Writing in a journal is usually a personal and private act, but there are published diaries that have changed the world. There are scholars who study diaries and family members who treasure them. And if you have a diary, there just might be an archive that would like to collect it when you’re gone. Betsy Rubiner, a journalist, author and a life-long diarist discusses her book, 'Our Diaries, Ourselves: How Diarists Chronicle Their Lives and Document our World.' Later in the hour, we hear from Beth Hoffman, a farmer and journalist who is now the host of a new podcast called 'At the Iowa Farm Table.' The podcast focuses on sustainable agriculture, local food production and consumption, land and water conservation and some of the many challenges facing Iowa right now. (Portions of this episode were originally produced Feb. 24, 2026 and July 4, 2025)
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We look at how Iowa’s organic movement began, how it’s evolved and what the future holds for the next generation of farmers. -
When buying a home, a mortgage isn’t the only thing that can weigh down your finances. From repairs to maintenance, the true costs of owning a home can surprise you.
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The 2025 World Food Prize Laureate Mariangela Hungria talks about how soil science is shaping a more sustainable future.
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How to avoid creating trash in Iowa — from repairing your things instead of replacing them, to recycling and composting and more.
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Barney Bahrenfuse and Suzanne Castello were just awarded the 2025 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award for their work on their organic farm. -
Over 20 years since their meet cute at a Practical Farmers of Iowa conference, a Grinnell couple was honored for their achievements in sustainable agriculture.
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Climate action proponents say the layoffs will make it harder for the local government to reach its net zero emission goal by 2050. -
Operating on nearly 900 acres in Decorah, the Seed Savers Exchange preserves plant varieties by saving and sharing seeds — and their stories. Since 2000, local musicians have lent their talents to support the mission. -
What individuals can do to slow the progress of climate change and revamped weekends with IPR
