As the regional director of Youth For Christ and Christian living in Beirut, John Sagherian's perspective on Israel, Palestine crosses known political lines and talking points we've heard. Last week, a senior Hezbollah commander was killed in an Israeli airstrike 2 miles from his home. Part Iowan, part Lebanese, he gives his honest thoughts nearly one year into the conflict and how his home has been impacted.

Sagherian reminds us the people impacted on both sides are in a lot of pain. They both need help, and the majority in the region are desperately hoping for peace.

See the full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/israel-vs-palestine-its-not-that-simple

Central Iowa sportscaster Scott Reister has loved sports all of his life. Growing up, his room was plastered with pages and pictures from Sports Illustrated magazines. The Cowboys, the Rangers; every inch of the walls were covered. It was this passion that guided him to be a local sportscaster, but his journey did not stop there. He is now a published author and thrilled to talk about his first book, "Baseball Spy" which came out in April of 2024.

The passion is palpable in this interview with Scott as he talks about the inspiration, the process and the book itself. You'll feel like writing your own book after hearing his tips, lessons and ultimately his success as a writer from right here in Iowa!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/scott-reister-baseball-spy

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

In this episode we talk with Grace Smithey about her becoming the newly crowned Miss Iowa Teen USA and what it takes to be on a pageant stage.  Grace calls Polk City Iowa home and reflects on how she got her start by knocking on doors and taking donations to make her dream become a reality.

Grace gives some great insight to the pageant world here in Iowa and some advice for those aspiring young contestants. Be sure to catch this episode as Grace has some exciting news for all of you about her television appearance on August 1st, 2024 and how it could be a defining moment for her.  This is a true homegrown Iowa story that you can't miss! Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/grace-smithey-miss-iowa-teen-usa

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

Megan Hanson has taken a journey down a path for over 25 years and now found ways to give back to her two loves: The Arts and Iowa. Growing up in Des Moines, she began dancing at an early age and pursued her passion for Arts ever since.  From high school theater, to a Bachelor's Degree in Stage Management and eventually a Master's in Brand Communication, she has been an integral part of Bravo of Greater Des Moines and now, in addition, the Hinterland Music Festival.

Starting this past April of 2024, she became the VIP Lead at Hinterland for this August. Megan discusses her skill set and the drive that brought her to where she is now. Join us as we discuss a journey to a career in the Arts, how she has given back to the Arts community in Iowa and her current work at the amazing Hinterland Music Festival.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/megan-hanson-hinterland

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

As you travel on Highway 69 near Story City, you will look to the West and see a sign with red letters that says "Slim's Country Market".  Chances are that owner Kent Allen will be nearby to greet you as you park on the gravel and enter this 1943 roadside produce stand. But this is not just a place to pick out amazing produce, food, beverages and gifts, it is a place where you will feel welcome and be part of the generations that have frequented Slim's to savor the most valuable part of what Kent offers; relationships.

Tune in to this podcast to hear how owner Kent Allen went from working in a produce department at a local grocery chain to becoming a small business owner.  And, as with many of my guests on the New in Town Podcast, makes his dream become a reality!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/kent-allen-slims-country-market

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