Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in America, and Dr. Richard Deming has been fighting this crisis for four decades. In this powerful conversation, Iowa’s leading oncologist reveals what you can actually do about it.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, we explore the mortality wake-up call that cancer brings and the simple—though not easy—steps that could save thousands of lives.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 Iowa’s Cancer Crisis: Why We’re Second in America
05:30 The Mortality Wake-Up Call: Cancer Changes Everything
12:00 From Navy Diver to Cancer Fighter: An Unlikely Journey
20:00 Why Screening Saves Lives (But Can Also Harm)
28:00 Iowa’s Two Big Problems: Radon and Farm Chemicals
34:00 The 45% Solution: What We Already Know Works
36:30 Why Smoking Is Still Cancer’s Biggest Killer
42:00 Healthcare Access: The Hidden Cancer Crisis
*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: Iowa teachers, you have options in the ‘Baby Olivia’ bill
Evidence-based curricula. That’s what you want taught in Iowa schools, right? Republicans across the country, including Iowa, have been pushing to...
WATCH: Two Iowa Starbucks stores join national strike
The biggest threat to working Iowans isn't your neighbor. It's corporate greed. Every time. Follow for more.
WATCH: Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will make enrolling in school meal programs harder
Iowa school officials are bracing for SNAP cuts, as President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill will make it harder for families to enroll in school...
WATCH: Iowa farmer with Big Ag ties says his two-year-old wants Trump over Santa
After announcing the $12B Farmer Bridge Payments, Dysart, Iowa farmer Cordt Holub said his two-year-old son asks if Trump could come instead of...
WATCH: Iowa couple felt ‘corned by the government’ while seeking care for fatal pregnancy
Iowa mom Jessica Djukanovic was recently refused proper care for a fatal pregnancy. Her husband Miljan says they and their doctors were "cornered by...
WATCH: Iowa denies Satanic Temple’s request for Capitol event
Officials at the Iowa Department of Administrative Services have denied the Satanic Temple from hosting an event in the State Capitol. After being...
