The Innovators Podcast

Hosted by ISU Research Park

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Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

The Innovators Podcast was started in 2020 to highlight some of the incredible people in Ames, at Iowa State, and in the Research Park. Hosted by Research Park staff, the Podcast aims to share the stories of innovation and entrepreneurship that often go unseen in our communities.

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60 recent

October 13, 202642 min

Podcast 80 - Scott Grimes, Superintendent of the Ames Community School District

On episode 80 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Scott Grimes, Superintendent of the Ames Community School District. In this episode, they discuss the district’s partnership with Iowa State University, career readiness, and the development of the PK & Beyond program. Thanks for listening! Content Warning: This episode discusses school shootings and gun violence. The subject matter may be disturbing to some viewers.

September 23, 202632 min

Podcast 79 - Quinn Mitchell, Co-Founder of Cota Hydration

On episode 79 of the Innovators Podcast, Mya Vongphasouk, a PR and Communications Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Quinn Mitchell, Co-Founder of Cota Hydration. In this episode, Quinn shares the story behind Cota Hydration, his vision for the company's future, and how the CYstarters Program and Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute have helped shape his entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for listening!

September 1, 202628 min

Podcast 78 - Student Innovator Allyson Reinert, Founder of Mystic Eco

On episode 78 of the Innovators Podcast, Katelyn Gingery, a PR and Communications Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Allyson Reinert, Founder of Mystic Eco. In this episode, Allyson shares the story behind Mystic Eco, her vision for the company's future, and how the CYstarters Program has helped shape her entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for listening!

August 3, 202641 min

Podcast 77 - Paul Gormley, Project Manager for the Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS)

On episode 77 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Paul Gormley, Project Manager for The Center for Industrial Research and Service (CIRAS). In this episode, they discuss Paul's time as a student at Iowa State University, CIRAS, and the impacts of AI. Thanks for listening!

July 6, 202632 min

Podcast 76 - David Spalding, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations

On episode 76 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews David Spalding, Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations (EDIR). In this episode, they celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Core Facility and discuss David's journey to becoming the Vice President of EDIR as well as the Core Facility's impact on economic development in Iowa. Thanks for listening!

June 4, 202630 min

Podcast 75 - Chris Sievers, Talent and Technology Leader at John Deere

On episode 75 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Chris Sievers, University Partnership and Talent & Technology leader at John Deere. In this episode, Chris shares about his time at Iowa State University and his experience working at John Deere. He also shares his relationship to the Research Park. Thank you for listening!

May 7, 202612 min

Podcast 74 - Student Innovator Ryan Ryherd, Founder of Central Iowa Sod

On episode 74 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Ryan Ryherd, Founder of Central Iowa Sod. In this episode, we discuss Ryan's start with entrepreneurship and how CYstarters has grown his business. Thank you for listening!

April 9, 202629 min

Podcast 73 - Billie Asmus, Founder and CEO of Repaint Studios

On episode 73 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Billie Asmus, Founder and CEO of Repaint Studios. In this episode, Billie shares her experience becoming an entrepreneur, how she was able to get on Shark Tank, and landing a deal with Chip and Joanna Gaines. Thanks for listening!

March 5, 202613 min

Podcast 72 - Student Innovator Boluwarin Ojo, Founder of SparkDefy

On episode 72 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Boluwarin Ojo, Founder of SparkDefy. In this episode, we learn how she is making strides in a market gap, how CYstarters has transformed her company, and her experience winning pitch competitions and co-founding the Black Designers Society. Thank you for listening!

February 5, 202621 min

Podcast 71 - Student Innovator Kailey Stevens, Founder of Bolded K Studio

On episode 71 of the Innovators Podcast, Annabelle Wadle, a Communications and Marketing Intern at the Iowa State University Research Park, sits down with Kailey Stevens, Founder of Bolded K Studio. In this episode, we take a look at her development before and after completing the CYstarters program. Thank you for listening!