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 talkofiowa@iowapublicradio.org. Or download the latest episode to listen to the conversations you missed.
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A conversation with expert readers about 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' for the 'Talk of Iowa' Book Club. Author Zora Neale Hurston drew on her experience as a folklorist, anthologist and a Black woman who came of age in the Jim Crow South when she wrote her beloved novel. (This show was originally produced August 12, 2025.) -
'Warrior Girl Unearthed' is a young adult thriller that gives readers insight into Ojibwe culture, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, missing and murdered Indigenous persons and teenage shenanigans. On this episode of 'Talk of Iowa,' host Charity Nebbe talks with author Angeline Boulley about her inspiration for the novel, then turns to three expert readers. (This episode was originally produced June 10, 2025.)
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In this episode of the 'Talk of Iowa' book club, author Sarah McCammon and expert readers discuss 'The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.' The book is a blend of memoir and reporting, focusing on McCammon's life growing up in an evangelical church in Missouri and attending an evangelical college before parting ways with the church as a young adult. McCammon also writes about the experiences of other so-called "exvangelicals." (This episode was originally produced April 15, 2025.)
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'James' is a retelling of Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' but this time the story is told by Huck’s companion, Jim or James. James is an enslaved man who flees when he learns that he is at risk of being sold. Expert readers Rachelle Chase, Faye Dant and Jocelyn Chadwick discuss their reading experiences for this episode of the 'Talk of Iowa' book club. Please be advised: a portion of this show references racist language used in the book. (This episode was originally produced on Feb. 11, 2025.)
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In 1946 Joseph Geha moved with his family from Lebanon to Toledo, Ohio. He grew up on his family’s stories and delicious Lebanese food, and brings them together in the book 'Kitchen Arabic.' On the Talk of Iowa book club, Geha discusses the book with host Charity Nebbe and expert readers. (This episode was originally produced on Dec. 17, 2024.)
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Paul Lasley has repaired and donated 18 used violins in the last year for students in need. Also in this episode, ISU psychology professor Doug Gentile shares how acts of kindness towards others can help us take better care of ourselves, too.
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IPR Studio One hosts Nick Brunner, Tony Dehner, Cece Mitchell, Sean McClain and Tressa Glass share their favorite new music from the last year.
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As winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah and the solstice bring light into the darkest time of year, we’re taking a closer look at the plants tied to those traditions — beyond poinsettias and Christmas trees.
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Five Iowans told stories with the theme water, the current of life, in front of an audience at Trumpet Blossom Cafe in Iowa City. Host Charity Nebbe was emcee for the event hosted by Investigate Midwest, an independent nonprofit newsroom that reports about agriculture with data-driven investigative journalism. Hear from storytellers Kylah Hedding, Larry Weber, Katie Roche, Parker Field and Judith Joyce.
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We listen back to a favorite episode of holidays' past about how four Iowa families have used their creativity to make Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas extra special for their families. (This episode was originally produced Dec. 21, 2022.)