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Kaveh Akbar's debut novel asks what makes a 'Martyr!'

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

In the novel Martyr!, Cyrus Shams is an Iranian American, the survivor of many hardships, a poet and a young man looking for meaning in his life. Shams shares many of those characteristics with his creator, Kaveh Akbar. Akbar is a well-known, award-winning poet, the director of the English and creative writing major at the University of Iowa and the poetry editor for The Nation. Martyr!, his debut novel, explores addiction, loss, sexuality, racism, the search for purpose and, as the title implies, martyrdom.

Later in the show, wildlife rehabilitators discuss lead poisoning in Iowa's wild birds, and what Iowans can do to help.

Guests:
Kaveh Akbar, author
Kay Neumann, executive director of SOAR
Jenni Boonjakuakul, founder and executive director of Iowa Bird Rehabilitation

Charity Nebbe is IPR's<i> Talk of Iowa</i> host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts <i>Garden Variety</i> and <i>Unsettled</i>. 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.