According to new data from Edison Research, more people are listening to podcasts in the USA than radio. It's the very first time this has happened. Ryan Snaadt of Snaadt media comes in the studio to explain why podcasts aren't just limited to news companies or publishers. Any brand or person can start a show. Is radio dead?

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Snaadt is a videographer and podcaster. His podcast highlights Iowa leaders and his podcast has been instrumental in growing his own company. We now live in an age where private small businesses are disrupting large media companies that own radio stations. Snaadt gives a glimpse into best practices and what Iowa brands are doing with this new found power.

While AI is an incredibly sophisticated "copy paste" tool capable of replicating patterns, can it close the biological "last mile" of creativity that defines true artistry? Tony Bohnenkamp of The Canary Collective, and former member of The Nadas discusses the creative process of composing original music for Kreg Tool. Music requires emotional depth and intent that algorithms cannot simulate. Can Ai experience a rough morning, a personal life event, or a breakup? Can Ai truly replicate the human moods that spur iconic, classic songs?

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The conversation highlights a shift where creative professionals must learn to use AI as an assistant to handle mundane tasks while focusing on the high-level questions that technology cannot answer. Bohnenkamp believes that knowing how to phrase prompts based on professional experience is what will separate seasoned creators from those who simply use AI to "start a podcast". Ultimately, he views the human experience as the indispensable 20% of work that makes a project great, ensuring that true artists remain a distinct and necessary force in the industry.

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