Watts Happening Podcast
Enjoy captivating interviews with characters from the Eastern Iowa Corridor as Gary Watts sits down with local business leaders, accomplished athletes, industry experts, and more! Watts Happening Music Intro Composed by Ace Jones ( www.AceJonesMusic.com )
Episodes
67 episodes
Ep 67 | Ali Salow & Jennie Wunderlich | Iowa City Home Builders Association
We’re excited to be joined by two members of the Iowa City HBA board, Ali Salow & Jennie Wunderlich! Ali is the Executive Director of The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association while Jennie is the HBA President as well as the Pres...
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42:39
Ep 66 | Phil O'Brien | Founding Member of Urban Acres & Board Director of ICAAR
Talking real estate in the Corridor with Phil O’Brien! Phil is a founding member of Urban Acres Real Estate as well as the Board Director of Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS®. Join Gary and Phil on this new episode of the pod as they disc...
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46:02
Ep 65 | Alex Marinelli | Former Iowa Wrestling Star & Founder of Hawkeye Wrestling Academy
We're joined on the podcast this week by former Iowa Wrestler, Alex Marinelli!From his iconic “Bull” mentality to his legendary battles in the Hawkeye singlet, Alex gives us an inside look at the grind, the triumphs, and the mindset tha...
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1:07:16
Ep 64 | Jason Taylor & Sarah Lenger | Team Rubicon | Veteran-Led Disaster Response
Team Rubicon is a veteran-led disaster response & humanitarian organization whose operations have helped countless communities across the globe to recover from natural disasters. We are joined on the podcast this week by two local Team Rubi...
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51:19
Ep 63 | Tim Johnson | "The Voice" of College Wrestling
Our guest this week is an Iowa wrestling legend, Tim Johnson! In addition to being an accomplished coach & inductee of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Tim’s voice has been broadcasted on over 500 college wrestling meets - including on ...
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53:49
Ep 62 | Mike Gerdin | Chairman & CEO of Heartland Express
Heartland Express is a leading national shipping company with a fleet of over 5,000 trucks and a headquarters in North Liberty. We are excited to be joined on the podcast this week by the Chairman & CEO of Heartland Express, Mike Gerdin.
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52:19
Ep 61 | Pat Freidof & Pat Heidan | Johnson County Conservation Bond
On the back of this November’s ballot, you’ll find an option to vote for the Johnson County Conservation Bond. Our guests this week are here to explain why voting “yes” to this referendum means more local trails, more parks, cleaner water, and ...
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36:32
Ep 60 | Dr. Chad Tracy | UIHC Professor of Urology & Residency Program Manager
We’re joined on the pod by UIHC Urologist, Dr. Chad Tracy! Dr. Tracy performs hundreds of surgeries a year to treat prostate cancer as well as acts as a Professor of Urology at U of I teaching his specialty to upcoming physicians. Join Gary and...
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53:09
Ep 59 | Eric Krob | Owner of Elite Stone, KBD Cabinets & Illuminate Lighting
In addition to being the successful owner of multiple businesses, Eric Krob is a football coach for the Mt Vernon Mustangs and a father who’s adopted three sons (with 7 boys in total!). Join Gary and Eric on the podcast this week as the discuss...
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56:10
Ep 58 | Bobby Thompson | Founder of Thompson & Co Salon Parlor
We’re joined on the podcast this week by local award-winning hair stylist & salon owner, Bobby Thompson! Bobby is the founder of Thompson & Co Salon Parlor, which now has locations in Iowa City as well as Coralville. Join Gary and Bobby...
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1:10:21
Ep 56 | John Myers | Executive Director at Indian Creek Nature Center
The Indian Creek Nature Center is a fantastic resource for the Corridor that promotes environmental education, sustainability practices, and engagement with nature for people of all ages. Learn more about the diverse offerings of ICNC by checki...
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43:15
Ep 55 | Caleb Shield | Residential Construction Manager at Watts Group
We're joined by Watts Group's own Caleb Shield to talk about the upcoming Iowa City Parade of Homes starting this weekend!
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34:51
Ep 54 | Coach Rick Heller | Iowa Hawkeye Baseball Head Coch
The University of Iowa offers the only D1 college Baseball team in the state. This prestigious program is led by our guest this week, Rick Heller.Rick has been at U of I since 2014 and has had a seasoned coaching career starting with hi...
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1:15:51
Ep 53 | Nate Klein | VP of Education at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa reaches over 40,000 students annually to help them prepare for successful careers.We are excited to be joined on the podcast this week by the VP of Education for JA of Eastern Iowa, Nate Klein. Join Ga...
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42:55
Ep 52 | Corbin Scholz | Local Organic Farmer with Camp Creek Organic Produce
From being a pre-med student to starting her own organic farm, Corbin Scholz is a perfect example of letting your passion drive your career.We are excited to be joined by Corbin on the podcast this week to hear all about the world of or...
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47:03
Ep 51 | Shannon Greene | CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois
Ronald McDonald House helps families feel at home, even when they can’t be 🏥We are excited to be joined on the podcast this week by the CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, Shannon Greene. Join ...
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40:56
Ep 50 | Josh Schamberger | President & CEO of Think Iowa City
We’re celebrating our 50TH! episode of the Watts Happening podcast! 🎉What better way to celebrate than alongside an organizer that brings so much joy & excitement to our community, Josh Schamberger. Josh leads Think Iowa City, which...
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49:51
Ep 49 | Robin Boudreau | Founder & Executive Director at No Feet Too Small
No Foot Too Small is a locally founded organization that drives national awareness of pregnancy and infant loss by celebrating angels, uniting families and building birthing and bereavement suites nationwide.We are joined on the podcast...
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38:12
Ep 48 | Missie Forbes | Executive Director of 4Cs of Johnson County
Finding affordable childcare is a challenge for many Iowans, but our guest this week is passionate about helping parents find solutions!We are excited to be joined on the podcast by Missie Forbes, the Executive Director at 4Cs of Johnso...
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30:51
Ep 47 | Whitney Russell | Realtor at Urban Acres Real Estate
Our guest on the podcast this week is local real estate agent, Whitney Russell!Whitney is an accomplished Realtor® at Urban Acres Real Estate as well as a profound animal lover and shelter advocate. Join Gary and Whitney as they discuss...
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47:39
Ep 46 | Dr. Patrick McNamara | Director of Neonatology at UIHC
Our guest saves babies! 👶 Dr. Patrick McNamara is a Professor of Pediatrics and leads one of the absolute best neonatal departments in the country at UIHC. Join Gary and Dr. McNamara as they discuss lif...
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47:08
Ep 45 | Jason Taylor | Executive Director at Bur Oak Land Trust
Our guest this week is an expert in Iowa’s natural prairies and diverse wildlife, Jason Taylor. Jason leads Bur Oak Land Trust, which is a local nonprofit focused on biodiversity, protecting eastern Iowa's land and wildlife, and connecting peop...
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49:03
Ep 44 | Dr. John Buatti | Radiation Oncologist at UIHC
Dr. Buatti has treated thousands of local cancer patients during his 25 years at UIHC. Join us on the podcast this week to learn more about the lifesaving efforts of Radiation Oncologists like John - such as different treatments for various for...
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48:41
Ep 43 | Jon Gordon | 15-Time Best-Selling Author & Motivational Speaker
Best-selling author of “The Energy Bus”, Jon Gordon, joins us on the podcast this week! Jon is a well-renowned keynote motivational speaker as well as an accomplished author of 28 books, including “The Energy B...
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38:16
Ep 42 | Matt Getz | President of Iowa Heartlanders Hockey
The Iowa Heartlanders hockey team in Coralville has a new President and he’s our guest this week, Matt Getz! Matt has been leading the organization for just 10 weeks but already has big plans for the future of the team. Join Gary and Matt as th...
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53:15