Rick Brewer

Mountain climber Jen Loeb is the first Iowa woman to complete the seven summits, which means she has climbed the highest peak on every continent in the world. Loeb joins Charity Nebbe to discuss her latest mountain climbing expedition to Antarctica, where she summited Vinson Massis. Before that, Heather Henson and Monica Leo talk about the new collection of short films "Dreamscapes Volume One" that will be screened at Owl Glass Puppetry Center in West Liberty.

Historian Michael Zahs joins Charity Nebbe at the Kalona Historical Society to talk about his latest exhibit on the stories behind 20th century feed sacks and quilts. Plus, Timothy LeDuc of Cedar Rapids, along with Ashley Caine-Gribble, discuss their upcoming trip to the 2022 winter Olympics in Beijing in pairs figure skating.

Rep. Ann Meyer and Rep. Timi Brown-Powers join Ben Kieffer to discuss mental health legislation on the move in the Iowa House of Representatives. Then, Rep. Bobby Kaufmann and Rep. Dennis Cohoon discuss a bill that would change how ATV and UTV vehicles can access certain state roads.

Dr. William Ching of St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids joins Charity Nebbe to discuss the latest studies on COVID-19 and children. They also discuss strategies for handling a positive case and the differences between rapid and PCR tests. Plus, a conversation with Brittany Peacock of the the Davenport Public Library, which became the first library in Iowa to hire a full-time social worker.

Jim McCormick and Karen Kedrowski of Iowa State University join Ben Kieffer to discuss voting rights legislation in the U.S. Senate, the future of the filibuster and the escalating tension between Russia and Ukraine.

Lisa Remy of West Des Moines Public Schools and Mike Johnston of the Decatur County Hospital join Ben Kieffer to explain how the latest COVID-19 surge has been impacting their day-to-day operations. Later, Kathie Obradovich discusses the debate over press access in the Iowa Senate chamber and Drake University student Joie Stoefen shares her feelings about starting the spring semester online.

John Hall is the author of the new historical fiction book "Rare Encounter." He joins Ben Kieffer to discuss the World War II events the book is based on and why he used his father's story as the book's centerpiece.

Peter Hanson of Grinnell College and Chris Larimer of the University of Northern Iowa join Ben Kieffer to analyze how Gov. Kim Reynolds laid out her priorities in the Tuesday evening speech.

IPR's Kendall Crawford and Jason Clayworth of Axios Des Moines join Ben Kieffer to discuss the strains on western Iowa's foster care system and how casinos and sports betting have become a billion-dollar industry in the state. Later, healthcare administrator Devin Juel explains why his nursing home and assisted living facility can no longer accept new patients and Iowa State University's Ryan Bergman describes John Deere's newest autonomous tractor.

Host Ben Kieffer is joined by IPR Statehouse reporter Katarina Sostaric for a conversation with Iowa legislative leaders on day one of a new session.