Political violence is on the rise, and the aftermath of tragic events reveals just how broken our discourse has become. Join us for a discussion about how we as Iowans and our leadership are reacting to a tragedy, and what it says about free speech, cancel culture, and our democracy.
From teachers facing job loss over social media posts to county officials defying the governor’s orders, we’re seeing the real-time erosion of nuanced political discussion.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker break down the role of big tech in political radicalization, the surveillance of educators, and why Johnson County’s response sparked statewide controversy.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. It’s produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
Toss some bags at city-school elections this fall… Iowa’s response to Kirk’s assassination… And what about Gov. Kim Reynolds’ emails?!
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 Political Violence Statistics: 23% Now Support Violence
01:30 Big Tech’s Role in Radicalizing Americans
04:00 Why Charlie Kirk’s Debate Format Fed Into Division
06:30 Iowa Teachers Face Firing Over Social Media Posts
08:30 Project 2025’s Attack on Free Speech in Schools
10:30 The Reality: Educators Are Being Surveilled
13:30 Johnson County Official Defies Governor’s Flag Order
17:30 Using Tragedy to Push Political Agendas
*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
– YouTube – https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
– Substack – https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
– Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
– Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5rzNpiA4IwgLmxbyrhETY6?si=6c4a527fa9ad4f64
– PocketCasts – https://pca.st/74atty1j
… and everywhere you listen to podcasts
*FOLLOW ZACHARY OREN SMITH ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
– Twitter – https://x.com/zacharyos
– Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/zacharyosmith
– Bluesky – https://bsky.app/profile/zacharyos.bsky.social
– Threads – https://www.threads.com/@zachosmith
– LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacharyos/
*FOLLOW IOWA STARTING LINE ON SOCIAL MEDIA:*
– Twitter – https://twitter.com/iastartingline
– Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/IowaStartingLine
– TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@iowastartingline
– Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/iowastartingline
– YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@UCXN791Qw5opBRLyvTWYl43w
WATCH: Health care workers in Iowa unionize
Here's how River Hills workers in southeast Iowa won their union, despite opposition from their company.
WATCH: The Energy Bills Relief Act could crack down on price gouging and lower costs. 👀
Energy prices are rising faster than inflation—and Congress is finally talking about it. The Energy Bills Relief Act could crack down on price...
WATCH: Maliah Kome knows what it’s like to grow up trans nonbinary in rural Iowa.
Maliah Kome knows what it's like to grow up trans nonbinary in rural Iowa. Hear her story.
WATCH: Iowa Republicans voted to cut Medicaid and are now raising your health insurance taxes
Iowa Republicans voted to cut Medicaid, promised it wouldn't hurt anyone, and are now raising your health insurance taxes to clean up the mess.
WATCH: 50+ No Kings protests are happening across Iowa this Saturday
50+ No Kings protests are happening across Iowa this Saturday, March 28, 2026.
WATCH: Iowa Rep. Jeff Shipley called a Cedar Falls resident slurs over the Ivermectin bill
Iowa Rep. Jeff Shipley called a Cedar Falls resident slurs after he confronted Shipley about a bill to make Ivermectin available over the counter.
