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 hours ago
4 hours ago
On AREA Podcast episode #023, we’re joined by Paul Shirley, former Iowa State Cyclone basketball player turned author. He shares his journey as a professional basketball player across the NBA and overseas, his transition into writing, and how his work today helps individuals and teams build better habits, find focus, and create more meaningful work.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org
Sunday Apr 26, 2026
Sunday Apr 26, 2026
On AREA Podcast episode #022, we’re joined by Brent Shanks, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Pyrone Systems. He shares his journey from academic research to launching a biotech startup, how Pyrone is developing sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals, and what it takes to bring breakthrough science into real-world use.
The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com
Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org
Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
On AREA Podcast episode #021, we’re joined by Dr. David Cook, President of Iowa State University. He shares his journey back to Ames to lead his alma mater, his leadership approach, and how Iowa State is building on its land-grant mission to drive innovation, workforce development, and economic impact across the state.
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
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
Wednesday Mar 25, 2026
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