Pints & Diplomacy

On this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with Jill Alesch, Democratic candidate for Iowa House District 43. Jill brings a pretty unique background to the table, including 22 years in the Iowa Army National Guard, a deployment to Afghanistan as a military lawyer, and experience working with the Department of Justice.We get into education, guns, affordability, water quality, , and what she hopes to accomplish at the Statehouse. We also get to know the person behind the campaign and find out what brought her into Iowa politics.Grab a beer and join us for another round of Pints & Diplomacy

This week on Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with Ross Eveland, candidate for Story County Supervisor. We talk local government, Story County issues, politics, and what it takes to serve your community. As always, we crack open a few drinks and get into the conversation beyond the campaign trail.

We sit down with Sean Bagniewski and Mandy Newton Rosenow for a fun conversation about Mandy’s campaign for the Iowa House, Iowa politics, and what’s at stake in November. Plus, Sean mixes up his famous Old Fashioneds while we talk politics, life, and everything in between. Grab a drink and join us!

This week we sit down with Democratic candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Chris Jones to talk about Iowa water quality, why so many farmers vote Republican, and how Democrats can better connect with rural Iowa. We also dive into science, busted a few myths, drank a few beers, and had the kind of honest conversation you probably will not hear in a campaign ad.

John Norwood joins Pints & Diplomacy to talk about his campaign for Iowa Treasurer and why he believes the office matters more than most people realize. We discuss protecting IPERS, the debate over legalizing marijuana in Iowa, his thoughts on his opponent, and what he would bring to the Treasurer's office.Grab a pint and join us for a conversation about retirement security, state finances, cannabis policy, and the future of Iowa politics.

This 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.

In 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.

In 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. 🍻

This 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.

In 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!