Life After the News: Kevin Cooney on Retirement, Reinvention, and Riding Into the Future

Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast

In this episode of Maxwell's Iowa CoffeeCast, longtime broadcaster Maxwell sits down with the legendary retired KCCI-TV news anchor, Kevin Cooney. With a career spanning decades in Iowa’s media landscape, Kevin shares what life has been like since stepping away from the anchor desk—spoiler alert: it involves a lot of biking, grandkids, and new creative pursuits.

The conversation kicks off at Chain and Spoke, a unique bike shop and coffeehouse in Des Moines, where Kevin reflects on his love for cycling. He shares his excitement for snow biking and laments the recent lack of winter snowfall that has kept his fat-tire bike largely on standby. As a longtime outdoor enthusiast, Kevin recounts a joyful memory from his first year of retirement, embracing the freedom of riding through a fresh six-inch snowfall—a true moment of bliss.

The discussion then turns to family life, with both Maxwell and Kevin exchanging stories about the joys (and occasional chaos) of grandparenting. Kevin shares how his retirement has allowed him to be more present for his four grandkids, taking on school pickups and relishing the unique bond he gets to build with them. Maxwell, also a devoted grandparent, resonates deeply with Kevin’s sentiments, leading to a heartfelt reflection on the gift of time in their post-career lives.

Of course, no conversation with Kevin Cooney would be complete without diving into his legendary career in journalism. He opens up about the emotions and uncertainties that come with retiring from a high-profile job, acknowledging the fears many retirees face—loss of identity, financial security, and finding a new purpose. However, Kevin embraces this transition as an opportunity rather than a loss. From taking piano lessons to dabbling in screenwriting, he shares how retirement has given him the freedom to explore creative passions he never had time for before.

Maxwell and Kevin also take a nostalgic deep dive into the changing landscape of media. They discuss the evolution of news consumption, the decline of appointment television, and the rise of podcasts and digital platforms as new avenues for storytelling. Kevin reflects on his own experience hosting Wonks, a podcast that brought together political insiders for behind-the-scenes conversations. He and Maxwell muse on how content creation has shifted, with podcasts allowing for deeper, more nuanced discussions compared to traditional broadcast formats.

As the episode nears its close, the two broadcasters ponder the future of media, technology, and even the possibility of an AI-driven world where information is seamlessly integrated into daily life. With a mix of humor and insight, they acknowledge that while platforms may change, the human desire for storytelling and connection remains timeless.

This engaging and heartfelt conversation with Kevin Cooney offers listeners a glimpse into the life of a beloved newsman after retirement—a life filled with adventure, learning, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of family and personal growth. Whether you're a longtime fan of Kevin's journalism or simply enjoy thoughtful discussions about life transitions, this episode is a must-listen.

Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and a reminder that reinvention is always possible, no matter where life takes you next!