© 2025 Iowa Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Chasten Buttigieg has a message for young adults questioning their sexuality

Ways To Subscribe
Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Chasten Buttigieg grew up in rural Michigan and struggled to come out to his parents. His memoir, I Have To Tell You Something was adapted to target a young adult audience.

Iowans became familiar with Chasten Buttigieg as he campaigned through Iowa with his husband Pete Buttigieg who was seeking the Democratic nomination for President. Chasten will join State Sen. Zach Wahls, D-Coralville, in conversation to discuss his memoir I Have To Tell You Something on July 15 in Des Moines.

Chasten adapted his memoir to relate to younger readers and provide support to individuals who, like Chasten, may be coming to terms with their sexuality.

Then, the Behrends family made ninja obstacle competitions not just their hobby, but their lives, with patriarch Scott co-owning Ninja U obstacle training gyms in Cedar Falls and Ankeny.

Fourteen Ninja U athletes have so far competed on NBC's American Ninja Warrior, including Scott and his teenage son Ben, who will next appear in the semi-final round July 31st on NBC.

Guests:

  • Chasten Buttigieg, author
  • Scott Behrends, co-owner, Ninja U
  • Ben Behrends, Cedar Falls resident
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Samantha McIntosh is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University. Since 2022, McIntosh has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.
Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.