AREA Podcast

#023 - Paul Shirley

On AREA Podcast episode #023, we’re joined by Paul Shirley, former Iowa State Cyclone basketball player turned author. He shares his journey as a professional basketball player across the NBA and overseas, his transition into writing, and how his work today helps individuals and teams build better habits, find focus, and create more meaningful work. The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com [https://www.flynnwright.com/] Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org [https://www.isupark.org/] Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org [https://www.northcrestcommunity.org/]

#022 - Brent Shanks

On AREA Podcast episode #022, we’re joined by Brent Shanks, Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer at Pyrone Systems. He shares his journey from academic research to launching a biotech startup, how Pyrone is developing sustainable alternatives to traditional chemicals, and what it takes to bring breakthrough science into real-world use. The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com [https://www.flynnwright.com/] Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org [https://www.isupark.org/] Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org [https://www.northcrestcommunity.org/]

#021 - David Cook

On AREA Podcast episode #021, we’re joined by Dr. David Cook, President of Iowa State University. He shares his journey back to Ames to lead his alma mater, his leadership approach, and how Iowa State is building on its land-grant mission to drive innovation, workforce development, and economic impact across the state. The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com [https://www.flynnwright.com/] Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org [https://www.isupark.org/] Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org [https://www.bethanylife.org/] Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org [https://www.northcrestcommunity.org/]

#020 - Ashley Thompson

On AREA Podcast episode #020, we’re joined by Ashley Thompson, President & CEO of United Way of Story County. Ashley shares her leadership journey, the evolving needs across the community, and how the United Way is bringing partners together to address challenges and drive long-term impact across Story County. The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com [https://www.flynnwright.com/] Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org [https://www.isupark.org/] Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org [https://www.bethanylife.org/] Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org [https://www.northcrestcommunity.org/]

#019 - Mike Espeset

On AREA Podcast episode #019, we’re joined by Mike Espeset, CEO at Story Construction. He shares his leadership journey within an employee-owned company, how Story Construction continues to grow across Iowa, and why culture, clear systems, and community engagement are key to long-term success. The AREA Podcast is presented by Flynn Wright - https://www.flynnwright.com [https://www.flynnwright.com/] Iowa State University Research Park - https://www.isupark.org [https://www.isupark.org/] Bethany Life - https://www.bethanylife.org [https://www.bethanylife.org/] Northcrest Community - https://www.northcrestcommunity.org [https://www.northcrestcommunity.org/]