Soil Compilation

Music
Craig Finn Interview

After discovering The Hold Steady at Riot Fest, Logan Melia sits down with Craig Finn to discuss his new solo record Always Been, the evolution of narrative songwriting, and finding meaning in modern American life. From faith and mental health to baseball heartbreak, the conversation spans far beyond music.

Online Content
Dancing Differently

For nearly 40 years, Jhe Russell needed to be perfect. After all, his dance career demanded it. But when injuries and the chaos of life took him in a different direction, he found peace in a job he never expected.

Film
KRUI Staff Picks our Favorite Media of 2025

KRUI is pretty special, not only do we like music, but we also enjoy other things! From movies, video games, a DJ set, and sports, here’s a list of some of our KRUI picks from all things media that we loved to see in 2025.

Sports
Iowa Wraps the Bowtie on 2025 with Bowl Win Over Vanderbilt

No. 23 Iowa closed the 2025 season with a statement win, knocking off No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl behind a clutch performance from senior quarterback Mark Gronowski. The victory snapped Iowa’s long skid against ranked opponents and served as a fitting sendoff for a senior class that chose loyalty and one last ride together.

I sat down with multi-instrumentalists Jano Rix before his gig with The Wood Brothers at The Englert Theatre on November 12th. Taking a beat to touch on what shaped him artistically, his favorite illustrators, and the impact dancing has had in his adult life, Jano let us into how he makes a chaotic world feel focused and comfortable.

Keep reading...

Born and raised in Nashville, Cecilia Castleman has spent her life surrounded by music. After releasing her first LP in January, this is only the beginning for the 24 year old singer/songwriter. We spoke about life on the road, the music that has shaped her, and her process for putting out her incredible tunes.

Keep reading...

I spoke with Derek Sanders, frontman of Mayday Parade after their gig at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, Iowa. A conversation spanning much more than the 20 years of the band, he told me about his latest trilogy release and all the way back to his very first autograph he signed.

Keep reading...

I had the chance to sit down with Andrew McMahon while at When We Were Young Festival in Las Vegas. We spoke about his historic gig at Red Rocks this summer, playing at Notre Dame Stadium, and how incredible of a movie “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” is.

Keep reading...

This month, Johnson County Democrats are conducting “listening tours” to connect with students at the University of Iowa, consisting of various extracurricular and undergraduate-based organizations and events. The listening tour works as an open forum for students to describe their needs, goals, and priorities when it comes to both elected officials and the Democratic Party. 

Keep reading...