Sake and Hot Tubs

Sake and Hot Tubs Welcome to Sake & Hot Tubs with Fred & Lisa. where big ideas start small. In this hot tub, ideas don’t just float, they take shape.

Pour a glass, relax, and dive in as we turn real conversations into real inspiration for business, community, and life.

Lisa and Fred sit down with Garren Zanker , owner of Jewell Market and unofficial connector of people, places, storie...
08/20/2026

Lisa and Fred sit down with Garren Zanker , owner of Jewell Market and unofficial connector of people, places, stories… and apparently this entire Iowa State Fair adventure.

Garren helped bring this whole series together, and if you know him, you know that bringing people together is kind of his thing. From his huge Barn Town selection to keeping Fred well-stocked with sake, Garren always seems to know where to go, who to talk to, and what’s happening next.

We chat about his favorite ways to experience the Fair with his kids and why making memories matters, plus his love of people-watching and some of his favorite spots around the Fairgrounds.

We also talk about Jewell Market’s display at the Fair, the food competition they sponsor, and the grocery bagging competition where Garren’s daughter took second place against competitors from some of the major chains! 👏

Somewhere along the way, Fred and Lisa decide Garren is a combination of Kevin Bacon and Guy Fieri… and honestly? We can kind of see it. 😂

Come hang with us for this Iowa State Fair interview — it’s all about community, connections, memories, and the people who somehow manage to bring it all together. 🍶🎡

🎧LISTEN HERE 🎧

Our Website: https://www.sakeandhottubs.com/s1e28-the-guy-fieri-of-jewell-iowa/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3RLZUH2f778lB5Y8sG8ofo?si=9078641e61c44f73&nd=1&dlsi=5a7d8d257ac64c9d

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sake-and-hot-tubs/id1848442048

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa4b27c6-7fc1-4440-8053-ebd39ed5f4f7/sake-and-hot-tubs

Before there was “securing the perimeter,” there was the Iowa State Fair Singers. 😂🎡Lisa and Fred sit down with Matt Sch...
08/19/2026

Before there was “securing the perimeter,” there was the Iowa State Fair Singers. 😂🎡

Lisa and Fred sit down with Matt Schutt , a familiar face from the Jewell community! When it comes to the Iowa State Fair , Matt has a history that goes all the way back to 1988.

He got his start with the now-retired Iowa State Fair Singers, has won several food contests, worked in multiple buildings across the Fairgrounds, and now helps run and set up the Varied Industries Building.

We talk about the long 9-to-9 days, his very important daily “break” of securing the perimeter by walking around the building 😂, and the incredible vendors and people he gets to work with along the way.

And of course... there are the cookie connections. 🍪👀

Come hang with us for another behind-the-scenes look at the people who help make the Iowa State Fair what it is — one perimeter check, vendor conversation, and cookie connection at a time. 🎡🍶

🎧LISTEN HERE🎧

Our Website: https://www.sakeandhottubs.com/s1e27-from-fair-singer-to-fair-legend/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3RLZUH2f778lB5Y8sG8ofo?si=9078641e61c44f73&nd=1&dlsi=6fcc2560c5e54eb4

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sake-and-hot-tubs/id1848442048

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa4b27c6-7fc1-4440-8053-ebd39ed5f4f7/sake-and-hot-tubs

For some people, the Iowa State Fair is a once-a-year tradition. For Eric Campbell … it’s pretty much a way of life. 🎡🌽...
08/19/2026

For some people, the Iowa State Fair is a once-a-year tradition. For Eric Campbell … it’s pretty much a way of life. 🎡🌽

Lisa and Fred sit down with Eric of Campbell’s Concessions, a fifth-generation owner and full-time fairgoer, to talk about the history behind his family’s place at the Iowa State Fair and what it’s like growing up in the world of fairs.

Of course, we talk about the good stuff too: corn dogs, tenderloins, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. But Eric also shares his love for Iowa agriculture, why he believes the Iowa State Fair is truly top-notch, and how it compares after visiting fairs all across the country.

And because he knows the fair better than just about anyone… Eric gives us his favorite food stops (besides his own 😉) and the things he thinks every fairgoer should experience.

Five generations of history, plenty of Iowa pride, and one seriously good Iowa State Fair guide. Come hang with us! 🎡🍶

🎧LISTEN HERE🎧

Our Website: https://www.sakeandhottubs.com/s1e26-a-lifetime-at-the-iowa-state-fair/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3RLZUH2f778lB5Y8sG8ofo?si=9078641e61c44f73&nd=1&dlsi=32c9f1ad56674493

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sake-and-hot-tubs/id1848442048

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa4b27c6-7fc1-4440-8053-ebd39ed5f4f7/sake-and-hot-tubs

What do cheese curds, Canada, and a bucket of poutine have in common? Matt Ribar and Erin Ribar. 😂🧀In our next Iowa Stat...
08/18/2026

What do cheese curds, Canada, and a bucket of poutine have in common? Matt Ribar and Erin Ribar. 😂🧀

In our next Iowa State Fair interview, Lisa and Fred sit down with Matt, owner of Brad & Harry's Cheese Curds and Duke's Poutine , to talk about the family history behind the food and how a love for cheese curds turned into two Fair favorites.

Matt and Erin come from a family of cheese curd makers, so you could say cheesy goodness is basically in their DNA. And this year, Brad & Harry’s is bringing something NEW to the Fair: garlic dill pickle cheese curds. 👀🥒

When Matt and Erin opened Duke’s Poutine, they took their research very seriously… by traveling to Canada to experience the real deal firsthand. Now, they're serving it up by the bucket — and this year, they're bringing in Iowa-grown potatoes thanks to the Kittleson Bros!

Come hang with us as we talk family, Fair food, Canadian research trips, Iowa-grown ingredients, and everything that goes into creating some seriously delicious chaos.

🎧LISTEN HERE:🎧

Our Website:https://www.sakeandhottubs.com/s1e25-born-for-cheese-curds-built-for-poutine/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3RLZUH2f778lB5Y8sG8ofo?si=9078641e61c44f73&nd=1&dlsi=c6bb1097796a4d35

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sake-and-hot-tubs/id1848442048

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa4b27c6-7fc1-4440-8053-ebd39ed5f4f7/sake-and-hot-tubs

You know those giant pigs in front of JR's SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fairgrounds that EVERYONE takes a picture ...
08/17/2026

You know those giant pigs in front of JR's SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fairgrounds that EVERYONE takes a picture with? 🐷📸

Well… turns out the artists behind them have some pretty incredible stories of their own.

In this special Sake & Hot Tubs Fair interview, Lisa and Fred sit down with Margo and Jay, the artists behind these iconic Iowa State Fair photo-op pigs.

And here's the REALLY cool part… Margo was the artist behind the 1984 Van Halen album cover, while Jay is the artist behind the iconic Prince logo. 🤯🎨🎸

From legendary music artwork to giant fair pigs, we’re talking creativity, art, and the stories behind things we see every day — but might not know the story behind.

Because apparently, you really can find the coolest stories in the most unexpected places.

🎧LISTEN HERE:🎧

Our Website: www.sakeandhottubs.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3RLZUH2f778lB5Y8sG8ofo?si=9078641e61c44f73&nd=1&dlsi=4e426e049a9f4c3d

Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sake-and-hot-tubs/id1848442048

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa4b27c6-7fc1-4440-8053-ebd39ed5f4f7/sake-and-hot-tubs

For our first Sake & Hot Tubs Fair interview, Lisa and Fred sit down with Brooks Reynolds — inventor of Bacon Fest and o...
08/17/2026

For our first Sake & Hot Tubs Fair interview, Lisa and Fred sit down with Brooks Reynolds — inventor of Bacon Fest and owner of JR's SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fairgrounds — to talk about what makes the fair such an unforgettable experience.

We get the scoop on what to look forward to at JR’s, the stories behind the experience, and of course… we had to try their NEW drink. 👀

Lisa and Fred introduce Brooks to the concept of a “Purple Cow” — basically, how you make something so remarkable people can’t help but notice it. And in a moment we’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy… Lisa learns how to actually say “JR’s SouthPork Ranch.” 😂 We’re still proud of her.

Fair food, new drinks, marketing lessons, and plenty of laughs — exactly how we like to kick off our Iowa State Fair series.

Grab your favorite fair snack and come hang with us! 🎡🍶

🎧LISTEN HERE:🎧

Our Website: www.sakeandhottubs.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gJgEIqRvDV3LPnKJNUluA?si=dkJHADMCSjSfYYV7vT8P3g

Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sake-and-hot-tubs/id1848442048

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/aa4b27c6-7fc1-4440-8053-ebd39ed5f4f7/sake-and-hot-tubs

08/14/2026

Think you can make a delicious lunch for $5 or less? 👀

Jewell Market is putting your creativity (and grocery budget!) to the test Monday, August 17 in the Ellwell Building.

Here’s the scoop:

🍴 $5 budget — at least TRY to stay within budget
🛒 Your recipe MUST include at least one Jewell Market-labeled item
⏰ Bring your ingredients between 8:30–9:30 AM
🔌 Crockpots must be plugged in and cooking by 9:30 AM
👩‍⚖️ Judging is based on taste, creativity, appearance + sticking to your budget

Want to participate? You can show up the day of, BUT you need to call or email Pat Berry to enter. [515.480.5662 or [email protected]]

Think you’ve got what it takes to turn $5 into something worth bragging about? 🍲🏆

We’ll see you in the Ellwell Building!

08/14/2026

🎡 Okay, okay… we know you’re here for the food. BUT WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO?! 🎡
Turns out… A LOT.

🎶 Live music at JR's SouthPork Ranch at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
💰 A chance to win CASH with the Jewell Market contest
🌽 And 25 MORE ideas from Eric Campbell of Campbell's Concessions — a 4th-generation fair family who knows a thing or two about making the most of the Iowa State Fair.

Eric also talks about something we love about the fair: Iowa agriculture.

Because the fair isn't just about what’s on your plate. It’s about the people, traditions, agriculture, entertainment, and communities that make Iowa… Iowa. So grab your fair map and start exploring.

(But yes, you should still get the cheese curds.)

Iowa State Fair

08/13/2026

🎡 When a 4th-generation fair vendor tells you what to eat… YOU LISTEN. 👏

For stop #3 of “What to Eat at the Iowa State Fair,” we talked with Eric Campbell of Campbell's Concessions — a 4th-generation owner and, perhaps even more importantly, a full-time fairgoer.

Campbell’s has all the classics:
🌭 Corn dogs
🥩 Tenderloins
🍋 Fresh-squeezed lemonade

But then Eric started naming his other fair favorites… and suddenly our itinerary got A LOT longer. 👀

Watch the reel for Eric’s insider picks — and maybe start loosening your waistband now.

It’s the Iowa State Fair. We have a lot of eating to do. 😂🎡

08/13/2026

🧀 Stop #2: Things are getting CHEESY.

We caught up at Brad & Harry's Cheese Curds + Duke's Poutine with owner Matt Ribar , and he brought some SERIOUS fair food news.

First up: 🧄🥒 GARLIC DILL PICKLE CHEESE CURDS. Yes. They’re new. Yes. You need them.

And then there’s the poutine… 🍟🪣

They sell it by the BUCKET.

So grab your friends, grab a bucket, and prepare to make some questionable but delicious decisions. 😂

Add Brad & Harry’s + Duke Poutine to your Iowa State Fair food tour!

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