Podcast
Pints & Diplomacy
Hosted by Pints & Diplomacy · EN
A few guys having beers with elected officials and candidates for public office. Get to know the people making important decisions about our country!
11episodes
Episodes
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MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL w/ State Senator Catelin Drey
4w ago01:19:09Tap to summarizeThis Mother’s Day, we sit down with State Senator Catelin Drey for a fun, honest, and relatable conversation about balancing life under the Capitol dome and life at home as a mom. From surviving her first legislative session as a State Senator to navigating the chaos of parenting, Senator Drey shares her experiences with us over a couple beers.We also dive into the important questions: Which little white lies are acceptable to tell your kids? Is “the ice cream machine is broken” fair game? Recorded over great beer at Twisted Vine Brewery, this special episode is equal parts politics, parenting, and personality. Perfect for Mother’s Day weekend.
Transcribe →Taylor Wettach: Candidate for State Auditor
Mar 3001:06:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Taylor Wettach, who’s currently running for Iowa State Auditor, for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation. Taylor opens up about his decision to drop out of the congressional race and what ultimately led him to pivot toward a statewide run for auditor. He shares the strategic thinking behind the move and what he hopes to accomplish in this new role.We also dive into the performance of current State Auditor Rob Sand, discussing his record, approach to accountability, and how Taylor would differentiate himself if elected. Of course, things don’t stay too serious for long—Taylor takes on the important task of auditing a questionable hairline, weighs in on beer preferences, and even steps in to settle a few ongoing arguments once and for all.It’s a mix of politics, personality, and plenty of laughs—giving listeners a clearer picture of Taylor as both a candidate and a person.
Transcribe →A Third Option at the Bar: Independent Dave Bushaw Joins Pints & Diplomacy
Mar 501:09:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with Independent candidate Dave Bushaw for a wide-ranging conversation recorded live at Carl’s Place.Over a couple of beers, we dig into the common myths surrounding Independent candidates—why many voters assume they “can’t win,” what it actually takes to run outside the two-party system, and why Bushaw believes more independents could change the tone of American politics. The conversation also gets personal and a little fun as we play our classic segment: “Who would you rather have a beer with?”—putting politicians and public figures head-to-head to see who makes the better barstool conversation.Along the way, we explore everything from the challenges of campaigning as an Independent in Iowa's 2nd congressional district to the broader frustrations many voters feel with the current political climate.It’s a laid-back but thoughtful discussion about politics, independence, and whether sharing a drink might actually help people find common ground.Grab a pint and join us for a conversation that proves political dialogue doesn’t have to be hostile—it can start with a handshake and a beer. 🍻
Transcribe →Iowa's Budget Crisis w/ State Rep. Megan Srinivas
Feb 1601:01:39Tap to summarizeThis week on Pints & Diplomacy, we’re joined by Iowa State Representative and infectious disease physician Megan Srinivas. She discusses how her career in medicine shapes her approach to policymaking and public service. We also break down Iowa’s budget crisis! What led to it, its impact across the state, and potential solutions for moving forward. A thoughtful conversation on public health, fiscal responsibility, and governing in Iowa.
Transcribe →Know Your Rights w/ Ben Lynch (Ben Lynch Law)
Jan 2901:04:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, were joined by Des Moines attorney Ben Lynch to unpack the intersection of law, power, and everyday life. Ben discusses a Draft Kings lawsuit he's currently involved in, explains the work he does through charity and community service (Charles City), and breaks down the legal realities of ICE encounters. What agents can or cannot do, and what people should know about their rights. It's a clear, grounded conversation about accountability, civic responsibility, and why understanding the law matters more than ever!
Transcribe →Interview with State Senator Zach Wahls (Candidate for US Senate)
Dec 1201:35:20Tap to summarizeThis week on Pints & Diplomacy, we break down a slow news cycle, touching on Michigan football drama, Randy Feenstra’s rocky campaign, and the enduring appeal of Conan O’Brien. The heart of the episode is a candid, wide ranging conversation with Iowa State Senator and U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls. We crack open a few beers, talk politics and public life, and do it all while watching the Packers/Vikings game from Iowa City.
Transcribe →Nathan SAGE Against the Machine joins Pints & Diplomacy
Nov 2501:11:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage in the bar tucked beneath the historic Val Air Ballroom. Over a couple cold ones, we dig into his candidacy, his military service and how it shaped his worldview, and talk about some classic Hawkeye sports heroes. A laid-back, honest conversation with a candidate who isn’t afraid to mix policy with personality. Cheers!
Transcribe →Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party Rita Hart
Oct 1100:55:12Tap to summarizeWe 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. 🍺
Transcribe →Building Cyclone Nation: A Conversation with Jamie Pollard
Aug 2101:48:34Tap to summarizeOn 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.
Transcribe →US Senate Candidates Josh Turek & JD Scholten
Aug 2001:04:02Tap to summarizeWe 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.
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