Thought provoking conversation with Des Moines locals and places nearby. We discuss culture, social issues, politics, their individual stories and everything in between. follow us and share this with your friends and join the conversation.
Why Local Businesses Matter More Than Ever | Karla Walsh on Des Moines' Food Culture
What happens when two people who genuinely love Des Moines sit down over great food and cocktails?You get a conversation that starts with restaurants... and ends up becoming one of the best discussions about community, entrepreneurship, and why local businesses matter.Nationally published lifestyle writer Karla Walsh joins Amner Martinez inside Bar Martinez in Historic Highland Park for a wide-ranging conversation about the city they both care deeply about.This conversation celebrates the people and places shaping Des Moines—from longtime favorites like Proof, Harbinger, Oak Park, Americana, Clyde's, Bartender's Handshake, The Contrary, Secret Admirer, Cream, Aposto, and Bar Martinez, to the entrepreneurs and hospitality leaders continuing to move our city forward, including George Formaro, Nick Tillinghast, Jeff Bruning, and many others.How do we make sure local businesses continue to thrive?Along the way, they dive into:• Why Des Moines has quietly become one of the Midwest's best food cities• Why so many beloved restaurants are closing• The difference between food critics and storytellers• The cocktail renaissance happening across Central Iowa• Hidden gems worth driving across Iowa for• Why supporting local restaurants means supporting entire neighborhoods• How hospitality creates community• Why Highland Park is becoming one of the city's most exciting places to watchWhether you've lived here your entire life or just moved to Iowa, this conversation will make you appreciate the people building Des Moines one small business at a time.
4 May 2026
A Day at North End Barbershop.
his episode takes place at North End Barbershop in Highland Park—Amner’s regular barbershop.
It’s a familiar place, but when you really sit inside it, you start to notice everything happening around the cuts.
People come in, sit down, catch up, laugh, talk about life. It’s just part of the rhythm here.
North End isn’t just where people get a haircut. It’s where they show up, stay connected, and run into familiar faces.
Amner spends the day in the chair, stepping into conversations and moments that naturally unfold in a place like this.
This is the kind of spot every neighborhood has—but not every neighborhood protects.
25 Mar 2026
From the Projects to the Iowa Capitol: The Truth About What’s Happening in Iowa Right Now
In this episode, Amner Martinez sits down with Iowa State Representative Rob Johnson for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, new legislation, civic engagement, and what’s really happening inside the Iowa Capitol.
Rob shares his personal journey from growing up in the projects of Chicago to becoming one of the few Black elected officials in Iowa. He talks about the influence of his mother, the importance of civic involvement, and why mental health is the real crisis affecting communities today.
This is a raw and eye-opening conversation about leadership, responsibility, and the power of showing up for your community.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
14 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
59
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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