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Artwork for Talk of Iowa

Talk of Iowa

Iowa Public Radio
Iowa
Mental Health
Iowa State University
Horticulture
Family Dynamics
Education
Civil Rights Movement
Public Health
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Vietnam War
Meskwaki Nation
Four-Day School Week
Prosthetic Eyes
Holidays
Jane Austen
Uterine Cancer
Project Art
Iowa City
Head Start
Women's Health

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 ... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes141Founded13 years ago
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Society & CultureArts

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Artwork for Talk of Iowa

Latest Episodes

Some Iowans spent a lot of the summer wishing for rain, others spent the summer wishing the rain would stop. Later summer deluges are raising some concerns about what a strong El Nino means for the next few months. Agricultural climatology specialist... more

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There are many joys that come along with womanhood, but there are plenty of challenges as well. 'You Know Nothing' is a collection of very short stories from Yasmina Din Madden that focuses mostly on the challenges. The stories are insightful, funny,... more

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In 1997 Annette Gordon-Reed published 'Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy.' Her work has inspired other historians to look beyond the traditional narrative when researching and writing about American history. We talk with Gor... more

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Iowa City-based artist Sonja Strathearn began making Regency-era attire three years ago to attend The Jane Austen Fest and the obsession has only grown from there. To celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday, Strathearn welcomes Charity Nebbe into her ... more

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Recent Guests

Curtis Sittenfeld
Best-selling author known for modern adaptations of classic literature, notably 'Eligible', a retelling of 'Pride and Prejudice'.
Episode: The world of Jane Austen fanatics
Sonja Strathearn
A Regency-era reenactor and artist known for creating costumes inspired by Jane Austen's work.
Episode: The world of Jane Austen fanatics
Marian Wilson Kimber
Professor of musicology at the University of Iowa, specializing in the music of Jane Austen.
University of Iowa
Episode: The world of Jane Austen fanatics
James Craig
Superintendent of Cardinal Community School District
Cardinal Community School District
Episode: Four-day school weeks are increasing across Iowa
Elizabeth Day
Research Assistant Professor with the Headco Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice at the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
Episode: Four-day school weeks are increasing across Iowa
Nicole Grunmeier
Senior Content Editor with the Midwest Newsroom
Midwest Newsroom
Episode: Four-day school weeks are increasing across Iowa
Madison Wolfe
Parent in the Seydel District
Seydel School District
Episode: Four-day school weeks are increasing across Iowa
John Turner
Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies at Missouri State University
Missouri State University
Episode: Four-day school weeks are increasing across Iowa
Bill McAnally
Home improvement expert
Episode: Tell-tale signs your home needs structural repair

Host

Charity Nebbe
Host of regular culture-focused segments and interviews; engages with experts on arts, history, and civic topics.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 134 ratings
  • Maybe one day

    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 States5 years ago
  • Exquisitely informative, unassumingly entertaining

    In true Iowa fashion, Charity Nebbe welcomes her on-air guests with a tone of genuine intrigue that invites listeners and and guests alike into a space of sharing both educational and personal. Its nonchalant presentation makes this program the perfect companion to bouts of house chores or cooking, long drives, and moments of downtime. As a post-college student who's lived outside Iowa for years, I must thank Ms. Nebbe and the rest of the team for consistently renewing my Iowa pride and offering... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Aliese G
    United States11 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some listeners express strong political disagreements with NPR/IPR content, signaling polarized feedback in a portion of the audience.
Quality and engagement are strong; the host fosters approachable conversations that feel authentically Iowa.
Listeners appreciate the inviting, educational tone and how it weaves local culture with practical know-how.

Top Society & Culture Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Commemorative plaza and statue recognizes Johnson County namesake
Q: Rebecca, tell us a little bit about her from what you, as a historian, have collected.
Rebecca Conard discusses how much of what is known about Aunt Lula comes from the Jackson family and archival materials, including courses she created to teach Black studies and her broader civil rights-era work, illustrating a bridge between local history and national movements.
Tell-tale signs your home needs structural repair
Q: What about stone or limestone foundations and older masonry—are there best practices for moisture management?
Stone and limestone foundations require careful attention to capillary action and exterior drainage; avoid impermeable coatings that trap moisture, and rely on external drainage, proper acclimatized mortar, and training resources like Buildingscience.com to tailor a solution for your climate and wall type.
Tell-tale signs your home needs structural repair
Q: Should I consider major renovations or replacements if I want to stay in a historic home?
It depends on personal priorities, cost, and the expected lifespan of the structure; if the house has significant moisture or structural questions, bringing in a structural engineer or experienced contractor early can help determine whether stabilization or extensive rehab is viable and whether the home's value justifies the investment.
Tell-tale signs your home needs structural repair
Q: What are the top three things you'd recommend we do or investigate doing?
Start with improving ventilation to control moisture, inspect and maintain the roof and gutters to manage exterior water, and ensure the garage-to-house connections are fire-rated and properly sealed; these steps address the most common moisture and structural issues seen in older Iowa homes and set a foundation for further stabilization.
Smaller populations and more school options mean less funds for public schools
Q: What is Future Frontiers and why was it created?
Future Frontiers is a charter high school opened by Sumner-Fredericksburg to provide work-based learning opportunities, partnerships with community colleges, and broader access to career pathways for students statewide, especially in small districts.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Talk of Iowa

What is Talk of Iowa about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners tune in for a regional culture lens focused on Iowa, with conversations spanning arts, history, literature, gardening, and community issues. Regular segments and expert guests bring practical know-how (horticulture tips, museum funding realities, public history) and feature locals shaping the state's creative and civic landscape. The program often centers on accessibility, education, and community storytelling, making it a go-to for listeners who value local culture, lifelong learning, and Iowa-specific perspectives. A standout trait is the mix of scholarly insight with personable, place-based storytelling, plus a recurring emphasis on public institutions, philanthropy, and regional arts.

Potential listeners should note the show'... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Talk of Iowa?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Talk of Iowa:

1. River to River
2. Science Friday
3. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
4. The Best of Car Talk
5. Here & Now Anytime

How many episodes of Talk of Iowa are there?

Talk of Iowa launched 13 years ago and published 141 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Talk of Iowa?

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What guests have appeared on Talk of Iowa?

Recent guests on Talk of Iowa include:

1. Curtis Sittenfeld
2. Sonja Strathearn
3. Marian Wilson Kimber
4. James Craig
5. Elizabeth Day
6. Nicole Grunmeier
7. Madison Wolfe
8. John Turner

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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