businesses like Nationwide and Wells Fargo pulling staff out of downtown.

Boesen explains how difficult it is for local businesses to navigate permits and local regulations, and how the complexity of the process frustrates new development and business location into the city. She also touches on DART’s woes, and how it may be necessary to think outside the box and change how the entity operates. 

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/connie-boesen-mayor-des-moines                                         

***

You just got a free box of teeth whitening strips from Brady Dental Care! Sign up as a new patient to get your free kit. https://bradydentalcare.com/hello

Winter is so hot right now, at least if you're in Northwestern Iowa. Tomorrow, Iowans and folks from around the country will jump in a frozen lake, play human foosball, broomball, and fly 30-100ft massive kits. Kiley Zankwoski, the Director of Marketing and Events for The University of Okoboji Winter Games tells us what to expect and how to participate. 

This unique event transforms cabin fever into a vibrant festival, drawing thousands to the frozen Great Lakes of Iowa for an eclectic mix of activities. Zankowski reveals how the games not only invigorate the local economy but also redefine Iowa as a year-round playground. Hear how a small-town event became a winter sensation, offering something for everyone, from thrill-seekers to families, and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

https://iowapodcast.com/okoboji-winter-games

Mike Berland worked with President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton and Mayor Michael Bloomberg and he explains how the AP was able to call the Iowa Caucuses for Trump early. He also discussed why pollsters like himself rarely use polls to predict results for national elections. 

Berland is a political powerhouse. He goes into detail on what the Iowa caucus results really show, and why Nikki Haley despite a 3rd place finish is the most notable candidate with momentum. At the end of the show, he gives listeners an inside look into Hillary Clinton’s Iowa Caucus loss to Barack Obama.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/why-did-AP-call-iowa-caucuses-early                                       

***

You just got a free box of teeth whitening strips from Brady Dental Care! Sign up as a new patient to get your free kit. https://bradydentalcare.com/hello