Creator Corps Founders Pat Rynard and Liz (from Iowa) Fleming

My guests are Pat Rynard, founder of Iowa Starting Line, and Liz Fleming, better known online as “Liz from Iowa.” Together they’re leading the Iowa Creator Corps, a project that trains and supports content creators who use platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, podcasts, and Substack to tell Iowa stories and engage new audiences.Our conversation explores the changing media landscape, the decline of traditional news outlets, and how younger audiences increasingly discover news through social media rather than newspapers or television. We also discuss how Creator Corps recruits and trains local voices, the importance of authentic community storytellers, and the opportunities—and challenges—of building trust, combating misinformation, and reaching people where they already spend their time online.Whether you’re a journalist, writer, content creator, or simply interested in the future of local news, this conversation offers an inside look at how one organization hopes to reshape civic engagement and storytelling in Iowa.See also: Iowa Starting Line Creator CorpsOkoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat - Early Bird Registration ends July 5I am happy to announce that Pat Rynard and Liz Fleming will be joining us for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. You’ll learn how and why to use some of these social platforms for storytelling. Learn moreIowa Writers’ CollaborativeDid you catch the roundup of extraordinary columns posted last week? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe