The Iowa Podcast

What Des Moines Airport updates for 2025 should Iowans plan for? Kevin Foley, executive director of the Des Moines International Airport (DSM) shares parking updates, expanded rental car operations, more parking, how art will be structurally designed into the airport itself, and how they're planning for robo-taxis and driverless drop offs!

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) has been serving Iowa since the 1920s. Airport upgrades including interior renovations completed in 2010, and the addition of LED apron lighting in 2019 for energy efficiency, but DSM has needed expansion for many years. Finally, those plans became a reality during a groundbreaking on a $445M terminal expansion project that started in 2023, with the new terminal set to open in late 2026. Foley Shares progress and what Iowans should plan for in 2025.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/des-moines-airport-updates-2025-dsm

Why did a Chinese AI app called Deep Seek crush our markets? Was any of it real? What is Stargate? Is Iowa an attractive location for data centers because of cheap land and energy? Will the AI race impact Iowans and do we really want more server farms here? AI consultant and early employee of Roboflow, Mohamed Traore explains.

There's a new story on AI every day, but most folks' experience with "AI" from tools like OpenAI or cheap apps is lackluster. But not only will AI transform every industry, but the impact on Iowa specifically could be huge as tech companies salivate over our cheap land and cheap energy.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/Iowa-AI-data-centers-mohamed-traore

Governor Reynolds announced a new flat tax rate for Iowans, hitting her target 1 year early. While it sounds great to save money on taxes, does this change anything for Iowans? Alec Epkes of Protego Advisors explains there are "levers" you can pull in January to impact your tax burden that can't be pulled in December.

Epkes explains the President's proposed extension of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), explains why social security checks are taxed, and breaks down the changes for Iowans. He also explains how to handle itemized deductions. What does that even mean?

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-flat-tax-alec-epkes-protego-advisors

Does President Trump's executive order end birthright citizenship in the USA? Some assume the order is invalidated by the 14th amendment, however it's not cut and dry. Even children born in the USA by parents here legally, granted citizenship. Lori Chesser, an immigration attorney and President of Dentons law breaks down the legal side in non-partisan detail.

President Trump's executive order, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship" opens up dialogue even lawyers didn't expect. While the 14th amendment does grant citizenship to people born here, that is "subject to the jurisdiction thereof." These 5 words are where the debate centers. For example, even children born here from parents of legal status don't qualify for citizenship like people visiting on VISAs or Diplomats. President Trump's This order is likely to be challenged in court for years to come.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/trump-birthright-citizenship-immigration-executive-order

Perhaps one of the most provocative campaign videos we've ever seen in Iowa has been circulating online and the message is clear, "You suck, Joni." Former Libertarian, Joshua Smith has joined the Republican Party to primary Ernst. As a former Californian, he introduces himself to Iowans and lays out his plan.

Smith says the party has completely transformed under Trump and intends to be the anti-war, anti-special interest candidate. He expands on why funding for war efforts like those in Ukraine and Israel must end and explains when it's appropriate to show military force and when it's not. He also addresses why he won't be swayed by special interests.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/joshua-smith-iowa-senate

This week, Iowa's Attorney General cautioned Iowans on a new "grandparent" scam hitting Iowans. Scammers target elderly Iowans by posing as their grand child using social media content or other information. Then they ask for money. Cybersecurity professional Brandon Potter of ProCircular, explains the scam and unpacks scams to watch in 2025.

With AI and voice cloning, scams are going to become more sophisticated. Scammers can clone your loved one's voice without your knowledge, and even manipulate caller ID. What are Iowans to do, especially as older Iowans who are using the internet more, fall victim to new scams every day?

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/grandparent-scam-iowa

In this special New Years day episode of The Iowa Podcast, Justin Brady shares how The Iowa Podcast is doing, why it's beating local media in many metrics, and asks to share the show if you haven't already. Brady also discusses why media trust and ratings are dropping, and how they can turn the ship around.

He also rebuke's people who would dare celebrate the UHC murdered, and explains why the problems with healthcare costs aren't just an insurance problem—it's actually quite complicated, and not one person or entity is to blame.

Share the show by sharing this link. We will also be uploading the video version here. https://iowapodcast.com/Iowa-New-Year

The official numbers from the The Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division have been released for 2024 and we ask the owner of Foundry Distillery to guess them all. Scott Bush, who was also the founder of Templeton Rye takes a stab at the top 5 national and top 5 local Iowa brands and is shockingly accurate.

We discuss the bizarre law that drives up your booze prices, why new liquor competition has exploded in Iowa, and Justin admits his disdain for one of Iowa's most-loved whiskey brands: Black Velvet. Iowa, we need to have a talk—this is not acceptable behavior!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-favorite-liquor-2024

Iowa sports broadcasting icon Ross Peterson joins Justin Brady to discuss his unexpected dismissal from KXNO after 21 years, his journey to rediscovering purpose, and his predictions for the future of sports.

Peterson offers insights into the potential dwindling relevance of bowl games amid collegiate sports changes, and reacts to a fascinating theory on basketball star Caitlin Clark potentially taking her talents to Europe.

Go to our website for photos and video: https://iowapodcast.com/ross-peterson

Even if you bought your house in the last 10 years, in some cases your value has nearly doubled. It might feel good if you're an owner, but for first-time home buyers it's discouraging. But inflation is also a concern for boomers who doubt their ability to sell at a good price. What does 2025 have in store? Mark Charter of Agency Iowa brings some clarity.

Charter explains why interest rates matter more than you think, why there's a lot of inventory just sitting, and the odd phenomenon of younger home buyers who are angry that housing prices are too high, but at the same time think they can have it all in their first home. Whether you're looking to buy a house, sell, or wait it out, this discussion is for you.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-first-time-home-buyer