Rural Stories

The Business News Headlines & More 9 November 2023

Things were going rather smooth on Wall Street until Jerome Powell uttered three words, "...we're not done".  He was talking about raising interest rates to combat inflation and that's where we start the newscast this evening. Meanwhile make sure you click ahead for the interview with entrepreneur Mike Wiles who has taken "How To" YouTube videos to the next level.  Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you: 
"We're not done" as the Central Bank talks rates;
The actors strike is over...now what?
President Biden does a victory lap in Illinois;
Consumer debt goes up the most with folks under 50;
The Wall Street Report;
Something dramatic to happen to the U.S. population.
For the interview you'll meet Mike Wiles a former radio guy, former big tractor guy who came up with the idea to do YouTube videos for town folk who buy small tractors for their acreage. Why? He learned that many of them didn't know how to safely operate their new $25,000 tractor. What he did next was take YouTube how-to videos to the next level. Click ahead to meet "Tractor Mike" and even if you don't do ag or live on an acreage...you are going to enjoy this conversation. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Story of Tractor Mike a Great Entrepreneur

We've been doing this business broadcast in one form or another for close to 18 years. From Highway 6 Your Road to the Country to the Iowa Sportsman and for the past 13 years Insight on Business. During that time I've interviewed thousands of people and I've enjoyed every meeting because I always learn something. And, this is no different. Here you'll learn the story of Mike Wiles who, since 2012, has been "Tractor Mike" helping "town folks" learn more about how to operate small tractors on their acreage. But, that's not all. Mike has created an online store that sells products to those very folks who watch his videos. It's taking YouTube video tips to the next level. You'll find it all at on his site.  Let's go! 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines & More 30 October 2023

Could it be over? Today the UAW announced a tentative deal with the last of the hold-out Detroit automakers. Also today, Wall Street bounced way up.  Welcome to the Monday Edition of the business news headlines.  Glad you're with us. Also today you'll learn about the connection wine has with peace, restorative agriculture as we talk with Violet Grgich from Napa Valley's Grgich Hills Estate Winery and Vineyards.  You've got to hear this great story. Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you:
The UAW tentative deal explained;
Markets rocket upward;
Trouble at your local pharmacy?
There is an eye-drop recall going on;
Mortgage rates and staying in your home;
The Wall Street Report;
McDonald's sees fewer customers but better sales.
For the interview you'll meet Violet Grgich as we talk about high quality wine, the goal of peace, the link to the World Food Prize and something called restorative agriculture. Violet heads the Grgich Hills Estate Winery and Vinyards in Napa Valley. To listen to this remarkable story click this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

Peace, Wine, Agriculture and More with Violet Grgich

For over a week we've been immersed in the story of Roots of Peace and the 2023 World Food Prize Laureate Heidi Kuhn and today yet another story. This time we visit with Violet Grgich who leads the family business, Grgich Hills Estate & Vineyard based in Napa Valley. Here you will learn about a back-story of the very beginnings of Roots of Peace that took place in Croatia a nation that had one-million land mines until Mike Grgich (Now 100 "years young") met Heidi Kuhn. Twenty-five years ago they walked and cleared the area of mines and today that part of Croatia is alive with agriculture. Today you'll hear that story and so many others from our guest Violet...we're talking wine, peace, marketing and regenerative agriculture.  And a shout out to The Festival of the Bells...you've got to go!  Here's Violet...
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines & More 27 October 2023

It's the end of a bruising week on Wall Street as the "blue chips" fell yet again.  We'll cover that and much more in this the Friday Edition of the Business News Headlines. And, you are going to want to click through for a passionate conversation with the 2023 World Food Prize Laureate and founder of Roots of Peace a non-profit that works to rid the world of land mines and then reclaim the area for agriculture. It's an amazing story from Heidi Kuhn.  Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you:
Inflation Report and YOU are still spending;
It's been a wild year for Twitter; a quick review;
Legal issues for Abercrombie & Fitch;
Just why is it so tough to get a job? Some facts;
The Wall Street Report;
Food insecurity in the U.S. is growing.
Speaking of food our guest is Heidi Kuhn the 2023  World Food Prize Laureate and the founder of Roots of Peace. You're going to listen to a passionate woman who, for twenty-five years, has been working to rid the earth of unexploded bombs and land mines.  Once done her non-profit works with local farmers to reclaim the land and put it into production. That then gives these people a job and an income.  You've got to listen and to do that click on this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The 2023 World Food Prize Laureate - Heidi Kuhn

In May of this past year I was sitting down with former Ambassador Terry Branstad, who also served as the longest sitting governor in the history of the United States. He said to me that he would look for me in Washington, D.C. at the announcement for the 2023 World Food Prize Laureate. I mumbled something about another commitment. He put his hand on my arm and said, "I'd like you to be there."  I got the drift and attended. Fast forward to October and the world met Heidi Kuhn from Roots of Peace.  Here you will listen to her passionate effort to not only help save humanity but also her work to reclaim land that is riddled with unexploded bombs and mines. Something she has been doing for twenty-five years.  Listen...to her amazing story.  
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines 23 October 2023

So, what's the big deal with the 10-Year Treasury hitting 5%? We'll tackle that question first and believe us when we say it will have a major impact on mostly...everything. Welcome to the Monday Edition of the Business News Headlines for the 23rd day of October. Glad you're with us again. Also, if you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you:
The Ten-Year Treasury...and ouch;
The off-duty pilot who tried to shut off engines in flight;
GenZ folks are looking for a more simple life and how;
The bad news about EV's and the automakers;
Another update from the UAW strike;
Times are good in the oil business it would seem;
The Wall Street Report;
The SAT and family wealth...a link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and History 15 September 2023

Welcome to the Early Edition of the Business News Headlines for Friday the 15th day of September and in a moment we'll share why we are doing an "early edition". Also, make sure you click ahead for the conversation about the historic 1850 Homestead. It's a fun family story about Norway, Illinois, Iowa and a beautiful barn that has opened for public and private events.  If you want to reach us on social media and if you're on Threads you can find  us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:
How many UAW workers walked off the job? We'll share;
A social media giant has been hit with a massive fine and why;
Some Boston Market locations have re-opened and why they were closed;
Starbucks to change their cups...will you go along with it?
Disney, a pastor and "resisting authority".  No, really;
A quick programming note;
It's called "retail shrink" and the numbers are massive.
For the interview you'll meet Margret Freeland Nelson whose family owned the 1850 Homestead location for generations, Kay Thompson who with her husband now own the barn and Michelle Reisberg who, along with her husband, manage the site that is now open for public and private events.  It's quite the story. To listen, click this link.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

They Are Iowa’s Rural Cathedrals’ - The 1850 Homestead Barn

This is a totally surprise conversation. Recently a friend of ours, Davi Mondt Lowman made me aware of a project that had been going on in the tiny town of Cambridge, Iowa.  That project has become the 1850 Homestead and barn which recently opened its doors to the public. I took my radio gear to an open house and, as luck would have it, I was able to sit down with Margret Freeland Nelson (family of the homesteaders), Kay Thompson who now owns the barn and her daughter Michelle Reisberg who, with her husband Bill, now manage the facility that is open for a host of public and private events.  We think you'll enjoy this story.
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

The Business News Headlines and a Small Business Spotlight 30 August 2023

Midweek and we're back with some of the business news that made headlines today. In addition we're traveling to Union, South Carolina for a Small Business Spotlight segment featuring DC Heavy Hydraulics a company headed by Ann Kerr. They can boast of surprising growth in just eight years.  Why? We asked.  Meanwhile, to reach us on social media if you're on Threads you can find us @Insight_On_Business. And you can hook up with us all day on Twitter or "X" @IOB_NewsHour and on Instagram.  Here's what we've got for you today:
The astounding GDP of the USA and why;
Working overtime but not getting paid? About to change;
China put on notice to play by the rules or...
More union news this time flight attendants;
Big Pharma not happy and why;
The Wall Street Report;
A surprising number of new business openings and by who.
For the interview you'll meet Ann Kerr the General Manager of DC Heavy Hydraulics a company based in the tiny town of Union, South Carolina. Over the eight years they have been in business the company has seen rapid growth in not only the U.S. but also Canada. What's responsible for this?  We asked an Ann answered.  To listen to that conversation click on this link. 
Thanks for listening!
The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.