Jean Lloyd-Jones served in both the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate, starting in 1979. Now, at age 96, she has published a memoir called 'A Women's Place: My Life as a Public Servant.' On this episode, Lloyd-Jones shares about how her career expectations didn't extend much beyond finding a husband in the early 1950s, to then spending 60 hours a week volunteering for the Iowa League of Women Voters, realizing that she can make a difference at the Iowa Capitol and helping other women pursue careers in politics.
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The Pentagon launched a formal review of women in ground-combat positions. On this archive episode, what lead to this review and how could it impact the United States Armed Forces? Amy Rutenberg, an ISU historian, summarizes the long arc of women's service in the U.S. Military. Then, guests offer competing perspectives on combat effectiveness and standards. (This episode was originally produced in January 2026.) -
For the last century, Roosevelt High School’s synchronized swimming team has fostered a community for women both in and out of the water. This year marks the Sharks’ 100th anniversary, making them the oldest club of their kind. -
Lizzie Hershberger grew up in an Amish community in Minnesota. She is a survivor of sexual abuse and rape, and she left the community, eventually writing the memoir, Behind Blue Curtains: A True Crime Memoir of an Amish Woman's Survival, Escape, and Pursuit of Justice. Hershberger connected with journalist Sarah McClure, who published a year-long investigation about incest, rape, and abuse in Amish communities. Hershberger and McClure then set out on years-long journey filming the documentary Keep Quiet and Forgive, which premieres March 23rd on PBS. Also, water quality is a huge challenge for the Midwest and the Great Plains, but there is a great deal of beauty to be found in the aquatic ecosystems that surround us. ISU professor Amy Burgin joins to share of the Great Plains' water wonders and what she calls "wicked problems."
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As survivorship increases for most cancers, the rate of uterine cancer survivorship is lower than it was in the 1970s. It's also the sixth most common cause of death among women in the United States. The preferred treatment is a hysterectomy, and young women who want to have children have to choose between becoming infertile or being at a higher risk of recurrence. On this Talk of Iowa, Charity Nebbe speaks with a survivor of endometrial cancer who was able to conceive her first child after undergoing hormonal therapy. Then, Nebbe is joined by a gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Megan McDonald, as well as researcher Kristina Thiel and a Ph.D. candidate in her lab, Katie Colling, who share their research into hormonal therapies.
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The Pentagon recently launched a formal review of women in ground-combat positions. On today's episode, what lead to this review, and how could it impact the United States Armed Forces? Amy Rutenberg, an ISU historian, summarizes the long arc of women's service in the U.S. Military. Then, guests offer competing perspectives on combat effectiveness and standards.
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Iowa roller derby leagues are carrying on a sport rooted in community and inclusion.
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After coming to an abrupt conclusion in 2023, the long-running book sale once run by Planned Parenthood North Central States is starting a new chapter under the leadership of a new, volunteer-run nonprofit. -
A study by the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence found that women and children make up the majority of victims of domestic violence homicides in the state. According to the lead researcher, access to guns and a lack of affordable housing could be contributing factors. -
The Sac County Board of Supervisors picked Katie Stange to be the new sheriff last month. She's the first woman appointed to that role in more than a century.
