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Iowa State has hired Jared Benko as its next athletic director. Chris Williams is joined by Jake Brend and Levi Stevenson for an in-depth reaction to the hire, the challenges facing Cyclone Athletics, and what Benko’s leadership could mean for the next era in Ames. The crew examines Benko’s background at Auburn and Georgia Southern, his fundraising experience, and the growing importance of NIL, revenue sharing, and financial strategy in college athletics. They also discuss the legacy of Jamie Pollard, the role of Iowa State President David Cook, and why the decisions made now could shape the program for decades. Plus, the guys debate the proposed expansion of the College Football Playoff, including what a larger field could mean for Iowa State and other programs outside the sport’s traditional powerhouses. They also look at the Week 7 college football landscape before wrapping up with some lighter conversation. Watch the CW Pod weekly on Iowa Everywhere. 00:00 Intro 03:40 Benko’s Fundraising Background and NIL Experience 10:10 Replacing Jamie Pollard: The Challenges Facing Iowa State 18:15 Iowa State’s Future, Leadership and Financial Priorities 26:20 What Benko Needs to Do to Connect With Cyclone Fans 35:30 Fundraising, Fan Support and Building Revenue 43:20 College Football Playoff Expansion: Who Benefits? 54:30 Week 7 Matchups and the Big 12’s Playoff Chances 1:04:10 Could a Bigger Playoff Change Iowa State’s Future? 1:12:20 Who Should Decide the Playoff Field? 1:17:30 Closing Conversation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How has Fareway built a loyal following across Iowa and the Midwest? Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer joins Chris Williams on the CW Pod to discuss the company’s approach to grocery shopping, food prices, customer service, technology, and community. Cramer shares the story behind Fareway’s growth, what sets the grocery chain apart from its competitors, and why relationships with customers and local communities remain so important. The conversation also covers online grocery shopping, AI, changing consumer attitudes toward food and health, and the challenges facing the grocery industry. Plus, Cramer discusses Fareway’s involvement with NIL, the growth of the Cyclones’ athletic programs, and his outlook as a longtime Minnesota Vikings fan. CW Pod weekly on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Pollard is retiring as Iowa State’s athletic director after more than 20 years. What comes next for Iowa State Athletics? Chris Williams looks at Pollard’s legacy, the future of the Cyclones, Matt Campbell’s departure, Jimmy Rogers, NIL, revenue, and what Iowa State needs to do to compete in the next 20 years. Then, CW tackles the growing use of AI in college athletics. Washington State Athletics is partnering with FanWord to create sports content and game recaps, raising a bigger question: how much should AI be involved in college sports journalism? What does this mean for journalism students? Where does human storytelling fit in? And can college athletics become so focused on revenue that it loses sight of its fans, students and broader mission? Chris Williams breaks down Iowa State’s future, the changing college sports landscape, and the complicated role AI could play in athletics on the CW Pod from Iowa Everywhere. 00:00 Intro + Jamie Pollard’s Legacy 02:12 The Next 20 Years of Iowa State Athletics 06:20 What Jamie Pollard Got RIGHT 08:00 Who Should Be Iowa State’s Next Athletic Director? 10:00 Iowa State’s Biggest Challenge: Money 13:08 What Happens to Iowa State’s Coaches? 15:00 Matt Campbell, Jimmy Rogers & Iowa State’s Future 17:00 Can Iowa State Compete in the New Era of College Sports? 19:27 Iowa State’s Moneyball Approach 21:25 Washington State Is Using AI for Sports Content 22:35 What Does AI Mean for Journalism Students? 24:20 Where Should AI Fit in College Athletics? 26:48 Who Actually Owns AI-Generated Sports Content? 28:03 Can AI Replace Human Sports Writers? 30:00 The Problem With AI-Generated Content 31:02 Why College Sports Still Needs Human Storytelling 32:36 AI, Athletics & the Future of Journalism 34:35 College Sports Can’t Be ONLY About Money 36:19 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is college football losing what made it great? Chris Williams and Levi Stevenson dive deep into Chuck Klosterman’s new book Football and what it says about the past, present, and future of the sport. Levi joins the CW Pod for a wide-ranging conversation about NCAA Football video games, football’s place in American culture, declining youth participation, the changing college football fan experience, NIL, the transfer portal, conference realignment, TV money, and the growing professionalization of the sport. They also explore college football message boards, social media fan bases, why fans feel increasingly disconnected from their teams, and whether the sport can maintain its cultural connection with fans. Then, Chris sits down with Kyle Prendergast of Flynn Wright to talk about the rapidly changing media landscape, the rise of niche audiences and micro-influencers, the “trust economy,” AI-generated content, NIL marketing, streaming sports, targeted advertising, and the future of sports media. Two very different conversations about the same big question: where are sports and media headed next? CW Pod weekly on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams breaks down how The Athletic’s football payroll report could bring Iowa and Iowa State together in the push for state support, and why sports gambling revenue belongs in the conversation. Also, Chris explores what small businesses are missing about AI, and how to use it to do better work without sacrificing authenticity.  The common thread: You don’t have to love how things are changing. But you’d better adapt. CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams welcomes Jeff Woody back to the CW Pod to break down Iowa State's 16-13 Cy-Hawk loss to Iowa and what the Cyclones showed in the rivalry game. Woody explains why Iowa State's defense could be one of the Big 12's best, including the aggressive scheme, defensive line, Beni Ngoyi, and the Cyclones' ability to hold Iowa under 100 rushing yards. They also dive into Jalen Raynor's performance, what he needs to improve as a passer, Aiden Flora, the offensive line's potential, and how much better Iowa State could become with more reps together. Plus, a deep dive into Oklahoma State's stunning upset of Oregon, Drew Mestemaker, Kansas State's rise, West Virginia's unique offense, the strength of the Big 12, and what it could mean for the College Football Playoff. CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cy-Hawk Week is finally here, and Chris Williams is joined by Jeff Woody and Chad Leistikow to break down the biggest questions surrounding Iowa vs. Iowa State! Jeff Woody takes an in-depth look at Iowa State's first game under Jimmy Rogers, including the new defensive scheme, the Cyclones' aggressive defensive line, Jaylen Raynor, the wide receivers and tight ends, and the biggest concern on offense: an offensive line that is still trying to find the right combination. Chris and Jeff also dive into how Iowa State's new-look defense matches up with Tim Lester's Iowa offense, including Iowa's dominant rushing attack, the importance of penetration against Iowa's outside-zone scheme, and whether the Cyclones can create enough negative plays without giving up explosive runs. Then Chad Leistikow joins the show to break down Iowa's dominant 40-0 win over Northern Illinois, Kamari Moulton's breakout performance, Iowa's offensive line, Tony Diaz's impressive debut, and the ongoing quarterback battle between Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. The guys also discuss Iowa State's potential to pressure Iowa, the importance of the first quarter, turnovers, special teams, Kinnick Stadium at night, and the pressure on both sides heading into the Cy-Hawk rivalry. Can Iowa State's defense keep this game close? Can Iowa's offense establish the run? And can the Cyclones take advantage of the mystery surrounding Iowa State's new-look offense? Subscribe to Iowa Everywhere for complete Iowa and Iowa State coverage all season long! Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jimmy Rogers era at Iowa State is finally here, but before the Cyclones kick off a new chapter, Chris Williams takes you inside one of the most emotional nights of his journalism career. CW opens up about the night Matt Campbell announced he was leaving Iowa State after the most successful decade in program history. He explains why he became emotional, the relationships he had developed throughout the Campbell era, the impact of the transfer portal, and why that night was so difficult for him personally. Chris then turns the page toward Jimmy Rogers and the future of Iowa State football. He discusses Rogers' personality, the new coaching staff, offensive coordinator Tyler Roehl, and why he's buying into the identity Rogers is bringing to Ames. What should Iowa State fans consider a successful first season? Chris explains why the record may matter less than seeing consistent improvement, competitiveness, and a team that looks capable of beating anyone in the Big 12 by November. CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams reveals his six best college football bets for the 2026 season. With Week Zero finally here, Williams breaks down his favorite futures and win-total bets. Williams explains why he believes Texas Tech is the best team in the Big 12, why Miami is the clear favorite in the ACC, and why SMU's schedule and returning quarterback make the Mustangs one of his favorite plays. He also breaks down TCU's new quarterback Jaden Craig, Penn State's favorable schedule under Matt Campbell, and why Indiana could make the College Football Playoff but still fail to reach 11 wins. CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back-to-school season is here, and parents everywhere are experiencing the same mix of excitement, guilt, and anxiety. Chris Williams and Mackenzie Eddie have an honest conversation about sending their kids back to school, the emotional challenge of watching children grow up, and the very real feeling of being ready for a break after spending the entire summer together. They discuss the anxiety some kids experience before returning to school, the challenge of balancing work and family life during summer break, and why parents shouldn't feel guilty about needing time away from their children. Chris and Mackenzie also talk about the new books CW has picked up, 2-Pac, and everything in between. CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams is joined by Scott Siepker for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of college football, why so many fans are feeling disconnected from the sport, and whether the business of college athletics has finally gone too far. The two debate conference realignment, NIL, the transfer portal, promotion and relegation, and whether football should become its own separate entity from university athletics. Plus, Scott previews the Iowa State Fair, shares his strategy for reviewing new fair foods, and the guys preview Iowa Everywhere LIVE, coming to Des Moines on August 21. 🏈 In this episode: • Is college football losing its identity? • Why Chris and Scott are less invested than they once were • The transfer portal, NIL, and conference realignment • Should college football adopt promotion and relegation? • Could football separate from university athletic departments? • Why the Big Ten may be gaining an edge over the SEC • Previewing Iowa Everywhere LIVE (Tickets) CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams is joined by Scott Dochterman of The Athletic to break down the proposed Protect College Sports Act and what it could mean for Iowa, Iowa State, the Big Ten, the Big 12, NIL, roster spending, College Football Playoff expansion, and the future of college athletics. The two discuss why Congress may finally provide stability to college sports, whether spending caps can slow the growing financial gap between programs, why the state of Iowa should invest more in Iowa and Iowa State athletics, and how a 24-team College Football Playoff could reshape the sport. 🏈 In this episode: • What the Protect College Sports Act actually does • Why Doc believes college athletics needs federal guardrails • How Iowa and Iowa State could benefit from spending caps • Why the state of Iowa should invest more in college athletics • The economics behind Iowa and Iowa State football • Will a 24-team College Football Playoff become reality? • Why Cy-Hawk remains important for both schools • Could this legislation finally stabilize college sports? CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Siepker joins Chris Williams to discuss how his World Cup videos reached soccer fans around the globe, and what the experience revealed about social media algorithms, viral content and human connection. Chris and Scott also explore the cultural impact of the World Cup, lessons content creators can take from Scott’s success and some thought-provoking conversations Chris recently had with friends in rural Iowa. Presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams sits down with Iowa Events Center General Manager Chris Connolly for an in-depth conversation about the future of Casey's Center, hosting NCAA Tournament games, bringing major concerts to Des Moines, Iowa basketball's return to downtown, and the continued growth of Iowa's premier entertainment venue. 🏀 NCAA Tournament & Casey's Center Chris Connolly discusses: • Missing out on the NCAA First Four bid • Why Des Moines continues to land NCAA Tournament games • What the selection process looks like • The impact of hotels, venue upgrades and community support 🎤 Concert Business The conversation also covers: • Ella Langley's rapid rise and sold-out show • Garth Brooks changing Des Moines' reputation • Landing artists like Lil Wayne, Journey, and UFC • Iowa State's growing concert partnership at Jack Trice Stadium and Stephens Auditorium 🏀 Iowa Basketball • Iowa vs. Creighton and Alabama at Casey's Center • The future of neutral-site college basketball • Whether Iowa State could eventually return to downtown for marquee games Plus • Casey's Center's future management • Polk County's consultant review • Selling alcohol at Iowa State athletic events • Behind-the-scenes stories from major sporting events and concerts CW Pod presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon. Only on Iowa Everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Williams, Chris Hassel, and Jake Brend react to Jamie Pollard announcing his retirement from Iowa State in June 2027. The CW Pod is presented by Steeple Ridge Bourbon and the Lonely Oak Distillery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices