AREA Podcast
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance presents the AREA Podcast, showcasing the voices shaping Ames and the surrounding region. Each episode will feature in-depth conversations with community and business leaders, sharing their personal stories, professional journeys, and insights into the innovation and growth driving our area forward. Tune in to discover the people and ideas making a difference in our vibrant region. The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright.
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Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
On AREA Podcast episode #020, we’re joined by Ashley Thompson, President & CEO of United Way of Story County. Ashley shares her leadership journey, the evolving needs across the community, and how the United Way is bringing partners together to address challenges and drive long-term impact across Story County.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
On AREA Podcast episode #019, we’re joined by Mike Espeset, CEO at Story Construction. He shares his leadership journey within an employee-owned company, how Story Construction continues to grow across Iowa, and why culture, clear systems, and community engagement are key to long-term success.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org
Monday Feb 09, 2026
Monday Feb 09, 2026
On AREA Podcast episode #018, we’re joined by Clayton Mooney, co-founder, CEO, and Chief Farmer at Clayton Farms. He shares his unconventional path from professional poker to agriculture, how discipline and risk-taking shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and how his passion for running and ultramarathons influences how he builds and leads.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
Tuesday Jan 20, 2026
On AREA Podcast episode #017, we’re joined by Ag Tech Innovator and Investor Roger Underwood. He shares his entrepreneurial journey scaling Becker Underwood into a global company, his outlook on the future of agriculture, and why innovation, technology, and the Ames region are central to what comes next for the industry.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
On AREA Podcast episode #016, we are joined by Valerie Grubb, internationally-recognized keynote speaker and author on leadership. She shares insights from her corporate career, the realities of leading across generations, and practical strategies leaders can use to strengthen culture, retain talent, and elevate their teams.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Colorbiotics - https://www.colorbiotics.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
Wednesday Nov 12, 2025
On AREA Podcast episode #015, we are joined by Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University. She shares her journey to becoming the university’s first female president, her approach to leadership and innovation, and how Iowa State drives research and economic growth across Iowa and beyond.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Colorbiotics - https://www.colorbiotics.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
On AREA Podcast episode #014, we are joined by Emily Schmitt, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel at Sukup Manufacturing. She shares her journey as a third-generation leader, balancing family legacy with innovation, and Sukup’s growing global impact from its Iowa roots.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Colorbiotics - https://www.colorbiotics.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
On AREA Podcast episode #013, we are joined by Kevin Dresser, Head Coach of the Iowa State University Wrestling program. He shares his journey in the sport, his approach to building culture, and what it takes to lead one of college wrestling’s premier programs.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Colorbiotics - https://www.colorbiotics.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org