The Iowa Podcast

Do you believe in ghosts? Many people don't want to admit to this for fear of sounding "crazy." John, Dan and Sam with Spirits Unleashed out of Ft. Dodge, Iowa are ready to believe you, and help you get to the bottom of your fears. When someone says they do not believe in ghosts, John Lyons says, "Don't believe what you see on TV. If you go to a haunted place you will have a different experience." And that is just what they do; visit the sites to confirm or debunk stories of the unknown.

All of their lives they have been researching the paranormal and know that ghosts and the supernatural are real occurrences. The Spirits Unleashed crew has all sorts of equipment to help channel the voices and the presence of the supernatural. Join us as we talk about their personal ghost encounters and the free service they offer to give people a piece of mind.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/spirits-unleashed 

The carbon pipeline is set to run through Iowa, but many Iowans have safety concerns and believe residents, farmers and landowners are being misled. Steve Kenkel, Chairman of the Shelby County Board of Supervisors says leaks have severely injured folks in the past and disabled vehicles. He also says eminent domain laws may be used to force landowners compliance to the benefit of private companies.

Kenkel gives specific safety hazard examples and questions why pipeline companies and government officials are witholding safety training and models. He also says landowners may be forced to give up their property for the pipeline project due to use of Eminant domain laws. He also suggests these pipelines aren't even needed in the first place, due to easy alternatives to store CO2.

Important Note: We reached out to the pipeline company mentioned in the interview on 10/16/24 at 1:45PM for comment and will post any reply here. Every story has multiple sides.

Watch the interview at https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-carbon-pipeline-steve-kenkel

Photo: Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0

When Rod Murphy started reading the labels of various meat rubs and seasonings, he quickly realized the one ingredient that almost all of them had: sugar!  Being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes he started to research all types of ways to make a rub that would fit the Keto and low carb lifestyle and so he and his wife Amy came up with Mad Murphy's Meat Rub.

This family business out of Saylor Township is only five weeks old, but they have been mixing up rubs for family and friends for 9 years with and without sugar.  "I want something everyone can enjoy," says Rod. From the signature "Sweet and Spicy" to the "Cock-a-doodle-woo" Mad Murphy's wants to rub your meat!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/mad-murphys-meat-rub

One year ago, the world watched in horror as Hamas terrorists invaded Israel slaughtering as many Jews as they could find. Jarad Bernstein of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines joined us one year ago with hope the international community would fully support Israel and the Jewish people. What happened instead is tragic: the international community turned its back on Israel and the Jewish people, as did people in our own country. Our Iowa leaders have something to say about that.

Bernstein gave remarks at an Evening of Community and Unity alongside Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, and other lawmakers, fully supporting Israel, and the Jewish community of Iowa. Bernstein explains his surprise at the United Nations support of terrorists over Israel and discusses sadness over hostages still being held by Hamas. We discuss how Iran and Hezbollah have turned up the pressure, joining Hamas, and what it will take to end this conflict.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jewish-federation-iowa-jarad-bernstein

Moriah Ha decided that she could use her background in design to branch off and do something new.  She would design....cookies!  It makes sense when you think about it.  All of those creative skills are now going into her 6 month old business of Sweet Treats by Moriah located in Iowa City, Iowa.

If you are looking for homemade treats from cookies and cupcakes, to cakes and scones, her Facebook page lets you order and pick up outside of her home.  Her passion for baking and for making people happy shines through on this episode.  Join us to hear her journey and what treat you can pick up today!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/moriah-ha-sweet-treats 

Discussion in recent weeks has centered around pesticides and toxins in the food we grow, much of it from Iowa. According to Professor Neil Hamilton, creator of The Iowa Nature Summit and Drake law professor, we apply pesticides to over 25 million acres of farmland each year, but what impact is that really having? Does that have something to do with our 2nd in the nation cancer rates? There's no easy answer.

The Iowa Nature Summit is at Drake University October 9-10. Although a nature summit may have previously been for the "crunchy granola" folks, the connection between nature and human health is becoming more obvious with both political parties showing renewed interest in the degrading environment around us.

See the video and full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-nature-summit-neil-hamilton

Van Harden of WHO Radio's Van and Bonnie Show has been retired from radio for years. He sat down to discuss what he's been up to, his reaction to seeing the famous WHO Radio microphone in the Reagan film, and he reacts to local radio's struggle to maintain focus on their community.

Harden presided not only as host of Iowa's most popular morning show, but as program director for the state's largest news radio station. After leaving however, the station has struggled to stay relevant, sliding in ratings and losing critical staff. He discusses his new chapter, a new forthcoming book, and gives advice to small businesses wanting to use podcasts as a tool to reach new customers.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/van-harden-who-radio

The Weary Ramblers are Kathryn Fox and Chad Elliott, but their story and music are much more.  Combining the elements of classical and folk, interwoven with stories from their lives,  one can see why this Iowa duo is being considered for seven Grammy nominations.

Their first self-titled album, "Weary Ramblers" was recorded at Des Moines' own Golden Bear Records and features Chad on the guitar, Kathryn on strings (violin, and mandolin) along with local performers to complete the lyrics and vocals.  Join us as we talk all things folk music and listen to in-studio performances by the Weary Ramblers.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/weary-ramblers 

Libertarian Marco Battaglia, challenger for Congressman Zach Nunn in Iowa's 3rd congressional district, was kicked off the ballot but most Iowans don't understand why. The reason? Iowa Libertarians voted 181 minutes too early. Adding insult to injury, Battaglia says they caught the error but were told by the Iowa Secretary of State's Office and his own party, it wouldn't be a concern.

As the majority of the country now identifies as independent, nearly %50, why can't Libertarian seem to win anyone over to their side? Does their image need an overhaul? Battaglia explains why Libertarians come with some baggage, addresses concerns most Iowans have with the party, and explains why marijuana legalization, now seeing acceptance from both parties, may have harmed party growth.

See the show notes and full video here: https://iowapodcast.com/marco-battaglia-iowa-libertarian

Monica Eischeid decided to make her own salon with a light, open feel with a heavenly vibe.  It was this concept that led to one of the newest hair salons in Central Iowa, Ethereal Beauty Lounge on Ingersoll Avenue. Here you can get a new style or skin treatment in a relaxed unassuming environment from one of the 4 stylists that rent a space in this 6 week old enterprise

With the desire to spend more time with her two young children and work in a space that she created, Monica took the leap in starting a brick and mortar spot that would allow her the flexibility to create not only a new space, but new looks for people of all ages. Check out this episode as Monica lets us know why Ethereal Beauty Lounge is different from its competition!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/monica-eischeid-ethereal-beauty-lounge