Talk of Iowa is a place for Iowans to interact with and learn from each other. Together, we delve into culture, history, art and literature. We want you to come away connected to our culture and what it means to live in Iowa.
Host Charity Nebbe brings a mix of regular guests and a range of experts to the microphone to discuss what’s happening in Iowa and what makes this a special place. 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.
Talk of Iowa is produced by Caitlin Troutman, Danielle Gehr and Samantha McIntosh, and our digital producer is Natalie Dunlap. Our executive producer is Katherine Perkins. Our theme music is by The River Monks. Call into the live show on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 866-780-9100. Email the show's hosts and producers anytime at [email protected]. Or download the latest episode to listen to the conversations you missed.
-
Learn how to plant tulips, daffodils and other bulbs this fall for vibrant blooms come spring -
Ruth Rabinowitz talks about moving from California to Iowa for a more present role on her family's farm. Then, Cedar Rapids chef Anthony Leonard on competing in Hell’s Kitchen.
-
Ruth Harkin reflects on her career and memoir, When My Husband Ran for President and Other Short Stories. Plus, what gravestones can teach us about history ahead of the annual Oakland Cemetery walk.
-
The stories in Carol Roh Spalding's collection Waiting for Mr. Kim span more than 70 years and four generations of a Korean-American family.
-
Experts discuss the process of repatriating Indigenous cultural items and why it's important.
-
Ajay Nair, professor and chair of horticulture at Iowa State University, guides us through his garden's bedtime routine. Then, horticulturist Aaron Steil answers your questions.
-
The All Iowa Reads committee reveals the titles for 2026. First, we revisit a conversation with educator Amanda Jones about her book, That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America.
-
The City of Decorah was visited by royalty this week.
-
Nick Offerman is coming to Des Moines Oct. 14 to talk about his new book aimed at children, “Little Woodchucks: Offerman’s Guide to Tools and Tomfoolery.”
-
We honor Jane Goodall’s legacy with a look back at her 2025 conversation and reflect on her impact with wildlife biologist Jim Peases.