Iowa Innovation podcast celebrates 50 episodes

CEDAR RAPIDS — Two years ago, Jennifer Smith wanted to create a show that featured the stories she saw every day in Iowa: Educators, business owners and everyday Iowans who were finding new and innovative ways to do what they do.

That show became the Iowa Innovation podcast.

Since launching in April 2022, Iowa Innovation has gone on to feature guests ranging from Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell, to entertainer Alisabeth Von Presley, to Brucemore CEO David Janssen, to Alissa Gardner of Farm to Health Organics.

In June, the show recorded its first-ever live episode from the stage of the Englert Theatre and featured an interview with Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority.

When Smith returned as a guest for the show’s 50th episode Dec. 12, she marveled at how far the podcast had come in such a short time.

“I was so excited about what we had created and the potential of it and the feedback and the response we got,” she said.

“All of those entrepreneurs that we interviewed, and being able to tell some of their stories for the first time on a podcast — it was just like, there is something special that can be done with this. And I hope it continues to thrive.”

The big 5-0

One of those entrepreneurs, Malia Gutenkauf, appeared on Iowa Innovation in June to talk about her Cedar Rapids consulting company, Little Miss Finance.

Her story of helping peers save and invest money was soon being shared worldwide via Apple, Google, Spotify and other platforms.

"In my eyes, the Iowa Innovation podcast is about sharing stories and getting real about what’s happening with individuals in our communities,” Gutenkauf says. “The hope is always that by being vulnerable and transparent, others may be inspired or learn something new, to better their lives.”

Cedar Rapids Mayor O’Donnell, who appeared on the podcast June 14 and then returned in September to discuss the Mayor’s Youth Summit, said she appreciated the relaxed, conversational tone of the podcast.

“It was a chance for me to exhale a bit and talk about our city ‘friend to friend,’ ” O’Donnell said.

Iowa Innovation co-host Anthony Betters Jr. said the show still is focused on its main goal: To gather local stories of innovation and entrepreneurship, with the aim of inspiring listeners who are working in similar areas.

“We speak on the innovative change that is happening in our state,” says Betters, who teams with NewBoCo’s Rob Merritt to host the show. “Anyone can benefit from being informed about what is happening right in their backyard. And we try to give it an energetic twist.”

Heading to video

To produce each episode, NewBoCo teamed with another local company, Upload Media Group.

Episodes are recorded weekly at UMG’s studio in Czech Village and shared to a variety of popular podcast platforms, from Spotify and Apple to Google.

“We've had the pleasure of working on a lot of podcasts, but Iowa Innovation remains one of our most impactful success stories,” said Logan Schultz, founder and CEO of UMG.

“Iowa Innovation goes above and beyond to change lives, share diverse and meaningful human stories, and represent the best ways in which Iowa is leading the charge in innovation,” Schultz said. “We're certainly proud to have had a hand in such a meaningful project.”

For the latest season, UMG went from its producer role, to being the media sponsor for Iowa Innovation. As part of that partnership, episodes are now recorded on video, and made available via Facebook and Vimeo for those who prefer to watch rather than listen.

“One of our primary goals as a company is to elevate the voices of our community through podcasting,” Schultz said. “We found an immediate alignment with NewBoCo and Iowa Innovation, so it was only natural for us to continue to invest in and support the show as both we, and the podcast, grew.”

Other sponsors of the show have included the Nyemaster Goode law firm; the city of Cedar Rapids, which partnered with Iowa Innovation on multiple episodes in Season 3; and Van Meter, which sponsors the current season.

“Iowa is the nation’s best-kept secret when it comes to innovation and entrepreneurship, but Midwest humility means we don’t tend to pat ourselves on the back and show off,” said Mike Heaton, NewBoCo director of development.

“The podcast offers that perfect vehicle to share and inspire others who have the drive to think and build outside of the box.”

Building a library

All four seasons of Iowa Innovation are available at newbo.co/iowa-innovation-podcast/. Episodes are also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google and other popular podcast sites.

Season 4 released its final episode Dec. 19.

“For me, when there's a new one in my feed, I get excited because it's great content,” said NewBoCo board member Aaron Horn, who helped launch the podcast last year and served as a co-host for one episode.

“The people that they're interviewing are doing amazing things, and considering how many brilliant Iowa innovators are out there, there's plenty of content for seasons and seasons to come.”

Betters, the podcast host, hopes that people will be more willing to give Iowa Innovation a try now that the show has built a library of more than 50 episodes. He also hopes listeners will get behind the podcast’s mission.

“We’re talking about cutting-edge information happening in Iowa that is affecting the world,” Betters says. “Our podcast will help people see that what we do really matters in this state.”

Smith agrees.

“I always knew there was something special that could be done with (these stories),” she said. “And I hope it continues to thrive.”

Rob Merritt is director of communications at NewBoCo.

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