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River to River

Iowa Public Radio
Abortion
Energy Efficiency
Iowa
Catastrophic Flooding
Supreme Court
Donald Trump
Energy Codes
LEED Certification
Planned Parenthood
Joe Biden
Sustainability
Climate Resiliency
Climate Change
Evacuations
Farm Bill
Ed Stone
Voyager Mission
Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Utility Costs
USDA

River to River is a conversation about the news with an Iowa perspective. Together we dig into the story behind the headlines - we talk with newsmakers and a diverse range of experts to find out how the news affects you. We take on challenging topics, explore issues from all sides, and foster conversation and understanding

PublishesDailyEpisodes130Founded13 years ago
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Artwork for River to River

Latest Episodes

Brazilian microbiologist Mariangela Hungria was told she could never make a career researching environmental agriculture practices. Today, she is the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate. She joins the show to discuss how her groundbreaking research in soi... more

A war at a volatile tipping point and a "barnburner" race for Iowa's governor. On this Politics Day episode, political scientists Karen Kedrowski and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University join to discuss how the Iran war is raising concerns about th... more

From the first Iowan U.S. ambassador to Beijing, to Herbert Hoover's fortune in Chinese coal mines, to the soybean's journey from China to Iowa fields — Iowa and China’s relationship is older, stranger and more consequential than you might think. Ben... more

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Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation. A recent report points to contaminants in our water, soil and air as key culprits. On this episode, we talk with two of the authors of this report on environmental risk factors including pesticid... more

YouTube

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mariangela Hungria
2025 World Food Prize Laureate, microbiologist, and professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology
University of Londrina, Brazil
Episode: A conversation with the 2025 World Food Prize Laureate
Ratul Choudhry
Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, ISU
Iowa State University
Episode: Iowa’s hands-free law now in effect
Alex Dinkla
Public Information Officer, Iowa State Patrol
Iowa State Patrol
Episode: Iowa’s hands-free law now in effect
Cindy Cohn
Leading digital rights lawyer, former executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Episode: Meet the Iowan who has spent decades fighting for your rights online
Megan Goldberg
Associate Professor of American Politics at Cornell College
Cornell College
Episode: How the Iran ceasefire is shaping U.S. political conversations
Jonathan Hassid
Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Iowa State University
Iowa State University
Episode: How the Iran ceasefire is shaping U.S. political conversations
Linda Serra Hagedorn
Vice President, League of Women Voters of Iowa
League of Women Voters of Iowa
Episode: How will the SAVE America Act impact Iowa voters?
Adam Wedmore
Cerro Gordo County Auditor
County Government
Episode: How will the SAVE America Act impact Iowa voters?
Sarah Gordo
County Auditor (described in transcript)
Iowa
Episode: How will the SAVE America Act impact Iowa voters?

Host

Ben Kieffer
Host and journalist experienced in reporting on local and political issues in Iowa.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 69 ratings
  • Great Content, Okay Host

    The reporting is solid, but the host is prone to rambling, presumptive questions.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    @B*
    United States4 years ago
  • Terrible

    The host only asks questions and does no push back to get real answers. No worth the time.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    IA04
    United States4 years ago
  • Maybe someday

    I listened to IPR for many years, but I have reached my limit of Fake News Enemy of the People. I do not, and will not waste any more time on anything pushing the Woke gospel of Lies, Hate and Division. Maybe once the country returns to sanity, I will try again, and contribute again. But as it stands now, I will not support Woke, and that includes NPR/IPR.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    rue883
    United States4 years ago
  • Invaluable

    Providing balanced and insightful political commentary from a local perspective, River to River Politics Wednesday is an invaluable local treasure for those seeking to be well-informed Iowans. For me it answers the question: What is Iowa’s take? With the advent of this podcast I am overjoyed that I will never have to miss one again! Thank you IPR!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hubris1
    United States7 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some find the host's questioning style leads to superficial answers, expressing a desire for more critical engagement during interviews.
Listeners appreciate the depth and insight provided on Iowa's political landscape, highlighting the informative nature of the discussions.
The quality and relevance of guests is often commended, offering varied perspectives on crucial issues affecting the community.

Top News Podcasts

The Daily
The DailyThe New York Times
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The Tucker Carlson Show
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The Ben Shapiro Show
The Ben Shapiro ShowThe Daily Wire
The MeidasTouch Podcast
The MeidasTouch PodcastMeidasTouch Network
Serial
SerialSerial Productions & The New York Times

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Iowa’s hands-free law now in effect
Q: What does the new foster care training law actually change, and when does it take effect?
The law eliminates the fixed 30-hour training requirement and replaces it with a competency-based approach that tailors training to the caregiver's background and the needs of the child, with the full effect taking hold starting July 1.
How the Iran ceasefire is shaping U.S. political conversations
Q: What is China's actual role in brokering the ceasefire?
China is seen as having a behind-the-scenes influence rather than leading the diplomatic effort, with Pakistan and other actors also playing significant roles; China's impact is viewed as limited and strategic.
How the Iran ceasefire is shaping U.S. political conversations
Q: Does this ceasefire feel like a turning point or a pause?
The guests suggest it is more likely a pause with ongoing regional tensions, as both Iran and its neighbors continue actions that keep the conflict alive even as negotiations proceed.
Astronaut reflects on Artemis II Mission
Q: What does Artemis II mean for future space exploration?
Clayton Anderson explains Artemis II as a pivotal stepping stone, likening it to how the Space Station program prepared us for lunar work, with the goal of learning to live and work on the Moon to pave the way for Mars.
Iowa bills examine visa access and governor's executive powers
Q: Let me ask the opener here, walk us through what this house file actually does, the main parts of it. What are the core things it prohibits a future governor from doing?
The bill would prohibit the governor from shutting down religious institutions, from mandating behavior in homes, and from declaring certain businesses essential or non-essential, as well as prohibiting vaccine mandates in emergencies, with a mechanism for legislative oversight to shorten or end emergency powers over time.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About River to River

What is River to River about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Explore the intricate tapestry of regional news with a distinctive Iowa perspective, emphasizing deep discussions that reveal the stories behind the headlines. The content engages with a diverse array of voices, including newsmakers, experts, and community leaders, examining pressing issues such as legislation, healthcare advancements, environmental concerns, and political dynamics that resonate locally and beyond. The show aims to foster a rich understanding of how these critical topics affect everyday Iowans, combining commentary, expert insights, and the latest developments in government and community affairs.

Listeners can expect a blend of serious political analysis and engaging narratives that highlight community concerns, ranging fr... more

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Which podcasts are similar to River to River?

These podcasts share a similar audience with River to River:

1. Talk of Iowa
2. Here First
3. Up First from NPR
4. On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
5. The Daily

How many episodes of River to River are there?

River to River launched 13 years ago and published 130 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on River to River?

Recent guests on River to River include:

1. Mariangela Hungria
2. Ratul Choudhry
3. Alex Dinkla
4. Cindy Cohn
5. Megan Goldberg
6. Jonathan Hassid
7. Linda Serra Hagedorn
8. Adam Wedmore

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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