Old Man Strength: EP 7.9 J. D. Scholten

In this episode of Old Man Strength, Chris Shipley is joined by Bill Blank as they sit down with former professional baseball player, Iowa State Representative, and Congressional candidate J.D. Scholten.

J.D. shares his incredible journey—from growing up with a coach for a dad, starring at Nebraska and reaching the College World Series, to pitching independent ball in Canada and the Netherlands, and then making history in his mid-40s by becoming the oldest player in Sioux City Explorers history and the only active state legislator to play pro baseball. He recounts the wild story of his game-worn hat surviving a bus fire and ending up in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

The conversation dives deep into politics, including his 2018 campaign against Steve King that shocked the district, the current state of the Democratic Party in Iowa, campaign finance reform, public education vs. vouchers, healthcare access, and why rural Iowa has shifted so dramatically. J.D. also opens up about family, motivation, authenticity in politics, and what’s next after deciding not to seek re-election.

Raw, honest, funny, and full of real talk—no scripts, no filters. This is Old Man Strength at its best.

Sponsored by:

• Revelton Distilling Company
• We Will Pizza
• Styled by JJ Boutique
• Jenny Farrell Team at RE/MAX Concepts
• Iowa Beef Steakhouse
• US Fex Shipping AI
• Kyle Lehman at WinTrust Mortgage

Live from the AKC Andrew Downs Studios.

Listen now for baseball stories, political insight, and old-school Midwest grit.

Turn it up and lock in.