Exploring the people, projects, and progress behind Iowa’s transportation system. Roadside Chat is the official podcast of the Iowa Department of Transportation. Hosts take you behind the scenes of Iowa’s transportation network. From roads and bridges to licenses and public transit, each episode answers your questions, spotlights Iowa DOT experts, and explores the innovations that keep Iowans moving safely.
Roots, Routes, and Roundabouts: Iowa DOT at the State Fair
Roots, Routes, and Roundabouts: Iowa DOT at the State Fair
8/5/2026
In this eighth episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh invite listeners to visit the Iowa DOT's booth at the Iowa State Fair. Communication Specialist Zhaia Wineinger shares how the fair gives the department a chance to connect with thousands of Iowans, answer questions, and highlight the many ways transportation impacts everyday life.
LCNSPL8: Why Some License Plates Pass and Others Get Parked
LCNSPL8: Why Some License Plates Pass and Others Get Parked
7/8/2026
In this seventh episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh sit down with two leaders from the Iowa DOT’s Motor Vehicle Division: Mary Demuth, Public Service Manager, and Charles Cunningham, Service Delivery Bureau Director, to explain how Iowa's personalized license plate process works.
Iowa's Rest Areas: More Than Meets the Eye
Iowa's Rest Areas: More Than Meets the Eye
6/5/2026
In this sixth episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh explore Iowa’s rest areas and truck parking system with David Bollenbaugh, Public Service Supervisor for Iowa DOT Rest Areas, and Adrianne Knight, Transportation Planner with the Iowa DOT. Together, they discuss the services Iowa’s rest areas provide today and the plans underway to improve them for future travelers.
Why (It Seems Like) Construction Season Never Ends
Why (It Seems Like) Construction Season Never Ends
3/31/2026
In this fifth episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Debbie McClung and Daniel Yeh tackle a question many Iowans ask each spring: why does it seem like construction season never ends? They’re joined by Frank Leong, District Construction Engineer for central Iowa, to explain what really goes into planning and delivering major highway projects.
Iowa DOT’s participation in the America 250 Celebration
Iowa DOT’s participation in the America 250 Celebration
2/12/2026
In this fourth episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Debbie McClung explore how the Iowa DOT is honoring America’s 250th anniversary with Brennan Dolan, Cultural Resource Team Leader and Tribal Liaison in the Iowa DOT’s Location and Environment Bureau.
Bridging Past and Future: Lansing’s Iconic Crossing
Bridging Past and Future: Lansing’s Iconic Crossing
12/19/2025
Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh explore the reconstruction of the iconic Lansing Bridge with Clayton Burke, Iowa DOT project manager for the Mississippi River River Bridge at Lansing project. The conversation takes a deep dive into why the nearly 100-year-old bridge must be replaced and why it cannot remain open during construction.
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Inside Iowa’s Winter Operations: How the Iowa DOT Keeps Roads Safe
Inside Iowa’s Winter Operations: How the Iowa DOT Keeps Roads Safe
11/21/2025
In this second episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh explore the behind-the-scenes work of Iowa’s winter maintenance operations with Craig Bargfrede, Winter Operations Administrator for the Iowa DOT, and guest Tina Greenfield from the Iowa DOT winter operations team.
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Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: What Parents Should Know
Parent-Taught Driver’s Ed: What Parents Should Know
10/22/2025
In this first episode of Roadside Chat, hosts Jenny Butcher and Daniel Yeh explore the ins and outs of Iowa’s Parent-Taught Driver’s Education program with Vania Boyd, Driver Education Manager for the Iowa DOT.
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