PlatPhorm Podcasts

PlatPhorm Podcasts

River to River

River to River is a conversation about the news with an Iowa perspective. Together we dig into the story behind the headlines - we talk with newsmakers and a diverse range of experts to find out how the news affects you. We take on challenging topics, explore issues from all sides, and foster conversation and understanding

100 indexed itemsLanguage not specifiedSource activeFormat not declaredLast published 10/23/2026

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What's behind the historic drop in violent crime across the U.S.? artwork

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What's behind the historic drop in violent crime across the U.S.?

River to River

Violent crime in America has fallen dramatically since the 1990s. On this episode, we find out why. First, we hear from Amber Sheppard, who went from prison to helping others rebuild their lives. Then, we talk with University of Iowa researchers Jason Robey and Mark Berg about theories behind the great crime decline. We also hear from Polk County Sgt. Brittany Worrall about the launch of a new inmate enrichment program that reduced violence among inmates and recidivism in other jails.

1st Congressional District candidates debate tariffs, war in Iran artwork

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1st Congressional District candidates debate tariffs, war in Iran

River to River

On this episode, analysis of the sole 1st District debate between Republican Rep. Miller-Meeks and Democratic challenger Christina Bohannon held this week from Kelly Winfrey of Iowa State University and Sara Mitchell of the University of Iowa. We also discuss President Trump's upcoming Sioux City rally and $8 billion plan to cover farm losses, actor Martin Sheen's plea in Des Moines to revive USAID and more.

Dutch food safety researcher receives 2026 World Food Prize in Des Moines artwork

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Dutch food safety researcher receives 2026 World Food Prize in Des Moines

River to River

A conversation with 2026 World Food Prize Laureate Huub Lelieveld. Lelieveld is a Dutch food scientist who was awarded the World Food Prize for helping prevent millions of cases of foodborne illness. He has been recognized for marshaling a movement across 113 countries to deliver the scientific evidence for modern food safety regulations, legislation and standards that safeguard the world’s food supply.

A conversation with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson artwork

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A conversation with Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Ashley Hinson

River to River

On today's episode, a conversation with Rep. Ashley Hinson, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. But first, we talk with Harvest Academy’s Derek Johnson about the legacy of Walter Lauridsen Jr., who died Oct. 15 after being struck by a vehicle. Lauridsen was the brother-in-law of auditor and gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand. He is being remembered for his work helping those experiencing homelessness or substance abuse at Harvest Academy. Later in the hour, the University of Iowa has opened the state’s first Exercise Oncology Clinic. We explore the science of exercise as part of cancer care with Jessica Gorzelitz, director and founder of the Exercise Oncology Clinic.

Eight states including Iowa sue OpenAI over child safety risks artwork

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Eight states including Iowa sue OpenAI over child safety risks

River to River

Eight states, including Iowa, are suing OpenAI. On this Newsbuzz episode, we talk with William Morris of the 'Des Moines Register' about that lawsuit. IPR's Tom Barton joins us to discuss Trump's plans for Iowa rallies before the midterms. We also talk with IPR's Eliza Billingham about an Iowa City woman who was deported to a country she’s never lived in. We talk with Courtney Crowder of the 'Des Moines Register' about the questions facing a long time Des Moines radio station. And we meet Hidayat Nodin, writer in residence from Singapore, who takes us to a world where light is rented. Then, we groove into the weekend with IPR’s Lucius Pham.

Checking in with third party and independent candidates in Iowa races artwork

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Checking in with third party and independent candidates in Iowa races

River to River

Republicans and Democrats aren't the only choices on Iowa ballots. On this episode, we check in with third party and independent candidates. We talk with Libertarian candidate for U.S. Senate Thomas Laehn as well as three U.S. House candidates — Libertarian Rick Stewart and independent Dave Bushaw in the 2nd District, and independent Michael Bridgford in the 1st District. We discuss what it means to be running for office against the two-party system and many of the top issues on voters' minds.

Republican super PAC pulls support from Rep. Miller-Meeks' campaign artwork

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Republican super PAC pulls support from Rep. Miller-Meeks' campaign

River to River

Twenty days before Election Day, campaigns are making their closing arguments. On this Politics Day episode, we get analysis from Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College.

Where does religious freedom end? artwork

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Where does religious freedom end?

River to River

On this episode, we discuss religious freedom ahead of the Iowa Religious Freedom Day symposium at Iowa State University. The symposium will explore religious freedom through the lens of constitutional law.

A conversation with Democratic 2nd District candidate Lindsay James artwork

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A conversation with Democratic 2nd District candidate Lindsay James

River to River

As early voting begins this week for the November midterm election, we continue our candidate interviews with State Rep. Lindsay James, Democratic candidate for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. James is facing Republican candidate Joe Mitchell for the open House seat. But first, what would a world without cows look like? We talk with journalists and filmmakers Michelle Michael and Brandon Whitworth. They spent five years and traveled to more than 40 locations for their documentary, 'World Without Cows.' The film explores the complex relationship between food and sustainability through the perspectives of farmers, scientists and environmental experts.

Early voting in Iowa begins Oct. 14 artwork

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Early voting in Iowa begins Oct. 14

River to River

On this Newsbuzz episode, we talk with Brianne Pfannenstiel of the 'Des Moines Register' about the midterms as the start of early voting is days away. We also learn about the price Iowa is paying for a $15 billion steel mill, discuss what people can and can't do about data centers, and hear about why families of Iowa soldiers killed in a drone strike are seeking answers.

2nd Congressional District candidate Joe Mitchell on affordability, partisanship artwork

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2nd Congressional District candidate Joe Mitchell on affordability, partisanship

River to River

On this episode, a conversation with the Republican nominee for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District Joe Mitchell. Mitchell is facing Democratic candidate Lindsay James in the general election. We discuss affordability, the war in Iran, the trade war, how to restore faith in Congress along with other issues. But first, should it take a legislative supermajority to raise your taxes? This November, Iowans will decide whether it should take two-thirds of the legislature — not a simple majority — to raise the state income tax. We explore that proposal with political scientist Karen Kedrowski and hear from an advocate and an opponent of the proposal. (Part of this episode was originally produced Aug. 27, 2026.)

Candidates for Iowa governor talk education, economics at contentious first debate artwork

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Candidates for Iowa governor talk education, economics at contentious first debate

River to River

Election Day is less than a month away, and early voting starts in just a week. On this Politics Day episode, we get analysis from political scientists Megan Goldberg of Cornell College and Evan Renfro of the University of Northern Iowa. They discuss the recent debate between gubernatorial candidates Zach Lahn and Rob Sand, the Iran War, the Supreme Court's new term and more.

Identifying how menopause impacts risk of stroke and dementia artwork

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Identifying how menopause impacts risk of stroke and dementia

River to River

On this episode, the science of menopause and the aging brain. Women are more vulnerable to strokes, yet they're historically underreported and underdiagnosed. On this episode, the science of menopause and the aging brain. First, University of Iowa neurologist Dr. Hannah Roeder shares how stroke risk in women nearly doubles in the decade after menopause, and the gender disparities of stroke cases, response and recovery. Then, we learn about a new study to examine whether the menopause transition quietly accelerates brain and blood vessel aging, potentially helping explain why women face higher risks of stroke and Alzheimer's disease. Finally, University of Iowa Comprehensive Stroke Center Head Dr. Enrique Leira joins to share how the Code Stroke system has improved recognition and response to strokes for the past 20 years across the state. (This episode was originally produced June 2, 2026.)

Author Mary Roach explores the strange science of rebuilding the human body artwork

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Author Mary Roach explores the strange science of rebuilding the human body

River to River

A conversation with best-selling author Mary Roach. Her latest book, 'Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy,' is part medical history, part investigative travelogue, part unflinching look at how far we'll go to keep the body running. We discuss the science of rebuilding the human body from 16th-century prosthetic noses to gene-edited pig hearts to hair follicles grown from stem cells.

Rep. Miller-Meeks on seeking a fourth term in Iowa's 1st Congressional District artwork

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Rep. Miller-Meeks on seeking a fourth term in Iowa's 1st Congressional District

River to River

Iowa lawmakers are back at the Capitol for one reason: a $15 billion steel mill, and what Iowa will pay to land it. On this Newsbuzz episode, IPR's Grant Gerlock on the special session over that steel plant. We also hear from Rachel Fey and Megan Kavanaugh about new maps that show how hard it is to get affordable birth control in Iowa. Then, we talk with Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. She represents Iowa's 1st Congressional District, and is running for reelection against Democrat Christina Bohannan. We also discuss a relay carrying a copy of the Declaration of Independence throughout Iowa with Butch Niebuhr and Mitch Barloga. And, IPR’s Nick Brunner grooves us into the weekend.

Choose Iowa program connects Iowans to local foods artwork

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Choose Iowa program connects Iowans to local foods

River to River

Nearly 360 Iowa farms and food businesses carry the Choose Iowa label. Does buying local make a difference? On this episode, we discuss the Choose Iowa Program, the state's buy-local brand. First, we hear from Choose Iowa Program director Beth Romer. We also hear from Chris Deal, co-manager of Deal's Orchard, and Laura Cunningham, founder and owner of Skyview Beef, a dairy barn turned market for dozens of local farmers near Nora Springs. Then, we talk with Shelly Greving, a marketer mapping Iowa's back-road gems, and Andrew and Marissa Waldo, owners of Goose Hill Farm, which grows heritage wheat and other unique grains.

Reactions to President Trump's $15 billion Iowa steel mill proposal artwork

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Reactions to President Trump's $15 billion Iowa steel mill proposal

River to River

President Donald Trump said it will be the biggest steel plant in American history — and its home will be Iowa. On this Politics Day episode, we talk with political scientists Peter Hanson of Grinnell College and Jim McCormick of Iowa State University. We get their view on the new steel mill proposed in eastern Iowa, what the latest polls say about Iowa's toss-up races, Iowa Republicans breaking with Trump over the Iran war and more.

A conversation with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek artwork

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A conversation with Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek

River to River

On this episode, a conversation with the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, state Rep. Josh Turek. The contest with Republican nominee Rep. Ashley Hinson is one of the most competitive Senate races in the country. Turek discusses fuel prices and the war in Iran, farm policy, healthcare and his record in the Iowa House. Then, we’ll hear about a new survey of rural voters from Liz Hamel of KFF, a healthcare policy nonprofit. We discuss rural voters' views of health care issues and how it may impact midterms.

Author Priya Parker believes a healthy community needs healthy conflict artwork

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Author Priya Parker believes a healthy community needs healthy conflict

River to River

Author and conflict facilitator Priya Parker believes most people aren't over-fighting, they're under-fighting. On this episode, Parker joins us to explore how unhealthy peace can fracture families. Her new book is titled 'The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict.' The story opens at her grandfather's funeral in Waterloo, where the minister's highest praise for a 50-year marriage was that the couple never once quarreled.

UI Center for Intellectual Freedom faces mass resignations artwork

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UI Center for Intellectual Freedom faces mass resignations

River to River

All but two of the University of Iowa’s Center for Intellectual Freedom advisory council members resigned this week. On this episode, we find out why from 'Gazette' reporter Vanessa Miller. Then, we talk with Robin Opsahl of the Iowa Capitol Dispatch about President Trump's lawsuit over the Iowa Poll. A court orders the state to reopen its historical research center in Iowa City. We hear from IPR's Maura Curran about this decision. We also talk with Mark Licht of Iowa State University about what a soggy September means for harvest. Then, we meet Wame Molefhe, a writer in residence from Botswana. And IPR’s Tony Dehner grooves us into the weekend.

Does a common weed killer play a part in a neurodegenerative disease? artwork

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Does a common weed killer play a part in a neurodegenerative disease?

River to River

More than 10,000 Iowans are living with Parkinson's disease — and one state senator believes a common weed killer may be part of the story. On this episode, we talk with state Sen. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2024. He's been pushing to ban paraquat, a widely used herbicide tied to higher Parkinson's risk. Luke Nozicka of The Midwest Newsroom joins us to discuss his reporting on the debate over banning paraquat, and we hear from Iowan Nate Peterson who believes his own diagnosis traces back to paraquat exposure. Peterson was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 34. Later, a conversation with 1st Congressional District candidate Democrat Christina Bohannan. Bohannan is running against incumbent Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Vance supports for Iowa Republicans at Council Bluffs rally artwork

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Vance supports for Iowa Republicans at Council Bluffs rally

River to River

On this Politics Day episode, we hear from political scientists Sara Mitchell of the University of Iowa and Dave Peterson of Iowa State. We discuss Vice President JD Vance's visit to Council Bluffs, Trump's address to the UN, the White House banning three news organizations from official events and more.

A conversation with Iowa's major-party candidates ahead of 2026 gubernatorial election artwork

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A conversation with Iowa's major-party candidates ahead of 2026 gubernatorial election

River to River

Iowa will select its new governor in a few weeks. Where do candidates stand on some of the top issues on voters' minds? On this episode, host Ben Kieffer interviews both major-party nominees for governor — Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand. We get their views on the state’s poor water quality, Iowa's climbing cancer rates and education funding among other issues. Lahn and Sand are competing for the seat currently held by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Develop healthy habits to protect the brain against dementia artwork

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Develop healthy habits to protect the brain against dementia

River to River

Dementia can feel like something every family faces alone — but it doesn't have to be that way. On this episode, we talk with Shelby Roberts of the Alzheimer's Association, Dr. Yogesh Shah of Broadlawns Memory Clinic and Iowa's state medical director, Dr. Robert Kruse, about brain health and innovative approaches to early identification, prevention and care for Iowans living with dementia. Then, a conversation with 3rd Congressional District candidate, State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-Des Moines.

Chinese writer-director shares perspectives on Iowa City campus life artwork

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Chinese writer-director shares perspectives on Iowa City campus life

River to River

Data centers are driving up Iowa's power demand. On this Newsbuzz episode, whether to build more wind and solar or invest in new gas and coal plants. First, we talk with Jason Clayworth of Axios Des Moines about how Iowa's new 2% property tax growth cap is forcing cities to weigh cuts to police and fire budgets, and Iowa's state climatologist Justin Glisan joins us with an update on September's record precipitation. We talk with higher education reporter Vanessa Miller about a new $5 million investment to speed up cancer treatments, and Emma Stapleton Thornell shares how this year's Iowa Climate Statement describes a "fork in the road" when it comes to electricity generation. We also hear from Hong Kong filmmaker and playwright Jun Li, who is a resident of this year's International Writing Program. Then, IPR’s Lucius Pham grooves us into the weekend.

Political analyst William Kristol on American democracy, modern conservativism artwork

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Political analyst William Kristol on American democracy, modern conservativism

River to River

He spent decades building the modern Republican Party, but has since left the party behind. On this episode, a conversation Bill Kristol at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City. Kristol has been a fixture of conservative politics for 40 years — chief of staff to Vice President Dan Quayle, founder of 'The Weekly Standard.' He's now editor-at-large of The Bulwark,'= a media outlet and podcast network he helped build as a landing spot for Republicans who've separated from President Donald Trump. We discuss his work defending America’s liberal democratic principles, the future of American conservatism and more.

DHS Secretary Mullin calls Democrats communists at Miller-Meeks fundraiser artwork

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DHS Secretary Mullin calls Democrats communists at Miller-Meeks fundraiser

River to River

President Donald Trump said AI's biggest safety warnings are a conspiracy — even as Iowa towns pass moratoriums on the data centers powering it. On this Politics Day episode, we explore the president's clash with his own tech allies over AI safety. Political scientists Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College join us with their analysis. We also discuss the latest election polls and Iowa's Senate and Governor races, SCOTUS blocking Trump's mail-in voting rule and more.

A look at Iowa's environment during the nation's founding artwork

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A look at Iowa's environment during the nation's founding

River to River

Our nation is 250 years old — but 250 years ago, Iowa was a world apart. On this episode, an ecologist takes us back to a yesteryear’s landscape of endless tallgrass prairie, bison, elk and whooping cranes, and explains why Iowa is now the most ecologically altered state in the nation. A historian discusses the Indigenous nations living here in 1776 and why the American Revolution mattered enormously to people who may not have even known it was happening. And the tribal historic preservation officer of the Meskwaki Nation joins the program to discuss on her people's presence in Iowa. (This episode was originally produced June 18, 2026.)

A therapist's journey with Alzheimer's artwork

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A therapist's journey with Alzheimer's

River to River

More than seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. On this episode, a look at what the disease feels like from the inside. Volker is a retired professor and former president of the American Family Therapy Academy who spent decades building couple and family therapy programs at the University of Iowa and Purdue University. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2025, though symptoms first appeared in 2022. Edie, his wife, joins the conversation as his primary caregiver. (This show was originally produced Nov. 24, 2026.)

Former Iowa governor recounts 9/11 attacks and response on 25th anniversary artwork

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Former Iowa governor recounts 9/11 attacks and response on 25th anniversary

River to River

A quarter of a century later, we're still living with the world September 11th made. On the 25th anniversary of the attacks, we talk with Tom Vilsack, who was Iowa’s governor during the deadliest terrorist attacks in U.S. history. He remembers where he was and how he chose to respond. Then, we talk with Mark Listes of Pendulum Intelligence on the AI-fueled disinformation war reshaping elections and public trust, and what it means for us ahead of the midterms. We also meet Amber Essau, an International Writing Program resident from New Zealand. Then, Studio One's Cece Mitchell grooves us into the weekend.