When WHO-Radio in Des Moines, Iowa, hired a new afternoon drive-time host in 2011, he arrived with a British accent.

And tons of energy.

Simon Conway was born in England, lived in Israel, raised two daughters and coached tennis in Florida, and is a very proud naturalized American citizen. I thought maybe Des Moines was just one rung up the ladder of success for him to a larger radio station.

But this unlikely Iowan has embraced us. Not only has he bought a house here, he seems to love the place.

When he had two heart attacks during one week in 2017, Simon received hundreds of well wishes from Iowans. He quit smoking and was soon back to work.

Simon Conway reminds me of a bulldog when he interviews politicians. I’m not into politics but this conservative talk show host loves people who have served in the armed forces, and he is such a cheerleader for two military related nonprofits–the Battleship USS Iowa, and the Puppy Jake Foundation.

Battleship USS Iowa

Simon is a Trustee on the Board of Directors for the USS Iowa (BB-61). He has led regular tours to southern California to visit the retired ship, which is owned by the Pacific Battleship Center and open as a museum.

Earlier this year, Simon helped take a piece of history back to the USS Iowa. Just last month he broadcast his show from the battleship for the thirtieth anniversary of the explosion of Turret #2, commemorating the lives of the 47 crew members lost that day. 

Another Freedom Tour for listeners is planned the historic battleship this September, and also includes a visit to the Reagan Ranch (Ronald Reagan was also an early WHO-Radio broadcaster) and Maui–with a day trip to Pearl Harbor. 

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Puppy Jake Foundation

Simon became involved with the Puppy Jake Foundation almost from the beginning. They train service dogs and place them with wounded warriors, primarily in the Midwest.

Not only is he a member of their Board of Directors, he has been instrumental in educating the public about this worthy foundation, he’s been involved in fundraisers regularly for this very worthy cause. 

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D-Day 75th Anniversary

Early next month, Simon Conway is taking a group of listeners on a trip of a lifetime–flying to London to tour first, then to the beaches of Normandy for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, flying back to Iowa after seeing some of Paris. Here’s the brochure. 

Especially since I was born two days before D-Day, I only wish I were sturdy enough to get in on this trip! Anyone traveling with the enthusiastic Simon Conway will surely have a great time.