Best Caleb Sawyer Podcasts (2025)

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Episode #71: Sawyer Whisler, Farmer Grade 48:43

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25d ago48:43

48:43

In this episode, business leaders hear from Sawyer Whisler, founder of Farmer Grade, a direct-to-consumer meat company. Whisler discusses building a transparent supply chain by partnering with farmers who share their practices on social media, navigating USDA processing logistics, and the importance of trust in branding. He addresses challenges fac…

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Episode #70: Mike and Nate Dunn, F&M Bank 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

Mike and Nate Dunn are the father and son duo leading F&M Bank, the local Iowa bank celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Nate currently serves as the President and CEO, and his father, Mike, now serves as the Chairman. Mike and Nate join me to discuss how they’re celebrating 100 years of business, how they give back to their community, and …

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Episode #69: Clare Duffy and Eric Hanson, The Morning Scramble on Z102.9 59:36

3M ago59:36

59:36

Clare Duffy and Eric Hanson are the Co-Hosts of The Morning Scramble, the morning radio show on KZIA (known by its broadcast frequency, “Z102.9”) the independent Top 40 radio station based in Cedar Rapids, IA. Clare and Eric join me to discuss the golden age of country music, Eric’s experience at Z102.9 in the late nineties, and how differentiating…

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Episode #68: Tiffany Earl Williams, Midwest Equity 48:58

4M ago48:58

48:58

Tiffany Earl Williams is the CEO of Midwest Equity and a Broker at Skogman Commercial Real Estate. Tiffany joins me to discuss the current state of the real estate market in Eastern Iowa, what makes a good real estate investment, and how she got her start in the industry. She also shares the origin story of her company, Midwest Equity, gives us an …

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Episode #67: Jordan Sellergren, Little Village Magazine 46:20

4M ago46:20

46:20

"Jordan Sellergren is the new owner and publisher of Little Village, the Iowa City-based alt weekly magazine where she has worked the past 10 years. Jordan joins me to discuss why she purchased Little Village, what it has been like to take over operations during our current news climate, and her memories of the early days of Little Village. She als…

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Episode 076: Spring Training is Over 53:00

6M ago53:00

53:00

Happy Monday! Happy Opening Week! Happy Birthday Coz!!! Join the NerdyBats podcast as they talk about what Spring Training even means as a viewer and fan. We aren’t seeing veterans at their best, but we are seeing a lot of young talent look to prove themselves. Is their performance gradable when you know the vets are also working on things? Also, o…

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Episode 075: Citizen Sleeper 1+2 Creator Gareth Damian Martin Returns 1:32:44

6M ago1:32:44

1:32:44

Happy Wednesday! Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector is out! Caleb has played it. And now Gareth Damian Martin has graciously returned to the show so Caleb can dig into their work. Together Caleb and Damian talk about chosen family, solidarity and allyship, chronic illness, inviting people into your home, and so much more. And to wrap the show, Cale…

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Episode 074: Jan/Feb Bounty Board 1:35:02

6M ago1:35:02

1:35:02

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Come join Caleb, Ryan, and Patrick in this weeks episode of The NerdyBits Show! This week is a Bounty Board episode! Instead of a single topic, the crew talks about all of the games they have dedicated time to in the last few months. The list this time around is full of interesting stuff! Games: Enshrouded, Keep Driving, Av…

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Episode 073: Amor Fati and Evolution w/ Mike McCain 1:40:20

6M ago1:40:20

1:40:20

Happy Tuesday! Last week Caleb had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Mike McCain, a former longtime developer with Harebrained Schemes whom, after a stint doing animation for film (and winning an Oscar in the process), has returned to Harebrained as the Executive Producer of their upcoming Survival Horror game GRAFT. Together Mike and Caleb…

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Episode #66: Caleb Knutson, Downtown Cedar Rapids 41:41

6M ago41:41

41:41

On Today's Episode: Caleb Knutson is the new executive director of Downtown Cedar Rapids, a role he began late last year following a decade of industry experience. Caleb joins Nate to discuss the ways that downtown Cedar Rapids is unique, how he approaches his new role, and explores some of the strengths and opportunities for growth within the comm…

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Episode 072: Special NerdyBats Special 51:42

7M ago51:42

51:42

Happy Friday! This one has been a long time brewing. Before last season started, Caleb talked to John, a friend and son of the owner of Caleb’s favorite coffee shop, if he would be interested in making a St. Louis Cardinals podcast. The answer was an immediate yes. But…life got in the way. Well this year they made it happen. So slide on in and hang…

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Episode 71: Is AAA Dying? 1:20:00

7M ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Happy Wednesday! Come join Caleb, Ryan, and Patrick in this weeks episode of The NerdyBits Show! This week we return to the old format of topic based episodes and to start it off we tackle the struggling AAA level of the gaming industry. We also list all the games we’ve been playing, which we will dig into further in next week’s episode. Topics: Wh…

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Episode 70: 2021 Repost Inclusivity, Magic, and Food w/ Rami Ismail 2:05:15

7M ago2:05:15

2:05:15

A few years back I had the opportunity and privilege to talk to Rami Ismail. Rami is an indie developer, spokesperson, advocate for inclusion, foodie. All those things. In 2018 the Game Developer’s Choice Awards named Rami an Ambassador, making him the first Arab, and first Muslim given the award. Since then he has owned the title Ambassador, runni…

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Episode #65: Jesse Sauerbrei, Lincoln Wine Bar 55:10

8M ago55:10

55:10

Jesse Sauerbrei is the Owner of Lincoln Winebar, the acclaimed wood fire pizza and wine restaurant in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Jesse joins me to discuss how he came upon the opportunity to purchase the wine bar, his childhood love of pizza, and an inside look at how the business operates. He also shares the unique story behind their pizza oven, how he m…

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Episode #64: Sam Gelman, The Webster 58:15

9M ago58:15

58:15

Sam Gelman is the Co-Owner of The Webster and The Paper Crane, two restaurants in Iowa City that are leading Iowa’s culinary scene. Sam sits down to discuss his perfect winter meal, how he sees the Midwest developing in the culinary world, and what he feels the average customer may not understand about owning and operating a restaurant. Plus, Sam s…

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Episode #63: Ryan Miller. Farmers Hen House 42:39

10M ago42:39

42:39

On Today's Episode: Ryan Miller is the Co-Owner and President of Farmers Hen House, the Kalona-based company providing organic, cage-free eggs to the nation. Ryan sits down to discuss how his family made their way into this business, why the egg business pulled him away from a career as a school guidance counselor, and what goes into a day in the l…

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Episode 069: All the Things! 1:19:19

11M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

Happy Monday! Were back, and we have a ton of stuff to talk about. Its been a real busy few weeks so hop in as Caleb and Ryan get right into it! Topics: Halo Studios announcement, Breachway, Tiny Glade, Dystopika, more Star Trucker, Ryan is getting into endgame Space Marine, The Forever Winter is interesting, Off the Grid, get good old man. You can…

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Episode 068: Star Trucker Outlaws 1:20:40

12M ago1:20:40

1:20:40

Happy Wednesday! About a month ago Caleb's computer took a massive dump and he had to completely wipe it and reinstall Windows. That took a while...so here is our episode we recording reacting to Opening Night Live about a month ago! WE have another episode in the tube for Monday morning, so stay tuned. Topics: The Forever Winter, More Hunt Showdow…

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Episode #62: Bob Brown, CEO of Modern 45:29

12M ago45:29

45:29

On Today's Episode: Bob Brown is the Chief Executive Officer of Modern, the comprehensive full-service mechanical contractor that has been serving clients for 85 years. Bob sits down to discuss what it’s like to take over a major company at the age of 30, how his family’s legacy has impacted his life, and how three generations of leadership have al…

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Episode 067: Opening Night Live (Late Upload) 1:08:52

1y ago1:08:52

1:08:52

Happy Friday! About a month ago Caleb's computer took a massive dump and he had to completely wipe it and reinstall Windows. That took a while...so here is our episode we recording reacting to Opening Night Live about a month ago! WE have another episode in the tube for Monday morning, so stay tuned. Topics: Windows Breaking, Hunt Showdown Update, …

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Episode #61: Live Event (ft. Tyler Barnes and Seth Wallace from University of Iowa Football) 44:21

1y ago44:21

44:21

Seth Wallace and Tyler Barnes joined Nate for a live recording earlier this summer to discuss their upcoming season, how NIL and the transfer portal have changed their approach to recruiting, and how managing the Iowa football team is often similar to managing a business. Seth Wallace previously worked as the Assistant Defensive Coordinator for the…

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Episode 066: Catching Up 1:30:43

1y ago1:30:43

1:30:43

Happy Tuesday Nerds! Come hang for this week's episode of The NerdyBits Show. Catch up with us as we run you through what we've been doing for the last few months. Family vacations, sick kids, lots of games, and Deadpool and Wolverine! There is a lot to talk about. Topics: Dungeons of Laysara Summit Kingdom, Ereban Shadow Legacy, Destiny 2 You can …

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Episode #60: Charlie Rohde, King's Material 46:46

1y ago46:46

46:46

On Today's Episode: Charlie Rohde is the President of King’s Material and Dakota Red Corporation, a legacy company that has been meeting the Midwest’s construction needs since 1882. Charlie sits down with Nate to discuss the history of King’s Material, his father’s history and legacy, what his experience has been like as President of the company, a…

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Episode #59: Michael Gerdin, Heartland Express 39:12

1+ y ago39:12

39:12

On Today's Episode: Michael Gerdin is the Chairman and CEO of Heartland Express, a truckload carrier based in North Liberty, IA that serves customers throughout the United States and Mexico, and has been a legacy business in Iowa since it was founded by Michael’s father, Russell Gerdin, in 1978. Michael shares with me the humble origin story of Hea…

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Episode 065: Remnant II, Sony's Helldivers 2 Oops, and More! 1:15:00

1+ y ago1:15:00

1:15:00

Happy Wednesday Nerds! Come hang for this week's episode of The NerdyBits Show. Ryan and Caleb detail their deep dive into Remnant II, a game that Caleb is deeply happy that the group clung to this time around. We talk about the Helldivers Sony nonsense, Microsoft closing studios for (tax) reasons, and then Caleb chats about No Rest for the Wicked,…

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Episode #58: Dawn & Brittany Schorg of Czech Feather & Down 45:29

1+ y ago45:29

45:29

On Today's Episode: Dawn and Brittany Schorg are the mother/daughter duo behind Czech Feather & Down, the Cedar Rapids-based bedding company that has been helping people get better sleep for over 100 years. Dawn and Brittany share with me how Czech Feather & Down started as a household business, how remaining small has given them their unique niche…

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Episode 064: Lightyears and Updates 1:19:09

1+ y ago1:19:09

1:19:09

Happy Monday Nerds! Come hang for this week's episode of The NerdyBits Show. This time we dive into a bunch of game updates that have come out in the last few weeks, including Helldivers 2 and The Finals. We talk about what it means to balance a PvE game, we lament the drought of RTS games, and then by extension Star Wars games. Ryan and Caleb also…

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Episode #57: Naftaly Stramer and Ofer Sivan of Oasis Street Food and Falafel Restaurant 55:47

1+ y ago55:47

55:47

On Today's Episode: Nate sits down with Naftaly Stramer and Ofer Sivan, the founders of Oasis Street Food and Falafel Restaurant, the Iowa City staple serving and distributing Mediterranean food throughout the state since 2004. Naftaly and Ofer share their early experiences with Mediterranean food and how it inspired them to bring better experience…

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Episode 063: Helldivers!!! 1:50:23

1+ y ago1:50:23

1:50:23

What is up everyone! Got a bit of a special one this week! And a LONG one! Ryan's brother Patrick has been in the center of the TNBS crew's minds for the last few months. Pat is a constant gaming companion and damn good one at that, but one morning he and Ryan wondered what it would be like if he joined the show. Well now he won't have to wonder. J…

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Episode #56: Generations of Athletic Directors (ft. Bob Bowlsby and Beth Goetz LIVE from Iowa Athletic Club) 55:43

1+ y ago55:43

55:43

On this special episode of Real Success, I sat down at the Iowa Athletic Club for a live podcast recording with Bob Bowlsby and Beth Goetz, who both have incredible careers in athletics and happen to represent two generations who have taken on the mantle as Athletic Director of the University of Iowa. Bob Bowlsby served as the fourth commissioner o…

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Episode 062: Europe and Stuff 1:12:08

1+ y ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Happy February! Catch up with the TNBS crew this week as Ryan recounts his trip to Europe, just before Caleb goes on his own. The two also dig into Jusant, God of War: Ragnarok's Valhalla DLC, Lamplighter's League, and a bunch more. Come hang with the NerdyBits crew as they get punchy and have a blast. You can listen to us below, or on iTunes and S…

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Episode #55: Bill and Charlie Nusser, Hands Jewelers 46:57

1+ y ago46:57

46:57

"On today’s episode, I sit down with Bill and Charlie Nusser, the father and son duo behind Hands Jewelers, a venerable family-operated store in Iowa City providing jewelry, gems, and watches, for over 165 years. Bill and Charlie both share their respective stories about how they first joined the family business, how they navigate the line between …

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Episode 061: THE FINALS, Here to Stay. 1:05:46

1+ y ago1:05:46

1:05:46

What's up folks! Happy New Year! Come hang with Caleb and Ryan as they start to think about their games of the year. We also dig into THE FINALS, the new pvp shooter from Embark Studios, the ins and outs of strategy, the interesting choices they've made for cosmetics, how much the Vegas map sucks, and lots more. Ryan also gets into Farming Simulato…

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Episode 060: The Game Awards and Stuff 1:12:55

1+ y ago1:12:55

1:12:55

What's up folks! This one is a backlogger. Sorry. Caleb and Ryan got together and recorded back in December. We complain a bit about how bad the Xbox mobile app is, dig into the GTA VI trailer, Caleb gushes for a bit about Spider-Man 2, and then we go through the Game Awards and our thoughts, including how sad we are that E3 is officially dead. You…

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Episode 059: A Psyker and an Ogryn 1:45:29

2y ago1:45:29

1:45:29

What is up folks! Caleb and Ryan got together and made a real long one for ya! Ben is out this episode, scheduling and such, but come hang with us as we walk through all the things we have been playing in the last month. We go in order from least time to most, starting with the new Forza Motorsport and our limited time with it so far. We follow tha…

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Episode #54: Leslie Epstein, Owner of Your Tanning Bar 40:03

2y ago40:03

40:03

"On today’s episode, I sit down with Leslie Epstein, Owner and CEO of Your Tanning Bar, the airbrush tanning solution in Cedar Rapids, Coralville, and Bettendorf that provides a UV-free alternative to being bronze. Leslie shares how her father influenced her entrepreneurial spirit when she was young, the story of how tanning an entire sorority gave…

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Episode 058: Starfield Deep Dive 1:37:51

2y ago1:37:51

1:37:51

Hey Folks! We're back after a long assignment playing hours and hours of Starfield. With more than 300 hours between the three of us, come have a seat and hear our thoughts on one of this year's (honestly this generation's) biggest games. Mild caution ahead of listening, it is a little spoilery about broader events, nothing very specific though. If…

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Episode 057: The Field of Stars 1:53:19

2y ago1:53:19

1:53:19

Yup. We know. We're playing it too. Come hang with the NerdyBits crew as they dig into allllllll sorts of stuff. From cars and spirits (the boozy kind), to Starfield. And then we just kinda stay on Starfield, but also make a short diversion to throw some shade at the 4k/60fps dorks on the internet bitching about ultra high fidelity gaming. It's a b…

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Episode 056: Gamescom and Demons 1:21:53

2y ago1:21:53

1:21:53

Hey folks! This one is a backlogger from August. We recorded inside, because it was hot as hell, so we talk more softly. Making all of us kinda sound high. Sorry about that! Come hang as we dig into some Gamescom stuff, slip back into lamenting the absence of our "career game", and we talk a bit about Diablo 4 and Caleb's falling off of it. You can…

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Episode #53: Cale, Justin, and Tim from Fun Not Fancy Restaurant Group 47:28

2y ago47:28

47:28

Cale Henderson, Tim Kindl, and Justin Zehr are three of the owners of Fun Not Fancy Restaurant Group, a collection of popular restaurants in Cedar Rapids and Marion. The group shares their unique origin story, the backwards way they approach their restaurant concepts, and how they navigate the modern challenges of restaurant ownership. They also di…

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Episode #52: Doug Alberhasky, Owner of John's Grocery 35:27

2y ago35:27

35:27

On today’s episode, I sit down with Doug Alberhasky, third-generation Owner and Operator of John's Grocery. Doug shares what it was like growing up within the family business, the surprising ways the community has changed his life, and how selling imported beer reinvented John’s Grocery. Doug also digs into the exciting historical film he’s working…

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Episode 055: Chilling with Ryan 1:27:50

2y ago1:27:50

1:27:50

Yo! Welcome back! This week Ryan and Caleb hold down the show while Ben goes and has a dinner party or whatever. Come hang as we have a chill chat about movies and upcoming games and parenting. It's a chill hang. So come hang and chill! You can listen to us below, or on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify! So whether you have an Apple or Android device, …

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Episode 054: Clearing the Backlog, Slowly... 1:40:29

2y ago1:40:29

1:40:29

What's up folks! Long time! Couple of vacations in the books and things are getting back to normal finally! With that, come hang out with us as we catch you up on what we have been playing! Ben has beaten Lana, Ryan has beaten Dredge, Caleb ahs been playing Showgunners, we chat a bit about Phantom Brigade. There's a bunch in here, so come hang out!…

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Episode 053: E3 Wrap-Up (Late Upload) 1:37:14

2y ago1:37:14

1:37:14

Sorry for the delay of game everyone. Crazy few weeks of stuff at the house and all around, really. Come hang with the crew as they discuss all the stuff that happened at E3. We talk about our favorites, we express our disappointment with Keighley's somewhat lackluster SGF showcase. All in all though, we enjoyed all the game news and can't wait for…

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Episode #51: Andrew Lehman, Tournament Director of the John Deere Classic 36:49

2y ago36:49

36:49

On Today's Episode: Nate sits down with Andrew Lehman, Tournament Director of the John Deere Classic, the annual professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour that takes place in the Quad Cities. Andrew shares information on his internship with the golf tournament and how he was in the right place at the right time, what it is like to have an engage…

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Episode 052: Fanning the Hammer at the Nun 1:27:35

2+ y ago1:27:35

1:27:35

Whoa…do you hear that? It’s the sound of your favorite videogame podcast, back from the depths! We’ve returned. Caleb moved, Ben went to the Ripper doc, then Caleb found out his wife was creating another baby in her tum tum. It’s been a hell of a few months. But we’re back, and just in time for Keigh-3 to start. So as you get settled for the shows …

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Episode #50: Kirk Ferentz, Head Football Coach at the University of Iowa 59:02

2+ y ago59:02

59:02

On the 50th episode of the Real Success podcast, Nate sits down with Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach of the University of Iowa Football Team, a position he has held for 25 years. The two discuss how he has seen the landscape of football change since he started his career in the ‘80’s, how they continue to see big returns from small innovations, and how hi…

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Episode #49: Scott Keplinger, CEO of Intellisee 45:54

2+ y ago45:54

45:54

On today’s episode, Nate sits down with Scott Keplinger, CEO of Intellisee, the real-time artificial intelligence (AI) risk mitigation platform working to detect and mitigate threats before an incident occurs by using a company’s existing passive surveillance cameras. Scott shares with how his passion for businesses that solve REAL NEEDS has inform…

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Episode 48: Mark Kaufman, Founder of Athletico Physical Therapy 39:41

2+ y ago39:41

39:41

On Today's Episode: Mark Kaufman is the founder and chairman of Athletico Physical Therapy, a successful national company with local Iowa roots. Mark shares with me how he started with a single rehabilitation center in Chicago back in 1991, his unique insight into how camaraderie motivates rehabilitation, and his perspective from being on the front…

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Episode 47: Tara Cronbaugh, Founder of Java House Coffee Roasters 43:14

2+ y ago43:14

43:14

On Today's Episode: Tara Cronbaugh is the founder of Java House Coffee Roasters, a local coffee staple in the Iowa City community for nearly 30 years. Tara shares how she researched over 50 coffee houses in California before launching Java House in Iowa City, how partnerships were the cornerstone of her company’s success, and how big chain coffee s…