Best The Splendid Table Podcasts (2025)

1
730: Vegetarian Cooking with Deborah Madison 50:15

3d ago50:15

50:15

This week, we spend the hour with Deborah Madison, one of the trailblazers in popularizing vegetarian cooking in America — even though she’s not a full-time vegetarian herself. We chat with her about how she came to be the founding chef of Greens, likely America's first high-end vegetarian restaurant, at a time when fine dining meant meat at the ce…

1
Celebrating 30 years of culinary excellence on 'The Splendid Table' 47:56

28d ago47:56

47:56

To celebrate thirty years of eating, growing, harvesting and cooking on The Splendid Table, the show is going on tour and will make a stop in Iowa City.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Madeleine Willis

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The complexities of in-law relationships 47:57

1h ago47:57

47:57

Each family comes with their own culture, humor and traditions, which can complicate marrying into them.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr

1
The Amana Colonies banned, then embraced, baseball in the early 20th century 48:02

1d ago48:02

48:02

Known as America's favorite pastime, the sport of baseball was once believed to be one the Amana Colonies' greatest challenges.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh, Dani Gehr

1
I Need a Dinner Party Menu 36:18

5m ago36:18

36:18

We get messages in our inbox ALL the time from listeners who have planned dinner parties, picnics, and other gatherings... but want our advice on what to serve. So this week, Chris is joined by hostess-with-the-mostess Kendra Vaculin to tackle a bevy of listener questions and menu-plan for strawberry-picking lunches, murder mystery dinner parties, …

1
How to grow kiwi berries in Iowa 47:41

2d ago47:41

47:41

Kiwi berries are a delicious, non-fuzzy fruit that can survive in Iowa's climate.By Charity Nebbe, Aaron Steil, Caitlin Troutman

1
Artistry and education merge at a school in Eastern Iowa 47:15

5d ago47:15

47:15

The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy in Cedar Rapids provides low cost and free arts programming to people of all ages.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman, Madeleine Willis

1
Women take back the streets of Chicago in new novel 47:57

5d ago47:57

47:57

Fern Kupfer discusses her new novel Strong Women of Chicago, and a look at Iowa organizations that help pet-owners-in-need feed their pets.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Caitlin Troutman

1
How some cities and organizations are continuing to fight against climate change 48:02

7d ago48:02

48:02

The Trump administration has taken many steps to dismantle federal climate protections, but community efforts to fight climate change remain.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Madeleine Willis

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The wonders of spring migration 47:49

7d ago47:49

47:49

Expert birders share all you need to know as millions of birds pass through or make the journey to Iowa this spring.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr

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I Need Leafy Greens 34:54

6d ago34:54

34:54

Natalie and her husband are capable, adventurous cooks, but they can't seem to get leafy greens on the menu outside of a salad. So Chris and Kendra Vaculin team up to sell Natalie on their favorite greens and techniques. Recipes & Links: Lemony Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Dill Salmon Rice Bowl with Green Curry Creamed Spinach Mostly Chard Tiny…

1
How to keep ants out of your garden 47:49

11d ago47:49

47:49

Ants can help your garden thrive, but what happens when they do the opposite?By Charity Nebbe, Aaron Steil, Brianna Bohling-Hall

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825: Celebrating 30 Years: Live from Seattle 49:56

12d ago49:56

49:56

We're on the road celebrating our 30th Anniversary and this week, we bring you an eventful night in Seattle in partnership with KUOW. First up, Valerie Segrest, cofounder of Tahoma Peak Solutions, and Jeremy Thunderbird, owner of Native Soul Cuisine, about the diversity of indigenous food, carrying on traditional recipes, and food sovereignty. Then…

1
Hundreds of nonprofits in Iowa suffer from federal funding cuts 47:53

12d ago47:53

47:53

Libraries, museums and theatres are just a few of the community institutions facing federal funding losses statewide.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh, Madeleine Willis

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Is laziness the key to success? A Fairfield man says yes 47:59

12d ago47:59

47:59

An Iowa transplant has channeled what he calls laziness into forming two successful companies, publishing a memoir and now turning that into a staged musical.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman, Samantha McIntosh

1
An inside look at the new Ames History Museum 48:05

14d ago48:05

48:05

The recently expanded Ames History Museum is full of surprises for all generations.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh, Madeleine Willis

1
The Mysterious Peter Quint - Real Minishow Ep. 83 25:36

12d ago25:36

25:36

In this chilling episode, we dive into the latest flashback-heavy chapter of The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix, created by horror maestro Mike Flanagan. The ghost Dani saw is revealed to be Peter Quint, Henry Wingrave’s right-hand man, who once had a dangerous romance with Rebecca Jessel, the former au pair. We explore the toxic dynamics between…

1
Joyce Carol Oates believes in happy endings 47:22

15d ago47:22

47:22

We revisit a conversation with celebrated author Joyce Carol Oates, recorded live at Des Moines Central Public Library May 30, 2024.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman

1
BA Bake Club: Millionaire's Shortbread 38:32

13d ago38:32

38:32

Join Jesse and Shilpa to dive into each layer of Jesse's decadent, pantry-friendly Millionaire's Shortbread and answer questions from bake clubbers. Starting with the key differences that make this shortbread extra-toasty and tender, this episode travels through Jesse's caramel-studded past and obsession with the perfect, aesthetic slice. Recipes &…

1
Maximizing your garden this growing season 47:51

18d ago47:51

47:51

Now that summer is approaching, succession planting can help your garden grow.By Charity Nebbe, Aaron Steil, Brianna Bohling-Hall

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804: Summer Reading with Aimee Nezhukumatathil author of Bite By Bite & Sara B. Franklin author of The Editor 50:00

19d ago50:00

50:00

This week, we’ve got suggestions to start your summer reading list. First, we sit down with bestselling author and poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil to talk about her upbringing and the nature of her poetry. She writes about her parent’s gardens and their food, and how she carries her childhood experiences with her today. Her latest book is Bite By Bite: …

1
Artistry for students at University of Northern Iowa takes shape 47:57

19d ago47:57

47:57

The Public Art Incubator at the University of Northern Iowa connects students with artists who create large sculptures.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Madeleine Willis

1
Play based on Iowa professor's book makes homecoming 48:04

20d ago48:04

48:04

When someone suggested the book The Lifespan of a Fact be adapted for the stage, authors John D'Agata and Jim Fingal thought it was a silly idea. In 2018, it made its Broadway debut.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Samantha McIntosh

1
Beyond the stereotypes of a modern man 48:01

21d ago48:01

48:01

Five speakers shared their stories of grappling with gender and masculinity at a live event hosted by Investigate Midwest.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh, Caitlin Troutman, Madeleine Willis

1
Journalist writes about her facial blindness and other hidden neurodiversities 47:59

22d ago47:59

47:59

When Sadie Dingfelder mistook a stranger for her husband at the grocery store it was the beginning of her discovery that she literally sees and processes the world differently than most people do.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh

1
Protecting your garden from plant diseases 48:03

25d ago48:03

48:03

This time of year, we start to see plant diseases emerge that will give you trouble later in the season.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Brianna Bohling-Hall

1
803: Priya Krishna’s Kitchen Adventures and Snacking Bakes with Yossy Arefi 50:22

25d ago50:22

50:22

This week, we’re bringing you two guests that will get you excited about cooking and baking. First, New York Times food desk reporter Priya Krishna tells us about her food writing career, building connections through her stories and travels and her most recent book, Priya’s Kitchen Adventures: A Cookbook for Kids. In her book, she draws recipes fro…

1
Iowa art exhibit embodies race, regionalism and representation in the heart of the Midwest 47:44

26d ago47:44

47:44

The "It's a fine thing," exhibit at the Stanley Museum explores the Black Midwestern experience.By Charity Nebbe, Madeleine Willis, Dani Gehr

1
'Into Light' exhibit elevates the stories of Iowans lost to drug addiction 48:00

27d ago48:00

48:00

"Into Light" is a national art activism project that seeks to dismantle the stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman, Samantha McIntosh

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suckin on dem toesies - Talk to Me Review 41:17

26d ago41:17

41:17

Good news! The Stormy Skies found her water bottle. I’m sure everyone has been on the edge of their seats waiting to hear that epic conclusion. In other news, we’re back this week to review Talk to Me one of the best horror movies of 2022. Talk to Me follows a group of teenagers as they pay the ultimate price for playing with the occult. Because ho…

1
A Holocaust story told through virtual reality 48:04

29d ago48:04

48:04

A Walk Through Westerbork takes viewers with Rodi Glass, a Dutch Holocaust survivor, as she visits the sites of her survival.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Caitlin Troutman

1
Is Spring Produce Actually Good? 39:53

27d ago39:53

39:53

Spring has sprung, but Chris isn’t sure spring produce is actually worth the hype. So noted asparagus enthusiast Shilpa Uskokovic joins him to gush about the joys of the season. They’ll also answer listener questions about ramps, managing the first few weeks of CSA season, and more. Recipes & Links: Crispy Miso-Butter Fish With Asparagus Grilled As…

1
How to care for your lawns this spring 47:33

1M ago47:33

47:33

With spring in bloom, it’s time to start caring for your grass.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman, Aaron Steil, Brianna Bohling-Hall

1
753: An Homage to the Refrigerator 50:08

1M ago50:08

50:08

This week, we’re shining a light on the absolutely magical, life-changing, the world-changing thing that you already have in your kitchen. The refrigerator. Maybe nothing in your home has changed the world more. Historian Jonathan Rees author of Refrigeration Nation: A History of Ice, Appliances, and Enterprise in America talks about its origins an…

1
Unlike fashion and music, some building trends should stay in the last century 47:44

1M ago47:44

47:44

Rock and roll from the 1970s and 80s endures, but some of the building practices in those decades was much more miss than hit.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh, Madeleine Willis

1
Twenty-five years after, mentorship turns into a performance about experiencing differences 48:02

1M ago48:02

48:02

When Jan Gross and Heather Lobban-Viravong first met at Grinnell College 25 years ago, they had little in common.By Charity Nebbe, Samantha McIntosh, Dani Gehr

1
Grappling with community, faith, and truth in 'The Exvangelicals' 48:06

1M ago48:06

48:06

Author Sarah McCammon and expert readers discuss The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman

1
Mark Daley describes his complicated journey to fatherhood 47:51

1M ago47:51

47:51

Author Mark Daley has shared his experiences fostering and what he learned along the way in the book Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care and the Risks We Take for Family.By Charity Nebbe, Caitlin Troutman, Kate Perez

1
I Need a Weeknight-Friendly Pantry (rerun) 31:24

1M ago31:24

31:24

Gillian has found herself working from home permanently and finds getting to the grocery store just isn't what it used to be. So, she's turned to Chris and Shilpa to help her stock her pantry and get her out of her weeknight rut. Recipes featured in the episode: Jammy Onion and Miso Pasta Creamy Tahini and Harissa Beef Hummus Bowls with Merguez-Spi…

1
What does it mean to be a man? 47:59

1M ago47:59

47:59

We asked Iowans what it means to be a man in 2025.By Charity Nebbe, Dani Gehr, Samantha McIntosh, Caitlin Troutman, Katherine Perkins

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The Splendid Table Podcasts

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