Talk of Iowa

Talk of Iowa is a place for Iowans to connect to our shared culture and what it means to live in Iowa. Host Charity Nebbe brings a mix of regular guests and a range of experts to discuss the arts, history, literature and everything else happening in Iowa. Every day brings something new — even if it's in a recurring segment like Talk of Iowa Book Club or comes from a familiar voice on Horticulture Day.

Becoming a financially independent adult

The path to becoming a financially independent adult is full of challenges, and some of the obstacles along the way are not easy to navigate.

01-26
48:43

Fields of gold in your own backyard

Experts share how to grow a favorite summer treat on a cob in your own backyard.

07-16
48:55

An inside look at the new Ames History Museum

The recently expanded Ames History Museum is full of surprises for all generations.

09-25
49:19

Anti-racism as a daily practice

Author Jennifer Harvey joins the program to talk about her new book, Anti-Racism As Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities and Help Create a Just World.

09-24
48:57

For Fred Armisen, comedy and music go hand-in-hand

Fred Armisen is coming to Iowa in October as part of his "Comedy for Musicians But Everyone is Welcome" tour. Also, we continue our Iowa Famous series by digging into the life and career of Donna Reed with her daughter.

09-23
48:36

Give your perennials some tender loving care

Horticulturists offer advice on storing and saving tender perennials during an Iowa winter.

09-20
49:15

Celebrating 50 years of education through art with ISU museums

A new exhibits look at 50 years of Iowa State University Museums.

09-19
48:17

Famous Iowans, from former SNL cast member to Miss Piggy

From quirky t-shirts to SNL laughs to a glamorous Muppet — discover what makes these Iowans truly famous.

09-18
41:31

'Divergent' author's latest series brings Polish folklore to Chicago

Veronica Roth talks about her latest book, To Clutch a Razor, and becoming a bestselling author at 22-years-old.

09-17
40:30

Nature, mental health and climate conversations at the IEC Conference

Author Florence Williams discusses the mental health benefits of nature and climate scientist Chris Gloninger talks about starting constructive conversations on climate change.

09-16
42:26

Cool season annuals to keep your garden bright

These are the plants that will thrive as the temperature cools.

09-13
40:11

A walk through a 'wild place' with Robin Wall Kimmerer

We tour the Corriell Nature Preserve with Robin Wall Kimmerer and talk about the tools of land preservation.

09-12
43:17

A 'big city' museum in a town of a couple thousand residents

The Kalona Historical Village in southeast Iowa may be a tourism spot geared toward the past, but its features and exhibits have constantly evolved.

09-11
41:11

Freedom of Expression project gives a platform to artists of all abilities

A public arts and culture initiative provides a yearlong mentorship for around a dozen Iowa artists with disabilities who work across a variety of mediums. Then, playwright Mary Swander discusses her new one-man show, Coop.

09-10
48:57

How empty nesters fill the void as children launch their adult lives

Some parents struggle to see their children leave home, while others see it as a new and exciting phase of their life. Empty nesters share their experiences.

09-09
48:39

Prepping for next year's perfect lawn

If you want your dream lawn by next year, now's the time to get started.

09-06
49:23

What does it mean to be a man?

We asked Iowans masculinity means to them 2025.

09-05
48:49

Women and men experience different types of threats to their safety

Women are more likely to be victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault, while men are more likely than women to be murdered. But we don't socialize boys and girls to understand the real threats to their safety.

09-04
48:40

How gendered understandings of medicine influenced health care

On this encore episode, the gender gap in health care diagnosis, outcomes and research.

09-03
48:50

When to harvest the fruits of your labor

On this Hort Day episode, we learn how patience and perfect timing are the keys to a delicious fruit harvest.

08-30
49:10

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