In the second installment of the Iowa New in Town podcast, host Mark Rixner sits down with  trained dancer and choreographer and Iowa native, Jessie Schnack, to talk about her passion for arts education and the inspiration behind The Dancer's Theater in Johnston, Iowa.  After teaching and performing for 20+ years, Schnack took a small building and made her big dream of owning and operating a non-profit performing arts studio for children ages 5 through 18 come true.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jessie-schnack-dancers-theater 

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

Andrew Hoyt is a singer, songwriter, musician from Des Moines, Iowa. His start as a music educator for elementary students continued his love of all things music. Through working in schools and observing the power of music therapy, he knew the impact music can have on people. It was this spark that pushed him forward with his own music. Now, Andrew has found himself playing for thousands of people around the state, including opening up for the pop group, "AJR" at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. This episode is his story of how he made the move from the classroom to the stage and how you can see him soon!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/andrew-hoyt-iowa-musician 

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

Climbing Kites has rapidly become a leader in the burgeoning world of THC-infused beverages, bringing a new kind of social drink to the Midwest. Dave Moore (CEO) and Scott Selix (co-founder) share their journey, the legal landscape, and the cultural shift toward these unique products.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/dave-moore-scott-selix-climbing-kites

If you think Iowa is flat, you've never ridden the Boone Scenic Valley Railroad. Director Mike Wendel explains how the tracks were almost completely lost in 1983, but saved. He also tells how you can enjoy the railroad in open air cars, with dinner, or even on specialized bikes that go over the 150 foot bridge!

The railroad opens for their regular season this weekend, May 24th. Wendel, who is the Director of the James H. Andrew Railroad Museum and History Center, gives us an overview of the rich history and the how the tracks were saved for recreational purposes by Boone residents to the tune of over 2.5 million dollars, and why the trains were converted from steam to electric, and then back again.

See show links and notes here: https://iowapodcast.com/boone-scenic-valley-railroad-mike-wendel

The Orange City Tulip Festival is this weekend, you should go. Executive Committee Promo Chair, Jennie Droog gives you a sneak peek at the events, food, and festivities. She also tells us about their obsession over authentic period-accurate costumes. Oh, and yes, we had to ask about the "other" tulip festival. Do they compete with Pella? Are there secret cage matches?

Droog has been involved with the Orange City Tulip Festival since her birth. She's been a volunteer for years and now helps run the annual festival. She explains the history of their Dutch heritage and gives a sneak peek at all the work involved in planting 50,000 tulips. She also digs into the mind-blowing economic impact the festival has on the town of Orange City.

See the full show notes and photos at https://iowapodcast.com/orange-city-tulip-festival-jennie-droog