In this episode we talk with Grace Smithey about her becoming the newly crowned Miss Iowa Teen USA and what it takes to be on a pageant stage. Grace calls Polk City Iowa home and reflects on how she got her start by knocking on doors and taking donations to make her dream become a reality.

Grace gives some great insight to the pageant world here in Iowa and some advice for those aspiring young contestants. Be sure to catch this episode as Grace has some exciting news for all of you about her television appearance on August 1st, 2024 and how it could be a defining moment for her. This is a true homegrown Iowa story that you can't miss!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/grace-smithey-miss-iowa-teen-usa

Megan Hanson has taken a journey down a path for over 25 years and now found ways to give back to her two loves: The Arts and Iowa. Growing up in Des Moines, she began dancing at an early age and pursued her passion for Arts ever since. From high school theater, to a Bachelor's Degree in Stage Management and eventually a Master's in Brand Communication, she has been an integral part of Bravo of Greater Des Moines and now, in addition, the Hinterland Music Festival.

Starting this past April of 2024, she became the VIP Lead at Hinterland for this August. Megan discusses her skill set and the drive that brought her to where she is now. Join us as we discuss a journey to a career in the Arts, how she has given back to the Arts community in Iowa and her current work at the amazing Hinterland Music Festival.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/megan-hanson-hinterland

As you travel on Highway 69 near Story City, you will look to the West and see a sign with red letters that says "Slim's Country Market". Chances are that owner Kent Allen will be nearby to greet you as you park on the gravel and enter this 1943 roadside produce stand. But this is not just a place to pick out amazing produce, food, beverages and gifts, it is a place where you will feel welcome and be part of the generations that have frequented Slim's to savor the most valuable part of what Kent offers; relationships.

Tune in to this podcast to hear how owner Kent Allen went from working in a produce department at a local grocery chain to becoming a small business owner. And, as with many of my guests on the New in Town Podcast, makes his dream become a reality!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/kent-allen-slims-country-market

In the second installment of the Iowa New in Town podcast, host Mark Rixner sits down with trained dancer and choreographer and Iowa native, Jessie Schnack, to talk about her passion for arts education and the inspiration behind The Dancer's Theater in Johnston, Iowa. After teaching and performing for 20+ years, Schnack took a small building and made her big dream of owning and operating a non-profit performing arts studio for children ages 5 through 18 come true.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jessie-schnack-dancers-theater

Andrew Hoyt is a singer, songwriter, musician from Des Moines, Iowa. His start as a music educator for elementary students continued his love of all things music. Through working in schools and observing the power of music therapy, he knew the impact music can have on people. It was this spark that pushed him forward with his own music.

Now, Andrew has found himself playing for thousands of people around the state, including opening up for the pop group, "AJR" at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. This episode is his story of how he made the move from the classroom to the stage and how you can see him soon!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/andrew-hoyt-iowa-musician