The Gazette: 10 Iowa-produced podcasts to listen to

Oct 8

Iowa podcasters highlighted at first Iowa Podcast Awards

By Bailey Cichon - Oct 8 2024

Logan Schultz, founder and CEO of Upload Media Group, addresses the crowd at the first Iowa Podcast Awards. The event was attended by 200 people at The Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on September 15, 2024. (Forrest Moore/Upload Media Group)

Iowa’s podcasters were in the spotlight Sep. 15 with the first Iowa Podcast Awards. The hosts, producers and sound designers of Iowa came together to network, take workshops and celebrate their work.

Cedar Rapids-based podcasting and digital content company Upload Media Group presented the awards show, which was attended by 200 people. Almost 100 nominees were recognized and 28 awards were presented.

“Podcasting is a booming medium because of its accessibility and low barrier to entry, but it is often a challenging medium to gain traction in,” Logan Schultz, Upload Media Group founder and CEO, said. “We are happy to celebrate all of the nominees and winners, but the most successful part of the event was bringing this community together for the first time and empowering them to learn from each other and support each other. The future is immensely bright for podcast creators in Iowa.”

Here’s a taste of what Iowa’s podcasting scene is producing:

REMelations: Comedy Dream Interpretation

*REMelations podcast co-hosts Mindy Pollack and Brooke Althaus pose for a portrait during a live episode taping at the Iowa Podcast Awards on September 15, 2024. (Upload Media Group)*

This podcast feels like you’re at a slumber party with lifelong best friends and co-hosts Mindy Pollack and Brooke Althaus. In this show, Pollack and Althaus retell and interpret listener-submitted dreams. Every week, the pair dives into a sleep-related topic, like sleep deprivation and major modern day disasters or the question: What do celebrities dream? The show won Best Comedy Podcast at the Iowa Podcast Awards.

Breaking Barriers: The DEI&B Podcast

Co-hosts Anthony Arrington, Joy Briscoe and Nick Ford discuss barriers and offer solutions to inspire the listener to take actions and incite change. The show centers conversations around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. The podcast asserts, “DEI&B isn’t something you do. Your business is either living this stuff or it’s not.” Hosts and guests aren’t afraid to delve into difficult topics like racism, systemic barriers, and criminal justice reform. The show won Best Society and Culture Podcast.

Iowa Innovation

This podcast might lead to a few “light bulb moments.” Iowa Innovation focuses on Iowans making an impact through education, leadership and entrepreneurship. Co-hosts Anthony Betters Jr. and Rob Merritt sit down with movers and shakers bringing innovative ideas to the state.

Transcending Comics

Host Tomi Trembath puts the spotlight on trans, non-binary and gender queer representation in comics, manga and webtoons. Fans of science fiction, graphic novels and superhero movies will rejoice at the star-studded lineup of guests, from actresses and writers to tabletop game designers. Trembath’s podcast “Giant-Sized Violence: A Toku Comics Podcast” took home Best Production and Episode of the Year at the Iowa Podcast Awards.

JustGoBike

RAGBRAI fans and cycling enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Sometimes podcasts dive deep into a topic. This one scratches every corner of the cycling world one episode at a time. JustGoBike covers training tips, updates from RAGBRAI staff, interviews with riders and other cycling community features. Every week, hosts Kathy Murphy and Andrea Parrott bring the social side of cycling to RAGBRAI’s vast audience. The show’s RAGBRAI pre-ride series won Best Limited Series.

The Sugarbowl

Childhood nostalgics, do you ever want to return to the days of watching PBS Kids cartoons with an after-school snack? This podcast might be your new favorite listen. Co-hosts Eli Gross and Chris Huling rewatch episodes of “Arthur” and then turn on their podcasting microphones, retell the story and share their own commentary. It’s a simple concept but it’s a thoughtful, easy listen that is sure to make you smile — and maybe even sing along to the “Arthur” theme song.

Real Success with Nate Kaeding

Former NFL athlete and entrepreneur Nate Kaeding picks the brains of Iowa leaders and entrepreneurs in efforts to define what real success means to the listener. If you’ve ever wondered what inspires and motivates some of the biggest leaders in Iowa, Kaeding’s monthly show has the answers. You’ll recognize guests like Tom Brands and Zach Johnson and Corridor business owners. The show won Best Business Podcast.

Do You Want to Start a Tab?

Award-winning mixologist Carl Busch and Riley Taylor share the crazy stories that come with working in the hospitality industry. Beyond the wild tales, Busch and Taylor tackle topics like managing a bar, dealing with aggressive customers and bar etiquette.

Great American Whiskey Cookers

Host Jeff Zahrt and producer Kirk Monson bring you behind the scenes with some of the country’s finest distillers, including Cedar Ridge Distillery in Swisher. The show was born out of the producers’ love for craft bourbon and supporting small businesses. This show highlights America’s craft distillers’ process, entrepreneurship and commitment to quality. If you prefer to watch your podcasts, this one is a real treat. The show took home Best Video Podcast and Best Food & Beverage Podcast.

Beautiful View

This podcast invites listener to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Hosts Paul and Candy Sinar assert that no matter what seems to be going wrong in life, there’s always an opportunity to find a beautiful view. The Sinars talk about love, marriage and living in the moment. Beautiful View won Best Wellness/Relationship Podcast.

For a full list of Iowa Podcast Award winners and nominees, go to iowapodcastawards.com.

Comments: bailey.cichon@thegazette.com

Logan Schultz