I’ve spent the better part of my career walking factory floors, sitting across from business owners and listening to the people who quietly keep Iowa’s economy moving. Iowa is a state built on grit, ingenuity and a deep sense of responsibility to community — and those stories deserve a bigger stage. That’s why I’m doing the Made in Iowa podcast.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with manufacturers of every size — from small family-owned shops to global enterprises — and I’ve seen firsthand the innovation hiding in plain sight. These are companies solving workforce challenges, modernizing processes, building new technologies and creating opportunities for their communities. Their stories aren’t just “industry stories,” they’re Iowa stories.

Made in Iowa takes listeners inside those conversations. Each episode uncovers what’s really happening behind the scenes: how leaders make big decisions, how they adapt to a changing workforce, how legislation and policy shape growth and how people at every level — from engineers to welders — are building the future of our state.

My goal is simple: to spotlight the employers and leaders shaping Iowa’s business landscape and to help every listener walk away with insight, pride and a deeper understanding of what’s being “made” here — not just products, but careers, communities and long-term impact.

If you’re curious about Iowa’s business heartbeat, this podcast is for you. Whether you’re in manufacturing, economic development, education, policy or you’re simply someone who loves this state, you’ll hear something new every week.

I’m thrilled to partner with the Business Record and Iowa Everywhere to bring these stories forward. And we’re just getting started.

Here is a look at the first three episodes of Made in Iowa.

— Leisa Fox, host of Made in Iowa

From windblade graveyards to concrete solutions

As the renewable energy industry continues to expand across the Midwest, a new challenge has emerged — what happens to those massive wind turbine blades when their life cycle ends? Enter Nick Wylie and his team at Renewablade, innovators who are transforming a serious sustainability problem into an incredible opportunity. Across the country, “windblade graveyards” have been filling up — acres of composite materials that are difficult, if not impossible, to recycle. Wylie saw both the environmental cost and the untapped potential. Renewablade developed a breakthrough process that repurposes decommissioned wind turbine blades into durable, practical infrastructure solutions such as jersey barriers and retaining wall blocks. These massive components, once destined for landfills, are now serving a second life — protecting roadways, stabilizing landscapes and supporting communities. The result? A closed-loop, circular-economy solution that reduces waste, strengthens infrastructure and redefines how we think about renewable energy’s full life cycle.

Manufacturing Momentum: Nicole Crain on growth, leadership and advocacy

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Crain, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, to recap a powerhouse month for Iowa manufacturing. October’s Manufacturing Month featured factory tours, leadership roundtables and signature events like ABI’s Manufacturing Conference and the Legends in Manufacturing Awards — a celebration of the people and companies shaping the state’s economic future. Crain also highlights ABI’s Foundation programs, including Leadership Iowa, Leadership Iowa University and Business Horizons, which prepare the next generation of business and civic leaders. Together, she and I look ahead to the 2026 legislative session, where ABI will continue advocating for policies that drive business growth, innovation and opportunity across the state.

Crafting the Clear Buzz: Inside Fable’s botanical THC beverages

I sit down with David Gion and Kayla Weier of Fable to explore the unique Iowa-rooted story behind their premium, ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktails infused with THC and CBD. The conversation delves into how Fable blends real roots, fruits, herbs and spices to craft complex flavors that redefine the “cocktail” experience without the regrets of a hangover.⁠ With proud Midwestern craftsmanship and a commitment to authenticity, they share how their beverage stands apart in a crowded market of simple seltzers and why the details — from botanical ingredients to dose precision — matter. We also take a deep dive into the history of THC legislation in Iowa and beyond, tracking its evolution from taboo to mainstream beverage innovation. Gion and Weier speak candidly about the regulatory challenges and opportunities that come with pioneering a federally legal hemp product that delivers subtle, predictable THC and CBD effects. From farm bill nuances to retail rollout in Iowa and across the country, this episode brings listeners behind the scenes of how law, innovation and flavor converge in a brand built on purpose and place.

Visit the BPC Streaming Network to stream all three episodes.