Kevin Cooney Unanchored
Retired KCCI-TV Anchor Kevin Cooney joins Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast to Share His Journey after News, from Biking Adventures to Grandparenting and Surprising Creative Pursuits
For decades, Iowans tuned in to KCCI-TV to see Kevin Cooney deliver the news with his signature warmth, professionalism, and credibility. A staple of Iowa journalism, Kevin was more than just a news anchor—he was a familiar face in homes across the state. But what happens after a high-profile career in broadcasting? How does someone who’s spent their life delivering the news adjust to life outside the newsroom?
On an episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kevin Cooney for a candid conversation about retirement, grandparenting, and embracing retirement adventures. We recorded our discussion at Des Moines’ own Chain and Spoke—a unique bike shop and coffeehouse in the Ingersoll district—where, coincidentally, Kevin recently brought his bike in for a tune-up!
Trading Headlines for Bike Trails
These days, you’re more likely to find Kevin riding his fat-tire bike than reading off a teleprompter. An avid cyclist, he shared his love for biking in all seasons, particularly in the snow. He reminisced about a ride through Water Works Park just after retiring, finding pure joy in the solitude of a fresh snowfall. Yet, he admitted, recent mild winters have been a challenge for snow biking enthusiasts like himself.
The setting of our conversation, Chain and Spoke, proved to be the perfect backdrop. As bikes were being repaired behind us, Kevin and I discussed how the combination of a bike shop and coffeehouse—something that once seemed unusual—has become a beloved community hub. Our talk of cycling was more than just about exercise; it was about freedom, adventure, and the ability to embrace life at a different pace.
The Joy of Grandparenting
Beyond biking, Kevin’s greatest passion in retirement is his family—especially his grandkids. With four grandchildren living close by, he finds himself happily pulled into their daily lives, from school pickups to weekend adventures. As a fellow grandparent, I completely related to this joy, and we shared stories of how grandparenting is a second chance to experience the magic of childhood from a new perspective.
Kevin recalled the wise words of a Today Show doctor from decades ago, advising parents of twins to simply “get help.” As the grandfather of twins himself, he laughed about how accurate that advice was. He acknowledged the challenges but ultimately saw this time with his family as a gift—one that his years in the newsroom often made difficult to prioritize.
Life After the Newsroom
Transitioning from a structured career in television to the open-ended world of retirement isn’t always easy. Kevin and I discussed the common fears that come with leaving a career—losing a sense of purpose, adjusting to financial changes, and figuring out how to spend time meaningfully. Kevin admitted that while the adjustment was daunting, he soon realized that retirement was an opportunity rather than a loss.
From taking piano lessons to writing screenplays, he has embraced new creative outlets. He joked about having several unfinished screenplays—each about 60 pages long—waiting for their next chapter. His love for storytelling hasn’t faded; it’s simply found a new medium.
Our conversation also touched on Kevin’s discontinued podcast, called Wonks, that dates back to a final episode at the Iowa State Fair in August of 2018. In an entertaining and engaging way, the podcast focused on deep-dive political discussions with campaign insiders from across the political spectrum, media consultants and anyone familiar with the political fray. Though he eventually stepped away from it, he acknowledged the power of podcasting and long-form storytelling in today’s media landscape. I encouraged him to revisit the idea, especially as more audiences seek in-depth, nuanced conversations in an age of quick headlines.
The Evolution of Media and News Consumption
As two media veterans, Kevin and I reflected on the changing world of journalism. With the decline of traditional TV news ratings and the rise of digital platforms, we discussed how audiences now consume information in real-time through social media, making the traditional evening newscast less essential. We touched on the recent pushback against AI-generated news content and the importance of keeping local news authentic, relevant, and community-driven.
Kevin recalled the days when TV stations were “a license to print money,” and news anchors were household names. While that era may be fading, the need for good storytelling and trusted journalism remains. We discussed the need for investment in local news, the challenges of corporate media ownership, and the future of independent content creation.
Looking to the Future
As our conversation wound down, Kevin and I speculated on what media, technology, and communication might look like in 20 years. Will AI-driven content dominate the landscape? Will news consumption become entirely personalized? While the future is uncertain, one thing is clear: human connection and storytelling will always be at the heart of media.
For Kevin Cooney, life after the newsroom isn’t about slowing down—it’s about rediscovering passions, embracing new challenges, and spending time with the people who matter most. Whether he’s out on a bike trail, playing with his grandkids, or crafting a new screenplay, he’s proving that retirement is just another word for reinvention.
Listen to the full episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or where ever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
