We sat down with Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart at Lua Brewing in Des Moines for a wide-ranging conversation over a few pints.

We talked about the recent special election wins for Democrats, what Rita has been focused on as IDP Chair, and how the party is working to rebuild across the state. Rita also shared her thoughts on Iowa’s struggling economy, the most popular Democratic Candidate in Iowa Rob Sand, and why she’s optimistic about the strong slate of Democratic candidates stepping up for 2026.

Whether you’re a political junkie or just curious about what’s brewing in Iowa politics, this one’s worth a listen. 🍺

On this week’s episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard for a wide-ranging conversation on the past, present, and future of Cyclone athletics. From the growth of ISU’s national profile to the challenges of modern college sports, Pollard shares insights into what it takes to lead one of the Big 12’s rising programs. Plus, in our signature segment, we convene the Supreme Court of Iowa State Athletes to debate and decide which Cyclones deserve a spot on the ultimate Supreme Court of ISU legends. Grab a pint and join us for an episode filled with Cyclone pride, big-picture perspective, and a few tough choices.

We sit down with US Senate Candidates JD Scholten and Josh Turek as JD announces that he is suspending his campaign and endorsing Josh Turek. We hold the first sit down interview with both guests as they explain the thought process behind their decision! We also talk about the issues State Representative Turek seeks to address if elected US Senator. We also talk about Josh's experience in the Paralympics and make predictions for this years Super Bowl and World Series.

This SPECIAL ELECTION Episode with SD-01 Candidate Catelin Drey covers everything you need to know for the upcoming August 26th Special Election. We touch on issues that are important to Iowa along with other topics including raising children, Taylor Swift, and life on the Campaign Trail!

From 4th of July Parade to the State Senate—and even deployments overseas—Matt Blake has a story worth hearing. In this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we start with our Buzzed Briefings and our wildly competitive Supreme Court of Lawyers draft, then dive into a conversation with the newly elected Iowa State Senator representing District 22.

We talk about service, leadership, and the surprising moments that shaped his journey. Politics, pints, and plenty of stories—this one’s got it all.

In this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with Iowa State Senator Mike Zimmer as he officially announces his campaign for reelection. Over a beer, we dive into his legislative goals, lessons from his time in office, and what’s next for Iowa politics.

🍺 Plus, in our Buzzed Briefings, we share a few headlines that caught our eye — some serious, some just plain strange.

🕵️‍♂️ Then we take a sobering turn and unpack the timeline of Donald Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, tracing public statements and key moments that raise important questions.

From local races to global scandals, we’re bringing the conversation back to the table — one pint at a time.

What happens when you share a beer with the man who made Elphaba iconic? We sit down with Wicked author Gregory Maguire to talk about the political soul of Oz, the surprising Hollywood twists his story has taken, and how villains aren’t always what they seem. Plus — we close the case on the ultimate debate: who belongs on the Supreme Court of Witches? (Yes, it gets delightfully weird.) Pour one and join us for a magical, meaningful conversation that defies gravity — and expectations.

This week on Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with Travis Terrell, candidate for Congress, to talk about why he's running, how his background shapes his political views, and what he'd bring to Washington. Then, we shift gears and take the bench for the Supreme Court of Dream Bachelor Party Destinations—from Vegas to the woods, we make our ruling. Grab a beer and join the conversation.

In this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we serve up a sizzling segment: the Supreme Court of Appetizers—where we debate the ultimate starter foods and lay down some snack-based rulings. Then, we dive into the viral clash between Riley Gaines and Simone Biles, unpack the political energy behind the LA Protests, and take a nostalgic trip through our favorite memories at Des Moines’ own Wells Fargo Arena. From mozzarella sticks to medal counts—this episode has range. Grab a pint and press play.

This week we get a surprise visit from JD Scholten and he discusses his recent candidacy for US Senate. We also cover our Supreme Court of 90s TV Show Sitcoms and recap the news of the week!

This week, the guys sit down with Iowa State Senator and current U.S. House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, public service, and the politics of religion. We dive into her perspective as a Lutheran pastor in the state legislature, her thoughts on the controversial School Chaplain bill, and what it’s like balancing spiritual values with the demands of public office.

Then, Ryan, Josh, and Tyler shift gears and debate their Supreme Court of War Movies—each host nominates their top three films for the ultimate war movie canon. Will your favorite make the cut?

Grab a pint, tune in, and join the conversation.

This week on Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with fellow Big J Journalist Zachary Oren Smith and maybe our next Best Friend to talk about his journey from growing up in Mississippi to reporting in Iowa. We dive into the role of journalism in today's world, hear personal stories from Zach’s career, and put his friendship to the test with our signature Best Friend Quiz. We also spend some time discussing our favorite expletives. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation you won’t want to miss.

this live episode from the hoppy heart of Des Moines at Lua Brewing, we sit down with Iowa State Auditor—and now gubernatorial candidate—Rob Sand. Over some top-tier craft beers, we ask the big questions: Why’s he running for governor? What’s his go-to music festival? And can our half-baked money-saving ideas actually fix the state budget (spoiler: probably not, but he humors us anyway)?

We also dig into the serious stuff—like the real challenges facing Iowans—and Rob shares why showing up and listening still matter in politics. It’s equal parts civic discourse, brewery banter, and dad-joke diplomacy. Come for the policy, stay for the pints.

This week, we sit down with Iowa State Representative Sean Bagniewski for a conversation that covers everything from serious policy to serious comedy.

We dig into key legislation passed this year, including the cell phone ban, and get Sean's take on how it will impact schools across the state. But this episode isn't just politics—Sean opens up about growing up in a trailer park, the lessons it taught him, and how it influences his approach to public service today.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Pints & Diplomacy without a little pop culture. We break down some of Sean’s favorite movies, including why Step Brothers still hits, and how film can connect to politics more than you’d think.

Pour a pint and join us for a fun, thoughtful conversation with one of Iowa’s most interesting lawmakers

This week we recap the world of news that occured in the last week. We cover SignalGate 2, The Death of Pope Francis, and Kim Reynolds not seeking reelection. Tyler reads an original poem in honor of the Pope and the guys help predict the future of Iowa Politics now that Kim Reynolds has chosen not to seek reelection.

This episode we sit down with my former High School Government Teacher Ben Fridley. He retired from teaching back in 2010 and we discuss the current state of teaching along with his experiences as a teacher in Hampton-Dumont. We talk about how much education has changed throughout the years and he gives advice for future teachers in Iowa. We also spend some time talking about the community of Hampton and the infamous Senior Prank from the Class of 2010.

This week we have a massive Buzzed Briefings lined up for the listeners along with a VERY contentious Supreme Court of Leaks in light of the leaked Signal chat with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other officials in the Trump Administration.

This episode we spend an hour with Immigration Attorney Jessica Malott and discuss the Trump Administrations approach towards immigration and we unpack stereotypes surrounding the immigration process in America. We also cover our Supreme Court of American Immigrants!

This weeks episode explores the State of Wisconsin and their upcoming Supreme Court Election with the Host of "As Goes Wisconsin" Kristin Brey. We unpack every Wisconsin stereotype and hear great stories about Wisconsin greats Bob Uecker and Chris Farley. We also tackle the Supreme Court of Turning Heel where we nominate people who have fallen from the good graces of society.

Todays episode we touch on the Buzzed Briefings from the week which includes the Oval Office Meltdown with President Trump and President Zelenskyy. We revisit the Joint Session of Congress and discuss Rep. Al Greens ejection from the House Chambers. We conduct our 2nd Supreme Court by nominating movies we have never seen.

We welcome on our Special Guest Liz Fleming, otherwise known as, Liz From Iowa to discuss her ascent into Iowa Politics and Tik Tok. She shares her story of being on the gameshow The Floor with Rob Lowe and how she once had drinks with Noah Kahan.