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Central College students took Harry Smith's course to express curiosity — plus their parents told them to

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Retired national television journalist Harry Smith is teaching a college course in Iowa.

Emmy-winning reporter Harry Smith retired from NBC News in spring of 2024, with the announcement that he would teach at his alma mater Central College in Pella the following fall.

The class of 1973 graduate has been teaching a course titled "Commencement: the Beginning" as an executive in residence. Host Charity Nebbe talks with Smith about his goals to ignite the curiosity of his students in the same way his curiosity was ignited as an undergrad.

Later in the episode, Tim Hall of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shares what we've learned from a historic four-year drought that was ended by devastating floods earlier this year, as drought conditions have returned to the state this fall.

Guests:

  • Harry Smith, retired television journalist and senior correspondent
  • Tim Hall, hydrology resources coordinator, Iowa DNR
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.
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.