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River to River

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

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

On this Newsbuzz edition of River to River, a conversation with Brian Katulis of the Middle East Institute about this week's developments on the United States and Israel's war with Iran which has included the deaths of six U.S. service members, inclu... more

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For years, the Iowa State Patrol has set a goal of keeping traffic deaths below 300. In 2025, they not only met that goal, but had the fewest fatalities since 1925 at 259. We discuss some of the factors that have led to this decrease, including the h... more

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An Iowa soldier killed. A war in its fifth day. This episode, analysis of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran — and Congressional moves to check the president. Political scientists Jim McCormick and Kelly Shaw join the program to discuss these developments.

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Marketplace’s Kai Ryssdal joins Ben Kieffer for a wide-ranging conversation on the U.S. economy and Ryssdal's career. (This episode was originally produced in November 2025.)

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jim McCormick
Professor Emeritus of Iowa State University, expert on executive-legislative balance in foreign policy
Iowa State University
Episode: Politics experts discuss U.S.-Israel war on Iran
Kai Ryssdal
Host and senior editor of Marketplace
Marketplace (NPR-backed business news program)
Episode: Kai Ryssdal talks AI, brain drain and more in front of a live audience
Ross Wilburn
Representative, Democrat from Ames
Iowa House of Representatives
Episode: Lawmakers discuss restrictions to library and public assistance access
Austin Harris
Representative, Republican from Bolton, floor manager for the bills
Iowa House of Representatives
Episode: Lawmakers discuss restrictions to library and public assistance access
Paige Chickering
Vice Chair of the Iowa Hunger Coalition; Iowa State Manager of Save the Children Action Network
Iowa Hunger Coalition / Save the Children Action Network
Episode: Lawmakers discuss restrictions to library and public assistance access
Helen Hayes
Representative, Republican from New Sharon, House Education Committee member
Iowa House of Representatives
Episode: Lawmakers discuss restrictions to library and public assistance access
Ryan Swenka
Local organizer and recent mayoral candidate in Coralville
Episode: UI now uses robots for more precise transplant surgeries
Dr. Ramy El-Diwany
Transplant surgeon who performed Iowa's first robotic living donor nephrectomy
University of Iowa Health Care
Episode: UI now uses robots for more precise transplant surgeries
Clark Kauffman
Deputy editor of Iowa Capital Dispatch, covered a significant court ruling
Iowa Capital Dispatch
Episode: UI now uses robots for more precise transplant surgeries

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.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Politics experts discuss U.S.-Israel war on Iran
Q: Jim, walk us through this resolution. Let's dig into the War Powers Act. And it really gets into, does Congress need to be consulted in this type of military action, a war, as the president has called it?
The resolution is largely symbolic due to the War Powers framework; it would require both houses and the president's signature, and given constitutional dynamics, it's unlikely to lead to immediate changes in policy, though it signals congressional scrutiny and a political statement about executive action.
Bills ending vaccine requirements and restricting abortion pills cleared major deadline
Q: Can you explain more about the three strikes bill and who exactly it applies to?
The bill creates a point system for various felony and aggravated misdemeanors, where reaching three points would result in a minimum 20-year sentence without parole, but it would not apply retroactively to past convictions.
From historical fiction to horror, author Daniel Kraus infuses Iowa in his work
Q: What role does faith, religion, or the absence of it play in your story?
The character Bagger carries a Bible but does not believe in its contents; instead, he learns to find faith in human connections.
From historical fiction to horror, author Daniel Kraus infuses Iowa in his work
Q: What does the angel represent? Why does she take these different forms?
Kraus indicates that the angel appears differently to each soldier, representing what they need to feel protective about, encapsulating their desires.
From historical fiction to horror, author Daniel Kraus infuses Iowa in his work
Q: How did Jay Holstein in your time at Iowa shape you or inspire you into filmmaking and your writing?
Kraus shares that Jay Holstein taught him how to think critically about art and encouraged an excitement for exploring the depths of literary works.

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. On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti
3. The NPR Politics Podcast
4. Fresh Air
5. Here First

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. Jim McCormick
2. Kai Ryssdal
3. Ross Wilburn
4. Austin Harris
5. Paige Chickering
6. Helen Hayes
7. Ryan Swenka
8. Dr. Ramy El-Diwany

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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