The Iowa Podcast

The drive down Ingersoll avenue is a juxtaposition of new and trendy, but also rundown and gross. But this month, with the launch of The Ingersoll that brand is finally behind us. Steve Peters, co-owner of The Ingersoll, and CEO of VenuWorks describes the process of saving the building and bringing back to life the iconic marquee.

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Peters says every inch of the building needed to be gutted and redone to save it. But Iowans have responded favorably, selling the venue out every night in January. And the good news doesn't stop there. Despite it being open for only a few weeks, 50% of the acts are from across the country. Musicians, actors, and touring groups are already getting in line to come perform for Iowans.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

00:13 The Ingersoll Theater: From Eyesore to Crown Jewel

01:14 Challenges and Delays in Renovation

03:04 The Grand Opening and Community Response

03:48 Historical Significance and Restoration Efforts

06:50 Modern Upgrades and Technological Enhancements

14:01 Community Support and Unexpected Challenges

14:53 Unexpected Challenges in Building Restoration

15:25 Community Support and Initial Steps

16:02 Long-term Viability and Programming Plans

16:31 Theater Offerings and Local Talent

18:58 Personal Connection to the Arts

19:36 Private vs. Public Funding in Theater Restoration

20:28 Ensuring Professional Management and Maintenance

23:03 Interest from Outside Acts and Community Involvement

27:29 Diverse Entertainment Spectrum

29:14 Conclusion and Ticket Information

20% of cyclists coming to Ankeny aren't from Iowa. The economic potential cyclists bring is estimated to be in the billions, but currently each stay only brings $250 in economic activity. Derek Lord, Ankeny economic development director explains the retail and business opportunity accommodate the massive and untapped revenue potential. Will retailers answer the call?

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Lord explains the High Trestle Trail has brought 250,000 cyclists through Ankeny every year. Cutting right through the middle of Uptown, the revenue potential has been immense. Will hospitality companies capitalize on the potential in 2026? Lord also addresses the growth plans for the NE Ankeny annexation, new mixed use retail and apartments in Uptown, and why traffic on Delaware is probably not changing any time soon, especially as new retailers show interest.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:20 High Trestle Trail: A Unique Attraction

01:13 Flow Line and Glow Trail: Enhancing the Experience

03:39 Economic Impact and Visitor Statistics

08:22 Future Plans and Opportunities

16:21 Enhancing Hotel Amenities for Cyclists

16:42 Airbnb Opportunities in Rural Communities

17:29 Economic Impact of Bicycling in Iowa

18:40 Winter Biking Potential in Ankeny

21:14 Revitalizing Uptown Ankeny

28:05 Future Growth and Annexation Plans

30:56 Conclusion and Staying Informed

Many Iowans suffer from chronic health issues with 37% suffering from obesity. Will the new "MAHA" food pyramid actually help? The answer is yes, according to Dr. Rachel Poll. Poll is a functional medicine doctor at Delta Health in Clive, and has been recommending her own similar version of the new food pyramid to her patients for years, and the results are striking with many reversing chronic health issues.

This week the Department of Health and Human Services published a new version of the 1980s food pyramid, but the change is striking with them literally flipping much of it upside down. Healthy fats are good, red meat is on top, and grains are deemphasized. Poll said her patients have been eating a similar version of this recommended diet for years and the results she sees are irrefutable.

Thinking about picking up your phone and ordering food to your door step? After listening to this, you might want to dash to your favorite restaurant instead. Jessica Dunker of the Iowa Restaurant Association and Bruce Gerleman, owner of Splash explain the state of the Iowa restaurant business, changing trends, and the truth about food delivery. Setting aside the fact restaurant food is more fresh and experiences matter, you need to be careful when ordering online. Gerleman, who is celebrating 30 years of Splash being in business, also gives restaurant owners practical strategies to keep food costs down, treat guests well, and even how technology is making operations more efficient.

This week, the US Mint launched a new coin honoring Iowa and Dr. Norman Borlaug. Many Iowans have heard his name, but most still don't know who he is, how he saved billions of people or how why his innovation won him recognition alongside Nelson Mandela. Mashal Husain, President of The World Food Prize Foundation tells the story.

Borlaug's innovation in wheat is credited with saving billions of lives, and after he founded the World Food Prize in 1986, his work of ending global hunger continued. Husain unpacks his legacy, discusses the 40 laureates selected over the years, and explains the over 20 million dollar process to renovate the former Downtown Des Moines public library into the World Food Prize headquarters and Hall of Laureates in downtown Des Moines.

https://iowapodcast.com/norman-borlaug-coin

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48,000 of the Iowans we serve will fail their fitness New Year's resolutions. That's about 80% of our listeners if you're doing the math. The reason many people fail isn't because they think small, it's because think too big or have no specified goal at all. The 9% who hit their goals keep it way simpler says personal trainer Nick Fey.

Fey is a Doctoral Student in Kinesiology and has a Masters in Kinesiology. He explains the cycle of who shows up at the gym around this time, who gives up, how long they last, and why. Believe it or not, it's not the natural athletes who stick with it. It's people who keep things really simple.

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Chapters 00:00 - Shocking Fitness Statistics 00:53 Meet the Expert: Nick Fey 01:37 New Year's Resolutions and Gym Trends 07:13 Parkinson's Disease and Exercise 13:24 Creating Effective Fitness Plans 18:32 The Scale is a Liar 19:32 Setting Realistic Goals 20:21 Advice for Beginners 24:22 Understanding Good and Bad Soreness 30:05 Advanced Training Tips 31:51 Contacting Nick for Help

As 2026 ushers in sweeping tax reforms for business owners, CPA Ann Hartz, founder of Ann Hartz CPA in Des Moines, offers tactical steps business owners can take before January 1st to avoid overpaying their 2025 taxes.

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Paying your taxes is a civic duty, but no one wants to overpay and deal with uncertainty. Hartz offers a strategic roadmap to navigate the changes, explains when to switch from sole proprietorships to S corps, and when it's appropriate to spend money at the end of the year to save on taxes, and when it's stupid.

Keep in mind, this advice may not apply to your specific situation. Please reach out to Hartz's team or your own CPA with questions.

Chapters: 00:58 - Iowa Business Tax Incentives for 2026 03:39 - Understanding QBI and Business Structures 08:50 - Filing strategies for Business Owners 12:27 - End-of-Year Tax Planning Tips 23:36 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Antisemitism is a problem not just in Australia but here in Iowa. The last few years have been an eye opener for a few of us, but sadly not all. Sadly, most Iowans still have the blinders on, or think this problem will simply go away. In fact, it has gotten worse.

Jarad Bernstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines discusses the violent Hanukkah attack at Australia's Bondi Beach and warns on the rise of antisemitism around the world—and its undeniable impact close to home.

https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-jewish-community

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Tell me if you've heard this one… three actors walk into a show, one gets sick and goes to the hospital, the others finish the show and the audience thinks it's part of the show. Patrick Albanese of Triple Espresso reacts to 30 Years, crazy stories, and what surprised him most about "Iowa Nice."

Albanese couldn't have picked out Iowa on a map when he heard of the show opportunity but not only did he end up moving to Iowa permanently, he found his wife here! Albanese reflects on Triple Espresso's incredible success and why their apolitical, family friendly show grew in popularity.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/patrickalbanese

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High tea, Victorian costumes, classy Christmas parties, and you're invited. Did you have any clue that any Iowan can sign up for tea parties, and this month the official Terrace Hill Christmas party? Also called the Governor's Mansion you can also do a tour, but you can't go to the basement vault. We asked Terrace Hill administrator, Molly Franta what's inside.

Terrace Hill hosts Christmas and tea parties and most Iowans have no idea they can come and check it out, sip some tea and enjoy the music. The party benefits the Iowa National Guard and care packages are sent to our troops. Franta also shares some of the coolest rooms in Terrace Hill that most folks don't have access to.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/terrace-hill-christmas

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