Free Daily Podcast Summary
Iowa Tech Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Iowa Tech Podcast
Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of technology and innovation right here in Iowa. Each week, we dive into the dynamic landscape of Iowa's tech industry, showcasing the brilliant minds, groundbreaking startups, and transformative ideas that are shaping the future. Join our host, Kaylee Williams, as we sit down with tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who are driving change and pushing boundaries in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to agtech and clean energy. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding innovator, or simply tech-curious, the Iowa Tech Podcast offers insider insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice to keep you at the forefront of the digital revolution. Tune in to explore how Iowa is making waves on the global tech stage and discover how you can be a part of this exciting journey.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago24 min
Why You Should Attend EntreFest 2026
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, we dive into what's new and exciting at EntreFest, Iowa's premier entrepreneurship conference. Hosted in Iowa City's vibrant pedestrian mall, EntreFest is celebrating its 14th year with an expanded lineup of 70+ speakers across 33 sessions and 3 keynote programs. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/jan-findlayson ⚖️ Hurt at work? Talk to Nate Boulton for free: https://workerslawyers.com 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Our guest, Jan Finlayson, Director of Events at NewBoCo, walks us through a packed agenda that goes beyond traditional business talks—from an AI roundtable with practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, to a sports entrepreneurship panel featuring current and former University of Iowa athletes, to an intimate discussion on women, work, and entrepreneurship in rural Iowa. Whether you're an early-stage founder or an established business owner, EntreFest promises hands-on workshops, unexpected "surprises and delights," and plenty of networking opportunities designed to help you leave with real connections and actionable insights. But EntreFest isn't just about the content: it's about the experience. With complimentary lunches, coffee, and cocktail hours strategically built into the schedule, plus three pitch competitions offering up to $20,000 in prize money, the event is meticulously designed to foster genuine human connection. Jan shares her philosophy of being the "hostess with the mostest," ensuring attendees feel taken care of while uncovering the stories and innovations happening across Iowa. We also explore NewBoCo's broader vision of bringing entrepreneurial support and events like EntreFest to smaller communities across the state, recognizing that incredible ideas and entrepreneurs aren't limited to its metropolitan hubs. Whether you're building in rural Iowa or a major metro area, this episode reminds you why you should be tuning in, and why you should plan to attend this one-of-a-kind conference.
- 2 weeks ago28 min
Breaking Down the 7(a) and 504: Inside the SBA Loan Programs Built for Growth
Ever had a great business idea but didn't know how to fund it? In this episode, host Kaylee Williams sits down with Ryan Lincoln, the District Director for the Small Business Administration here in Iowa, to decode the SBA's most popular loan programs—the 7(a) and 504—and why so many entrepreneurs don't even know they exist. 🗞️ Subscribe for free: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe 📱 Offiicial episode page: http://iowapodcast.com/ryan-lincoln 🐖 Get $30 from Jethro's BBQ w/ purchase of $100: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Lincoln breaks down how these programs work, who they're designed for, and the real first step you should take if you're serious about scaling your business. Plus, we dig into his background as a 21-year Marine Corps veteran and how his experience serving his country connects directly to his mission of supporting Iowa's small businesses today. But there's more: Ryan reveals that Iowa currently has zero submissions for the SBA's inaugural Patriot Pitch Competition—a nationwide $1 million prize pool happening this summer to celebrate American innovation. Kaylee explores what it takes to apply, why small businesses should pay attention, and why the SBA's partnership with local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) is the "front porch" every entrepreneur should walk through first. If you're thinking about starting or scaling a business in Iowa, this conversation is your roadmap.
- 3 weeks ago38 min
Building for Impact: Matt Ostanik on Startups and Giving Back
In this inspiring conversation, host Kaylee Williams sits down with serial entrepreneur Matt Ostanik to explore his 20-year journey through the startup ecosystem. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/Matt-Ostanik 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Matt shares his origin story - from architecture school in Iowa to launching Submittal Exchange, a SaaS platform that revolutionized commercial construction document management. He walks through the full arc of his entrepreneurial career: the early wins (selling Submittal Exchange to Textura, which later became part of Oracle), the front-row seat to a major IPO, and the painful failure of FunnelWise, a marketing analytics platform he shut down in 2018. Through it all, Matt reflects on hard-won lessons about product-market fit, capital strategy, and the importance of doing right by employees and customers, even when things fall apart. But the conversation takes a meaningful turn as Matt reveals what drew him away from traditional for-profit ventures: a deep desire to create social impact. He introduces Grateful Giving, a nonprofit tech platform (and his first charitable venture) that makes giving easier and more gratitude-driven, already supporting over 3,300 charities across all 50 states and raising more than $1 million for causes. Matt and Kaylee dig into the concept of "generativity"—that universal human desire to give back—and discuss how the next generation of businesses will be measured not just by profit, but by their impact on people and planet. It's a conversation about failure, redemption, and building technology that genuinely makes the world better.
- 4 weeks ago31 min
Knowing and Growing Economic Power: Joey Beech on Angel Investing and Financial Literacy
In this episode, host Kaylee Williams sits down with Joey Beech, aka the Financial Lit Lady, an author, speaker, and one of the driving forces behind Ankeny Angels. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/Joey-beech 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Joey shares her journey from teaching financial literacy at local high schools to building a thriving angel investment group that's backing some of Iowa's most promising startups. In their conversation, Joey shares what she looks for in founders and pitches—spoiler alert: it's less about the perfect financial projections and more about founders who've solved a problem they personally understand. Joey also opens up about her own financial mistakes, including overspending on a car, and explains why emotion plays such a huge role in our financial decisions, no matter how much we know about spreadsheets. But the real heart of this conversation is about Iowa's untapped potential. Joey makes a compelling case for why the state's "doer mentality" and tinkering culture give local startups an edge, and she challenges the ecosystem to stop playing small. She argues passionately that Iowa's biggest opportunity lies in engaging younger people—starting in high school—in entrepreneurship and innovation, rather than waiting until college to expose them to real-world business. By connecting students with local companies, breaking down silos between startups and established businesses, and investing in early-stage talent, Iowa can not only retain its best minds but build the next generation of founders right here at home.
- Apr 28, 202651 min
The Kid from Mitchellville: Nick Leeper on Startups, AI, and Betting on People
Nick Leeper has spent the last two decades building meaningful products in Iowa's tech ecosystem—from the Obama campaign's fundraising systems to Dwolla's real-time payment infrastructure to Hummingbirds' creator platform. In this episode, host Kaylee Williams sits down with Nick to explore how a kid from Mitchellville ended up in rooms with the Federal Reserve, the Gates Foundation, and some of the brightest minds in fintech. 💡 Find this show on every app: https://iowapodcast.com/nick-leeper 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Nick shares the origin story of his friendship with Derek Brooks and their leap to Chicago for the 2008 Obama campaign, a pivotal moment that led him to Dwolla, where he spent nearly 11 years helping design systems that process billions of dollars. Along the way, he reflects on what it means to work at venture-backed startups: the exhilarating opportunities to work on problems you never thought you'd touch, the heartbreak of shipping projects that get shelved, and the importance of people and community in tech. Today, Nick leads engineering at Hummingbirds, a woman-founded creator platform where he's building his own team and setting culture from the ground up - something he always wanted to do. But as the conversation evolves, Nick and Kaylee dig into a bigger question: what does the future of tech look like in the age of AI? Nick explores how artificial intelligence is rewriting the venture playbook, the risk that the "people in the middle" of their careers face as AI disrupts how we work, and why human creativity and problem-solving (not just code) remain the true bottleneck in building great products. Tune into this thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about ambition, mentorship, and what it takes to leave a mark in tech.
- Apr 14, 202636 min
Best of the Midwest: Why Iowa's First-Ever Startup Week Is a Big Deal
In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee sits down with co-organizers Safiya Lee-Evans and Tej Dhawan to introduce Iowa's first-ever Startup Week — a multi-day event celebrating and platforming entrepreneurs from across the state and the broader Midwest. 💡 Find this show on every app: iowapodcast.com/iowa-startup-week 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq The trio breaks down the vision behind the event, including four days of programming spanning tracks in biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and IT/SaaS, all woven together with an AI thread. From fireside chats and workshops to an expo showcasing Iowa founders and their innovations, Iowa Startup Week is designed to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, universities, and corporate partners in one place — because as Tej puts it, a thriving ecosystem requires not just energy, but persistence over 20+ years. The centerpiece of the week is the Best of the Midwest pitch competition, culminating in a grand prize on the main stage at Hoyt Sherman Theater on October 1st. Startups from Iowa and neighboring states can apply across three categories, with top finalists earning the chance to pitch in front of a curated room of venture and angel investors — making the opportunity valuable well beyond the cash prize. Early bird tickets are available at $149 through July 1st, and sponsorship packages are open for organizations looking to get involved. To learn more or buy tickets, visit www.iowastartupweek.com.
- Mar 24, 202633 min
Building products people touch (and having fun doing it) with Derek Brooks
Des Moines-based technologist and builder, Derek Brooks has a career that spans Fortune 100 roles, scrappy startups, and high-stakes political tech for the Obama campaign. Broox, as his friends know him, traces his path from growing up in eastern Iowa and discovering software at Cornell College to early work at Pioneer (now Corteva), a pivotal stint at Red 5 Interactive, and becoming a remote engineer before it was cool. 💡 Find this show on your favorite app: https://iowapodcast.com/derek-brooks 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Brooks shares inside stories from the Obama 2012 campaign—building integrations and the high-pressure Call Tool used for millions of voter contacts—and how that experience led to a post-campaign startup in "contextual commerce" that was acquired by PayPal. He pulls back the curtain on acquisition realities, his time across PayPal/Braintree/Venmo, and why seeing products people actually touch fuels his work. Chapters: 00:00 - Meet Derek Brooks 01:57 - Midwest Roots to Remote Work 05:00 - Obama Campaign to PayPal 16:06 - Early Web Hustles 17:34 - Sabbatical Reset 20:12 - Rocket AI Advice
- Mar 17, 202631 min
Building Siouxland's Startup Ecosystem with Anastasia Williams (Iowa's West Coast Initiative)
Host Kaylee welcomes Anastasia Williams, the entrepreneurial community navigator at Iowa's West Coast Initiative, for a candid look at building a rural startup ecosystem across Monona, Plymouth, and Woodbury counties. Anastasia describes her "concierge" role connecting founders to resources, and how she's catalyzing a grassroots, founder-led community that now meets weekly to share roadblocks, surface values, and co-design support. They spotlight impressive student pitches at Morningside—supercharged by AI—and unpack West Coast Iowa's unique challenges: dispersed geography, tight-knit dynamics, and the need to lean into local strengths rather than copy larger hubs. Anastasia discusses integrating college talent, addressing brain drain through holistic community building (schools, wages, amenities), and draws inspiration from Norfolk, Nebraska's comprehensive retention playbook. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/iowa-west-coast 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Anastasia also shares her entrepreneurial journey—from a dog bakery and tutoring company to a yarn venture—where she discovered a passion for relationship marketing and collective success. Her core advice for rural founders: don't be your own labor. Prioritize revenue-generating hires, partner creatively, and consider bartering expertise within the founder network to offload key functions. Most of all, come out of the "basement"—community is a force multiplier. To connect, learn about events, or get involved, visit iawestcoast.com (and find Anastasia out in the ecosystem).
About Iowa Tech Podcast
Welcome to the Iowa Tech Podcast, your gateway to the vibrant world of technology and innovation right here in Iowa. Each week, we dive into the dynamic landscape of Iowa's tech industry, showcasing the brilliant minds, groundbreaking startups, and transformative ideas that are shaping the future. Join our host, Kaylee Williams, as we sit down with tech entrepreneurs, industry experts, and thought leaders who are driving change and pushing boundaries in fields ranging from artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to agtech and clean energy. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding innovator, or simply tech-curious, the Iowa Tech Podcast offers insider insights, inspiring stories, and practical advice to keep you at the forefront of the digital revolution. Tune in to explore how Iowa is making waves on the global tech stage and discover how you can be a part of this exciting journey.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Iowa Tech Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Iowa Tech Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Iowa Tech Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Iowa Tech Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Iowa Tech Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Iowa Tech Podcast.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Iowa Tech Podcast release new episodes?
Iowa Tech Podcast publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Iowa Tech Podcast cover?
Iowa Tech Podcast covers topics including Technology. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Iowa Tech Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.