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The state of mental health in Iowa’s Black communities

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Talk of Iowa, hosted by Charity Nebbe

Mental health representatives from the City of West Des Moines and NAMI Iowa join the show to discuss mental health efforts in the state.

On this episode of Talk of Iowa, host Charity Nebbe speaks with mental health advocates Matthea Little Smith and Audrey Kennis about the state of mental health in Black communities and what can be done to improve the situation.

Later in the episode, Iowa Public Radio Studio One Host Bob Dorr joins the show to share his top blues songs of 2023:

  • 1. Savoy Brown - “Blues All Around,” Blues All Around
  • 2. Nick Moss Band - “Get Your Back In To It,” Get Your Back In To It
  • 3. Coco Montoya - “You Got Me Where You Want Me,” Writing on The Wall 
  • 4. The Dig 3 - “Take A Ride,” Damn The Rent 
  • 5. D.K. Harrell - “The Right Man,” The Right Man
  • 6. Nic Clark - “Don’t Count Yourself Out,” Everybody’s Buddy 
  • 7. Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram - “Hard Times,” Live In London 
  • 8. Craig Erickson - “Modern Blues,” Modern Blues
  • 9. Cedar County Cobras - “Long Time Gone,” Homesick Blues 
  • 10.  Jason Ricci - “Baked Potato,” Behind The Veil 
  • 11. Big Harp George - “It’s New Year’s Eve,” Big Harp George Does Christmas 
  • 12. The Beatles - “Now & Then”

Guests:

  • Matthea Little Smith, consultant and volunteer, NAMI of Iowa
  • Audrey Kennis, director of diversity equity and inclusion, City of West Des Moines
  • Bob Dorr, Studio One host, IPR
Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.
Dani Gehr is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from Iowa State University. Since 2022, Gehr has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.