A history of murder, prostitution and police corruption have been buried for a century in Des Moines. On today's episode, we hear the true story of Erastus Wallace Scott, the saloon keeper the 'Des Moines Register' called 'the wickedest man in the wickedest part of town.' He was a killer, a con man and the head of a crime family that terrorized East Des Moines for a decade. We talk with Dave and Rose Donovan about their new book 'The Nastiest Saloon in Iowa: Murder, Prostitution, and Corruption in the Heartland.' The book uncovers century-old murder and corruption hiding in downtown Des Moines, and in Rose's own family tree.
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Mother’s Day looks different for everyone, and for some, the holiday can bring difficult emotions and relationship challenges. We discuss how to navigate complicated family dynamics with University of Iowa communication expert Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart and hear from Erin Wissler Gerdes about her University of Iowa Three Minute Thesis research. Plus, we meet Monica Holt, the new president and CEO of Des Moines Performing Arts. Holt was previously at The Kennedy Center, but left following President Donald Trump's firing of Kennedy Center leadership and replacement of board members. -
Death is a natural part of life, but our society struggles to support those who are grieving. This hour, host Charity Nebbe speaks with grief counselor Lynette Jordan, as well as mother and son Brianna and Grayson Wills about how they developed an open dialogue of grief in the seven years since the death of Grayson's twin brother, Calder. Later we hear from CL Lepley, who has become an expert in supporting those who are grieving after experiencing many difficult losses in their life since the age of five. (This show was originally produced on Nov. 13, 2024.)
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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.)
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The holidays are often framed as a season of joy, generosity and togetherness. But for many families, they also bring financial stress — from buying gifts and hosting meals, to booking travel and navigating expectations, especially with kids in the mix. Chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz breaks down the latest data on holiday spending, debt and travel. Then, journalist Annaliese Griffin shares how her family has embraced secondhand gifts, experiences over things and open conversations about money. Lastly, developmental psychologist Maryam Abdullah discusses how kids experience gift-giving and what actually matters most for their well-being during the holidays.
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In the novel Nothing to See Here, 28-year-old Lillian Breaker is unhappily drifting through life when an old school friend asks for a big favor. Suddenly she is the caretaker of 10-year-old twins — who sometimes burst into flames. Kevin Wilson’s novel is also about friendship, class, politics, parenting and family, both found and biological. On the Talk of Iowa book club, host Charity Nebbe talks about the work with author Wilson and expert readers, Lauren Haldeman, a poet and graphic novelist, and Karen Kedrowski, professor of political science at Iowa State University.
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Gathering with extended family can be wonderful, pleasant, awkward, difficult or even toxic. Sylvia Mikucki-Enyart, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Family Communication, joins with advice about how to navigate the stress of hosting, be a gracious guest and bring new people into family traditions. But first, holiday gatherings can be a great opportunity to learn more about a family member on a deeper level. Von Diaz, senior producer at StoryCorps, shares tips for asking them questions.
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If you’re looking for brilliant, beautiful and delicious ideas for the holiday season, influencer and best-selling author Kaleb Wyse is the man to turn to. Wyse shares his favorite seasonal traditions and recipes, plus tips to avoid overwhelm and disregard the pressure to follow the latest trends at the holidays.
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A retired therapist and professor shares what Alzheimer's has felt like for him. Volker Thomas and Edie Pierce Thomas, his wife and primary caregiver, open up about diagnosis, caregiving and the moments that still bring relief. -
Some parents struggle to see their children leave home, while others see it as a new and exciting phase of their life. Empty nesters share their experiences.
