Deciding Iowa

Shawn Ellerbroek & Emily Boevers
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Deciding Iowa is a podcast tackling the tough political and people-focused issues shaping our state. Through honest conversations and deep dives into policy, Shawn Ellerbroek and Emily Boevers break down complex topics with expert voices and clear insights. Each episode explores what’s at stake and where Iowa goes from here.

  1. 6H AGO

    Season 2 - Episode 7: Public Education

    If you care about Iowa schools, this episode is worth your time. From classroom learning to school funding, Deciding Iowa takes a closer look at decisions already underway and what’s quietly (or not so quietly) changing in our schools. Watch Season 2, Episode 7 and decide for yourself what deserves more attention. 🎥👇 #DecidingIowa #IowaEducation #StayInformed

    6 min

  2. 2D AGO

    Lightning Round - Priority - Water

    🚨 Deciding Iowa Priorities: Lightning Round 🚨 💧 Shawn’s top legislative priority? Water. Because without clean, safe water, we don’t have anything.  Our health, our land, and our future depend on how we protect it. This is the first in our Deciding Iowa Priorities short-form video series—quick insights between full episodes on what matters most now and for Iowa's future. 🎥 Watch this clip  📺 Episode 7 drops later this week 👀 More Deciding Iowa priorities coming soon Follow along and stay engaged. Informed Iowans make stronger decisions. #DecidingIowa #IowaPriorities #CleanWater #IowaLegislature #PublicHealth #StayEngaged

    1 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Season 2 - Episode 6: Tough on Crime or Tough on Iowa?

    Iowa lawmakers say one of their top priorities is keeping Iowa “safe.” But what does that actually mean and at what cost? In Episode 6 of Deciding Iowa, Shawn and Emily take a closer look at the proposed three-strikes sentencing bill, including: • What three-strikes laws were designed to do • What history tells us about their real impact • Iowa’s already-low violent crime rate • Overcrowded prisons, budget gaps, and unintended consequences With Iowa ranking among the safest states in the country, this conversation asks an important question:  Are we solving real problems or reviving 1990s policies that don’t fit today’s data or realities? This is a calm, fact-based discussion about safety, justice, and smart use of public resources worth a watch if you care about where Iowa is headed.  Watch Episode 6 and decide for yourself. #DecidingIowa #IowaLegislature #PublicSafety #CriminalJustice #IowaPolitics #PolicyOverPolitics #InformedIowans

    7 min

  4. JAN 29

    Season 2 - Episode 5: Eminent Domain

    This matters, Iowa. The Iowa House and Senate are playing procedural games with eminent domain and the carbon pipeline and landowners are caught in the middle. What just happened today with House File 2041 should raise serious questions about transparency, due process, and whose voices are being heard. Watch this update from Deciding Iowa to understand what’s unfolding and why paying attention right now matters.  #DecidingIowa #IowaLegislature #EminentDomain #PropertyRights #PublicInputMatters #TransparencyMatters #IowaPolitics

    5 min

  5. JAN 27

    Season 2 - Episode 4: Supporting Law Enforcement

    UPDATE: The subcommittee meeting has been canceled. Stay tuned for updates yet keep up the pressure! ______________ We want to take a moment to reflect on what’s happening to our neighbors in Minnesota. This moment calls for honest reflection and sincere grief for the lives lost and the communities affected. It is not acceptable for any federal agent or law enforcement officer to act outside of constitutional rights, due process, and transparent accountability. Our democratic process and civil liberties depend on these foundations being upheld for all people, regardless of citizenship status. THIS WEDNESDAY, a bill is being discussed in committee, sponsored by Representative Vondran, Representative Gjerde, and Representative Holt (HF 2041) proposes changes to Iowa law requiring all state and local law enforcement agencies and officers to cooperate and work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal immigration-related agencies when asked. Details can be found at: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=HF%202041 Please email your input to:  steven.holt@legis.iowa.gov https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator?ga=91...  mike.vondran@legis.iowa.gov https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator?ga=91...  eric.gjerde@legis.iowa.gov https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators/legislator... Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep demanding justice, accountability, and truth. #DecidingIowa #Justice

    2 min

  6. JAN 26

    Season 2 - Episode 3: Public Health & Public Education

    This week, Shawn and Emily dig into what’s really surfacing at the Statehouse:  Bills impacting public education  Free speech & litigation concerns  Cancer research funding (some good news!)  Health, privacy, and protections for kids  Reproductive freedom & public health priorities Not all bills are created equal and some raise serious questions about where Iowa is headed.  Watch, listen, and stay engaged. Because Iowa’s future depends on informed, involved people. #DecidingIowa #IowaLegislature #PublicEducation #PublicHealth #StayEngaged

    7 min

  7. JAN 24

    Season 2 - Episode 2: Where’s the Rewind?

    This week on Deciding Iowa, Shawn and Emily dig into what’s happening at the Iowa Legislature and what’s not being talked about. They cover:  The Governor’s Condition of the State address and the issues missing from the conversation  The growing cost of Iowa’s school voucher program and why accountability matters  Proposed changes that could eliminate elections for key county offices  A resolution that raises serious concerns about judicial review and checks and balances These aren’t abstract policy debates. They affect communities, local control, and how democracy works in Iowa.  Watch the episode and stay engaged. Because Iowa’s future doesn’t start with opinions, it starts with paying attention. #DecidingIowa #IowaLegislature #IowaPolitics #CivicEngagement #StayInformed #IowaFuture

    5 min

  8. JAN 23

    Season 2 - 2026 Iowa Legislature Is In Session

    The Iowa Legislature is back in session and so are we. This week, we’re recording the first Deciding Iowa episode of 2026. Watch for details next weekend as we break down what the Iowa House and Senate are already discussing and what we’re keeping an eye on as the session gets underway. Because Iowa’s future is built through participation - reading, listening, learning, and staying actively connected with our elected representatives. Stay tuned. #DecidingIowa #IowaLegislature #CivicInvolvement #IowaPolitics #EngagedCitizens  See less

    4 min
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About

Deciding Iowa is a podcast tackling the tough political and people-focused issues shaping our state. Through honest conversations and deep dives into policy, Shawn Ellerbroek and Emily Boevers break down complex topics with expert voices and clear insights. Each episode explores what’s at stake and where Iowa goes from here.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Ellerbroek & Emily Boevers
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Deciding Iowa
  • Show Website
    Deciding Iowa