Pints & Diplomacy

This week on Pints & Diplomacy, we’re joined by Iowa State Representative and infectious disease physician Megan Srinivas. She discusses how her career in medicine shapes her approach to policymaking and public service. We also break down Iowa’s budget crisis! What led to it, its impact across the state, and potential solutions for moving forward. A thoughtful conversation on public health, fiscal responsibility, and governing in Iowa.

In this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, were joined by Des Moines attorney Ben Lynch to unpack the intersection of law, power, and everyday life. Ben discusses a Draft Kings lawsuit he's currently involved in, explains the work he does through charity and community service (Charles City), and breaks down the legal realities of ICE encounters. What agents can or cannot do, and what people should know about their rights. It's a clear, grounded conversation about accountability, civic responsibility, and why understanding the law matters more than ever!

This week on Pints & Diplomacy, we break down a slow news cycle, touching on Michigan football drama, Randy Feenstra’s rocky campaign, and the enduring appeal of Conan O’Brien. The heart of the episode is a candid, wide ranging conversation with Iowa State Senator and U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls. We crack open a few beers, talk politics and public life, and do it all while watching the Packers/Vikings game from Iowa City.

In this episode of Pints & Diplomacy, we sit down with U.S. Senate candidate Nathan Sage in the bar tucked beneath the historic Val Air Ballroom. Over a couple cold ones, we dig into his candidacy, his military service and how it shaped his worldview, and talk about some classic Hawkeye sports heroes. A laid-back, honest conversation with a candidate who isn’t afraid to mix policy with personality. Cheers!

We sat down with Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart at Lua Brewing in Des Moines for a wide-ranging conversation over a few pints.
We talked about the recent special election wins for Democrats, what Rita has been focused on as IDP Chair, and how the party is working to rebuild across the state. Rita also shared her thoughts on Iowa’s struggling economy, the most popular Democratic Candidate in Iowa Rob Sand, and why she’s optimistic about the strong slate of Democratic candidates stepping up for 2026.
Whether you’re a political junkie or just curious about what’s brewing in Iowa politics, this one’s worth a listen. 🍺