Pints & Diplomacy

Latest Episodes:

Episode 15 -- JD Scholten's BIG Announcement and Supreme Court of 90s Sitcoms Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

This week we get a surprise visit from JD Scholten and he discusses his recent candidacy for US Senate. We also cover our Supreme Court of 90s TV Show Sitcoms and recap the news of the week!

Episode 14 -- State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott & Supreme Court of War Movies May 29, 2025

Show notes

This week, the guys sit down with Iowa State Senator and current U.S. House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott for a wide-ranging conversation on faith, public service, and the politics of religion. We dive into her perspective as a Lutheran pastor in the state legislature, her thoughts on the controversial School Chaplain bill, and what it’s like balancing spiritual values with the demands of public office.

Then, Ryan, Josh, and Tyler shift gears and debate their Supreme Court of War Movies—each host nominates their top three films for the ultimate war movie canon. Will your favorite make the cut?

Grab a pint, tune in, and join the conversation.

Episode 13 - Your Friendly Neighborhood Reporter Zachary Oren Smith May 22, 2025

Show notes

This week on Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with fellow Big J Journalist Zachary Oren Smith and maybe our next Best Friend to talk about his journey from growing up in Mississippi to reporting in Iowa. We dive into the role of journalism in today's world, hear personal stories from Zach’s career, and put his friendship to the test with our signature Best Friend Quiz. We also spend some time discussing our favorite expletives. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation you won’t want to miss.

Episode 12 - LIVE Interview w/ Candidate for Governor Rob Sand & Supreme Court of Summer May 15, 2025

Show notes

this live episode from the hoppy heart of Des Moines at Lua Brewing, we sit down with Iowa State Auditor—and now gubernatorial candidate—Rob Sand. Over some top-tier craft beers, we ask the big questions: Why’s he running for governor? What’s his go-to music festival? And can our half-baked money-saving ideas actually fix the state budget (spoiler: probably not, but he humors us anyway)?

We also dig into the serious stuff—like the real challenges facing Iowans—and Rob shares why showing up and listening still matter in politics. It’s equal parts civic discourse, brewery banter, and dad-joke diplomacy. Come for the policy, stay for the pints.

Episode 11 - House Representative Sean Bagniewski & Supreme Court of Dream Podcast Interviews May 08, 2025

Show notes

This week, we sit down with Iowa State Representative Sean Bagniewski for a conversation that covers everything from serious policy to serious comedy.

We dig into key legislation passed this year, including the cell phone ban, and get Sean's take on how it will impact schools across the state. But this episode isn't just politics—Sean opens up about growing up in a trailer park, the lessons it taught him, and how it influences his approach to public service today.

And of course, it wouldn’t be Pints & Diplomacy without a little pop culture. We break down some of Sean’s favorite movies, including why Step Brothers still hits, and how film can connect to politics more than you’d think.

Pour a pint and join us for a fun, thoughtful conversation with one of Iowa’s most interesting lawmakers

Episode 10 -- Supreme Court of Beer & Buzzed Briefings Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

This week we recap the world of news that occured in the last week. We cover SignalGate 2, The Death of Pope Francis, and Kim Reynolds not seeking reelection. Tyler reads an original poem in honor of the Pope and the guys help predict the future of Iowa Politics now that Kim Reynolds has chosen not to seek reelection.

Episode 9 -- Former Hampton-Dumont High School Teacher Ben Fridley Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

This episode we sit down with my former High School Government Teacher Ben Fridley. He retired from teaching back in 2010 and we discuss the current state of teaching along with his experiences as a teacher in Hampton-Dumont. We talk about how much education has changed throughout the years and he gives advice for future teachers in Iowa. We also spend some time talking about the community of Hampton and the infamous Senior Prank from the Class of 2010.

Episode 8 -- Buzzed Briefings & The Supreme Court of Leaks Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

This week we have a massive Buzzed Briefings lined up for the listeners along with a VERY contentious Supreme Court of Leaks in light of the leaked Signal chat with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other officials in the Trump Administration.

Episode 7 -- Immigration Attorney Jessica Malott & Supreme Court of American Immigrants Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

This episode we spend an hour with Immigration Attorney Jessica Malott and discuss the Trump Administrations approach towards immigration and we unpack stereotypes surrounding the immigration process in America. We also cover our Supreme Court of American Immigrants!

Episode 6 -- Kristin Brey and the Supreme Court of Turning Heel Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

This weeks episode explores the State of Wisconsin and their upcoming Supreme Court Election with the Host of "As Goes Wisconsin" Kristin Brey. We unpack every Wisconsin stereotype and hear great stories about Wisconsin greats Bob Uecker and Chris Farley. We also tackle the Supreme Court of Turning Heel where we nominate people who have fallen from the good graces of society.

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