What happens when a centuries-old trade meets the cutting edge of artificial intelligence? Riana LeJeune is proving that upholstery is far from a "dying art" by launching a first-of-its-kind national apprenticeship and developing a global design app without any coding knowledge.

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LeJeune dives into how she bypassed a $100,000 software quote to build her own global SaaS platform and why she believes industry-specific Ai is the secret to making artisans more profitable. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast, a tech geek, or someone who values the "buy once, buy well" philosophy, you'll want to hear how this Iowa entrepreneur is turning old-school grit into a high-tech revolution.

Chapters
00:00 - Old Trade Meets AI
01:45 - Why Upholstery Still Matters
08:48 - Building a National Apprenticeship
15:24 - Renewable App Explained
19:44 - Two Sided Platform Pricing
23:08 - Vibe Coding And Future

As newspapers struggle across the country, one small town in Northwestern Iowa is bucking the trend. Not only are they're seeing subscriber and advertiser growth through a new podcast. Erin Sommers, editor of The Record Democrat in Pocahontas, Iowa explains why she launched their new podcast, "On The Record," before their first website!

Links:
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In this interview Sommers explains how On The Record has not only led to new readers, but has revived interest from advertisers! She explains why viral reach isn't the goal, and how they think about content serving Pocahontas, and Northwest Iowa.

Chapters:
00:00 - Podcasts Beat Radio
01:21 - Why Print Still Matters
10:01 - Launching a Local News Podcast
19:25 - Podcasting Takes Work
23:55 - Print Plus Podcast Strategy
28:52 - AI Newsroom Future

Zach Lahn is running for Governor in Iowa and he happens to be the very first candidate to be endorsed by RFK JR's MAHA Action organization. In this discussion, Lahn explains his intent to stop subsidies and veto incentives for big ag, even if it means losing party backing entirely.

Links:

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Lahn gives his perspective on President Trump's executive order protecting Glyphosate. Is this the end of the end of the MAHA, MAGA, and GOP alignment on health? Are new battle lines being formed in Iowa and US Politics? Can he convince Iowa to lead the country in regenerative agriculture?

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro and MAHA Endorsement
04:03 - Glyphosate Immunity Fight
10:51 - Iowa First Farm Reforms
16:57 - Break Up Big Ag
19:44 - Regenerative Farming Shift
26:49 - Incentives MAHA Wrap Up

Back in 2012, downtown Burlington was a beautiful, albeit quiet. But today it's thriving and active, at times with four shows performing simultaneously in the downtown area. Jeff Poulter, Director of The Capitol Theater complex discusses the historic theater and the thriving Downtown area.

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Poulter isn't sure if the Theater's historic renovation set off the growth in Dubuque but the timing is notable. Oftentimes historic renovations and artistic pursuit are the catalyst to new growth. Poulter explains all the activity at the theater, the new speakeasy and gives a first-hand account of what traveling acts say about Dubuque when they stop by.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Burlington's Arts Hub
01:21 - Inside the Capitol Complex and Nightcap
07:58 - Renovation History and Riverfront Revival
15:16 - Local Music Partners
16:19 - Why Acts Return
22:25 - River Cruises And Events

Have you heard Iowans are "risk averse" creatures? Research from Iowa State University not only suggests this may be true, but its origin may be tied to farmer trauma, passed down to our children and grandchildren. Chris Morris, PhD research shows stress from farming has a compounding effect over time and becomes mentally destructive. The resulting trauma not only results in risk averse behavior and higher than average suicide rates, but is passed down.

Dr. Morris has spoken with farmers across the entire state, and his stories are heartbreaking and shocking. The immense pressure farmer's face of "feeding the world" and protecting their ancestors legacy are heavy burdens result in low-grade stress that builds. Making things more difficult, farmers rarely share these social pressures, and therefore lack the mental tools to reverse the trend.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Why Iowans Play It Safe
02:06 - Farm Trauma Explained
06:38 - Risk Aversion and Ripple Effects
16:52 - Stigma and Isolation
24:03 - Trauma Stories and Policy
29:32 - What Helps Farmers Heal

If you've seen a national media story featuring Iowa, visited the Des Moines airport, picked up an Iowa magazine, checked out the Iowa Road Trip Facebook page, or have seen any Iowa tourism website, you've likely appreciated his work. His name is Brian Abeling and he explains the stories behind Iowa's most iconic shots.

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Born in New York, Abeling lives in central Iowa and although it may seem like taking breathtaking Iowa photo is his full time job, he explains it's just a hobby, but his organizational skill and dedication to finding the most perfect Iowa shots are 2nd to none. He explains his favorite Iowa moments, how far Iowa nice goes, and his incredibly detailed system that grew his Iowa Road Trip Facebook page to over 330,000 followers.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome And Introduction

01:15 - Career Highlights And Features

03:15 - Day Job Vs Night Job

03:39 - Automating Iowa Road Trip

04:38 - Food Photos And Fan Encounters

07:45 - Iowa Safety And Iowa Nice

11:00 - Favorite Hidden Iowa Spots

12:48 - Page Growth And Content Strategy

14:48 - Iowa Pride And Social Media

16:24 - Ignore the Comments

16:51 - Quiet Iowa Moments

18:23 - When Fans Don't Believe

19:48 - Photos That Boost Business

21:27 - Iowa Food Obsessions

22:54 - Iowa Isn't Flat

24:03 - From New York to Iowa

25:35 - Photography Origin Story

27:05 - Planning Road Trip Shoots

29:31 Years of Dedication

30:28 - Where to Find Brian

30:54 - Wrap up and Closing

The Des Moines Symphony is 1 of 4 symphonies in the USA with a young musician academy, which is the focus of their final 3 Masterworks performances. Get 20% off using code: IOWAPODCAST to see this unique experience right here in Iowa!

Maestro Joseph Giunta breaks down their final three Masterworks concerts featuring the Heartland Youth Choir singing the well known Shaker Hymn "Tis a Gift to be Simple" and 17-year old child prodigy Amaryn Olmeda for Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto and a whole lot more.

Chapters:
00:50 - Orchestra Size and Hall Acoustics
02:05 - Masterworks 5: Reflection featuring Stella Chen
09:44 - Masterworks 6: Hope featuring Heartland Youth Choir
14:13 - Masterworks 7: Courage featuring Amaryn Olmeda
15:32 - Alpine Symphony And Hall Sound

🎻 Get Masterworks tickets https://dmsymphony.org/about/news/des-moines-symphony-masterworks-2025-2026/

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As the Iowa Legislature navigates the accelerating reality of autonomous vehicles, State Representative Megan Jones (R-Sioux Rapids) is seeking a delicate balance between technological innovation and public safety. But the current state of the bill may create a regulatory framework that inadvertently bans them entirely.

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Jones chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee. She addresses the evolution of bills like HF 2375, HSB 598, HF 2673, which aim to define the "rules of the road" for driverless technology in the Hawkeye State.

Chapters:
01:00 - Bills and Safety Fears
07:51 - Hazmat Trucks and Future Proofing
14:41 - Public Input and Liability Questions
16:30 - Liability and Tort Reform
19:24 - Insurance and Road Safety
22:10 - Bill Language and Labor Concerns
29:50 - State Rules and Closing Thoughts