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

Justin Roberts uses rock influences to craft clever music for kids and their parents

Ways To Subscribe
Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Justin Roberts didn't set out to be a children's musician, but his tunes and inventive lyrics brought him success and national attention.

For more than 25 years the Iowa native and now Illinois resident has been delighting kids and parents with his catchy tunes and inventive lyrics, with five Grammy nominations to prove it. Justin Roberts is coming back to the state to teach songwriting at the Okoboji Writer's Retreat this September.

Later in the episode, John Pearson and Rebecca Kauten share about a recent development at Neppl Fen, north of Estherville. A fen is a rare type of wetland that relies on groundwater and cannot be easily restored once destroyed.

John and Rebecca have been monitoring this fen, which was previously used for crop production before the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service acquired an easement to restore the wetland in 2020.

Guests:

  • Justin Roberts, Grammy-nominated children's musician, Des Moines native
  • John Pearson, state ecologist, Iowa Department of Natural Resources
  • Rebecca Kauten, instructor of geographical and sustainability sciences, University of Iowa
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.
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.
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.