Julie Gammack's Iowa Potluck

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

Kansas Journalist Tim Carpenter Offers Perspective on Zach Lahn’s Kansas YearsVeteran Kansas political reporter Tim Carpenter joined the Potluck to discuss what Iowa voters may want to know about Republican gubernatorial nominee Zach Lahn’s years in Kansas. Throughout the conversation, Carpenter was careful to distinguish between documented facts, his own observations, and areas where he believes additional reporting is needed.Carpenter noted that Lahn spent much of his adult life in Kansas, particularly in the Wichita area, where he became involved in politics, nonprofit work, education, and business ventures. Carpenter said he first became aware of Lahn’s Kansas background shortly before Iowa’s primary election and wrote a story examining that connection.One of Carpenter’s observations was that Lahn presents himself as a political outsider, despite having spent years working in politics and advocacy organizations, including Americans for Prosperity, a national conservative organization with ties to businessman Charles Koch. Carpenter suggested that voters may wish to consider how that experience aligns with Lahn’s outsider message.The discussion also focused on Lahn’s connection to the Koch family. Carpenter noted that Lahn worked with the Wonder School, an innovative private school in Wichita, and later married Annie Koch, formerly married to Chase Koch, son of Charles Koch. Carpenter said these connections are part of Lahn’s public biography and may help explain some of the opportunities available to him during his time in Kansas. However, Carpenter emphasized that he has no direct evidence regarding the role, if any, that Koch family members or Koch-affiliated organizations are playing in Lahn’s Iowa campaign.Several participants asked about the Wonder School. Carpenter described it as an unusual educational model that has attracted attention in Wichita. At the same time, he said he would like to learn more about the school’s operations, outcomes, and leadership structure. Carpenter characterized his own understanding of the school as incomplete and said further reporting would be valuable.Carpenter also discussed Lahn’s campaign positions on issues such as water quality, agriculture, and corporate concentration. He observed that some of Lahn’s rhetoric differs from traditional Republican messaging, particularly his criticism of agricultural monopolies and concerns about water pollution. Carpenter said it remains to be seen how prominently those issues will feature in the general election campaign and whether Lahn’s positions evolve over time.When asked directly about Lahn’s honesty or trustworthiness, Carpenter repeatedly declined to offer a personal judgment. He stressed that he has written only one story about Lahn, has never interviewed him, and has not spent enough time around him to assess his character. Carpenter contrasted that with politicians he has covered for decades, where long experience sometimes gives reporters insight into a public official’s credibility. In Lahn’s case, Carpenter said he simply does not know enough to reach such conclusions.The issue of residency also arose during the discussion. Carpenter acknowledged that Lahn appears to satisfy the legal requirements to run for governor of Iowa. However, he said voters may reasonably ask questions about a candidate who spent much of his adult life outside the state before returning and seeking statewide office. Carpenter framed this as a political question for voters rather than a legal challenge.Overall, Carpenter portrayed Lahn as an intriguing and unconventional candidate whose background warrants continued scrutiny by journalists and voters alike. Rather than drawing firm conclusions, Carpenter repeatedly encouraged further reporting and fact-checking. His central message was that Iowans still have much to learn about Zach Lahn’s years in Kansas, his business and educational ventures, his political evolution, and how those experiences may shape his candidacy for governor.The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat is Proud to Sponsor Julie Gammack’s PotluckLearn moreIowa Writers’ CollaborativeDid you catch the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roundup on Wednesday? 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

Our guest on Monday knew at a very young age that he wanted baseball to be part of his life. As fate would have it, that wasn’t going to happen as a player.Some people seem born for their names. Judges judge. Farmers farm. Bakers bake. And then there’s Jared Diamond.A diamond, of course, is the shape of a baseball field. Not every Diamond becomes a baseball writer, but if you’re going to spend your career covering America’s pastime for The Wall Street Journal, it doesn’t hurt to have a memorable surname.My Potluck podcast guest this week was sports journalist Jared Diamond, the national baseball writer for The Wall Street Journal. Jared has covered Major League Baseball for more than a decade, including assignments following both the New York Mets and New York Yankees before taking on his current national role. He joined the Journal in 2011 after graduating from Syracuse University’s renowned S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications.Jared is also the author of the bestselling book Swing Kings: The Inside Story of Baseball’s Home Run Revolution, an inside look at the data, technology, and personalities that transformed modern baseball. His reporting has taken him deep into some of the sport’s biggest stories, from the Astros sign-stealing scandal to labor disputes, gambling controversies, and the changing economics of professional sports.One of the most interesting parts of our conversation had nothing to do with baseball.Jared believes artificial intelligence is already changing sports and journalism, but not in the way many people fear. While he uses AI regularly for research and reporting support, he doesn’t use it to write. Instead, he sees it as a tool that can make journalists more efficient. The real value, he argues, will shift toward original reporting because AI can only analyze information that is already public. It cannot uncover stories that haven’t yet been reported.In Jared’s view, the ability to discover new information — the essence of reporting — is “AI-proof” and may become even more valuable in the years ahead.We also had terrific audience participation from Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members Chuck Offenburger, Rob Gray, Bob Leonard and Barry Piatt, along with Potluck readers Tim Grover and Brice Oakley.Chuck was first up with a question many of us were wondering: How in the world did a young sportswriter land one of the most coveted jobs in journalism?The podcast actually begins with Jared’s answer. Due to pilot error (me), I neglected to restart the recording after our opening conversation.As it turns out, Diamond joined The Wall Street Journal almost by accident. After graduating from Syracuse University and completing an internship at the Virginian-Pilot, he learned that a former mentor was launching a sports section at the Journal. A simple email led to a job, then a baseball assignment, and ultimately a 15-year career covering the sport.Today he enjoys extraordinary freedom to pursue stories that interest him rather than chasing transactions and breaking news.He described his role as looking for stories that reveal something larger about baseball, business, culture, or human nature. Unlike many national baseball reporters, Diamond isn’t interested in being first with trade rumors or contract signings. Instead, he searches for stories no one else is telling and that wouldn’t exist without original reporting.Diamond credits much of his success to Syracuse University’s student newspaper, The Daily Orange, where editors painstakingly reviewed and improved his work. He also emphasized a lesson that applies far beyond sports: Writers don’t need to be experts in a subject to tell compelling stories. Curiosity, fresh eyes and an interest in people matter more than encyclopedic knowledge.Another topic that generated discussion was sports gambling. Diamond expressed deep concern about its rapid growth, calling it “an incredible net negative for sports.” He worries that a generation of young people has grown up with betting apps such as FanDuel and believes the long-term consequences are only beginning to emerge. He suggested that sports leagues are just starting to understand the risks gambling poses to the games themselves.Throughout the conversation, Diamond returned to a theme that would resonate with any writer: Whether covering baseball, politics, business or the Olympics, the best stories are ultimately about people.Statistics, analytics and technology have transformed sports. Human stories remain at the center of why readers care.OkobojiTick tock. The Early Bird discount ends July 5.If you’ve been thinking about joining us in Okoboji this fall, now is the time.This retreat is going to be the best one yet. Five literary agents. New memoir coaches. Bestselling authors. Journalists. Songwriters. Filmmakers. A community of people who understand what it means to create something from nothing.Whether you’re just beginning to imagine a project or arriving with a manuscript under your arm, you’ll find encouragement, practical advice and fellow travelers on the path.All skill levels are welcome. The expert was once a novice.Come. Our T-shirt theme this year: Courage is contagious. Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeI am delighted to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. On July 7, Richard and I will host a special gathering for paid subscribers of the Iowa Down Ballot podcast.Dave Price, Kathie Obradovich and Laura Belin are among the sharpest political observers in Iowa. Together, they provide reporting, analysis and context that help make sense of an increasingly complicated political landscape.Independent journalism doesn’t happen by accident. It requires readers who value it enough to support it. We are grateful to the paid subscribers who help make Iowa Down Ballot possible, and we look forward to thanking them in person for sustaining this important work.If you can join us from 4-6:30 p.m. on July 7, please RSVP and we will get you the location information. Please subscribe to Iowa Down Ballot: 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

The Lobe Rangers: Iowa Farmers Challenging the Status QuoJulie Gammack’s podcast featured the Lobe Rangers, a trio of Iowa farmers—Zach Smith, Matt Bormann, and James Hepp—who are advocating for practical changes in agriculture that they believe can improve Iowa’s water quality, soil health, and rural communities while also helping farmers remain profitable.The discussion opened with journalist, farmer and Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member Darcy Maulsby, who described the Lobe Rangers as one of the most hopeful developments she has seen in Iowa agriculture in 30 years. She said their message offers practical solutions to problems such as polluted water and soil erosion while also making economic sense for farmers.It was Darcy who introduced our Collaborative members to the Lobe Rangers when we gathered in Storm Lake earlier this spring. Who Are the Lobe Rangers?All three members are working farmers who have adopted conservation-minded practices, including cover crops, strip tillage, no-till farming, reduced fertilizer applications, and improved nutrient management. They emphasize that these methods are not simply environmental measures. Many of them were adopted because they reduce costs, improve soil productivity, and make farms more resilient and profitable.Their Core MessageThe Lobe Rangers argue that Iowa already has a scientifically developed roadmap for improving water quality: the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, adopted in 2013. They believe the problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of implementation.According to the group, politicians frequently talk about water quality, conservation, and nutrient reduction, but actual progress on the ground remains limited. Their mission is to compare political promises with what scientists say is actually necessary to improve Iowa’s waterways.Why They Remain NonpartisanAlthough two members are Republicans and one is an Independent, they intentionally avoid aligning with political parties.They argue that cancer rates are not partisan, polluted water affects everyone, and clean lakes and rivers matter regardless of political affiliation. Rather than endorsing candidates, they want voters to understand the science and ask harder questions of elected officials.The Truth, According to the RangersWhen I asked, “What is the truth?” each member offered a variation of the same answer.They believe Iowa is not achieving meaningful water-quality improvements. The science already exists to address the problem, but the pace of change is far too slow. Farmers, policymakers, and citizens need to be honest about what it will take to improve conditions.Matt Bormann said he became frustrated while serving on Iowa’s State Soil and Water Conservation Committee because conservation success stories were often highlighted while broader statewide progress remained limited.Voluntary Conservation vs. RegulationOne of the most significant conversations centered on whether voluntary conservation efforts are enough.The Rangers argued that after more than a decade of voluntary programs, adoption rates remain too low. While they recognize that regulation is unpopular among farmers, they believe some policy changes and incentives will eventually be necessary if Iowa hopes to achieve its nutrient reduction goals. At the same time, they emphasized that any policy should help farmers transition rather than punish them.Results on Their Own FarmsAll three farmers reported measurable benefits from conservation practices. They described lower fuel and equipment costs, reduced fertilizer use, better water infiltration during heavy rains, increased organic matter in the soil, and strong crop yields.James Gillmore described cutting tractor horsepower needs in half after switching systems and significantly reducing fertilizer expenses. Zach Smith noted that regenerative-style practices have produced exceptionally high corn yields on some acres while improving soil health.The Role of the Farm BillThe conversation also explored federal farm policy.The Rangers argued that current crop insurance programs heavily favor corn and soybeans, making it difficult for farmers to diversify into other crops such as small grains, forage crops, and alternative rotations.They believe future farm policy should support more diverse cropping systems, expand insurance options for alternative crops, and encourage farming systems that improve soil and water quality.What’s Standing in the Way?The group identified fear of change, fear of failure, economic pressure, existing agricultural systems and incentives, and political influence from large corporations and industry groups as major obstacles.They argue that many farmers understand the problems but are reluctant to be the first to change.Art Cullen’s PerspectiveArt Cullen was on the call, and said the Lobe Rangers are part of a larger shift in Iowa’s conversation about agriculture, and they know what “they are talking about.” “Farmers are going to grow what they are paid to grow, and so they are going to grow corn and soybeans until it’s coming out your ears. If you want them to grow grass, pay them to grow grass.”Final TakeawayThe Lobe Rangers are not advocating for the end of modern agriculture. Instead, they argue that Iowa can continue to be one of the world’s most productive farming regions while dramatically improving water quality, rebuilding soil health, and strengthening rural communities.Their message is straightforward: the science already exists, the practices work, and the challenge is finding the political and public will to implement them at scale.Our lives depend on it.Resources SharedJim Sayers shared several resources related to the Lobe Rangers:* The Lobe Rangers: The Lobe Rangers* The Lobe Rangers Facebook page* Land Stewardship Project podcast featuring the Lobe Rangers: Ear to the Ground #395: The Lobe RangersHere’s the mid-week Flipside Roundup of columns by Iowa Writers’ Collaborative MembersDon’t Miss Early Bird Pricing for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatDeb Engle and I did a short interview about OWSR on WHO TV’s Hello Iowa program. Hello Iowa - an interview with Debra Engle and Julie Gammack This is a public episode. 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Laura Belin’s Analysis of Iowa’s Primary Election ResultsLaura Belin, editor of Bleeding Heartland and co-host of the Iowa Down Ballot podcast, joined the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative the morning after Iowa’s primary election to help unpack what happened and what it means for November.Her overall conclusion: Iowa voters sent a clear message that they are looking for candidates who engage directly with voters and offer something different from the political establishment.Feenstra’s Defeat Was the Story of the NightBelin described Randy Feenstra’s loss in the Republican gubernatorial primary as the biggest surprise of the election.In her view, Feenstra entered the race with virtually every advantage imaginable. He was a sitting member of Congress, enjoyed strong establishment support, had significant fundraising, and received a late endorsement from Donald Trump.Yet he lost.Belin argued that Feenstra’s campaign strategy was fundamentally flawed. He avoided debates, skipped multi-candidate forums, held mostly small events with supporters, and rarely placed himself in situations where voters could ask difficult questions.She said Iowa voters still expect candidates to show up and earn their support, and Feenstra never did.Meanwhile, Zach Lahn did.Why Zach Lahn Connected With VotersBelin believes Zach Lahn’s appeal stemmed from his outsider status and his focus on issues that many Iowans believe are being ignored.His campaign centered on four themes:* Young people leaving Iowa* The decline of family farms* Struggles within public education* Iowa’s high cancer ratesBelin noted that Lahn also spoke openly about water quality, agricultural consolidation, and corporate influence—issues that aren’t commonly emphasized by Republican candidates.Because he has never held elected office, voters were able to view him as a fresh face rather than someone responsible for the state’s current problems.That made him a particularly effective change candidate.Trump’s Endorsement Arrived Too LateBelin believes Donald Trump’s endorsement probably helped Feenstra but wasn’t enough to overcome the campaign’s weaknesses.She suggested Republican insiders became concerned when polling showed Feenstra underperforming and Lahn gaining momentum, leading to a last-minute effort to secure Trump’s backing.Had Trump endorsed Feenstra months earlier, Belin speculated, the outcome might have been different.Instead, one of Trump’s endorsed candidates lost one of the highest-profile primary races of the year.Josh Turek’s Senate VictoryOn the Democratic side, Belin attributed Josh Turek’s decisive Senate primary victory largely to the enormous amount of outside spending supporting his candidacy.Millions of dollars from VoteVets helped introduce Turek to Democratic voters and tell his personal story across the state.Belin said many Democrats genuinely liked both Turek and Zach Wahls. Rather than choosing between a strong candidate and a weak candidate, voters were choosing between two candidates they generally respected.The difference, she argued, was visibility.Turek simply had far more advertising reaching voters.Belin also said Tom Harkin’s endorsement likely helped Turek, though she was surprised the campaign didn’t emphasize it more heavily.Turnout Was Stronger Than ExpectedOne of the night’s more surprising developments was voter turnout.Republican turnout exceeded expectations despite weak early-voting numbers.Democratic turnout was significantly higher than many analysts predicted, even though Democrats had only one truly competitive statewide contest.Belin said the stronger Democratic turnout could be an encouraging sign for Democrats heading into the general election.Legislative Results Show Continued Republican ShiftBelin pointed to the defeats of Republican legislators Brian Lohse and Jane Bloomingdale as evidence that Iowa’s Republican Party continues moving away from its moderate wing.Both lawmakers were viewed as more pragmatic Republicans and were targeted by conservative groups.Their defeats suggest that the center of gravity within the party continues to move rightward.Rob Sand Faces a Tougher OpponentLooking ahead to November, Belin believes Rob Sand would have preferred to face Feenstra rather than Lahn.Sand has built his campaign around the idea that Iowa needs change after years of one-party Republican control.The challenge now is that Lahn is making a very similar argument.Because Lahn has never served in elected office, Democrats cannot tie him to unpopular legislative decisions or congressional votes.Belin expects Sand’s campaign to emphasize Lahn’s years living in Kansas and attempt to define him early before voters form firm impressions.Still, she believes Lahn presents a more complicated challenge than Feenstra would have.Data Centers Are Emerging as a Major Political IssueFormer legislator Chuck Isenhart joined the discussion and predicted that data centers could become one of Iowa’s most significant political issues.He pointed to a new moratorium on data-center development in Dubuque County and suggested the issue could become as contentious as carbon pipelines.Several participants agreed that data centers may affect nearly every county in Iowa and could become a major issue in local elections across the state.The Bottom LineBelin’s central theme throughout the discussion was simple:Iowa voters reward candidates who engage with them.Feenstra largely avoided voters and paid the price.Zach Lahn spent months building a message around issues many Iowans care deeply about and earned an upset victory.Meanwhile, Josh Turek demonstrated the power of a compelling biography backed by substantial outside spending.And as Iowa heads toward November, Belin expects the governor’s race between Rob Sand and Zach Lahn to be far more competitive—and far less predictable—than many observers anticipated.Follow Laura Belin. Become a paid subscriber. She is working day and night to keep us informed. 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

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

Incase you are wondering what is on my nose in this video, I fell on my face last Friday and have a few unsightly gashes. The show must go on, so a combination of bandages and concealer were deployed to hide the evidence. Sorry. Filmmaker Peter Hedges returns to Iowa this week for an event at the Iowa State Capitol Saturday at 11:00 a.m., hosted by a growing grassroots group called Iowans for Decency — an organization formed by former Valley High School classmates and other Iowans searching for ways to reconnect community across political divides.But before Peter joined our Monday gathering, we began with another beloved Iowa institution making a comeback: the annual book sale once affiliated with .Now revived as Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale. The massive volunteer-run event benefits the Young Women’s Resource Center, which has supported girls and young women in Iowa for nearly 50 years.There turned out to be a surprising thread connecting both conversations: the legacy of Louise Noun — activist, visionary, and founder of the YWRC — was connected to Peter through our mutual friend, Dan Johnston, former Polk County Attorney. Small world. Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale ReturnsThe first podcast conversation focused on the revival of the beloved Planned Parenthood Book Sale, now reborn as Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale. The event is organized by volunteers and benefits the Young Women’s Resource Center, a nonprofit serving girls and young women ages 10 to 24.Rachel Woodhouse and Madeline Rutledge described the organization’s mission of supporting young women emotionally, socially, financially, and educationally. Programs include support for young mothers, doula care, financial literacy, parenting education, childcare, meals, internet safety education, and community-building opportunities for teens.The discussion explored how today’s teens are struggling with isolation, online dependency, and relearning how to build real-life friendships after years of digital interaction. There was also conversation about increasing pressure on nonprofits due to changing public policy, funding uncertainty, and rising community needs.The book sale itself promises approximately 900 tables filled with puzzles, games, DVDs, vinyl records, collectibles, and — of course — books. It will be held at the 4-H Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Volunteers shared stories about the massive sorting effort behind the scenes, along with amusing discoveries hidden inside donated books — including forgotten checks and gift cards.Throughout the conversation, themes of literacy, storytelling, women supporting women, and preserving community traditions kept resurfacing.I also offered a scholarship to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat for a participant connected to the Young Women’s Resource Center, because storytelling can be deeply healing and empowering.Your paid subscriptions help send scholarship recipients to the retreat.Peter Hedges on Iowa, Storytelling, and DecencyThe second podcast conversation featured acclaimed author and filmmaker Peter Hedges, who reflected deeply on Iowa, legacy, creativity, political division, and the importance of human connection.Peter spoke movingly about rediscovering his connection to Iowa during and after COVID, and about the emotional impact recent political events have had on him personally. He talked about the importance of honest storytelling and his belief that communities survive when people continue listening to one another.He also spoke generously about the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative and the importance of creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can gather and share stories. Peter compared those efforts to the legacy of Louise Noun, emphasizing that visionary people create “rooms” where others can contribute their gifts.One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centered around leadership and democracy. Peter described feeling devastated after the recent election and worried about growing polarization, cruelty, and the erosion of truth in public life.In response, he began reconnecting with former classmates from Valley High School through Zoom conversations. Those gatherings evolved into a larger civic group first called “Tigers for Democracy,” later renamed “Iowans for Decency.”The group now includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents focused on protecting democratic norms, human dignity, and respectful conversation.Peter also shared personal stories about growing up in Iowa, his minister father, his artist mother, and the teachers who changed the course of his life. He credited Valley High teacher Mr. Jim Lamson and his wife, Cindy Lamson, with helping him see potential in himself before he could see it on his own.Both conversations ultimately circled back to the same idea: communities survive when people gather together — to tell stories, to listen carefully, and to remind one another of our shared humanity.That may be the real thread connecting a book sale, a writers retreat, and a filmmaker returning home to Iowa.Peter Hedges is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here is a tribute he wrote about his teacher, Mr. Jim Lamson: OkobojiPeter Hedges will be teaching during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Early Bird pricing is now in effect until July 1. 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

The conversation featured Iowa political analyst Laura Belin, who offered a wide-ranging look at the current legislative session, upcoming elections, and the broader political climate in Iowa.She described a legislature still working through several major issues, most notably property taxes, which remain the biggest point of disagreement between House and Senate Republicans. While there appears to be some alignment on the state budget, other issues like eminent domain are likely to stall out entirely. One of the more striking dynamics, she noted, is the ongoing tension between Republicans in the House and Senate. Even with a long-standing trifecta, the two chambers often operate with different priorities and, at times, clear frustration with one another. Governor Kim Reynolds, now seen as a lame duck, appears to have less influence over the process than in previous years.Looking ahead to the elections, Belin emphasized just how unusual and competitive this cycle is. For the first time in decades, Iowa will have both an open U.S. Senate race and an open governor’s race at the same time. Add to that several competitive congressional contests and state-level races, and it becomes one of the most dynamic political environments Iowa has seen in years. Fundraising trends show some Democratic challengers performing strongly at the grassroots level, while Republican incumbents are leaning more heavily on PACs and institutional support.Belin also made a strong case for the value of competitive primaries. While they can be costly and sometimes contentious, she believes they ultimately produce stronger candidates by increasing visibility, sharpening messaging, and forcing engagement with voters early on.The discussion also highlighted several influential political figures and policy debates. State Representative Taylor Collins, for example, has emerged as a leading voice on higher education policy and a central figure in efforts to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. His approach has been seen by some as aggressive, particularly in his interactions with colleges and universities.A number of policy issues are shaping both legislative debates and campaign messaging. Healthcare is a major concern, especially as more communities in Iowa lose access to OB-GYN services, creating what are increasingly referred to as “care deserts.” These challenges are compounded by Medicaid cuts and restrictive abortion laws, which some argue are driving providers out of the state. Clean water is another issue gaining traction, particularly in statewide races, while education policy and DEI continue to be areas of sharp partisan division.Campaign strategies are beginning to take shape around these issues. Democrats are focusing on healthcare access, workers’ rights, and environmental concerns like water quality. Republicans, meanwhile, are emphasizing tax policy and cultural issues, particularly around education.Iowa is in PlaySeveral races stand out as especially important to watch, including the attorney general contest, which appears highly competitive, and the crowded Republican primary for governor, which remains unpredictable. The Secretary of Agriculture race is also drawing attention, largely because of its focus on water quality.Overall, the takeaway is that Iowa is entering a period of heightened political competition and uncertainty. Divisions within parties, not just between them, are playing a significant role in shaping outcomes. And as candidates begin to define their messages, the issues most likely to resonate with voters include the cost of living, access to healthcare, education, and environmental concerns.Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’s Retreat. Laura will be leading workshops and on panels talking about how she approaches nonfiction writing, and researching. She’ll be one of 60+ speakers serving readers in small group discussions on a wide range of topics. Whether you’re interested in memoir, fiction, comedy, poetry, or meeting with a literary agent, this retreat is designed for you wherever you are in writing process. Learn more. The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative — Your Statewide ‘Paper’ 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

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

Scott MacFarlane reached a decisive turning point.Sitting—figuratively—in the chair once occupied by Walter Cronkite at CBS News, it hit him: he could no longer tolerate what legacy media had become.So he walked away.Just like that.Today, instead of working inside a large machine of producers, editors, and even someone assigned to comb his hair, he sits in a home studio with a fabric backdrop he found on Amazon for $8, lit with a flashlight. I liken Scott MacFarlane to a race horse who’s been set free to run without a jockey, a bit, saddle, or fences to rein him in. He’s flying. First, he joined Substack—and then the Medias team—about a month ago, and has already attracted more than 56,000 subscribers, with that number continuing to grow. When friends call and ask how he’s doing, his answer is simple: “It’s great.”Now he has the freedom to tell stories in depth, as often as he likes. And judging by the rush of early subscribers, his success is a testament to something many of us already know: readers and viewers are hungry for straight news—unfiltered, trustworthy, and delivered by a reliable source.Just like that, we are witnessing yet another example of the democratization of news and information.From my home office in Des Moines, Iowa, I was able to send a direct message on Substack to a nationally known journalist and invite him onto our local podcast.He said yes.I recorded the interview over Zoom on my iMac, dropped the raw footage into iMovie, trimmed a little noise from the beginning, added a touch of music to the intro and outro, created a title card, and voilà—here it is.In a wide-ranging conversation, Scott MacFarlane described why he left CBS for Substack, arguing that independent media allows him to report with more immediacy, depth, and authenticity than the time-constrained format of legacy broadcast news. He also delivered a stark warning about the unfinished consequences of January 6, the corrosive effects of misinformation and partisan media silos, the pressures shaping the 2026 midterms, and the urgent need to build new models for straight-news journalism that can reach audiences without surrendering to opinion or spectacle.Subscribe to Scott MacFarlane. Iowa Writers’ Collaborative I’m thrilled to be part of a network of professional Iowa writers, each publishing their own independent column on Substack. Together, we’re connecting readers across Iowa with stories that reflect the places they live—from Sioux Center in the northwest to the Quad Cities in the east, and 60 communities in between.What we’re building is more than a collection of columns—it’s a new model for local journalism, one that is nimble, decentralized, and deeply rooted in place.We believe this model can work anywhere. Check out the Sunday roundup of columns linked below. If you want to create something similar in another state, or a different kind of collaborative effort on Substack, ask me how we did it. One more thing…come to the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 27-30. 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

Welcome, new subscribers.You’ve just joined what I like to think of as a potluck—where everyone brings something to the table.On Mondays, you are invited to pull up a chair and join a live Zoom conversation I host with a special guest (and sometimes more than one). What makes these conversations different is that subscribers are not just listening—you are part of it. You can ask questions, offer thoughts, and help shape where the discussion goes. Afterward, the conversation is produced and shared in podcast form, like the one you see here.As far as I know, there is nothing quite like this in the Substack universe.Yes, there are plenty of talking heads online. But these interviews are not driven solely by me—they are shaped by a community of curious, engaged readers.Some weeks, we dig into world affairs or local politics. Other times, we sit down with fascinating thinkers, writers, and creators and simply follow the conversation wherever it leads.This week, I invited subscribers behind the scenes for something a little different—a live conversation with several of the literary agents who will be joining us at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat.It’s a glimpse into how ideas become books, and how connections—real, human conversations—can open doors.Learn more. Four Literary Agents Answer QuestionsThere is a moment in every writer’s journey when the work leaves the privacy of your desk and begins its path into the world.For most, that moment feels mysterious—guarded by unseen forces, gatekeepers, and a long line of unanswered emails.But after listening to the podcast we recorded Monday, one thing became unmistakably clear: the gate isn’t nearly as closed as we imagine.Literary agents—Andy Ross, Katharine Sands, Sheree Bykofsky, and Rita Rosenkranz—pulled back the curtain on what really happens when a book begins to find its way. And what they revealed was not a system built to keep writers out, but one actively searching for them.They are looking. Listening. Hoping.Hoping to feel that unmistakable “yes”—the one Andy describes as something you feel in your chest. The spark Katharine talked about when a project truly connects. The clarity Rita insists upon. The readiness Sheree recognizes when a writer shows up exactly as they are.And perhaps most surprising of all, many of the authors they represent did not come through cold submissions. They came from conversations. From conferences. From moments when a writer was no longer just a name in an inbox, but a person sitting across the table.Which brings us to Okoboji.This is what makes the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat different. It creates the very conditions these agents described—the space where writers are seen, heard, and given a real opportunity to connect.From September 27–30, these four agents will be there. Not behind a screen. Not hidden behind layers of submissions. But in the room—taking pitches, answering questions, and doing what they all said they love most: discovering writers.If you have ever wondered how to move past the silence of “no,” or how to get your work in front of someone who might say “yes,” this is your moment.Come to Okoboji.Pull up a chair. Start the conversation.You never know where it might lead.Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Did you see the Flipside edition of the IWC this week? We welcomed a new member to the roster. 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

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

Some stories stay with you because of what happened. Others stay because of how they’re told. And every once in a while, a story does both.Today’s conversation lives in that rare space. Please watch and listen.We’re joined by Des Moines Register reporter Courtney Crowder and Dr. Michael Welsh, the University of Iowa physician-scientist whose decades of research helped unlock one of the most significant breakthroughs in the treatment of cystic fibrosis—a disease that, not long ago, was a death sentence for many children.Through persistence, curiosity, and years of incremental discovery, Dr. Welsh and his colleagues helped pave the way for treatments that are now transforming—and in many cases saving—lives. What once seemed impossible is now reality.But this is not just a story about science. It’s a story about how breakthroughs actually happen—not in a single flash of genius, but through years of trial, error, and small victories along the way. And staying curious. And it’s also a story about storytelling itself.Courtney Crowder took this complex, deeply technical journey and turned it into a powerful, human narrative—one that brings readers inside the science, but more importantly, into the lives changed by it. Her work reminds us that data informs, but stories connect.Together, we explore the long road from discovery to treatment, the emotional impact of seeing lives transformed, and the difficult questions that remain—about access, affordability, and who ultimately benefits from life-saving innovation.This is a conversation about persistence, empathy, and the profound intersection of science and storytelling—and what it means, to give someone not just more years, but a different life.Series Links to The Des Moines RegisterPART ONE: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-patient-meets-scientist-who-saved-life-miracle-of-breath-part-1/87132027007/PART TWO: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/patient-suffering-cystic-fibrosis-gene-discovery-protein-miracle-breath-part-2/88737582007/PART THREE: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-breakthrough-frog-eggs-protein-channel-miracle-breath-part-3/88737593007/PART FOUR: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-patients-modulator-pills-miracle-breath-part-4/88899043007/Subscriber Tom Martin of Iowa City dropped me a note after this interview:“You have had many good calls, but that may have been the best. I did tear up a little. When I was in my child-rearing years, I had a college friend whose son suffered (and I mean suffered) from cystic fibrosis. I can still remember Fred “working his son out” at night and thinking — ‘my God, how terrible must that be!’ It was a daily event…The son died at age 17.”Podcast Guests Coming Up Join Me Mondays: Conversations with Writers, Journalists, and NewsmakersEach Monday, I host a live conversation with people shaping the worlds of writing, publishing, and journalism. It’s not just an interview — it’s an open exchange. Those on the call can ask questions, offer insights, and be part of the discussion. The full conversation is then released as a podcast.Next Monday: Inside the Publishing WorldI’ll be joined by the five literary agents coming to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat (September 27–30). If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get a book published — or how to position your work for today’s market — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. We’ll talk about what agents are looking for, how the industry is evolving, and where opportunity exists right now.April 13: A Breaking News Machine, Up CloseMy guest will be Scott MacFarlane, the veteran Washington reporter who recently left CBS News, joined the MeidasTouch Network, after launching his own Substack: Scott MacFarlane Reports. In less than a month, his fast-paced, relentless 24/7 reporting has drawn thousands of subscribers.We’ll talk about why his approach is resonating, what it takes to operate at that level of intensity, and what it signals about the future of journalism.So GratefulOn a personal note — I am deeply grateful to the people who built the technology that allows us to tell the stories we do without the market and political pressures that can limit honest journalism.A special thanks to Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie, who will join us virtually at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat.Hamish, along with Chris Best, created a platform that empowers journalists like Scott MacFarlane, and the 60+ members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, to produce the kind of reporting our communities need.But this model depends on you.There may be no paywall, but there is a real cost to producing independent, trustworthy journalism. If you have the ability to support the writers you read, now is the time. Your subscription isn’t just a transaction — it’s an investment in democracy. Okoboji Bound“There’s a Story in Everyone.”*That’s what my dad, Gordon Gammack, would say when someone asked how he produced a daily feature column for The Des Moines Tribune during his decades-long career. Let us help you tell yours. Come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat and become inspired, learn tips, make new friends, and find out how the best in the business of storytelling got to where they are today. *This means you, too. Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Check out the incredible stories in the Sunday Roundup of Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members: 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

Welcome to new subscribers.Every Monday we host a guest and readers for a live Zoom conversation about the news, ideas, and whatever else comes up. We record the discussion and later post it as a podcast, as you find here. It’s a bit like pulling up a chair at a lively dinner party and listening in on the conversation. And as a subscriber to this column, you’re automatically invited to the table. Our guest on Monday, March 30, will be Des Moines Register writer Courtney Crowder. We’ll talk about her recent series about cystic fibrosis: PART ONE: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-patient-meets-scientist-who-saved-life-miracle-of-breath-part-1/87132027007/ Tell a friend. Severin SorensenSeverin Sorensen has spent his career as a trusted advisor to business leaders, and these days, one topic dominates every conversation: artificial intelligence (AI). In this week’s Monday podcast, Sorensen — founder of his own advisory firm focused on leadership, governance, and digital transformation — pulled back the curtain on how he uses AI daily, demonstrating live how he assembled a comprehensive economic dashboard in under an hour by directing AI to scan the work of 70 top economists, synthesize the signals, and filter out the noise. What would have taken a research team days, he did before breakfast.Watch this podcast. Severin does a masterful job of explaining how AI today works. But Sorensen’s demonstration raised questions that go well beyond productivity hacks and platform comparisons. If AI can compress hours of knowledge work into minutes, what do we do with the time it gives back? Who benefits — and who gets left behind? Those questions are at the heart of what follows. Because AI isn’t just changing how we work. It may be forcing us to ask whether the way we’ve structured work, school, and daily life was ever the right design to begin with.Looking for a speaker, or consultant to bring in-house to work with your organization?Severin Sorensen:50 S Broadway, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84101Tel: (801) [email protected]://aiwhisperer.orgHate it? Love it? Deny it? Embrace it? My PerspectiveAI is the latest “it.” And it is here.Human history has its exclamation points: fire, the printing press, the Industrial Revolution. AI is shaping up to be the loudest one yet. If the Industrial Revolution rewired civilization, what’s coming promises to be exponentially more disruptive — and exponentially more powerful.Some believe the energy, water, and land required to run AI data centers will accelerate environmental damage. Communities are mobilizing to block them from moving in. But they’ll simply appear elsewhere. This train has left the station.For context, consider how unrecognizable life would be without these inventions: electricity, cars, planes, the telephone, computers, the internet. Each one felt jarring at first. Each one became indispensable. AI is next.Here’s a concrete example of what’s already possible. What once took days — pulling data from dozens of sources, synthesizing trends, building a clear economic picture — can now be done in seconds. Charts mapping current economic indicators, ready before your morning coffee. Any organization not dedicating serious time to understanding, training on, and implementing AI will find itself at a competitive disadvantage. That means businesses, universities, nonprofits, political parties, journalists — all of us.But the bigger question isn’t just how we use AI. It’s what we use it for.Think of a house where a family has lived for decades. They’ve made improvements, added a room, raised children within its walls. The scuffs and creaks are a record of a life lived. Then one day, the house catches fire. It’s devastating — a total loss. The familiar staircase, the furniture, the accumulated meaning of daily life — reduced to ash and black soot.That’s where we are with AI. The old house is burning. The systems and structures we’ve built our lives around — how we work, how we learn, how we organize time — are being consumed. It can’t be stopped. The question is what we build on the cleared ground.Many tasks are going to be eliminated or streamlined. Jobs will be lost or reimagined. Change is hard, and can be devastating. The net math is cautiously optimistic but comes with a major asterisk. The World Economic Forum projects that 92 million jobs will be displaced by 2030 while 170 million new ones will be created — a net gain of 78 million jobs — but these aren’t one-to-one swaps. The new jobs won’t be in the same locations, won’t require the same skills, and won’t go to the same people. Let’s ask Claude: AIMultipleBut for the individual worker whose job disappears in Ankeny while the new AI job opens in Austin, that’s cold comfort.Overly dramatic? Maybe. Maybe not.Example - Education ReimaginedHere’s one paradigm worth reimagining: the gap between the school day and the workday.Children are released from school at 3 p.m. Most parents are still at work until 5 or later. That gap — two to three hours of unsupervised time every single day — is a well-documented risk factor for a child’s future trajectory. Research consistently finds that 70% of all juvenile crime occurs between 3 and 6 PM. Children left on their own during those hours show higher rates of truancy, poor grades, risk-taking, and substance abuse. Home alone. Passively watching screens. Drifting toward trouble.Families with money fill that gap with structured activities and reliable transportation — racking up the extracurriculars, volunteer hours, and enrichment programs that strengthen a college application. Families making $15 an hour without benefits can’t.What if AI gave us enough of our time back that we could close the gaps?If AI can compress hours of work into minutes, the rigid 8-hour workday becomes a relic rather than a necessity. What if we used some of that reclaimed time to synchronize work schedules with school schedules — so parents could actually be present in those afternoon hours? The ripple effects would be significant: stronger family bonds, less inequality in childhood outcomes, and entirely new industries built around that realigned vision of daily life.The house is ash. We get to decide what we build next.Unrealistic? SureCertainly, in our current system, the divide between the haves and have-nots rivals anything we've seen since the Great Depression. On the other hand, if AI can help democratize access to information and train humans to weigh multiple data points in solving problems, maybe there's hope yet.I see examples in flashes - massive amounts of money dumped into special election campaigns in Florida didn’t work. The lesser-funded candidates won. We need new leaders who not only understand how technological advances can be harnessed, but also are committed to addressing the human consequences that will inevitably need to be addressed.Will we embrace evolution, revolution, or mutually assured destruction?What are your thoughts about AI?Okoboji I’m hoping AI will help grow educational tourism and fill the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 27-30. We are 1/3 of the way there already. AI cannot replicate human connection, and the unpredictable magic of being in a room together and hearing how 10 others answered the writing prompt in a memoir workshop: Describe the moment you realized your parents were just peopleSeverin gave me an AI generated marketing plan starting with getting a PDF brochure to public libraries in Iowa. I asked alumni in the Facebook group for former participants and have 10 volunteers willing to contact their local library. AI created the PDF.IOWA WRITERS’ COLLABORATIVEPlease also note that all paid subscribers are welcome to join the monthly Iowa Writers’ Collaborative’s Office Lounge on Zoom. It’s the last Friday of every month and it’s a lively conversation with Dr. Robert Leonard moderating. Please join members of the IWC and other paid subscribers for an unscripted conversation here.Here is the most recent roundup of columns: Join Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Members in Storm Lake and or PomeroyTo find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative. We’re planning two nights of music as part of our IWC Storm Lake retreat on April 23 and 24th. Admission is free for our paid subscribers. Please RSVP with the links below now as seating is limited for both events. The Weary Ramblers will perform on Thursday, April 23rd in the Mermaid Room of the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake and Friday, April 24th is the Inaugural IWC Hootenanny at Legendary Byron’s in Pomeroy.Why?Paid subscriptions make it possible to produce the Iowa Down Ballot podcast featuring Dave Price, Laura Belin, and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch. They also make it possible for members of the collaborative to gather each year—like we will in Storm Lake—to learn from one another and sharpen our work. We do it to better serve you, the reader.No Money? No ProblemYes, the cost of anchovies has skyrocketed. We get it.If you’d like to support the growth of independent local journalism, there’s something simple, free, and powerful you can do: share this column with someone who might enjoy it.Maybe they live out of state but still consider Iowa home. Or maybe you were just talking about politics, religion, sports, or the arts—and they’d welcome the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative roundup in their inbox. 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

Welcome to new subscribers.Every Monday we host a guest and a small group of readers for a live Zoom conversation about the news, ideas, and whatever else comes up. We record the discussion and later post it as a podcast.It’s a bit like pulling up a chair at a lively dinner party and listening in on the conversation. And as a subscriber to this column, you’re automatically invited to the table. Our guest on Monday, March 30, will be Des Moines Register writer Courtney Crowder. We’ll talk about her recent series. Our podcast guest was bestselling novelist William (Bill) Bernhardt— one of the most successful writers of legal thrillers in America. His books, including the long-running Ben Kincaid series, have sold millions of copies and helped define the modern courtroom drama. But Bill’s impact goes far beyond the page. He’s also one of the country’s most respected teachers of writing, mentoring authors through conferences, workshops, and programs designed to help writers not only tell better stories, but build lasting careers.What makes Bill especially compelling is the path he’s taken—and continues to take. From a small-town upbringing in Oklahoma to a career in law, and ultimately to full-time writing, he has consistently followed his instincts while adapting to a changing literary landscape. Whether he’s crafting fiction, exploring nonfiction, or creating opportunities for emerging writers, his work reflects both discipline and curiosity. And this fall, he’ll bring that experience and insight to Okoboji, offering writers a rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who has not only succeeded in publishing—but helped shape it.Learn moreOkoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat Would you like to meet Bill Bernhardt? Come to the Okoboji Writers and Songwriters’ Retreat. The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat has become one of the Midwest’s most dynamic creative gatherings, bringing together aspiring and established writers for an immersive, craft-focused experience on the shores of West Lake Okoboji. With more than 60 faculty members—including bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and songwriters—the retreat offers practical instruction, meaningful connections, and real pathways to publication. Central to its impact is the presence of accomplished authors like William Bernhardt, whose remarkable career—spanning bestselling legal thrillers and the founding of a nationally respected writing program—demonstrates what’s possible with discipline and craft. Having a writer of Bernhardt’s success on faculty not only elevates the caliber of instruction but also provides attendees with a tangible example of how storytelling can evolve into a lasting and influential career.Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeTo find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative of which I’m a proud member. We’re planning two wonderful nights of music as part of our IWC Storm Lake retreat on April 23 and 24th. Admission is free for our paid subscribers. Please RSVP with the links below now as seating is limited for both events. The Weary Ramblers will perform on Thursday, April 23rd in the Mermaid Room of the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake and Friday, April 24th is the Inaugural IWC Hootenanny at Legendary Byron’s in Pomeroy.The Office Lounge is Coming UpPlease also note that all paid subscribers are welcome to join the monthly Iowa Writers’ Collaborative’s Office Lounge on Zoom. It’s the last Friday of every month and it’s a lively conversation with Dr. Robert Leonard moderating. Please join members of the IWC and other paid subscribers for an unscripted conversation hereThanks - your paid subscriptions help in many ways, including providing production costs for the Iowa Down Ballot podcast featuring Dave Price Laura Belin and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch. 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

I recently hosted a Zoom conversation with longtime Iowa trial lawyer Roxanne Conlin, and after viewing her green fingernail polish (Happy St. Patrick’s Day) the discussion quickly turned into a sobering look at how much civil rights and employment law in Iowa have changed.Roxanne, who has spent six decades representing workers and victims of discrimination, began by explaining a misconception many people have about employment law. Most people believe that if they work somewhere for many years and are suddenly fired, they can sue. In reality, that’s rarely the case. A lawsuit is only possible if the decision was based on a legally protected category such as race, age, sex or another protected status.What troubled Roxanne most was how much the landscape has shifted. She said that during the most recent legislative session alone, Iowa effectively rolled back about 30 years of civil rights protections. One example is the removal of protections for transgender people under the state’s civil rights law — the first time Iowa has actually reduced civil rights protections rather than expanded them.She also described how changes in court rulings have made discrimination cases harder to prove. In the past, attorneys could present evidence showing a pattern of discrimination across an organization. Today, the evidence has to be extremely narrow — involving the same supervisors and departments — which makes it much more difficult to demonstrate systemic problems.The group talked about Iowa’s broader political climate and how the state has shifted in recent years. Several participants noted that businesses once publicly supported civil rights protections because they understood those policies helped attract talent. Today, many companies remain quiet, in part because diversity initiatives have become politically and legally risky.We also discussed issues that don’t always get enough attention, including human trafficking. Roxanne noted that Iowa sits at the intersection of major interstate highways, making it a hub for trafficking activity. She described both sex trafficking and labor trafficking cases, including one involving Brazilian students recruited to Iowa under promises of education but instead forced to work long shifts in factory jobs.Throughout the conversation, Roxanne remained clear about one thing: despite the setbacks, giving up is not an option. The fight for civil rights has always been difficult, she said, and it will require persistence from lawyers, citizens and community leaders alike.The hour ended with participants thanking Roxanne for her lifetime of advocacy — and for reminding us that the work of justice is never finished.Chat from the Zoom conversation: Diane Crookham-Johnson:Roxanne, I wanted to say hi. My dad, Joe Crookham, went to law school with you. He still talks about your impact on his view of women in the workplace. You have impacted his worldview and the way he developed his own work team. Thank you!Mary:Thought for the day: “Great journalism brings us close not to power, but to each other.” — Terry Moran, formerly of ABC News, now on Substack. The quote was in a March 8, 2026 column.Julie Gammack:Reacted to “Thought for the day…” with 👍Peter Rose:A victory would be a new attorney general!Ralph Rosenberg:In 2008, when protections of the Civil Rights laws were extended to the LGBTQ community, Des Moines–based big businesses were present and vocal in support of the changes. For example, the CEOs of Principal, Bankers Trust, Wells Fargo (I think), the Business Record, and others.Liz Seiser:Reacted to Diane’s message with ❤️Mary:The Iowa City Centennial Building is closing — a great loss.Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to Mary’s message with 👌Peter Rose:Citizens United is what happened.Karl Schilling:An hour ago I was on Zoom with a committee planning training for crime victim support workers, wondering what to do about the segment we traditionally have had for “cultural awareness.” It’s vital information but dicey to present now.Tim Grover:“Iowa Spites.”Ralph Rosenberg:Reacted to “Iowa Spites” with 👍Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to “Iowa Spites” with 👌Mary:For a world view that impacts Iowa, see Democracy Noir, available at clarityfilms.org. There is an impactful interview with the film’s producer, Connie Field. The film is about the erosion of democracy in Hungary. Three people are profiled — an elected Budapest official, a journalist, and a nurse — and the rightward shift toward an exclusive and corrupt government.Peter Rose:The MAGA cult is the American Taliban.Peter Rose:And Nate Willems for AG.Ralph Rosenberg (replying to Karl Schilling):Hi Karl. It is painful to see what is happening. I submit testimony and write letters. Very hard to see what is happening.Diana:I’m learning that we always have to hold companies and elected officials accountable. As soon as we think we have solved that problem and look away, falling back happens. The candidates we elect will need my continued attention to make sure what they said in their campaign they are still attending to for the welfare of their constituents.Mary:Reacted to Diana’s message with 👍🏽Mary:Yes, the blame for the Sioux City mess falls on Western Iowa Tech Community College. They played the denial, deflect, and deception mode for a long time. Justice did prevail eventually.Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to Diane’s earlier message with ❤️Judy Conlin:Thank you. And just so you know, the family has already erected a statue for Roxanne. It’s not bronze, but it is very colorful. Sorry I have to get to a 1:00 meeting.Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to Judy’s message with ☺️Karl Schilling:Just so you know, I pounded pavement for your election, and my in-laws were big supporters — Lowell (of the Iowa Farmers Union) and Dorothy Gose.Chuck Offenburger:Great conversation today. Thank you, Roxanne!Laura Engler:Thank you, Roxanne — and Julie!Mary:Thank you, Roxanne and Julie.Tim Wagner:Thank you for being you, Roxanne!Ralph Rosenberg:Reacted to Diana’s message with 👍🏽Phil Specht:Thanks for mentoring my son Jon, Roxanne.Artis Reis:Thanks so much for joining us today!Liz Seiser:Reacted to Artis’s message with ❤️Artis Reis:Reacted to their own message with ❤️Okoboji Last call - March 15 is the deadline for enrolling in the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat with the inclusion of the Okoboji Mastery Circle online classes at no additional charge. You have access to the archives of the classes held so far (Kali White VanBaale, Peter Hedges and Rekha Basu), plus the ability to participate in future sessions. Come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 27-30. Get advice on how to tell your stories. If you can’t afford the enrollment fee, apply for a scholarship.Learn moreIowa Writers’ CollaborativeCheck out the roundup from our professional Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members. 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

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

Scott Anderson is one of America’s most respected journalists and historians of the modern Middle East. A longtime contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine, he is the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia and The Quiet Americans. He was our featured guest Monday, and more than 60 readers joined the conversation.His new book, King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution — A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation, tells the story of how Iran went from a close U.S. ally under the Shah to the Islamic Republic we know today — a rupture that still shapes global politics and conflict across the Middle East.Summary of the conversationScott Anderson has been in heavy demand since the U.S. president said the country is at war with Iran and began bombing strikes. Anderson grew up overseas in East Asia because his father worked for USAID as an agricultural advisor. He has lived in the New York area for about three decades.Anderson is ideally situated to help us understand what is happening in Iran — and why it matters — especially as Americans try to make sense of the latest escalation in the Middle East.The discussion quickly turned to who in Washington truly understands the region. Anderson’s blunt answer: “Nobody,”especially not in the current administration. He criticized the idea that targeted strikes or leadership decapitation will spark a successful popular uprising, warning that the regime’s security apparatus — particularly the Revolutionary Guard — is deeply motivated by power and money and will fight for survival. He predicted worsening internal violence and a significant risk of the conflict spreading regionally.Was it possible the war was launched as a distraction from the Epstein files? Plausible, Anderson said — but he also suggested there may be little coherent planning, more impulse and “knee-jerk” decision-making.On whether ordinary Iranians hate Americans, Anderson said not broadly. He noted long-standing cultural ties, past educational exchange, and reports from journalists that many Iranians react warmly to Americans — even if anger rises when U.S. actions kill Iranian leaders.He also talked about the collapse of student exchanges and the hollowing-out of USAID, arguing that isolation and sanctions often strengthen dictatorships and deprive the United States of reliable insight into what’s happening inside closed societies.Then the Q&A begins with Iowa Writers’ Collaborative participants and guests:* Rekha Basu asks what people inside Iran are feeling now and whether democracy is realistic. Anderson says it’s hard to read from outside, notes the opposition is fractured, and suggests that even symbolic rallying around the Shah’s son reflects desperation and the absence of viable internal leaders. He’s pessimistic about democracy emerging cleanly, citing how hopes of the Arab Spring largely collapsed.* James O'Shea opinion writer for the Eagle Intelilgence Report, a Europe-based online publication that circulates in several languages throughout the Middle East and Europe. I give them stories on news That’s my latest paying gig. Former Des Moines Register reporter, and managing editor of the Chicago Tribune. He shares an anecdote from Iran—during “death to America” chants, someone winked at him—supporting Anderson’s point that public slogans don’t always reflect private sentiment. * Daniel Henderson asks about Trump’s motivations and Netanyahu’s influence, including the role of Christian Zionist politics. Anderson agrees Israel is a major driver, questions the “imminent nuclear threat” framing, and argues Netanyahu has pushed this alarm for years.* Lyle Muller asks why U.S. leaders keep repeating the mistaken belief that bombing produces democratic transitions. Anderson says airstrikes don’t topple regimes and often harden resistance; he warns the security forces can still terrorize citizens regardless of conventional military damage.* Barry Piatt asks about timing and why regional actors support an attack now. Anderson says Iran has made many enemies through proxies and regional influence; Arab solidarity isn’t automatic here because Iran isn’t Arab, and many governments view Iran’s weakening as overdue.* Laura Belin asks about a conspiracy theory involving locator chips and Mossad. Anderson says Iranians love conspiracy theories; he believes Israel likely has deep intelligence networks inside Iran and notes the historically complex Iran–Israel relationship, including oil supply under the Shah.* Rekha Basu follows up on claims of “imminent threat” and war powers. Anderson rejects the imminent-threat claim and argues the administration uses “emergency” logic to act first and litigate later.* Richard Gilbert asks about Americans trapped in Iran. Anderson says there probably aren’t many, but warns Iran has a pattern of detaining Americans as bargaining chips.Scott attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in Iowa City for three years, so reader Mary McCarthy put in the chat that some of his old watering holes are still standing (Foxhead, Deadwood, and Joe’s).Thank to Jan Kaiser of Beaverdale Books for helping us invite the author to address this very important topic.Key themes that come through* Iran’s modern crisis is rooted in imperial history, 1953, and the 1979 revolution’s dual religious + anti-colonial character.* Anderson is deeply skeptical that bombing leads to democracy; he expects Revolutionary Guard dominance and internal bloodshed.* The administration’s “imminent threat” narrative is challenged repeatedly; participants connect it to war powers and a broader “emergency powers” pattern.* A persistent distinction between regime hostility and public sentiment, with multiple anecdotes supporting “Iranians don’t necessarily hate Americans.”If you value this kind of information and are able to chip in to help cover video production costs, please become a paid subscriber. Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatHas there ever been a more important time to tell the stories only you can tell?Memoir. Opinion. Reported essays. Fiction rooted in truth.The world is shifting quickly. Voices matter. Yours matters.Join us for the Sixth Annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat — three extraordinary days on the prairie along West Lake Okoboji, where accomplished columnists, novelists, filmmakers, and literary agents gather to share what they know about craft, courage, and building a writing practice that lasts.You’ll leave with tools. Renewed confidence. Real connections. And momentum.Every year, we sell out. All signs suggest this year will be no different.Reserve your place now. Dates: September 27-30, 2026.Don’t wait. Tell the story.. Learn moreThose who enroll now will be able to participate in the Okoboji Mastery Circle - an online course series featuring instructors from the retreat — at no additional cost. DATE: March 11, 2026TIME: 7:00 pmTITLE: Writing for ChangeHow to use your voice to illuminate injustice, human rights issues, global challenges, and more—and how to offer readers pathways to action.BIO: Rekha Basu is a syndicated columnist, author, and globally raised feminist journalist.Rekha will also be presenting at the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Click to learn more about Rekha.The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Has a New Look!I am so doggone proud of what we have built over the past five years! Check out the amazing columns by award-winning journalists, and emerging writers, too. 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

SummaryOur guest Monday was Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart.Also on the call were readers from Washington, D.C., Decorah, Carroll, Council Bluffs and the metro area of Des Moines. Hart’s leadership was framed through her razor-thin 2020 congressional loss and her experience as a teacher and farmer in eastern Iowa. Hart says that race exposed major structural gaps between Democratic and Republican party support—organization, resources, and communications—and convinced her the party had to rebuild its basic capacity to win close races.Hart describes her chairmanship since 2023 as a nuts-and-bolts overhaul: paying down debt, expanding staff (from a few part-timers to a larger team), and committing to year-round organizing instead of parachuting in during election season. A key priority has been reconnecting the state party to county parties—especially rural counties—after discovering even basic infrastructure had eroded (she cites not even having a complete list of county chairs early on). She says the party is now active in all 99 counties and that internal governance has improved, with a more functional, less factional state central committee.Candidate recruitment is a major theme. Hart says the party has worked intentionally to recruit a strong, diverse, and younger slate, including personally calling candidates after the last cycle to learn what worked and to encourage future runs or help with recruiting. She acknowledges not every slot is filled, but argues Democrats are “ahead of the game” compared to recent years.The discussion turns to the Iowa caucuses. Doug Burns argues Democrats should “go first” regardless of national penalties, saying appearing to surrender looks weak. Hart responds that Democrats in Iowa aren’t unified on the issue, so she’s used listening sessions and a statewide survey, while also pursuing a formal process with the DNC. She believes Iowa has a strong case, but repeatedly emphasizes that the best argument for Iowa’s early status is winning meaningful races in 2026—making the state more competitive and demonstrating that “if you can win here, you can win anywhere.” Richard Bender agrees that Democrats being shut out while Republicans go first is a structural disadvantage, and suggests Iowa could still act first even without DNC blessing, banking on candidates finding ways to show up and benefit from the media presence.Messaging and issues come up next. Mary Pyatt presses the party to nationalize an economic message around tariffs and farm impacts; Hart says the IDP is already pushing accountability messaging and using farmer stories at press conferences. On voter registration, Hart concedes Democrats face a disadvantage but calls registration a “lagging indicator” tied to losing cycles; she says the bigger task is persuading independents and disaffected voters through direct, local conversations about the consequences of one-party Republican control (schools, economy, health care, rural hospitals, cost of living). Local activists describe efforts to re-register voters purged from the rolls.The group also discusses the governor’s race and Democratic branding. Some participants worry Rob Sand’s criticisms of the party could damage down-ballot Democrats; Hart argues voters are prioritizing authenticity and that Sand’s town-hall-heavy approach shows a path forward—show up everywhere, talk directly to people, and build momentum across parties.Asked what she’d do with an unexpected $1 million, Hart says she would invest it almost entirely in organizing—more trained field organizers and a permanent year-round program tied closely to county parties. Bender echoes that a serious statewide GOTV operation and rural capacity-building are essential. Hart points to strong rural caucus turnout as proof that investment can work.In closing, Hart reflects on how political communication has changed—less local news, fragmented information sources, and higher costs—and says building a stronger communications operation is now indispensable. She also cites recent Iowa special elections where Democrats outperformed expectations as a blueprint: recruit early, fund adequately, organize aggressively, and run smart campaigns—especially when Republican nominee-selection processes push candidates too far right for the median voter.Optional quick pull quotes / moments* Hart: her 2020 race taught her “we had to strengthen the party itself” to get candidates “across the finish line.”* The recurring refrain: win in 2026 to strengthen Iowa’s case for 2028.* Light moment: a fire truck breaks down in Rita’s driveway mid-call; Chuck Offenberger jokes about Democrats going first and teases the overuse of the word “folks.”Monday Podcast Guest is Author Scott Anderson, King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation.Here are Four Reviews of this book: “[A] masterly new account of the Iranian revolution, illustrates the stubborn American blindness that hastened the shah’s demise and helped the mullahs prevail. It was an ‘obliviousness’ that ‘became willful, an ignorance to be maintained and defended,’ Anderson writes. . . . This is an exceptional and important book. Scrupulous and enterprising reporting rarely combine with such superb storytelling.”—The New York Times“Mr. Anderson is a first-rate writer of histories. . . . King of Kings is a sweeping, gripping book, one that makes past times and dead people (often weird, complex and evil) spring to life with its narrative verve and attention to detail. . . . Riveting. . . . Exquisite.”—The Wall Street Journal“Anderson succeeds precisely because he eschews structural, quasi-philosophical queries for an energetic account that concerns itself with, as he puts it, ‘a few core questions’. . . . As a result of this inquiry, Anderson finds an answer at once simpler, more instructive, and truer than those of many scholars. . . . Anderson has also consulted the best scholarship on the revolution. . . . Anderson thus offers a readable page-turner that’s also attuned to those core questions. . . . Anderson’s book [is] one of the best on 1979.”—The Atlantic“Veteran journalist Anderson takes readers through the final years of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime in Iran, tracing the political machinations that kept him in power and the corruption that helped turn the Iranian public against him. It is attentive to both the shah’s own oblivious rule and the world-historical mistakes that his American allies made in their attempt to prop him up.”—The Washington PostDo you have a Substack column? Substack writers: Ready to grow revenue?We’re launching a six-month Substack Growth & Monetization Lab with strategist Sarah Fay, beginning in May. Monthly online small-group sessions will focus on audience growth, conversion, and sustainable income.Cost: $497 (complimentary for Okoboji Writers’ Retreat participants)Limited enrollment. To apply: Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatJoin us at the Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat for three inspiring days of craft, creativity, and connection on the lakeshore. Learn from acclaimed faculty, build lasting creative relationships, and leave energized about your work.This retreat has sold out each year. Currently, the enrollment fee is $895 and will be $995 starting in July. Ninety six seats remain. Save your place today. Learn about the speakers and enroll: Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Do you know about the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roundup? I am thrilled to be a founding member of this incredible group. Professional writers from across the state provide content you just don’t have access to this way. See for yourself: 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

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In this episode of Julie Gammack’s Potluck, we welcome Geneva Overholser—former Washington Post ombudsman and former editor of The Des Moines Register—for a wide-ranging, urgent conversation about what’s happening to American journalism, and what might come next.Overholser opens with a blunt assessment of the recent upheaval at The Washington Post: it’s “a two-part story”—the brutal economics battering legacy newsrooms, and the additional distortions that come with billionaire ownership. She argues that what’s been lost isn’t just staffing, but whole sections that once helped define a great metropolitan paper—sports, books, and the breadth that made a newsroom feel like a civic institution. She also describes how changes in editorial direction have narrowed the range of ideas on the opinion side, and why that matters for public life.A central thread of the conversation is the disappearance of the ombudsman/public editor—a role Overholser says was essential for bringing readers’ voices into the newsroom with real independence, not just as customer-service feedback. Responding to questions from Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members, she explains what the ombudsman function offered that editors often can’t: a credible internal critic who can press hard questions in public, week after week.The discussion turns to where readers and writers are going now: Substack and independent platforms. Overholser sees genuine upside—smart people gaining independence and a place to publish—but warns that the new ecosystem can further “fractionalize” the country’s shared news diet. Collaboration, she suggests, is one antidote: independent voices working together so citizens aren’t left with only narrow “niches” and no shared body of facts.Overholser also sketches the range of ownership and funding models she’s watching with hope: philanthropic owners who treat newspapers as civic treasures, conversions to nonprofit status, partnerships with public media, and even forms of public support used in other democracies—paired with strong guardrails. Still, she returns repeatedly to the unresolved core problem: the country hasn’t yet cracked a sustainable way to fund robust reporting, and in the end it may depend on whether the public learns to value accurate information enough to pay for it.The hour closes with something like a charge: a reminder that journalism is still a public service, still “interesting as hell,” and needed more than ever—especially in communities sliding into news deserts. Overholser leaves listeners both clear-eyed about the damage and surprisingly hopeful about the experiments underway—and about the possibility of rebuilding a shared civic conversation, one collaborative effort at a time.Read Geneva’s Substack column.Julie Gamack and GuestsOrdinarily, I don’t announce our Monday podcast guest until the day of the show, because some time events cause a last minute change in the lineup. Last week I listed guests, including Geneva in advance, and readers indicated they like to know beforehand who our guests will be. On Monday, February 23. Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, will join us, and on March 2, Scott Anderson talks about his new book, King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation. The Monday podcast is recorded live at noon central time, and subscribers are welcome to join the conversation.Thank you, paid subscribers to any member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. You are invited to a couple of terrific evening musical events by our songwriters, to be held in Storm Lake, Iowa on April 23 & 24. For details, check the RSVP form: 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

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Author Jarrett Dapier will be holding a book signing tonight, 6:30 p.m., Beaverdale Books. 2629 Beaver Ave # S1, Des Moines, Iowa. DATE: February 6, 2026TIME: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pmMeeting summaryQuick recapThe meeting focused on discussing Jarrett’s graphic novel “Wake Now in the Fire,” which tells the true story of the 2013 banning of the graphic novel “Persepolis” in Chicago Public Schools. Jarrett, a librarian and author, shared his personal connection to the story and the research process that led to writing the book. They discussed the advantages of using a graphic novel format for the story, as well as the fictionalization of personal stories within the book. The conversation also touched on the current state of reading habits among teenagers and the challenges they face in today’s digital world. Julie Gammack invited Jarrett to participate in the Okoboji Writers Retreat, and they briefly discussed the history of book banning and their shared experiences with student activism.SummaryBook Success and Radio InterviewJulie Gammack and Jarrett engaged in a conversation, discussing Jarrett’s recent radio interview and the success of his book, which had been a long process according to his publicist. Julie Gammack expressed her congratulations and mentioned that she would tag their conversation to the end of a previous discussion.Persepolis Banning InvestigationJarrett, a librarian with a background in defending students’ rights, became involved in the Persepolis banning incident while working at Evanston Public Library. After witnessing the censorship of the book and the subsequent teen-led protest, Jarrett conducted research for a thesis, uncovering that the Chicago Public Schools’ CEO, Barbara Byrd Bennett, was directly involved in the decision to remove the book, despite claims of miscommunication. Jarrett’s investigation led to the discovery of 43 redacted emails through a Freedom of Information Act request, which revealed the true extent of the censorship and the lack of understanding about the book’s educational value. This experience inspired Jarrett to write a graphic novel about the banning, highlighting the controversy surrounding graphic novels and the importance of defending students’ right to read.Graphic Novel Writing InsightsJulie Gammack interviewed jarrett about his background and his decision to write a graphic novel. Jarrett explained that he grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and has a background in creative writing and theater. He discussed the popularity of graphic novels, particularly among teens, and his experience working at Evanston Library. Jarrett shared his motivation for writing a graphic novel about the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, citing the medium’s appeal and the visual elements he wanted to include.Graphic Novel on CensorshipJarrett discussed the creation of a graphic novel about censorship, combining fictional personal stories with real events. He explained that while all character backstories are fictional, the book’s depiction of how a graphic novel was banned and the subsequent student and teacher protests is based on true events. Jarrett shared a personal story from an interviewee about an immigrant from Mumbai who creatively worked around library restrictions to read more books, which inspired a character in the novel. Julie Gammack noted the book’s depiction of teenagers’ personal struggles alongside their activism, and asked if books might be becoming more important to young people as an escape from social media noise. Jarrett acknowledged this as a possibility, while emphasizing the importance of discussing information and visual literacy through graphic novels.Visual Literacy and Library TrustJarrett discussed the importance of visual literacy and the value of graphic novels as a reading format, citing examples of successful individuals who read comics. He emphasized the collaborative effort behind his book, highlighting the contributions of various professionals during its creation. Jarrett expressed concerns about the reliability of information in the digital age, particularly with the rise of AI and misinformation, and stressed the role of libraries in curating trustworthy sources.Urgency in Book Banning ResistanceJarrett explained the title “Wake Now in the Fire” was inspired by Rage Against the Machine’s song “Sleep Now in the Fire,” which critiques greed, and wanted to convey urgency and resistance against book bannings.Teen Tech Challenges and SolutionsWe Jarrett discussed the challenges faced by children and teenagers today, particularly regarding technology and social media. Jarrett shared her experiences raising teenagers in the digital age, highlighting the pressures they face and the impact on their mental health. They also talked about Jarrett’s book “We Are the Change” and its potential to be read widely, including in schools. Julie Gammack invited Jarrett to the Okoboji Writers Retreat, where she would have the opportunity to connect with other writers and readers. Welcome!Please welcome our newest solo member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative: Richard Gilbert: Sh*t Richard Says. 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

New subscribers: welcome.Each Monday, we gather for an informal conversation with influential thought leaders in industry and civic life. This week, we’re joined by Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida.Readers are always welcome to join the discussion—please share this with someone who might enjoy being part of it.What happens when journalism’s past, present, and possible future collide in one conversation?This week, the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative welcomed Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute and longtime leader at the Tampa Bay Times, for a wide-ranging, candid discussion about the state of journalism—and where it goes next.Brown has seen the profession from most angles: traditional newsrooms, nonprofit ownership, fact-checking at scale (he helped launch PolitiFact), and now at Poynter, where journalism ethics, training, and press freedom are front and center. A University of Iowa graduate, he spoke with a room full of Iowa journalists, editors, professors, and independent writers about what’s working, what’s broken, and innovative ideas being implemented. The conversation moves from the hard realities facing metropolitan and rural newspapers, to why community weeklies can still sell ads, to the growing role of philanthropy, Substack, and collaborative models. Brown pushes back against the “narrative of loss” around local news, pointing instead to emerging startups, hyperlocal reporting, and audience-focused journalism as real bright spots. He also addresses declining trust, political access, the future of fact-checking after Meta pulled funding, and why journalism must stop scolding audiences and start showing its value—every day.It’s a frank, hopeful, sometimes funny conversation among many former and current journalists, who care deeply about local journalism—and are actively trying to reinvent it.Watch the full conversation above. There is a transcript, too. Iowa Writers’ Collaborative As for reinventing local journalism— subscribe to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. We publish twice a week, bringing together writers and readers who care deeply about Iowa and its civic life.The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatWe are on a mission to assist you in getting your stories told. Come to Okoboji September 27-October 1 and work with over 50 instructors who will guide you through basic how-to workshops or help you take your finished manuscript to a literary agent. The main descriptive word participants and session leaders alike have for this experience is: Magical. Find out why.Is it really so special? Check out reviews from past attendees. Click the button to read about their experience: 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

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New subscribers: Each Monday we hold a Zoom call with a special guest where readers can join the discussion. Up next: Neal Brown - a longtime journalism leader and media executive best known for his work at the Poynter Institute, where he serves as president. You must be a subscriber to receive the Zoom link.Author Grant Faulkner contends that traditional writing instruction—focused on correcting mistakes—leaves many people feeling incompetent, which fuels insecurity and keeps them from ever claiming “I’m a writer.” They redefine a “real writer” as anyone who sits down and writes, and say the key to finishing (and later publishing, querying, and promoting) is believing your story matters. Many people talk themselves out of writing by comparing rough drafts to polished favorites, dismissing ideas as unoriginal, or avoiding painful material that feels triggering; the speaker reframes first drafts as “discovery drafts” and emphasizes that all drafts start rough.They explain Memoir Nation’s mission as helping people write for legacy and self-understanding, inspired by the speaker’s regret that their college-educated father died without leaving even 10,000 words of life stories. Memoir Nation offers multiple levels of support centered on community: a free tier plus paid tiers, and a flagship “January Story” challenge to write 500 words a day (15,000 total) to build momentum. Participants get prompts, daily actions, and “pep talks,” plus frequent Zoom write-ins that make writing feel less solitary. The community will also include affinity groups organized around memoir themes (motherhood, addiction, etc.).Later, Grant shares this path from Oskaloosa to Grinnell, France, Chapel Hill, San Francisco, an MFA at SFSU, and leadership roles in writing organizations (National Writing Project and NaNoWriMo). He describes shifting from novels to flash fiction—especially 100-word stories—because brevity forces attention to every word and eliminates “flab.” They mention a new photo-and-flash “flash novel” set in the Southwest, and encourage writers (especially columnists) to “stretch,” try new genres, and play—writing sometimes “just for the hell of it.”The discussion broadens to the cultural power of stories as connective tissue (in response to a quote about “human-to-story chains”), arguing stories shape culture, policy, and who gets represented; today’s bookstores reflect a wider range of voices than a century ago. The guest also supports partnerships with libraries and schools, noting memoir/personal writing could reduce students’ incentive to use AI because lived experience is harder to outsource. They highlight Okoboji’s distinctive strength as its intimacy and community—relationships that lead to opportunities—and advise memoir beginners to focus on a shaped experience (not a full life story), brainstorm scenes and persistent “itches,” and “write to the questions, not the answers.”Finally, Grant outlines two projects: The Art of Brevity (a craft/meditation book with exercises on writing shorter) and a reality TV concept, America’s Next Great Author—pitch events feeding into a writers’ house where contestants draft a novel with challenges, culminating in a publishing contract—now connected to Canopy (the library streaming service) while they continue to pursue sponsorship/funding.Grant Faulkner will hold book signings tonight and tomorrowGrant Faulkner will be doing two events for his new book, SOMETHING OUT THERE IN THE DISTANCE, which is a book of linked stories to his friend Gail Butensky’s fabulous road-trippy photos of the Southwest. Here’s the info for Beaverdale Books—this Friday, 6:30 p.m., with our own Kali White VanBaale as interviewer: https://beaverdalebooks.com/.../meet-the-author-grant...And then he’ll be in Oskaloosa at the Book Vault on Saturday: https://bookvault.indielite.org/.../oskaloosa-author...Okoboji Four things to know about the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat—and the Okoboji Mastery CircleFour things to know about the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat—and the Okoboji Mastery Circle1. It’s not too late to join the Okoboji Mastery Circle.Our February instructor is the legendary filmmaker Peter Hedges, who wowed participants during his sessions last fall. Peter is an extraordinary teacher because his career spans the full, messy, exhilarating arc of modern storytelling—from page to screen—and he has lived every part of it.Hedges is the novelist behind What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and the writer/director of films including Ben Is Back, About a Boy, Pieces of April, Dan in Real Life, and The Odd Life of Timothy Green—intimate, character-driven stories that balance humor, grief, and grace. Because he has navigated Hollywood expectations while protecting emotional truth, he teaches with rare practical authority: how to shape story under pressure, collaborate without losing your voice, and revise without losing heart. Just as important, he teaches with empathy. Students don’t just learn craft from Peter—they learn how to sustain a creative life.2. A new way to grow your audience and stay connected.Have you attended the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat—or participated in the Mastery Circle? Have you started a Substack column and want to grow your readership?We’re launching a new collaborative publishing effort within our community, managed by Teresa Albertson, a former Des Moines Register reporter, longtime OWSR attendee and volunteer, and Story Summit participant. To be included, simply send us your name, column title, and web address. Teresa will nudge contributors twice a month to submit work for inclusion.Teresa is volunteering her expertise for the first six months. If, after that point, you find the collaboration valuable in keeping you focused and growing your audience, we’ll ask that you become a paid subscriber to support the effort.3. The 2026 retreat is filling earlier than ever.As of January 23, the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat is already halfway full—earlier than we’ve ever reached this milestone. Registrations include both first-time attendees and returning alumni, which tells us something important: people come, and they come back.4. Scholarships are core to who we are.We will always reserve roughly one-third of retreat spots for full and partial scholarships. This commitment enriches the experience for everyone. If you—or someone you know—would benefit from attending, please spread the word. We want this community to reflect a wide range of voices, experiences, and perspectives.To enroll in both the Okoboji Mastery Circle and the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat: 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

New subscribers—welcome!I regularly host a Monday Zoom conversation where readers can engage directly with decision-makers and other fascinating people who share a deep interest in Iowa. I encourage you to explore the archives, where you’ll find podcasts with U.S. Senate candidates, authors, coaches, and a wide mix of smart, fun, and thoughtful guests. There’s nothing else quite like it in Iowa—it’s a bit like coming over to my house for a potluck, or tuning into live talk radio with a roomful of sharp, curious callers. Not a subscriber? Become one so you can receive the Zoom link. This is a conversation we had via Zoom with Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Susan Christensen, opening with her “plain-spoken” style and the theme of her recent State of the Judiciary Address: leadership as action, not a title. Christensen explained she chooses a one-word theme each year to stay focused, and shared a formative early moment as chief during COVID when colleagues criticized her draft speech; she kept her voice anyway, later hearing the compliment that she “humanized” the court—after which she stopped circulating speeches in advance (beyond legal counsel and communications fact-checking).Christensen said the leadership theme grew out of a difficult year that required internal decisions—such as class-and-comp changes and magistrate modernization—that angered some within the judicial branch. To shape her thinking, she spoke at length with living former governors (including Branstad, Vilsack, and Culver) and legislative leaders from both parties, describing those conversations as humbling and surprising—especially how active former governors are in their “afterlife” (post-office). She also shared a personal story about finally letting go of old disappointment after confronting a former governor about not appointing her years earlier—only to learn he didn’t even remember it.A major portion of the discussion focused on judicial workforce pay and staffing. Christensen argued Iowa’s judges have lost significant purchasing power after many years with no raises, hurting recruitment and leaving some districts with dangerously few applicants for openings. She emphasized that even modest, consistent cost-of-living adjustments compound over time, and described how recent pay/comp changes for staff dramatically increased applicant pools (from single digits to dozens—sometimes over 100 applicants for one position). She acknowledged the tension between tax cuts and funding public services, saying she can’t predict how lawmakers will respond.Christensen also described a crisis in indigent defense, saying Iowa’s contract pay rates lag neighboring states, making it hard to recruit and retain experienced lawyers—especially in border areas where attorneys can work in places like Omaha or Illinois for more money. She stressed these attorneys are highly skilled and essential to constitutional obligations, and cited an example of a case dismissed in Davenport after a qualified defendant waited months without appointed counsel, warning more dismissals could follow without legislative action.When asked about ICE/immigration and due process, and later about rhetoric around “activist judges,” Christensen largely declined to comment, explaining that public statements could force recusal if related cases reach the Iowa Supreme Court. She repeatedly framed her role as sticking to the constitution, statutes, and the record, and avoiding positions that could compromise impartiality.She did expand at length on why she addressed addiction, substance misuse, and mental health in the judiciary: the work is emotionally heavy, and stress contributes to unhealthy coping. She said drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues show up in the overwhelming majority of cases, and she wanted lawyers and judges to hear: “you’re not alone” and help is available. Relatedly, she described how oversight of attorney discipline is central to protecting the profession’s integrity—arguing that if the courts don’t enforce strong guardrails, the legislature may try to do it instead. She noted the court issues full opinions in discipline matters (more than many states), and said she’s especially hard on lawyers who exploit clients sexually because that abuse of power can’t be “made whole” the way stolen money sometimes can.Several participants raised institutional and civic issues. Laura Bellin provided context on her earlier reporting about Christensen becoming chief and asked about indigent-defense politics, noting House Republicans were more open to funding increases than Senate Republicans. Bellin also asked about a major HHS rewrite of juvenile justice provisions, and Christensen said the judicial branch was informed late in the process rather than involved from the ground up—something she found deeply frustrating. Christensen shared an example of how her speeches can spur action: after she flagged a particularly disturbing youth-system concern, she pressed HHS leadership to address it before she named it publicly.Christensen’s most emotional example came from the Youth Justice Council’s “talking wall,” where 500 youth in shelters and detention answered: “What is one thing you need that you’ve been quietly hoping someone would notice?” The top response was “a hug.” Christensen used this to argue that beyond statutes and budgets, the system can miss basic human needs.Other questions touched on judicial retention elections and the nominating commission. Christensen defended Iowa’s judicial nominating commission as essential to maintaining quality and independence, arguing retention elections shouldn’t be weaponized over a single unpopular decision but should evaluate a judge’s overall performance and temperament. She warned about ongoing efforts to remove judges from commissions, calling it punitive and inconsistent with how other regulated professions keep practitioners “at the table.”The conversation closed with discussion of outreach and “how the judiciary lobbies.” Christensen credited the court’s governmental affairs staff—especially Caitlin Jarzan—and said she’s willing to speak around the state when possible (ideally with staff beside her). Her final takeaway: the dialogue was refreshing, but she spoke with constant awareness that she was being recorded and could be quoted—so she “tiptoed” around topics that might later require recusal.Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatIt’s not too late to register for the online class series called the Okoboji Mastery Circle. Legendary filmmaker and author Peter Hedges will be your instructor. Get both the online series AND enrollment in the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Reteat (we will have five literary agents this year). Read moreIowa Down Ballot, a feature of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Returns!Your help with production costs is important.Did you catch Sunday’s Roundup from the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative? 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

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

New subscribers: Every Monday, you’re invited to join a live Zoom podcast conversation with a person of interest. Next week, we’ll turn our attention to Greenland. The following week—January 26—Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute, will join us for a timely conversation about the future of journalism.This podcast features a wide-ranging, call-in discussion with Iowa political journalist Laura Belin about the coming Iowa legislative session and the larger forces shaping state politics. Laura frames the session as “interesting” but constrained: Governor Kim Reynolds enters as a lame duck, leadership has shifted in both chambers, and new committee chairs could change what bills advance—especially on major issues like property-tax reform. With big Republican majorities and a tense House–Senate dynamic, Laura and several participants describe a Legislature that feels increasingly dysfunctional, less transparent, and less open to minority-party amendments than in past decades.As the conversation opens up to the group, participants explore what lopsided power can mean for democracy, the decline of statehouse journalism, and how citizens can stay informed—often by subscribing to watchdog outlets and advocacy-group newsletters. The group also digs into the state’s fiscal outlook: Laura argues Iowa is heading into sustained deficit spending due to deep tax cuts, rising voucher costs, and shrinking federal support, and she warns proposed constitutional amendments could lock in a flat tax and make future revenue fixes harder. Later, discussion ranges to water quality, high cancer rates, and the defunding of water monitoring, along with concerns about avian flu, public health skepticism, and how environmental and agricultural policy is shaped more by the federal farm bill than by the state. The call ends with Laura inviting guest columns at Bleeding Heartland and Julie previewing expanded legislative coverage through the Iowa Down Ballot podcast and Laura’s KHOI “Capitol Week,” alongside a push to support local journalism.Please consider subscribing to members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Find their work: (00:00:02) Julie: I’m so glad to have everybody on board with Laura Bellin,(00:00:09) who is an amazing analyst of all things Iowa politics—and certainly the Iowa(00:00:16) Legislature.(00:00:18) Laura portrays a Legislature increasingly shaped by national politics,(00:00:26) executive power, and campaign strategy,(00:00:29) often at the expense of transparency,(00:00:33) deliberation, and everyday Iowans’ needs.(00:00:36) Her reporting consistently shows lawmakers governing with one eye on 2026 and the(00:00:43) other on Donald Trump.(00:00:45) We’re going to talk to her primarily about the Iowa Legislature, but as those of you(00:00:50) who are familiar with this podcast format know, any question is fair game for Laura—(00:00:56) and I’ve seen her answer it all. So, Laura, what is your take on the Iowa Legislature(00:01:04) coming up? What do you think are the surprises? How is it going(00:01:08) to be different from the last session?(00:01:10) Laura: Well, I think it’s shaping up to be kind of an interesting year.(00:01:13) One thing that’s different is that Governor Kim Reynolds is a lame duck right(00:01:17) now going into the session.(00:01:19) So I do think she’ll have less leverage over the Republican lawmakers than(00:01:23) she’s had in the past.(00:01:25) We’ve also had some pretty significant leadership changes on both sides.(00:01:29) On the Senate side,(00:01:31) Jack Whitver,(00:01:32) who was the longtime majority leader—(00:01:33) he’d been the majority leader since 2018—(00:01:36) stepped down.(00:01:37) So now there’s a new majority leader, Mike Klimesh.(00:01:40) And that led to a little bit of a reshuffle on some of the significant committees(00:01:44) over on the Senate side.(00:01:47) I don’t anticipate huge changes in how Mike Klimesh runs things, but you never know.(00:01:52) There could be some slight differences.(00:01:55) On the House side,(00:01:56) the number-two guy in the House—this is confusing because in the Senate,(00:02:00) the majority leader is the top person.(00:02:02) But in the House, the speaker is the top person and the majority leader is the second person.(00:02:06) So on the House side,(00:02:08) the longtime majority leader,(00:02:09) Matt Windschitl,(00:02:10) stepped down from that role because he’s running for Congress in the Fourth(00:02:13) District.(00:02:14) And that meant Bobby Kaufmann moved up to be House Majority Leader.(00:02:18) And at least a half dozen—(00:02:20) I think more than a half dozen—House committees now have new leadership because(00:02:24) of that,(00:02:24) the knock-on effects from that.(00:02:26) Plus also, Shannon Lundgren, who is running for Congress in the Northeast Iowa district,(00:02:32) has left the position of House Commerce Committee chair.(00:02:35) So, in any case, when committee chairs have a lot of discretion over(00:02:41) what bills get through their committee,(00:02:43) it can be rather important who’s in charge of some of these key committees.(00:02:48) So that’s one thing I’ll be watching.(00:02:49) Generally speaking,(00:02:52) in an election year,(00:02:53) the Legislature likes to adjourn a little bit earlier,(00:02:56) because they like to get home and start campaigning.(00:02:59) I think that’s going to be especially true this year because some Republican(00:03:03) legislators will have primary challengers.(00:03:06) The scheduled adjournment date is April 21.(00:03:11) We see they usually do go into overtime.(00:03:14) And I think the one issue that could push them into longer overtime this year(00:03:19) would be property taxes,(00:03:20) because that is going to be very complicated.(00:03:23) It’s something Republicans have been promising to do for years.(00:03:26) I don’t think they can afford to go home empty-handed.(00:03:29) And yet it’s a really difficult thing to solve.(00:03:32) There’s not a lot of money in the state budget to help cushion the blow for local government.(00:03:36) So I’m not sure.(00:03:37) But there are these cross-cutting pressures: getting to an agreement on property taxes(00:03:41) might be quite difficult,(00:03:43) but then legislators really are going to want to get back in their districts and campaign.(00:03:48) And one thing many people aren’t aware of is that while the Legislature is in session,(00:03:51) the campaign committees of state lawmakers(00:03:55) can’t accept any contributions from PACs.(00:03:59) And that’s very significant for a lot of legislators—(00:04:03) except for the very top leadership.(00:04:05) In many cases, the majority of what they raise comes from PACs.(00:04:10) So if they can’t accept PAC donations until after the Legislature adjourns,(00:04:15) and the primary date is coming up in early June,(00:04:19) I think a lot of people are really anxious to get back home and start campaigning.(00:04:24) And I’ll be very interested in following some of the primaries on both sides—(00:04:28) Democratic and Republican—(00:04:30) but I think the Republican primaries are going to be especially interesting this year.(00:04:36) Julie: So if you could pick three words to describe this upcoming Legislature—or(00:04:43) legislative session—what three words come to mind?(00:04:49) Laura: Well, I think the Legislature generally is fairly dysfunctional.(00:04:52) And I say that even though there is a trifecta: the relationships between the House and Senate Republicans(00:04:56) are not good.(00:05:00) They haven’t been good for a while.(00:05:01) I’m curious to see whether that improves a little bit with the new leadership on the Senate side.(00:05:06) But they had a big mess near the end of the last session in the Iowa Senate—(00:05:13) a wild debate on eminent domain that leadership didn’t want.(00:05:18) Nobody I talked to had ever seen anything like it: a group of rebels forced leadership to bring a bill to the floor(00:05:22) that they didn’t want,(00:05:26) and then passed a bill leadership didn’t want.(00:05:31) So there are still a lot of messes to clean up there.(00:05:34) Governor Reynolds ended up vetoing that bill anyway.(00:05:36) So I think the relationships are a little dysfunctional.(00:05:40) I do think there is, generally speaking, a lack of transparency.(00:05:49) It can be difficult for ordinary people to follow what’s going on.(00:05:56) Subcommittee and committee meetings for the most part are not archived.(00:06:01) If you don’t watch live, you’ve kind of missed it—you can’t go back and get it later.(00:06:07) So that’s another thing.(00:06:09) You said three words, though—now you’re putting me on the spot.(00:06:13) I think “lopsided” would be another word.(00:06:16) The Republican majorities right now are very, very large.(00:06:20) The Republican majority in the Iowa House is 67–33,(00:06:24) which I think is the largest it’s ever been since the late ’60s, basically—(00:06:29) since we had a malapportioned Legislature.(00:06:33) And in the Senate, Democrats did break the supermajority last year through special elections,(00:06:38) but it’s still a 33–17 Republican majority—very large.(00:06:43) Most of our lifetimes, the Senate hasn’t been that lopsided.(00:06:48) Democrats don’t have much ability to get a lot of things done.(00:06:54) The lopsided nature means there’s not as much dealmaking as there would be if, say, the Senate were 26–24.(00:07:01) Julie: Right. So we have a lot of smart people on this call—many who have served in the Legislature and other capacities in state government.(00:07:06) I’m going to go to them fairly soon. Those of you who may have a question, please unmute your mic and get ready to roll.(00:07:13) Chuck, I’ll invite you to lead the parade, if you would be so kind.(00:07:24) Chuck: Okay.(00:07:32) Julie: Chuck, your mic is off, but somebody else’s is on.(00:07:37) Chuck—looks like you’re still muted.(00:07:40) Chuck, you’re still muted. So I’m going to go to John Schmidt.(00:07:43) Do you have a question or a comment for Laura? And then I’m going to go to the members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative.(00:07:51) John Schmidt: Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’m sure others have better questions.(00:07:55) Julie: Okay. All right. Barry Pyatt, do you have a question?(00:07:58) Barry Pyatt writes the “Behind the Curtain” column for the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative about national politics in the Iowa delegation. Barry?(00:08:08) Barry: Well, not so much a question, but an observation. I spent some time working for members of Congress and Senate from North Dakota.(00:08:19) If you want to take a look at the future of Iowa with a lopsided Legislature like this and lopsided state politics, look to North Dakota.(00:08:28) They have practically systematically dismantled most of the machinery of democracy.(00:08:40) I know that’s kind of a strong statement. But for example: if a legislator dies in office, they changed it so that the Republican committee chooses their successor.(00:08:51) Julie: Oh, wow.(00:08:52) Barry: Now—how democratic is that?(00:08:55) And the other observation I would make, and Laura, tell me if I’m right in terms of my recollection of history here,(00:09:07) we’ve had lopsided Legislatures in Iowa before.(00:09:10) You mentioned that the Democrats had a majority at one time.(00:09:15) What I remember from those days is we did things like create community colleges. We did really good things for the state with those majorities.(00:09:28) And I don’t see any of that happening with the Republicans. They’re on the MAGA warpath, as far as I can tell.(00:09:37) And I wasn’t following it in the 1970s, but from what I’ve learned: there have been Republican trifectas, but the Legislature didn’t just do everything the governor wanted.(00:09:47) Bob Ray—he didn’t impose it. When they developed the collective bargaining bill, they had a Republican trifecta, but he didn’t try to ram through the most disadvantageous system they could scrape together a majority vote for.(00:10:10) They pulled together stakeholders to try to get a reasonable compromise.(00:10:14) People who were in the Legislature in the ’90s can speak to this better than I can.(00:10:18) But in 2018, I interviewed Ron Corbett, who was Republican House speaker during the 1990s.(00:10:26) He briefly ran for governor and then crashed out and didn’t qualify for the ballot in 2018.(00:10:33) He was talking about how, when they did a tax cut, he saw it as a benefit if they could make compromises, get Democrats on board, and get 65 or 70 votes in the Iowa House for the tax bill.(00:10:50) He viewed that as better than going the Newt Gingrich approach—or Kim Reynolds approach—of: what’s the most extreme thing I can get 51 people in the Iowa House to vote for?(00:11:04) I’ve been told by many people in both chambers that they used to be much more open to amendments from the opposition party.(00:11:09) There used to be much more real discussion in committees and floor debate rather than everything being a foregone conclusion the way it is now.(00:11:23) You basically almost never see the minority party get an amendment added to a bill now, which I’ve been told was not the case for many decades.(00:11:35) Julie: Okay. I’m going to go to Chuck, and then I’m going to go to Ralph Rosenberg.(00:11:38) But I’m going to insert something here: something I’m extremely excited about and proud of is that Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members Dave Price and Laura Belin will be joining Kathy Obradovich of Iowa Capitol Dispatch in a podcast to cover what’s going on in the legislative session.(00:11:58) And if we get enough paid subscribers, we’ll continue through the fall 2026 election cycle.(00:12:05) This one requires some production costs, so if you want to help out with that, please do. That’s the end of my commercial.(00:12:13) Now, Chuck Offenburger.(00:12:14) Chuck: Hello. Thanks, Julie. Hi, Laura and everybody else. Thanks for tuning in today.(00:12:21) Julie, your point about that podcast coming up—I’m excited to think about that because it deals with the question I was just going to ask.(00:12:30) Thank goodness for Laura Bellin and her interest in the Legislature and Iowa politics, because my question is:(00:12:42) how many fewer people are covering the Legislature and state government?(00:12:49) I think this may even be worse in covering the agencies of state government than in the Legislature itself.(00:12:58) What is the reduced amount of coverage that citizens of Iowa are getting about state government now compared to when you first started into this?(00:13:12) Laura: Well, I know it’s less. In the ’80s, I think the Register some days used to have four or five people down there.(00:13:19) Sometimes two covering the House and two covering the Senate.(00:13:24) They still have most days—Des Moines Register usually has a couple of people there.(00:13:30) The Cedar Rapids Gazette usually has a couple of people there. I’m kind of holding my breath under new ownership to see whether the Gazette cuts back. I’m a little nervous about that.(00:13:41) Lee Newspapers has a statehouse person there, and Iowa Capitol Dispatch—if we didn’t have Iowa Capitol Dispatch, there would be almost no coverage of some state agencies right now. That’s been quite depleted.(00:13:56) The Associated Press always has one statehouse reporter, and they used to pick up a second person during session—hire a temporary for four or five months—and they stopped doing that in 2019.(00:14:09) In late 2018, I heard three things: William Petroski was retiring from the Des Moines Register; Joyce Russell was retiring from Iowa Public Radio; and AP wasn’t going to hire a second person for session.(00:14:28) That influenced my decision to apply for credentials myself. I’d always thought I’d do that someday when my kids were older.(00:14:37) But I realized there were going to be fewer people—this was before Iowa Capitol Dispatch started—and I thought: I’m going to have to spend a lot more time down at the statehouse. And if I’m going to be down there, I might as well have a place to work.(00:14:55) Little did I know that I would embark on this five-year adventure of fighting for credentials, which I wasn’t expecting.(00:14:58) In any case, the press corps down there is pretty depleted.(00:15:02) Iowa Public Radio still has someone. Kay Henderson is still there for Radio Iowa.(00:15:07) Some days IPR has a couple of people there, depending on what’s going on in the subcommittees.(00:15:13) But I’m often having to make trades with other reporters when different subcommittees happen at the same time—(00:15:21) I’ll say: I’ll share my audio from this one if you can share what happened at that one.(00:15:28) That’s one of the issues I have with subcommittee meetings not being recorded and archived. It’s very frustrating.(00:15:34) In Minnesota, you could just go online and watch the recording later of any subcommittee you wanted.(00:15:43) And I’m excited—Dave and Kathy and I really enjoy doing the Iowa Down Ballot podcast.(00:15:48) Even though we cover some of the same issues related to the Legislature and elections, it’s more freewheeling, and we dig into fewer topics compared to my radio show for KHOI Radio, which is 30 minutes and we try to pack in as much as we can.(00:16:17) Julie: Thank you. Yes, thank you. And let me say: Iowa is the only state providing this kind of coverage through Substack. I’m so proud of that.(00:16:25) Ralph Rosenberg, you’re—oh, thank you.(00:16:28) Ralph: Thank you very much, and good afternoon.(00:16:31) When I started, and through the ’80s, Iowa Public Radio would cover live debate on both the House and Senate side. They’d be there every day.(00:16:41) Media would fill the benches—behind the Legislature.(00:16:58) So Chuck’s right: what Laura does and what Capitol Dispatch does is of expanded importance.(00:17:07) Social media—for its importance—and podcasts and Substacks don’t meet those needs.(00:17:14) What I end up telling people to do is subscribe to individual advocacy groups. My former Iowa Environmental Council puts out weekly newsletters keeping people up to speed because they’re not going to get that anymore from the Register.(00:17:31) I was first elected with Bob Ray as governor, and I was in the minority. Not only did they take my amendments, I floor-managed bills when I was in the minority.(00:17:41) Laura: Yeah, that’s wild. I’ve heard of that happening.(00:17:45) Ralph: It’s important to keep that in mind, to help figure out going forward what we can do.(00:17:51) I served in the ’80s and ’90s; later I lobbied on civil rights and environment. We would get a lot more bipartisan—(00:18:07) and I’m still trying to figure out why we didn’t get bipartisan.(00:18:09) Governor Branstad signed progressive legislation in the ’80s because I was the floor manager on LGBT issues and environmental issues. He could have vetoed all that, and we wouldn’t have had the numbers to overturn vetoes.(00:18:29) Something has changed in the last 20 years.(00:18:41) For a number of years now, Republicans say: we’re not going to take any Democratic amendment.(00:18:46) And the chill is that some legislators tell me they don’t even want to bother filing amendments or bills to educate the public because they aren’t going anywhere.(00:19:06) My looking forward is: existing legislators could do a lot more by filing amendments or issuing statements to educate the public and advocate. For example, on SNAP—debating putting more money into SNAP. Amendments can fail, but they educate.(00:19:20) So I’m curious what Laura thinks: can’t legislators at least help educate and advocate?(00:19:28) Laura: Yeah, I agree with that.(00:19:29) I’ve seen a trend the last few years of the opposition party offering fewer and fewer amendments. It’s unfortunate. I enjoy those debates when I’m covering them, and it’s helpful to have Democratic amendments there.(00:19:42) Sometimes they’re ruled not germane, so you don’t get an up-or-down vote. But a lot of times you do.(00:19:50) Late last spring, because Jennifer Konfrst is running for Congress, she stepped down as Iowa House minority leader.(00:19:57) I got the strong impression from Brian Meyer—at his first press conference after he was elected—that House Democrats will be offering more amendments this year than we’ve seen for the past few years.(00:20:10) I don’t know about the Senate side, but I’ve wondered why we don’t see more opposition amendments.(00:20:19) One thing I hear consistently from people who served in the ’80s and ’90s—and maybe less so the 2000s—is there’s much less socializing, fewer friendships across party lines.(00:20:32) There used to be a regular Wednesday lunchtime meeting for women of the Iowa House and Senate for many years. It seems to have stopped sometime around 2000 or the early 2000s.(00:20:50) You just don’t have the relationships. I’m not saying there aren’t Democrats and Republicans who are friendly, but it’s definitely not like it was back in the day—more cordial, more willing to listen and negotiate.(00:21:13) And I need to write something—interview a few people who were able to floor-manage bills as members of the minority.(00:21:23) Herman Quirmbach told me that Amy Sinclair, now Iowa Senate president, floor-managed a bill as a member of the minority when Democrats had the majority in the early 2010s—an education-related bill. But I don’t know; she probably wouldn’t agree to talk to me about it.(00:21:42) Julie: I want to insert: I don’t want anybody not to subscribe to the Des Moines Register. We need to support them. They are doing the best they can with corporate ownership.(00:21:54) A couple of comments: Mary McCarthy says the Gazette and Lee Enterprises do have journalists focused on the Legislature. The Gazette has a podcast every week—she just got an email about it.(00:22:08) Courtney Crowder: I subscribe to the Cedar Rapids Gazette and the Des Moines Register; I encourage people to do that.(00:22:15) Me too. Courtney says the Register has three reporters assigned to the Legislature during session, and two full-time all year round.(00:22:24) Susan Beckman says: can we blame the Heritage Foundation?(00:22:29) Lowell Norland is on the call—former legislator. He says he handled the last property tax bill in 1977: “We worked hard to have a bipartisan bill that passed the House 80–20. The Senate was 26 votes—lots of Republican votes. And Governor Ray made calls to Republican members asking them to vote for the bill.”(00:23:02) Now it’s hard sometimes to get directors of state divisions to return phone calls—to the press or the public.(00:23:14) Laura: Susan Beckman asks: can we blame the Heritage Foundation and Koch for writing legislation for all Republican states?(00:23:23) I have a little contrarian opinion on this. It’s true there are model bills—from ALEC or Americans for Prosperity, and other states.(00:23:34) However, I think some people on the left overhype this. I see pernicious legislation that comes from the Iowa Farm Bureau, the Iowa Association of Business and Industry—homegrown.(00:23:53) The governor’s Area Education Agencies thing—no national group pushing that.(00:23:57) So we have a lot of very bad homegrown ideas.(00:24:02) It is true that some things—like school vouchers—have a national infrastructure pushing certain bills. Destroying collective bargaining: yes, that was modeled across Republican-controlled states.(00:24:15) The pesticide immunity bill is another where Bayer/Monsanto has pushed versions across the country.(00:24:29) So I don’t want to discount national groups. But I also don’t think all model bills are bad. The ACLU might have good model legislation enacted in Massachusetts or Minnesota.(00:24:39) So just because something is a model bill doesn’t mean it’s automatically bad.(00:24:43) And there are local groups too—the Family Leader generates some pretty bad legislative ideas.(00:24:55) Americans for Prosperity is definitely a powerful lobby group that I don’t often agree with up there. But I don’t think most bad legislation is just coming from national groups.(00:25:08) Julie: Democrats have overperformed in some special elections. Do you think that’ll have any impact on this session?(00:25:16) Laura: In the Iowa Senate, Democrats now have the numbers to vote down some of the governor’s appointees. I expect them to use that power sparingly—based on years I covered the Legislature when there was no supermajority. Usually only a handful of nominees go down.(00:25:37) But if Democrats had had 17 seats the last couple years, several people wouldn’t have been confirmed to the Board of Regents.(00:25:46) Makenzie Snow, who is totally unqualified, would not have been confirmed as director of the Department of Education.(00:25:57) So there could be edge cases where Democrats block some of that.(00:26:00) It’s hard to know how much to assign special-election results compared to next November.(00:26:09) The latest special election in the western suburbs of Des Moines—a Democratic hold—could be important because it showed Polk County Democrats have a well-organized turnout machine. If I were Zach Nunn, I’d be extremely worried.(00:26:27) The other Senate seats Democrats flipped—Sioux City and Clinton County—will be on the ballot in November. I don’t know who the Republican candidates will be. Those could be difficult holds, but we’ll see. I think they’ll both be competitive seats.(00:26:47) Julie: Okay. We have almost 50 folks on the call. If you have a comment or question, I’d love to engage you.(00:27:03) I see another question: Diane Pritchard wants to know where Republican friends are getting their news regarding legislation. What is their version of Iowa Capitol Dispatch?(00:27:12) Laura: There really isn’t one. The main conservative website that covers the Legislature is Jacob Hall’s The Iowa Standard.(00:27:20) His coverage can sometimes be useful because he records and videotapes some subcommittees, so you can see them on his Facebook page.(00:27:31) But he’s not doing rigorous reporting. He’s a very strong MAGA social-conservative voice. You’re not getting balanced coverage.(00:27:44) I have a point of view, but I’m scrupulous about accuracy and presenting the other side’s arguments—which I don’t see on The Iowa Standard a lot of times.(00:28:00) And I want to second what Ralph said earlier: if there’s a set of issues you care about, sign up for newsletters—Iowa Environmental Council, Iowa Safe Schools, One Iowa, Iowa Library Association, whatever it is—because some groups have action alerts.(00:28:22) Sometimes a bill pops up with very little time to react: it appears on the website and the subcommittee is the next day.(00:28:29) So to find out when things come up and when you can weigh in, it’s important to sign up.(00:28:44) Julie: Laura, what newsletters do you sign up for personally?(00:28:48) Laura: For the Legislature, I pretty much read everything: the Register, Gazette, Lee newspapers, Iowa Public Radio, Radio Iowa, Iowa Capitol Dispatch.(00:29:03) I’m always looking for angles to cover things differently, because it’s not a good use of my time—or my readers’—to repeat what everyone else has.(00:29:16) For the radio show, I’m often looking for an obscure bill people didn’t notice, or a subcommittee others didn’t attend.(00:29:25) I do listen to the On Iowa Politics podcast as well. I’m not really the target audience because I’m immersed in everything, but it can be useful.(00:29:42) And frankly, I even listen to the Family Leader podcast. I don’t agree with them on almost anything, but sometimes they have a heads-up when something is going to be debated soon.(00:30:03) Julie: Who are some of the most respected interest groups that follow what’s going on in the Legislature?(00:30:09) Laura: Respected by whom—by legislators?(00:30:14) I think a lot of groups are subject-area experts. Iowa Environmental Council, Environmental Law and Policy Center—if I don’t understand something in a bill, I can trust their explanations.(00:30:28) ACLU of Iowa—if I don’t have a clear understanding of what a bill would do, their lobbyists can often explain it.(00:30:40) Lobbyists represent interests, but some—like Iowa Association for Justice or Iowa State Bar Association—can explain technical justice-system-related bills.(00:31:04) I even like the League of Cities or Iowa Association of Counties. I often don’t agree with their positions, but their analysis of what’s in a bill is usually on target.(00:31:21) I’ll definitely be asking them about whatever property tax thing comes up, because their staff will be more on top of the details than a lot of legislators.(00:31:33) One thing I’ve learned: a lot of legislators don’t have a firm grasp on what’s in a lot of the bills. They’re going by what someone told them in caucus, which may or may not be accurate.(00:31:52) Julie: What’s the impact of the school voucher program now? Are people waking up to what it’s meaning for public schools around the state? Or is that next year?(00:32:07) Laura: It’s hard to say what people feel because we don’t have much public polling about anything with Ann Selzer no longer doing polls for the Des Moines Register.(00:32:18) We really haven’t had public polls: approval ratings, what Iowans think about the abortion ban, what they think about school vouchers—I have no idea. I don’t think we have data.(00:32:38) I think more school districts will be hurt every year. Private schools are expanding; new ones are popping up. So it’s going to be a continuing huge problem. But I don’t have data on whether people are more upset or not.(00:33:01) Julie: Susan Beckman, what do you think? Are people more upset in Burlington?(00:33:08) Susan Beckman: The groups I’m directly connected with—absolutely. Our blue women’s group and our League of Women Voters.(00:33:18) I think the Iowa League of Women Voters—one of their topics of concern is the voucher program. They have an email list as well.(00:33:34) The restriction is that we’re bipartisan, so it can’t be partisan, but you can defend public education as a reason our state once led the country.(00:33:55) I’m not in touch with people who are staunchly right wing.(00:34:03) And on the other hand, the people elected from Southeast Iowa are very poor quality. It looks like they were recruited and groomed, told what to say, follow the line—no independent thinking, and no response to people in their districts.(00:34:35) Laura: A lot of younger Republican legislators were political staffers. Taylor Collins worked on staff in the governor’s office. Austin Harris was a campaign staffer for Mariannette Miller-Meeks, then worked on her congressional staff. Blaine Watkins—elected in a special election from Lee County—was a clerk. Many clerked for legislators.(00:34:58) They like bringing in people steeped in the system who won’t challenge anybody.(00:35:07) You rarely see younger Republicans voting against something. If there are independent-minded Republicans, they tend to be Gen X or older, in my experience.(00:35:24) Susan Beckman: They’re not invested in our communities. They’ve been brainwashed. They don’t have experience with the effects of the legislation on communities. And they don’t want to talk about that. We’ve done repeated outreach and they don’t find it worth their time.(00:36:05) Julie: Okay. Martha Wolf, let’s bring you up.(00:36:08) Martha: A couple of comments. With Blaine Watkins, our former mayor in Fort Madison is running as a Democrat, and I think he’ll run a strong campaign—board of supervisors, mayor recently.(00:36:29) Did he announce?(00:36:31) Susan Beckman: Yes.(00:36:33) Laura: Oh, I need to add that.(00:36:40) Martha: The other thing is the money kind of fell apart last year for Republicans—having to use rainy-day funds. Do you see the same? That would impact property tax reform. They’re in dire straits.(00:37:01) Laura: We’re going to be spending this current budget year more than a billion dollars more than expected state revenue. They haven’t finalized the budget for next year, but we’re going to be in deficit spending for several years. There’s no way revenue will match what they want to spend.(00:37:21) They’re pulling money from the accumulated surplus and what they call the Taxpayer Relief Fund.(00:37:28) My guest author John Muller—former Legislative Services Agency staff and a revenue estimator—wrote an outstanding piece explaining why: the surplus came from huge federal pandemic funding, and instead of using it intelligently, Republicans stockpiled it and then cut income and corporate taxes too deeply.(00:37:57) We’re going to eat into surplus and reserve funds, but it hits a wall probably by 2028 or 2029.(00:38:06) I think very few Republican legislators have any clue this is going to happen—at least publicly.(00:38:15) They say revenue is projected to rise again in 2027. I don’t believe it. But even if it did, we’re way down, way in the hole. We could have a recession.(00:38:28) Federal funding for SNAP and Medicaid will likely be on a downward slide because of the budget reconciliation bill they just passed. That’s a hole the state will need to fill.(00:38:42) On property tax reform: one floated idea last year was the state providing $400 million to school districts to make up for lost property tax authority. We just don’t have that money—partly because they cut taxes too much, accelerated the flat tax, and now we’re spending $350 million a year on school vouchers, escalating every year.(00:39:28) There’s also a conspiracy theory that the weak Republican field for governor is because they expect the budget to crash and want to blame it on Rob Sand. I don’t think that’s what’s happening. But if he did win, he’d have to contend with a collapsing budget and Republicans would try to pin it on him.(00:39:53) Martha: Mike Owen always said they do a tax cut, but never wait a couple years to see how it impacts the budget.(00:40:02) Laura: Correct. It was clear even when they did the tax cuts they were too deep. Going to a flat tax—partly the governor wanted Iowa to be at a certain ranking.(00:40:26) They’re trying to lock in tax rates. Two constitutional amendments likely on the ballot this November would make it much harder to dig out: one would require a supermajority to raise income or corporate taxes; the other would put a flat income tax in the Constitution.(00:40:52) That means you could never go back to a progressive system. And because you’d never get a supermajority to raise income taxes, they’d raise sales and use taxes more and more—the most regressive taxes there are.(00:41:05) The fiscal mismanagement is huge. John Muller’s piece—highly recommended. It has graphs that bring it into relief.(00:41:13) Maybe I’ll send it to you, Julie, and you can put it in the show notes.(00:41:29) And Ed Tibbetts had a good column last week—read Ed Tibbetts if you’re not already.(00:41:41) Julie: Along the Mississippi—essential reading for me.(00:41:47) Anybody else? Carl Schilling? Lowell Norland—can you get your mic on?(00:42:12) Carl—your mic’s off too.(00:42:20) While you get your mic on, I’m going to ask Laura a question about Randy Feenstra—and the rest of the group. Is he out in the state campaigning? Have you seen him?(00:42:35) Have you seen Randy Feenstra? Where’s the “wanted” poster?(00:42:40) Laura: He’s possibly been in your area, but you probably haven’t seen him.(00:42:44) If you look at his social media, it’s absolutely hilarious. He’s doing these events and getting like 12, 15, 18, 20 people—(00:42:58) in big cities. His campaign is trying not to have a high turnout.(00:43:03) Althea Cole, the conservative columnist for the Cedar Rapids Gazette, wrote a pretty devastating column a week or two ago. She went to his event in Cedar Rapids at a Pizza Ranch—14 people, in a city of 100,000. She said she was only informed about it the day before.(00:43:25) They’re trying to hide out and hope he skates through the primary on money and name recognition.(00:43:37) Literally, the Windsor Heights and Clive Democrats get more people at their monthly meetings than Feenstra gets at these meet-and-greets on his social media.(00:43:50) Julie: John Schmidt, you’re ready to roll.(00:43:56) John Schmidt: Back to property tax. There’s been a task force working on proposed legislation that includes local government leaders.(00:44:05) Laura, are you familiar with that group and where they’re at as far as what they’re proposing when the Legislature begins?(00:44:13) Laura: No, I don’t know the details of what they’re proposing.(00:44:15) John Schmidt: I don’t either.(00:44:19) Laura: I think everyone’s kind of—one issue is there’s been a reshuffle on the House side. Bobby Kaufmann, now House Majority Leader, used to chair Ways and Means, so he was one of the main people working on property taxes last year. He’ll still have input.(00:44:38) But now there’s a brand-new House Ways and Means chair, Carter Nordman. That makes it even more difficult, because he wasn’t immersed in it last year the way Kaufmann was.(00:44:51) Julie: Laura, it seems there’s been a narrative shift to focus on water quality and high cancer rates in Iowa. Do you see that reflected at all in this upcoming session?(00:45:09) Laura: Among a lot of Iowans, it’s a growing issue. At town halls—Rob Sand, other candidates—people bring it up all the time.(00:45:22) But I don’t see Republicans talking about it. It never seems to be a top priority they name. I don’t get a sense it’s on their agenda.(00:45:36) There’s a new chair of the Iowa House Agriculture Committee because the former chair, Mike Sexton, left to take a job in the Trump administration at USDA.(00:45:47) But I don’t see urgency. There’s denial. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is like: we’re doing a lot, these projects are working. There’s a strong desire to believe it’s working.(00:46:03) I don’t see urgency. Democrats care about it, though.(00:46:10) Julie: Who else has a question or comment? Bill Stappin, I see you’re on the call.(00:46:17) Bill: I wrote a couple years ago—maybe a couple sessions ago—that the Iowa House Environmental Protection Committee almost never even meets.(00:46:24) Last year they had a meeting to try to push a conspiracy-theory bill about chemtrails out of committee. That’s kind of where we are.(00:46:41) I have a dumb question for my friends involved in agriculture: is the DNR’s position basically “let avian flu take over these flocks of geese”? Is that okay policy, or should there be something to mitigate avian flu?(00:47:02) I have no clue. But if anyone has an opinion, I’d love to hear it.(00:47:11) Julie: Bill, that’s not what I’m expecting you to talk about.(00:47:16) Bill: Actually, I was going to bring something up about that. I believe California did some sort of deal where they’re not taking Iowa poultry because—(00:47:35) I know Randy Feenstra was for mass vaccination of flocks. But the problem is: if there’s a weakened bird that also gets avian flu, the virus can get around the vaccine.(00:48:12) Then you’ve got a compromised population and the vaccine becomes worthless. Did everybody follow that?(00:48:19) Sorry—I explained that in a roundabout way. Basically the virus learns to get around the vaccine and it propagates.(00:48:34) Feenstra is for vaccination. I’m not sure about Hinson, Miller-Meeks, or Nunn, but Feenstra at least was for mass vaccination.(00:49:04) The tried-and-true thing is to let sick birds get sick so it’s easy to identify them, rather than obfuscating by vaccinating in unison. Does that make sense?(00:49:18) Laura: Well, yeah. What I don’t understand is: we have a flock of geese dying of avian flu at Maffitt Reservoir—which is a backup for the Des Moines water supply. Does that need wider attention? I don’t know.(00:49:39) And I don’t expect you to cover it, Laura.(00:49:41) Laura: I will say vaccine skepticism is on the rise. I expect to see more bills every year.(00:50:06) If we have another pandemic, we’re in so much trouble, because the majority party’s position is everybody did too much with COVID and should have done less.(00:50:19) I still wear a mask at the Capitol—terrible ventilation, people from all over the state, and I can’t afford to get sick during session. I don’t have backup.(00:50:38) Julie: You should wear a mask—flu, COVID. And Laura, help me: the name of the woman who does—(00:51:06) Laura: Sarah Anne Willette.(00:51:09) Laura: I haven’t been keeping up with her site. She doesn’t live in Iowa anymore but still tracks Iowa, I think. They don’t release as much data as they used to. I think they stopped releasing wastewater data, which was a proxy for how widespread COVID was.(00:51:27) Frankly, I can’t afford even a regular cold during session. If I’m wiped out for a week, I miss too much.(00:51:48) Julie: Barb Madden Biddle asks: what are rating agencies saying about Iowa municipal bonds? Relying on surplus funds is a red flag.(00:51:58) Laura: I think in the future we are going to see downgrades for Iowa as a state—maybe municipal as well. Great question. I don’t know what they’re saying.(00:52:14) Moody’s did an analysis: we’re among the states either already in recession or close to recession. We’re one of those states.(00:52:25) Julie: Bob Leonard, I see you joined. Comments?(00:52:48) Bob Leonard: Comment: I found a bunch of dead geese and a dead pelican below Lake Red Rock and called a DNR friend who’s a game warden. He says it’s a real problem. They’re not handling them, not processing them—at least in rural areas. They want people to stay away.(00:53:16) Bird flu has been increasing the past three years. He knows of no plans to change what they’re doing. Basically: leave them alone and tell people to stay away.(00:53:42) Julie: Liz Garst, any opinion?(00:53:46) Liz Garst: Not really, other than I think the DNR is doing a good job publicizing the safety hazards and making clear they want to be called if it’s a significant outbreak. At the very least they’re trying to monitor it.(00:54:04) Julie: I worry about two things: one, there’s a vaccine but we won’t use it because of Europeans, so we’re risking it evolving into other species.(00:54:16) And—amateur opinion—there are a lot of corn piles on the ground that geese can eat and poop on. I imagine that’s a vector, though I don’t know.(00:54:32) Ralph asks: any chance Reynolds or leaders propose a sales tax increase to pay for property tax changes and help balance the budget? That would impact IWILL—the Water and Land Legacy Trust.(00:54:52) Laura: I don’t think they’ll do that in an election year. I do think later this decade they’ll have to raise the sales tax.(00:54:57) My big concern is they’d do it while changing the funding formula so it wouldn’t fund the kind of conservation we want.(00:55:13) I was always apprehensive about a sales tax increase to fund the conservation trust because of the optics of environmental groups lobbying for a regressive tax increase. Under a Republican trifecta, I’m even more worried: if we ever get the sales tax increase, it probably won’t fund conservation as we want. It would fund big-ag greenwashing, in my opinion.(00:55:35) But I do think there will be a sales tax increase later this decade because they won’t be able to avoid it.(00:55:41) And the Constitution will probably make it almost impossible to have an income tax increase.(00:55:47) Hypothetically, with a Democratic governor, there could be negotiations about what happens in exchange for a sales tax increase. With a Republican trifecta, they’d raise the sales tax and use it for giveaways—school vouchers, etc.(00:56:15) Rob Sand wants to put back income caps on vouchers. With divided government, that might be negotiable. Now, Democrats can’t really do anything.(00:56:35) Democrats proposed a property tax plan this morning, but I’m sure whatever comes to the floor won’t be modeled on it.(00:56:47) Julie: On water: environmental groups are coalescing around restoring—and improving—water quality monitoring. Any comments or suggestions for political amateurs?(00:57:06) Laura: They defunded that. I don’t think the money will be there. That was one of the last-minute budget amendments a couple sessions ago—defunding the water quality monitoring system.(00:57:19) I don’t know where the money will come from. If there’s an alternate way besides the state budget, that might be advisable.(00:57:34) Ralph: A tax on nitrogen, for example.(00:57:40) Laura: Logical—sure. But I can’t see anything like that getting through the Legislature as currently constituted.(00:57:54) Julie: Laura, if you don’t mind staying over a little bit with Liz on the call, I want to ask Liz a question.(00:58:04) Liz has scared the bejesus out of me about soil—our vanishing topsoil. Liz, is anybody making substantive suggestions about how to address that issue? Is the Legislature bringing up anything?(00:58:24) Liz: Topsoil is governed above all by our row-crop land use—75% of our state. And that’s governed by the federal farm bill. It’s far more a federal issue than a state issue.(00:58:39) The feds have the money to influence behavior. The state really doesn’t.(00:58:53) There are all sorts of proposals around water, and I make the point that protecting soil is doing something about water.(00:59:03) Julie: Anybody listening: if you haven’t visited White Rock Conservancy and gotten a lecture and conversation with Liz Garst, I highly recommend it. Any public tours coming up?(00:59:24) Liz: No, but I’m always available for tours for people who want to talk ag policy. Especially if they’re politicians.(00:59:34) Julie: Liz, are you endorsing anybody in any of these primaries?(00:59:37) Liz: No.(00:59:39) Julie: All right. Laura, you’ve got the last word.(00:59:42) Laura: Yeah, I’m also not endorsing anybody in any of the primaries.(00:59:45) I wanted to invite people: if you have expertise or memory of how things used to work in the Legislature, my door is always open for guest commentaries and columns at Bleeding Heartland.(00:59:58) I publish hundreds of those every year and am always interested—particularly if there’s a bill you’re following, especially one that didn’t get a lot of attention in mainstream media.(01:00:13) There are hundreds and hundreds of bills—more than any of us can cover—so I welcome guest posts about those.(01:00:21) Julie: Okay, thanks. The Iowa Down Ballot podcast will now be a weekly feature.(01:00:27) You’ll be recording on Fridays, uploading Friday afternoon or Saturday morning.(01:00:32) Laura: Yeah, the new episode should drop Saturday morning.(01:00:36) And my KHOI Capitol Week: we record live on Monday evenings. People can find it starting Monday evenings on podcast platforms or smart speakers.(01:00:48) And Tuesdays, I send out the audio file and a written recap on my Substack newsletter, because I know a lot of people don’t like to listen—they’d rather read or skim.(01:00:59) Julie: Thank you everybody for participating in this wonderful discussion. Hooray.(01:01:04) Laura will also be listening to the podcast.(01:01:07) Liz, we need you to be a regular on this call. I need your voice.(01:01:11) Maybe you can write one of those guest posts for Laura about the farm bill and why it’s important. We’d love to read your thoughts.(01:01:20) Everybody take care till we meet again. This is a public episode. 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The following is a summary of our conversation with U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls.Wahls is an American politician, LGBTQ+ activist, and author who first gained national attention in 2011 at age 19 when a video of his heartfelt testimony defending his family—raised by two lesbian mothers—before the Iowa House Judiciary Committee went viral and became one of the most-watched political videos of the year. Wikipedia+1 He was elected to the Iowa Senate in 2018, has served as the Democratic caucus’s Minority Leader, and represents Coralville and surrounding communities. Wahls is also a co-founder of Scouts for Equality, author of My Two Moms, and in 2025 launched a campaign for the U.S. Senate.JG: Welcomes Zach and asks where he is.ZW: Says he’s at Wahls headquarters in Coralville. His dog Zelda is at his feet because his wife is working from Muscatine that day.FamilyJG: Brings up his family and recent marriage.ZW: Says he and his wife just celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary. Their wedding was originally planned for September 2020 but postponed because of COVID. Sen. Tom Harkin officiated. They have a mini goldendoodle(Zelda) and a son, Elijah (“Eli”), who will turn two in March and is in the middle of a language explosion.He talks about his two moms:* Terry, who has worked in functional medicine and has lived with multiple sclerosis since Zach was eight.* Jackie, a nurse practitioner at the VA outpatient clinic in Coralville, who has had a difficult year as a federal employee amid turmoil in Washington.He says the campaign wouldn’t be possible without childcare help from his parents and his sister Zeb.His mom’s MSJG: Brings up Terry’s MS and dietary changes.ZW: Explains she was diagnosed with progressive MS and faced a grim prognosis. She stayed disciplined, exercised daily, and made major diet and lifestyle changes—more fruits and vegetables, fewer inflammatory foods. Over time, it led to a remarkable improvement. She recently turned 70.Engineering background → advocacyJG: Shifts to his background as an engineering student.ZW: Says he grew up in Iowa City, graduated from Iowa City West High School (2009), and studied civil and environmental engineering at the University of Iowa, focusing on infrastructure and renewable energy.His path changed in 2011 when Iowa Republicans tried to overturn the Varnum marriage equality decision. He testified about his family; the video was recorded on a Flip cam, posted online, and went viral. He describes it as a fork-in-the-road moment—either return to engineering or step into advocacy. Remembering how anti–same-sex marriage rhetoric felt when he was younger, he chose advocacy.He says he learned that approaching skeptical audiences with humility and grace can change minds. That work took him around Iowa and the country.He later co-founded Scouts for Equality to end the Boy Scouts’ ban on gay members, earned a master’s in public policy from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School, then returned home early to run for Bob Dvorsky’s state Senate seat.ElectabilityJG: Notes that his district extended beyond Johnson County.ZW: Says the district included Johnson County, all of Cedar County, and part of Muscatine County—areas that voted for Obama and later Trump. In 2018, he won crossover support, including voters who had backed Trump in 2016.The viral speech & meeting his wifeJG: Goes back to how the speech happened.ZW: Says he was connected to Lambda Legal and was asked to testify. He nearly couldn’t attend because he was scheduled to babysit but found a replacement and made it to the Capitol on a snowy night in January 2011.The speech changed his life—including meeting his wife Chloe, who wrote about the video for Feministing with the headline “Marry Me, Zach Wahls.” He emailed her to say he wouldn’t marry her but offered an interview; they later started dating and now have a family.He says he was overwhelmed at 19 and didn’t fully grasp what was coming, but has tried to use the moment responsibly.Campaign framingJG: Raises the hypothetical that opponents may frame him narrowly around LGBTQ issues and Iowa City.ZW: Says that’s not how he defines himself. He emphasizes that the campaign is about Iowans’ lives. After listening tours across the state, the dominant issue is affordability—the cost of groceries, health care, prescriptions, and housing.He shares that childcare now costs more than his mortgage after their provider closed with two weeks’ notice.He criticizes Ashley Hinson’s votes on tariffs, Medicaid, and clean energy, and says he’ll put his record against hers any day.Generational pressuresJG: Asks about growing up with shooter drills and what defines his generation.ZW: Says the word is frustrating. Millennials have lived through 9/11, war, the financial crisis, COVID, massive tech change, and now AI and geopolitical instability. Many can’t afford to start families due to childcare costs. Retirees are also being squeezed.He supports eliminating the cap on Social Security payroll taxes to protect the program and notes that voter registration is a lagging indicator—people change voting behavior before party registration.Q&A: organizations, DSCC, endorsementsParticipant: Asks about Scouts for Equality.ZW: Says the organization formally dissolved around December 2020 after achieving major wins.Participant: Asks about criticism of the DSCC and establishment interference.ZW: Says national groups often misunderstand Iowa and that Iowa Democrats must be trusted to run campaigns grounded in what voters say. His campaign centers on affordability, corruption in Washington, and a new vision for rural Iowa. He confirms meeting with Sen. Chris Van Hollen in Des Moines.Leadership fallout & ethicsParticipant: Asks about losing Senate leadership and what he learned.ZW: Says the party needs a new approach and higher expectations. He acknowledges mistakes and lessons about balancing urgency with coalition-building.He outlines ethics reforms: rejecting corporate PAC money, supporting a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United, banning stock trading by members of Congress, and applying that standard to his family and staff.Labor & nurses unionParticipant: Asks about the nurses union vote.ZW: Calls it personal because his mom Jackie is a union nurse. He says younger generations are increasingly pro-labor. A nurses’ win would energize organizing statewide. He notes his campaign staff is unionized and that he’s earned strong labor support.Participant (Alex Wilkin): Gives an update on the nurses vote—251 challenged ballots, needing 24 yes votes if counted. Asks about the PRO Act and Taft–Hartley.ZW: Says he’d be a day-one co-sponsor of the PRO Act and is happy to discuss Taft–Hartley offline. Reiterates he’s running a pro-worker campaign.Ashley Hinson story (mobile home parks)Participant: Asks how Zach will take on Hinson and invites him to “dish.”ZW: Describes 2019 legislation responding to out-of-state investors buying mobile home parks and raising lot rents 50–70%. He built a bipartisan coalition and passed protections in the Senate 48–0. The bill died in the House after a closed-door meeting with a lobbyist and then–Rep. Ashley Hinson, whom he accuses of killing the bill to protect donor interests over residents.Cost of the raceParticipant: Asks about campaign cost.ZW: Estimates the general election could reach $100 million on the Democratic side alone. Says Republicans are nervous and insists the campaign has a path to victory.Health careParticipant: Asks about healthcare affordability and what comes after the ACA.ZW: Points to rising ACA premiums, supports lowering Medicare eligibility to 55, expanding dental/vision/hearing coverage, criticizes Hinson for voting against insulin caps, and highlights PBM reform. Says more policy detail is coming soon.Wrap-upJG: Thanks Zach and invites him back during the 2026 cycle.ZW: Thanks everyone and signs off.This coming Monday, I’ll be joined by Fazal Moneer Adil, a writer, community leader, and entrepreneur based in Des Moines. Born in a refugee camp in Pakistan, Fazal’s life has taken him from Dubai to Afghanistan, where he served as an interpreter for U.S. Special Operations forces, and eventually to Iowa after the fall of the Afghan government in 2021. Since resettling here with his family, he has dedicated his work to helping other refugees navigate resettlement, healthcare, education, and employment—and he continues that mission as a board member of the Iowa Afghan Community and Cultural Organization.From a refugee camp to a new life in Iowa, A River Is Made is a searing, deeply human memoir of war, displacement, and a father’s fierce love. In this conversation, Fazal Moneer Adil traces five decades of Afghan history through his own journey—navigating propaganda-filled classrooms, perilous work as a U.S. military interpreter, the fall of Kabul, and resettlement in America. At its heart is an intimate, heartbreaking story of parenting a child with special needs and confronting the maze of the U.S. healthcare system. Guided by the proverb “drop by drop, a river is made,” Adil reflects on loss, resilience, and the ultimate gift he fights to secure for his children: education, freedom, and a voice.Here is a link to join the Zoom call: Okoboji Mastery Circle - online classes year round. Starting Wednesday, January 14, we launch a new series of online classes offered by speakers who are experts on the topics most requested by participants. Kali White VanBaale will talk about ‘Points of Entry in Storytelling.’ How to choose where a story begins—prologues, frame narrators, in-media-res openings, and the dreaded “false start.” Perfect for fiction, nonfiction, and memoir writers wrestling with where to step onto the path.BIO: Award-winning author of “The Monsters We Make,” “Release of Information,” and more. MFA, educator, and editor-at-large of The Past Ten.Kali will also be presenting at the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Click to learn more about Kali. Gift idea for YOU? Enroll in the online series only for just $497 or get an early bird special that includes the online classes AND enrollment in the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 27-30, for just $895. This is an outstanding value. OMC + OWSR. Or, best deal currently offered: OMC + OWSR = $895The Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeMembers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative filled the room alongside subscribers who traveled from across Iowa—and even from Minneapolis—to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 92,000 monthly views of the Roundup column alone. Reached in just four years, this moment affirms what we’ve believed from the start—that readers are eager for independent, locally rooted commentary and news, and that when writers and readers come together, something powerful happens.Join us next time. All you need to do is subscribe to any one of the writers. Check out today’s Roundup: This is a public episode. 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Welcome to the Iowa Writers Collaborative podcast.Today’s conversation features Mike Hlas, the longtime Cedar Rapids sports columnist whose voice helped shape how Iowans understood sports for decades—and who is now writing independently after being let go by the new owners of The Cedar Rapids Gazette. Mike has launched a new Substack, Out of Bounds, and is beginning his next chapter outside the confines of a legacy newsroom.In this wide-ranging discussion, Mike shares his origin story—how a part-time job at the Gazette turned into a career, why he stayed rooted in Cedar Rapids, and what it means to write for a community that has known and trusted him for years. He talks candidly about the changes at the Gazette, the broader unraveling of local newspapers, and the frustrations of an industry that struggled to adapt to the digital age.We also explore what freedom looks like on the other side: writing without editors or corporate ownership, experimenting with format, reacting quickly to breaking sports news, and building a direct relationship with readers. Mike explains why he has always written for casual sports fans rather than hardcore stat-obsessives—and why perspective, humanity, and storytelling matter more than box scores.Former Gazette editor Lyle Muller joins the conversation, offering context about the paper’s evolution, missed digital opportunities, and the enduring importance of journalistic ethics. Together, they reflect on the professionalization of college sports, the money driving it, and the kinds of stories that still resonate when institutions falter but readers remain hungry for trustworthy voices.This episode is about sports, yes—but it’s also about journalism, independence, community, and what happens when an experienced writer is pushed out by new ownership and chooses to keep going anyway.Okoboji Mastery Circle + Okoboji Writers’ Retreat = Best Sale Ever Ends TomorrowNew in the coming year: speakers from the legendary Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will recreate their popular 90-minute workshops online, beginning Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Each month through October, our most in-demand topics will be presented live via Zoom (Memoir, Storytelling Basics, Getting to the Heart of a Story, Character Development, Adapting a Novel to Script and much more). The sixth annual OWSR then begins in real time on September 27–30. This year we’ll have five—count ’em, FIVE—literary agents, plus expanded programming in comedy, documentary filmmaking, journalism, and fiction. OWSR truly gets better every year.When various Early Bird promotions end in July, enrollment will be $995—still less than half the cost of conferences offering this level of speaker access. But if you sign up before midnight tomorrow, you’ll receive the entire online class series plus retreat enrollment for just $795.Why? Early enrollments allow us to put down deposits and order supplies in advance. It’s a win-win.Our own Robert Leonard and I talked about this in an interview he conducted last week:The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Dessert Party for Paid Subscribers is Wednesday Are you signed up? We are closing RSVPs at noon today. If you’re a paid subscriber to at least one member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, you can attend our upcoming holiday party for free. Otherwise, cover charge is $35 at the door. Other details:What: Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday PartyWhen: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17Where: The Harkin Institute, 2800 University Ave., Des MoinesWho: Mingle with members and fellow supporters of the collaborative, and hear the wonderful music duo Weary Ramblers perform.RSVP: Reserve your spot by Dec. 15. 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

Our bonus podcast guest this week was Retired Vice Admiral Mike Franken, who oversaw maritime interdiction and joint operations across the globe.In this recording, Admiral Franken joins a Zoom call where participants, including Vietnam veteran and former JAG officer Bill Fanter, first react to recent U.S. attacks on small boats in the Caribbean. Fanter recalls that in Vietnam, commanders were obsessed with preventing atrocities and protecting their commands, and he’s baffled that the U.S. would now choose “overkill” instead of disabling boats, taking prisoners, and exploiting valuable intelligence.Franken then lays out, in detail, how maritime interdiction is supposed to work under international law and his own experience: he helped draft a maritime interdiction executive order under Rumsfeld and commanded a task force that conducted hundreds of boardings without killing anyone. Standard practice, he says, is to jam communications, disable engines, board, arrest, collect evidence and phones, sink the boat if appropriate, and then exploit the “warble” of follow-on communications to dismantle networks. By contrast, the current policy of sinking boats and killing survivors is, in his view, “sophomoric, primitive, cruel, and horrendously illegal,” amounting to “state-sanctioned murder” and putting the U.S. on par with Russia as a blatant violator of the law of armed conflict. He’s especially disturbed that senior uniformed JAGs and IG oversight have been cut out.This is sophomoric, primitive, cruel, and horrendously illegal. There is no aspect of it that is lawful.Participants then ask broader questions about national security strategy, the courts, and accountability. Franken criticizes the newly released national security strategy as a campaign document that abandons European allies and rolls back climate policy, predicting it will change but warning about the combination of an unbalanced Supreme Court and a compliant Congress. He suggests many current and former flag officers know in their “heart of hearts” that what’s happening is wrong, but notes that legal approvals are now coming from political civilian appointees rather than senior uniformed lawyers.On potential accountability for Admiral Mitch Bradley, Franken predicts the president will likely pardon everyone involved, making court-martial discussions largely moot. He describes how a flag-officer court would normally work (a small panel of three admirals), but says flatly he sees “no thread” that could justify a not-guilty verdict based on what’s publicly known. Stopping a boat at sea is not hard. The Coast Guard has over 90% certainty in disabling engines without harming anyone.Comparing Libya strikes under Obama (and Trump), he stresses those were conducted under AUMF authority, with multilateral partners and rigorous legal vetting, and with great care to avoid noncombatant casualties—very different from machine-gunning survivors at sea. He also argues that in this Venezuela context, oil is secondary; he believes the real driver is domestic politics centered on Cuban and Venezuelan expat politics in Florida.As the call widens to questions about morale, resignations, and the future of American democracy, Franken says he was initially convinced these operations must be outsourced to contractors or the CIA because he couldn’t imagine the U.S. military doing them. Learning that uniformed forces were directly involved deeply shook his trust—but he still believes the military ultimately understands that its “master” is the Constitution, not an individual. He’s worried, though, about the 2026 election and about an administration that, in his view, will try to neutralize any branch of government that becomes an obstacle.Asked what ordinary citizens can do, he doesn’t offer a magic fix but urges people to stay engaged: write letters to the editor, use social media calmly and truthfully, avoid name-calling and exaggeration, and persist in making fact-based arguments that slowly “chip away.” He notes that some Trump-supporting friends have grown notably quieter over time. The conversation ends with Julie thanking him, emphasizing how rare this kind of detailed, unsiloed discussion is in today’s media environment, and Franken closing with the hope that Iowa will elect a Democratic senator and flip at least two House seats, saying, “Iowa owes this nation that.”Zach Wahls Our Monday Zoom Potluck guest is Zach Wahls, Iowa Democratic primary candidate for U.S. Senate. Join the conversation. Get to know the candidate, and ask questions. Okoboji Times up on December 15 to snag the best possible Early Bird deal for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. I’ve bundled the new online Okoboji Year Round Mastery Circle online classes, starting January 14, and running 10 months, with the Early Bird registration fee. All in one = $795. The regular price for the online series will be $497 and OWSR $895 when the early discounts are gone.Watch Bob Leonard and I talk about this in a Live conversation on Substack:Interested, but not ready to enroll? Sign up to receive updates: Read moreIowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party!It’s not too late to RSVP. The IWC Holiday Party will be Wednesday, December 17 at the Harkin Institute in Des Moines at 7pm. It’s FREE for any paid subscriber to any IWC writer column, including this one, or $35 the night of the event. The award-winning duo Weary Ramblers will be performing and IWC authors will be on hand for socialization and goodwill. Please RSVP here. 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

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

Today’s podcast is a perfect example of how the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative works.On Monday morning, Collaborative member Douglas Burns published a powerful column on a major push to organize nurses in central Iowa. It’s an important story with statewide implications—and we are fortunate to have a veteran journalist of Doug’s caliber covering it. Look for more reporting coming soon from Robert Leonard and Jason Walsmith. After reading Doug’s column, we decided to amplify the story the way the Collaborative was designed to do: through collaboration.We invited Alex Wilken, an Iowa Methodist Medical Center critical care nurse and advocate for unionizing more than 2,000 central Iowa nurses, to join my noon Monday podcast call. The conversation added depth, clarity, and urgency to Doug’s reporting. The vote on unionization is scheduled for December 7–9 across four UnityPoint locations.Alex asked to have his contact information shared here for those who have questions: [email protected] can listen to the full recording above.Dr. Robert Shreck Wow! I learned a lot.Great topic and person--timely and significant. Below I have penned some thoughts on some of what I heard--1. Common knowledge, but just to emphasize: the unions in Iowa City and at Broadlawns are (were) crippled by state legislation and can basically only negotiate salaries; this UnityPoint union can and will negotiate salaries plus any aspect of working conditions, which gives them real power;2. The ability to strike is the nuclear option that enforces everything else;3. Traveling nurses are paid approximately twice as much per shift as local nurses. We saw this in the pandemic and it is still a phenomenon (see #4);4. The biggest problem in healthcare today is a lack of medical personnel of every type--physicians, nurses, PAs, ARNPs, lab techs, radiology techs, aides, etc. I will send you today’s Scott (cancelled) Adams offering to which we can all relate. This was a growing problem for a couple decades but it really hit the fan with the pandemic and has been answered by reduced staffing levels, shifting responsibilities to lesser-trained (and cheaper) personnel and asking more of everyone--a degradation of patient care and working conditions. The price of anything goes up as it becomes more rare;5. If a UP union forces higher staffing levels it will be at the expense of other local medical institutions--there is not a reserve of healthcare workers in the wings ready to pick up the work. That said, long-term unionization may be beneficial by improving the workplace and encouraging more workers to gravitate to healthcare, but it could be a generation;7. The large salaries of hospital administrators are bad optics but if they worked for free there would be no material impact on the $1.093 BILLION dollar budget of the four DSM UP facilities combined (they are half of one percent (~0.5%) of the budgeted expense);8. Effective administrators are worth their weight in gold. Jody Jenner took Broadlawns from a bankrupt, failing institution to an enormous success with finances to cover its expanded services and, as we heard today, a union that volunteered to de-certify as they were pleased with their lot and tired of paying dues and officers. The larger the institution the harder this is to do, and UP and UIHC are giants compared to Broadlawns;9. I don’t believe capitalism is the problem; au contraire, it is the solution. Case in point: our private, for-profit medical oncology practice in DSM (Mission: Cancer) grew from two doctors, two nurses and two secretaries in 1981 to 22 physicians, 45 ARNPs, 100 RNs, 350 total employees, five large central Iowa offices and 22 out-reach clinics in 22 county hospitals throughout Iowa, caring for a large fraction of all Iowa cancer patients by 2024. We were heroes to the insurance industry and state Medicaid program as our charges were substantially less than identical services at non-profit hospitals (Mercy, UP, UIHC, etc.). IMHO, the most successful, from the reputation and revenue aspects, group practice in the state. Enlightened administration was key as were intra-office relations with all levels of personnel;10. But, Mission was purchased by UIHC last December, with assurances that “nothing” would change. Well, many things have changed. Out-of-pocket costs to patients and bills to insurers, including Medicaid and Medicare, have skyrocketed due to the addition of “facility” fees; outreach clinics and whole offices have been shut down; long-term workers and patients are leaving and its footprint in central Iowa is rapidly shrinking. It will survive, but as a shadow of its former self. Lots of really good people, friends and heroes of mine, but under new management.So much for moving from capitalism to government ownership.Thanks for listening. Watch for Dilbert.BobMore..Also, here is a report about this story by O. Kay Henderson from Radio Iowa. A Quick Behind-the-Scenes Look at How This WorksWith many new subscribers joining us recently—welcome!—I want to share a bit about what goes into producing this coverage, and how the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative creates value for readers across the state.I am one of 70+ writers who make up the group. Every Monday, I host a live Zoom conversation at noon Central through my personal Potluck column (this space). That morning, subscribers receive the guest announcement. After the event, I produce and upload the podcast version of the conversation. Today I used a new software tool because my go-to stopped working. This one allows captioning, but I haven’t figured out how to add the transcript yet. Sorry. These Monday conversations draw 4,500–5,500 views, reaching a statewide audience that includes policymakers, journalists, and community influencers. And the real magic happens when readers with direct experience—nurses, doctors, educators, public officials—join the discussion and enrich it with their lived expertise. Those numbers are more than doubled for the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roundup. This is the cooperation at its best: journalists, readers, and frontline experts in the same room, deepening the public conversation together.Correct me if I’m wrong, but I can’t think of another platform that offers this kind of reader engagement in Iowa. And no other state is doing anything that comes close to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Personal Update on Readership TrendsReadership of The Potluck continues to rise steadily, as does the audience for many members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. The twice-weekly Roundup, featuring posts from members across the state, has also grown into a powerful shared platform.A major driver of this growth is Substack Notes—which, if you haven’t used it, is a bit like what Twitter used to be (but much friendlier). Yes, I’ve noticed a few suspicious bots, but nothing like the swamp X has become.Meanwhile, elsewhere in the social-media universe:Our member Chris Gloninger discovered that one of his climate-change posts—on mitigation costs in Florida—was banned from TikTok. Make of that what you will, my TikTok-loving (and tick-tock, the clock is ticking for freedom-of-speech-loving) readers. Substack is one of the remaining refuges in contrast to platforms where billionaires who want to stay that way stifle content they don’t like. On Subscription FatigueThere’s a growing conversation across Substack about something called “subscription fatigue.” Big names in journalism and celebrities continue to flock to the platform, which is wonderful for visibility but has sparked real questions among working journalists and writers about sustainability.I experienced a brief dip in subscribers myself—no clear reason why—but numbers have been trending back up.Still, it’s a moment of reflection for many writers. What does the future look like? If the pool of paid subscriptions falls, will this be another failed experiment? Those are exactly the kinds of questions we’re wrestling with—and answering—together inside the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative.When we meet on the 17th as a group before the holiday party begins, we will be tackling these issues. No one has the answer, but know we are proving the value of being a collaborative of professional writers focusing on local news and commentary.I’ve experienced social events where the news of the day is being discussed, and the source of information is from one of our writers. This is true around Iowa. Would you miss us if we were gone?If you’d like to be a part of the team that makes this potluck happen but don’t want to have a recurring subscription, pick whether you can buy a coffee, or a computer using this button: The Economics of WritingLike you, I am inundated with emails from great causes - from life-and-death issues for people and pets - to thousands of causes needing support. Literally. But I want to tell you about why supporting writers is important. Most former journalists have been shielded by the business side of news. They bristle at the notion that they should be responsible for promoting themselves. Their reporting and writing is valuable, and it IS. There used to be fences between journalists and advertisers. No one dreamed we’d see the day when the front page of a newspaper feature advertising, and the idea that stories might be buried because an advertiser wouldn’t like it was unthinkable.Well….Most writers were paid modestly, and their income is unpredictable. Compensation varies widely, but for many, writing is a patchwork of freelance assignments, teaching, editing, and side gigs.Thanks to Story Summit, I’ve helped design courses on how to launch a successful Substack newsletter—though I caution anyone who listens: don’t quit your day job just yet. We’ll begin the series anew in January. It’s a terrific class thanks to my colleagues Debra Engle and Dana Kennedy.I’m passionate about helping writers use this platform because it was built for writers. We monetize our words—not Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk. Substack takes a tiny cut, but only when the writer earns. That matters.I’m equally passionate about filling the growing void left by legacy media—providing local, independent, and sometimes progressive commentary increasingly squeezed by corporate ownership and debt.What does it cost to do this work?Time. Lots of it—seven days a week, most weeks.Technology. Software subscriptions, editing tools, upgrades—$250 here, $2,000 there.Travel. Reporting doesn’t happen from a desk. It adds up. And if you appreciate the writers who bring you stories you enjoy or rely on, please don’t take their work for granted.The Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeThe Iowa Writers’ CollaborativePaid subscriptions dip, but readership grows.By the numbers, the downward trend in paid subscriptions is a cautionary tale. But readership continues to rise, demonstrating that Iowa readers are hungry for smart, local perspectives.On this Giving Tuesday, if you have room in your heart and your wallet, please consider supporting the writers of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Find the ones you love and let them know you value what they do.I promise you—your support matters.Sunday Roundup Group:Flipside Edition Roundup: 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

Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party / Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatJosh Turek, an Iowa state representative and Paralympic gold medalist, joins the podcast as a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. He explains that he’s the first permanently disabled member of the Iowa Legislature and represents one of the reddest districts in the state, having overperformed Democrats there by about 14 points. He shares his origin story: growing up poor in Council Bluffs, relying on free lunch programs and credit cards for groceries, being born with spina bifida linked to his father’s Agent Orange exposure, enduring 21 surgeries by age 12, and finding a life-changing path through wheelchair basketball that led to college, a professional career overseas, and four Paralympic Games, ending with back-to-back gold medals for Team USA.Turek describes how work in adaptive sports and as an assistive technology professional pulled him into politics when privatized Medicaid caused huge spikes in denials for wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Discovering Iowa had never had a permanently disabled legislator, he ran in heavily Republican territory, dragging his wheelchair up countless stairs to knock doors and initially winning by only six votes, later expanding that margin to six percentage points. He argues this proves that with the right candidate, message, and work ethic, Democrats can win even in deep-red areas.He frames his Senate run around the legacy of Senator Tom Harkin and the Americans with Disabilities Act, saying the ADA gave him the “on-ramp” to education, work, and public service. He wants Iowa again to have a “prairie populist” senator who fights for working people, rural communities, family farms, and social safety nets like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and the ACA—rather than billionaires and large corporations. He believes 2026 is a “generational opportunity” with an open Senate seat, open governor’s race, and multiple open House seats, and that Iowa is “a common-sense state masquerading as a red state,” pointing to past support for Obama and near-wins for Democrats in recent statewide races.Policy-wise, Turek emphasizes:* Healthcare & Disability:* Healthcare is a human right; he supports moving toward a public option and ultimately single-payer–style coverage.* He cites Iowa’s worsening health metrics, nursing home and rural hospital closures, Medicaid waitlists, and personal stories—like his sister’s stage-2 breast cancer and a $30,000 PET scan demand from private insurance—as examples of a broken system.* He wants to fully fund Medicaid and protect ACA subsidies, raise outdated income and asset limits for disabled people on SSI/SSDI, tackle the direct-care worker crisis, and expand mental health capacity (including supporting repeal or reform of the IMD exclusion and raising bed limits).* Economy, Rural Iowa & Farm Policy:* He describes “farmageddon” in rural Iowa: falling commodity prices, damaging tariffs, high foreclosure and suicide rates among farmers, and the erosion of rural pillars—pharmacies, hospitals, schools, and grocery stores.* He criticizes the failure to pass a new Farm Bill since 2018 as evidence the current delegation is out of touch.* He supports incentives for cover crops and conservation, stronger water-quality protections, and federal action (EPA standards, nitrate limits, buffer strips) to avoid a patchwork of different state rules and to protect small family farms.* On CAFOs, he favors stricter, “common-sense” regulation on size and manure management to reduce pollution and nitrate runoff into water.* Water Quality & Cancer:* He links Iowa’s high and rising cancer rates to environmental factors, especially in rural areas: pesticides, glyphosate exposure, and polluted water.* He previously ran a bill to fund pediatric cancer research and connects cancer to his own family—his grandmother’s pancreatic cancer, his father’s Agent-Orange-related cancers, and his sister’s diagnosis.* Labor & Unions:* He identifies as strongly pro-labor, citing his 100% union voting record and AFL-CIO score in the Legislature, and says he wants to match or surpass Harkin’s pro-labor record in the Senate. He doesn’t see major substantive differences with Zach Wahls on labor, attributing some endorsements to timing.* Immigration:* Turek calls for comprehensive immigration reform with both secure borders and an easier path to citizenship.* He shares his personal experience navigating the system with his wife, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, whose application was initially denied without an interview and who briefly faced deportation.* He links immigration reform to workforce needs in areas like direct care, agriculture, and meatpacking, and to long-term demographic and economic health given low U.S. birth rates.* Campaign Finance & Corporate Power:* He denounces Citizens United and says the system is essentially controlled by billionaires and corporations.* He pledges not to take corporate PAC money, saying this will make it easy to prioritize Iowa families over corporate lobbyists when choosing how to spend his time in D.C.Turek also speaks at length about how he works across the aisle in Des Moines. Despite being told as a Democrat in a Republican trifecta that he’d “never get a subcommittee,” he has passed multiple bipartisan bills—on accessibility of state parks, “right to repair” for wheelchairs, safer medical supplies for catheter users, asset limits for disabled Iowans, and more—often by finding “strange bedfellows.” He says he loves policy more than politics and prides himself on doing the painstaking relational work needed to actually move legislation.Throughout the conversation, he stresses resilience, empathy born of hardship, and his intent to stay grounded in Council Bluffs values and disability advocacy rather than be changed by Washington. He says Harkin’s example—constituent service, workdays, and staying tethered to Iowa—informs how he would serve. He closes by asking listeners to help spread the word that Iowa is in play and to adopt his “six-vote initiative”: each supporter should talk to six friends or family members, register six voters, and bring six people to the polls—because, as his first six-vote win proved, a handful of votes can change everything.The Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeIf you’re a paid subscriber to at least one member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, you can attend our upcoming holiday party for free. Otherwise, cover charge is $35 at the door. Other details:What: Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday PartyWhen: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17Where: The Harkin Institute, 2800 University Ave., Des MoinesWho: Mingle with members and fellow supporters of the collaborative, and hear the wonderful music duo Weary Ramblers perform.RSVP: Reserve your spot by Dec. 5.Let the holiday shopping spree madness begin…with a pitch. Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatThink of the stories — those rings on the tree of your life — that won’t get told unless you tell them.Come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Tell your family that this is what you want as a gift… or gift it to yourself. You won’t regret it.We’ll be holding the sixth annual retreat September 27–30, 2026, and our growing community now spans generations. One family attending includes a grandfather, his son, his granddaughter, and a sister — a whole storytelling lineage showing up together.Tangible gifts can break, be returned, or get forgotten. An experience like this one? It stays with you.And here’s something new: from now until December 15, every registration includes a 10-month online class seriesbeginning January 14. Each month, one of our workshop leaders will teach the same 90-minute session they offer in Okoboji. It’s the first time we’ve ever opened this door — and it’s a wonderful way to keep your creative momentum all year long.Click for the Okoboji Mastery Circle Online workshops + the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat = $795.For more information about the speakers coming to the retreat (including five literary agents):https://okobojiwritersretreat.comMonday, December 1, Podcast — Should Des Moines area nurses join the Teamsters? Alex Wilken is a critical care nurse who is leading effort to unionize 2,000 Des Moines nurses — Iowa Methodist, Blank, Lutheran hospitals — to join the Teamsters Union. The vote is Dec 7 to 9 and they have a news conference taking place on Tuesday. Douglas Burns is covering this story and will be co-moderating this conversation. Do you know a metro area nurse? Let them know about this call: Monday Zoom Call - Nurses Organizing 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

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

Those of you lucky enough to have an hour and an internet signal starting at noon central time are in for a surprise potluck guest. Mikki Williams. See description below the podcast notes.Let’s get to know Sarah Trone Garriott, candidate for congress in the Third district that includes much of central Iowa, including Polk County. Personal & Family BackgroundShe grew up in Cloquet, Minnesota, daughter of a nurse and an auto mechanic. She originally wanted to be a fashion designer and always loved art, painting, and making things. To afford college, she lived at home, commuted to the College of St. Scholastica, worked 30 hours a week at Walmart, and finished a history degree in three years.Path to Ministry & ChaplaincyAfter graduating, she served in AmeriCorps VISTA in Gallup, New Mexico. Encountering religious questions led her to Harvard Divinity School, where she met her husband and future ministers. She served as a hospital chaplain in Philadelphia, then a pediatric chaplain at Children’s Memorial in Chicago while attending seminary at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. She says chaplaincy taught her that leadership is about showing up in people’s worst moments.Parish Ministry & Move to IowaHer first call was a rural parish in Virginia where partisan labels didn’t work, but shared values did. In 2013 she moved to Iowa when her husband joined Drake University. She then served a large suburban congregation in Clive.Nonprofit & Interfaith WorkSince 2017 she has worked with the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC), connecting diverse religious and secular communities around food insecurity. She preaches across the region and focuses on relationship-building to address community needs.Service in the Iowa Senate & Winning Tough SeatsShe has twice defeated Republican Senate presidents. In 2020 she flipped Charles Schneider’s seat; after redistricting, she moved to challenge Jake Chapman in an R+5 district and won. She later defended the seat even as Trump carried the district. She emphasizes tireless door-knocking and showing up for Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike.What Surprised Her in the LegislatureShe was struck by how much personality drives outcomes in the legislative process and how heavily the governor shapes the majority caucus’s agenda.Food Insecurity, SNAP, and Policy PrioritiesHer DMARC work shows record-high food pantry usage. Expanded SNAP benefits during the pandemic cut the numbers in half; ending them caused a surge. She criticizes federal cuts and delays. If she could pass major legislation in Congress, she would prioritize affordable healthcare with a public option, keeping private insurance for those who want it but ensuring universal coverage.Refugees, Immigration & Rule of LawShe fought to restore funding for Lutheran Services in Iowa after the state reneged on promised refugee support. She stresses refugees are legal, heavily vetted immigrants. Her broader immigration priorities include securing all ports of entry, enforcing laws fairly, protecting rights, and fixing long wait times for citizenship.Views on Trump, Impeachment & Voter PrioritiesShe says she receives little direction from national Democrats and instead listens to Iowans, who are focused on making ends meet. Her priority is restoring stable, competent governance rather than speculating about impeachment.Navigating Party Pressure & National InfluenceShe says she has historically run and won with local teams and grassroots support, not national consultants. She argues campaigns must remain local and contrasts herself with Zach Nunn, whose donations mostly come from out of state.Primary Opponents & Key DifferencesShe frames her candidacy as a calling grounded in public service, not political ambition. She highlights two reform bills she introduced:* Term limits* A stock-trading ban for elected officialsShe notes she is the only candidate in the race who filed these bills.Preaching StyleKnown for reciting scripture from memory, she sees it as her primary spiritual practice. Memorizing scripture helps her embody the message and connect across differences.Shutdown Deal & Healthcare SubsidiesShe says she would vote no on a shutdown-extension deal that fails to protect healthcare subsidies, arguing government shouldn’t force false choices between harmful options.Assessment of Zach NunnShe argues Nunn “rode coattails,” hasn’t delivered on lowering costs, and has never held an open town hall. She says he hides when voters are upset and follows national party leaders over constituents.Fundraising & ElectabilityShe has raised over $1 million in five months and held 100+ events, including a 150-person town hall. She anticipates needing around $7 million total. She positions herself as highly electable due to winning Republican districts even in tough cycles.Lessons from Cindy Axne’s LossShe notes that redistricting and a weak field program contributed to Axne’s defeat and that in close races every door and every voter contact matters.Younger Voters & EngagementShe sees more young people, especially young women, getting involved in campaigns. When people get close to the process, she says, they begin to see their own potential to lead.Recent Election TakeawaysStrong wins for Democratic women in competitive states encouraged her. She believes cost of living remains the central issue nationwide, and local engagement remains essential.Electability & Final MessageShe argues Democrats must nominate someone who can win the general election. Her record of flipping and holding Republican-leaning seats shows she can connect on shared values and deliver victories.Her “Dream Dinner Party”She would invite Rob Sand, Andy Beshear, and pragmatic Democratic women in Congress who have won tough districts:* Nikki Budzinski* Hillary Scholten* Sharice DavidsShe imagines it as a potluck.Mikki Williams - Today’s Podcast GuestWith all the serious issues plaguing the world today, I had no intention of doing this show, because it is about shoes, fashion, glamour, makeup — and incase you haven’t noticed — I put no attention to those four topics. My shirt of choice is a black, long-sleeved Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, and my back hurts at the thought of wearing high heels, let alone 4” stilettos. But you MUST meet Mikki, world-wide keynote speaker who teaches leaders how to capture an audience, a solid business coach, a TedX talker, and in her late 70s declared she was going to do a one-woman standup comedy routine, and then packed a Chicago venue for that purpose. I collect people, and Mikki is a very rare specimen. She crossed my mind the other day, so I picked up the phone to catch up, and say howdy-do. Mikki answered the call from her watch, and I could hear her clicking heels cross the floor to find her phone. My God, she must wear heels in the comfort of her own home.In October of this year, Mikki Williams recorded her first Tik Tok video, giving a tour of her closet. It has had over 1mm views. So, this is more than a conversation about shoes, lipstick, and concealer. It’s a story of reinvention at any age, and not being afraid to try something new. And as Mikki says, be outrageous. It’s the only space that isn’t crowded. Okoboji Year RoundThe annual Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will take place September 27-30, 2026. We have five literary agents coming! One who came last year became so enthralled by Iowa, and the retreat, she rounded up a few of her colleagues saying ‘you must come to Iowa - it’s virgin territory for literary agents.’We also have three comedians, an entertainment lawyer, a few new novelists, as well as OWSR favorites returning. This will be the best retreat yet. In answer to requests from participants to extend the retreat, we are launching the Okoboji Mastery Circle online starting in January, featuring OWSR speakers who will bring their 90-minute workshops to Zoom. I’ll facilitate these sessions, on the second Wednesday of each month, through October. Early Birders will be able to sign up for the OMC and OWSR for one low price. The best deal ever. Learn more and enroll:Or, just enroll in the online Okoboji Mastery Circle: Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeDid you catch the Sunday Roundup?Holiday Party for Paid Subscribers The IWC Holiday Party will be Wednesday, December 17 at the Harkin Institute in Des Moines at 7pm. It’s FREE for any paid subscriber to any IWC writer column, including this one, or $35 the night of the event. The award-winning duo Weary Ramblers will be performing and IWC authors will be on hand for socialization and goodwill. Please RSVP here.If you support any one of our writers or Iowa Capital Dispatch, you’re invited to join us for a reception with light refreshments, conversation, and live music from our own Weary Ramblers and special guests. 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

Today’s guest is Sarah Trone Garriott, the Democratic candidate seeking the party nomination in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District. If successful in the primary, she will challenge incumbent Representative Zach Nunn in the general election. Currently, Senator Garriott represents Iowa Senate District 14 (covering Dallas County areas including Waukee, Adel, Van Meter, and parts of West Des Moines and Clive). In the State Senate she serves as the Ranking Member on the Health & Human Services Committee and also holds seats on the Commerce, Education, Natural Resources, HHS Budget Panel, and Administrative Rules Review committees.Nathan Sage — Candidate Forum SummaryWho he is* Background: Grew up working-class in a Mason City trailer park; emphasizes “average Iowan” roots.* Service: Veteran of both the U.S. Marine Corps (2003–2007) and the U.S. Army (2008–2013) with three deployments to Iraq (2004, 2006, 2010).* Civic/business: Former Knoxville Chamber of Commerce director; focused on rural main-street economies (e.g., recruiting RAGBRAI, raising funds for downtown events).* Style: Says he’s “blunt, authentic, and emotional,” often shares personal stories (parents died of cancer; family financial struggles). Voters frequently tell him he “feels real.”Campaigning experience so far* 99-county tour: Says it’s meant to learn issues firsthand; two counties left.* Unexpected parts: Constant travel and time away from family; surprised how many people respond to his authenticity.* Voter mood he’s seeing: Mix of fear and anger about cost of living and loss of safety-net supports (e.g., SNAP). His campaign is pairing events with food drives (Iowa City/Johnson County and Des Moines).Why he’s running / what differentiates him* Working-class representation: Argues DC is dominated by wealth and lacks working-class voices; believes his life experience lets him connect with independents and some Republicans.* No prior office: Frames lack of legislative experience as a positive—“not tainted by the system”—and says there isn’t time to “work up the ladder.”* Primary contrasts: Positions himself as the candidate who can bring disaffected working-class voters “back to the Democratic Party.”Core issues & positions (as discussed)* Economic strain / safety net: Grew up on food stamps, understands month-to-month food insecurity; opposes cuts to SNAP and similar programs.* Health care: Supports extending ACA premium tax credits (at least one year in the immediate term) to avoid coverage loss; links health access to personal experiences with late cancer diagnoses in family.* Abortion & women’s health: “150% pro-choice.” Shares a personal miscarriage story; condemns clinic closures and criminalization fears; frames reproductive rights as fundamental freedoms.* Immigration: For secure borders plus a realistic, affordable, faster path to citizenship for long-time residents; opposes heavy-handed enforcement tactics; open about not being an expert and wanting to learn from border-state colleagues.* Foreign policy / defense: War-weary veteran who calls for accountability and restraint; critical of performative “muscle-flexing”; places trust in professional military leadership to avoid unnecessary risk to troops.* Rural economy & farming: Says tariffs and federal chaos have hurt markets; wants to stabilize policy, diversify crops where infrastructure allows (e.g., vegetables, hemp), and work directly with farmers on near-term federal support.Leadership approach* Experience leading: NCO fireteam/squad leader; one-person chamber director; trained in facilitation (leadership minor at Kansas State).* Method: “Shut up and listen,” hold tough conversations, and build coalitions across political lines to solve practical problems.Why he believes he can win* Electoral case: Claims he resonates with independents and some Republicans (including anecdotes of GOP voters sharing his videos).* Identity pitch: “I am Iowa; I’m working class.” Says opponents will struggle to attack his service, background, or relatability.Campaign notes & housekeeping* Food-drive tie-ins at upcoming events; encouraged by participants to visit North Liberty and Coralville pantries due to surging demand.* 99-county rule: Reiterates you “cannot win Iowa without a 99-county plan.”Quick Takeaways* A working-class veteran running on authenticity, safety-net protection, ACA extension, reproductive rights, and pragmatic immigration reform.* Emphasizes listening tours, service-oriented events (food drives), and rural economic revitalization.* Frames himself as the Democrat best able to rebuild trust with disaffected working-class voters and cross partisan lines.Okoboji Mastery CircleWe’re extending the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat magic beyond the annual real-time event in September (27-30).Beginning January 14 - the second Wednesday of the month - select speakers will recreate their most popular 90-minute workshops in an interactive Zoom format. This 10-session online series lets you keep growing and connected all year long.Work with novelist Nicole Baart, or Peter Hedges, who adapts his fiction work to famous movies. Those are just two of the ten popular speakers who will be with throughout next year. Special Offer:Register by November 15, and the full Early Bird amount you pay for the Okoboji Mastery Circle (OMC) will be applied toward your enrollment in the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat — making this the best deal of the year.Reserve your spot today and keep the Okoboji spirit going all year long!We have a lot of stories, plays, novels, opinion pieces, and memoirs to write, y’all. Let’s get to it.Courage is contagious. Save the date for the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative holiday party, December 17. We will be gathering at the Harkin Institute, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines, from 7-9:00 p.m.Incase you missed Sunday’s Roundup: 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

All political junkie eyes will be on Iowa during the midterm election cycle next year, so the results of yesterday’s election in the state will be of keen interest to tea-leaf reading pundits around the country. So, I invited analyst Laura Belin to join me live this morning to offer her observations. Apologies for the intermittent audio feedback. We’ll do better next time. Thank you Dave Price, Mary Swander, Rick Morain, John Goerdt, Barb Sands Royal, and many others for tuning into my live video with Lyle Muller and Laura Belin! Thank you to Substack Team for providing the technology to hold an impromptu discussion about yesterday’s Iowa election results. With only a few minutes notice, we had over 120 from around the state on the call, and many more will be able to view it here in this space. Also, thanks to participants from Greene County, Dubuque, Knoxville, and other locations in the state for reporting on their local results. 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

Are you new to the Julie Gammack and Guests podcast?Every Monday at noon (Central Time), readers and I gather for a conversation with a person of interest. Topics range from politics and leadership to books, movies, and whatever’s sparking curiosity that week.There’s no cost to subscribe, but paid subscribers help support the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat scholarship fund — and as a thank-you, they receive an invitation to our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party.Save the date: December 17 Topic: Maritime Law, U.S. Military Actions, and Global ConsequencesContext:Admiral Michael Franken, retired U.S. Navy, joined us Monday to discuss recent reports of small vessels being blown up in the Caribbean. Franken, a naval veteran with decades of service and deep expertise in maritime law, interdiction policy, and international military protocols, provided historical and legal insight into what’s happening—and what it could mean.Franken’s Background and Maritime Expertise* Served for decades in the U.S. Navy, including as a Commodore commanding 24 ships and 4 submarines.* Authored the 2003 “Weapons of Mass Destruction Maritime Interdiction Executive Order” under Secretary Rumsfeld, coordinating with John Bolton and multiple U.S. agencies.* Has firsthand experience enforcing maritime law and interdicting over 700 vessels suspected of WMD transport in the Middle East.On the Legality of the Boat Attacks* U.S. is not a formal signatory to the Law of the Sea but historically follows its principles.* He calls the current destruction of small boats in the Caribbean a “travesty of maritime justice.”* Says no nation has legal authority to summarily execute traffickers or civilians at sea. Even if drugs are involved, lethal force is disproportionate and illegal under international law.* Suggests these are not U.S. military operations—no legitimate military unit would carry them out.* Speculates the strikes may be conducted by contractors or paramilitary groups (“a Blackwater-type unit”), possibly using U.S.-made drones (MQ-1s) equipped with Griffin or Hellfire missiles.Political and International Implications* Claims China and Russia have condemned the U.S. actions but stop short of formal retaliation because of America’s global influence.* Suggests a “tacit pass” from other nations who fear political or economic retribution from the Trump administration.* Believes anyone involved in these killings could be wanted by the International Criminal Court eventually.On Intelligence and Drug Smuggling* Acknowledges U.S. intelligence could identify drug-smuggling vessels—but that doesn’t justify lethal strikes.* Notes most cocaine entering the U.S. comes by cargo containers, not small boats.* Says these vessels are likely heading to nearby Caribbean islands, not to America directly.David Thoreson’s Climate QuestionSailor and explorer David Thoreson shifted the discussion to climate and national security:* Franken co-authored the Defense Science Board Climate Change Report, which modeled a potential “trillion-dollar storm” devastating Florida and the Gulf Coast.* Warns that small island nations have no capacity to recover from major hurricanes and that U.S. government indifference to climate change heightens global instability.On Who’s Really Behind the Strikes* Franken speculates the drones could be flown from Panama or Colombia, operated by non-military contractorsunder U.S. direction but outside standard military oversight.* He insists: “You can’t keep this kind of thing quiet in the military.” The lack of leaks suggests it’s being done covertly by private actors.Military Ethics and Resistance* When asked if military leaders might refuse illegal orders, Franken says most officers know right from wrong and would resist unlawful commands.* He warns, though, that if the U.S. escalates to airstrikes in Venezuela or Colombia, “we won’t have a 2026 election.”Press Freedom and Oversight* On the ousting of the Pentagon press corps, Franken calls it alarming:* Says journalists were part of a “three-legged stool” with military and legal officers keeping transparency.* Their removal replaces journalism with propaganda, eroding accountability.* He reiterates that proportionality—using only necessary force—is a fundamental military principle being violated.Wealth Inequality and Social Decay* In closing, Franken pivots to domestic issues:* Believes the U.S. is in a “tussle to maximize wealth disparity”—a systemic division that fuels hopelessness.* Notes younger generations, even with good jobs, are “flat broke” due to debt and housing costs.* Warns the U.S. may lose its global appeal as more people emigrate than immigrate.Economic Fallout and Government Paralysis* Shares a personal anecdote from Washington, D.C.: neighbors furloughed from government jobs have only weeks of savings left.* Laments public disdain for civil servants, noting many are highly trained professionals essential to national stability.* Predicts cascading consequences:* Airline disruptions as subsidies to small airports (like Sioux City, IA) expire.* Worsening public safety and infrastructure failures as funding collapses.Final ToneJulie quipped, “Thank you for making us even more depressed than we were,” to which Franken replied that he didn’t mean to—but acknowledged we’re living through an exceptionally difficult moment.Okoboji Mastery CircleJust announced.Ten Monthly Workshops · January–October 2026 · Second Wednesday · 7 p.m. CTOkoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat participants asked for more time with their favorite OWR speakers — and we listened.Beginning January 14, 2026, we’ll offer ten 90-minute, live online workshopsfeaturing Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat faculty. These interactive sessions include hands-on learning, writing prompts, breakout discussions, and Q&A timewith some of the best teachers in the business.When: Second Wednesday of each month · 7:00 p.m. CentralWho: OWR speakers teaching the most popular sessionsDuration: January through October 2026Registration Options* Okoboji Mastery Circle (MC) – 10 online sessions, January–October 2026.* Early Bird (by Dec. 15): $397* Regular (after Dec. 15): $497Each online session will be recorded for registered participants, so you’ll never have to miss a class.Stay connected, inspired, and growing.Special OfferMastery Circle participants will receive first-priority access to enroll in the Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat VI — and the amount you paid for your Early Bird OMC registration will be fully deducted from the retreat’s $795 early bird tuition.There won’t be a better deal than this — it’s designed to help you stay focused, keep your creative momentum going, and achieve your writing goals.Faculty include Peter Hedges, Rekha Basu, Phoebe Wall Howard, Rachelle Chase, Robert Leonard, Debra Engle, Julie Cantrell, Art Cullen, Kali White VanBaale, literary agents, and many others. Enrollment in the OMC will be capped, so take advantage of this beyond wild deal.Click here:The Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeDid you see that latest compilation of writing by members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative? We are the first state to undertake an endeavor like this through Substack, and we think the idea might catch on.We believe there is a growing hunger for local, independent news and commentary. See what you think:Here is the lighter side of our content - food, travel, music, and personal essays. We call it the Flipside edition: 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

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

I’ve always loved asking questions. Thanks to this platform, I get to invite thought-leaders, candidates, experts, fun folks, and fascinating characters to join the conversation. Where else can you spend an hour talking with a candidate for Congress, the founder of Substack, or even a big-time movie director with Iowa roots?Here, on Mondays, you can. Join us from the comfort of your home for insightful conversations that’ll leave you smarter, more curious, and ready to impress at your next social gathering. Subscribe to have the link delivered to your inbox.JulieIn today’s episode, Julie sits down with Jennifer Konfrst (pronounced CON-first)—longtime Drake University journalism instructor, former Iowa Public Television professional, and a candidate for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District—for a frank, fast-moving Q&A with Iowa listeners. We dig into what it will take to defeat Rep. Zach Nunn, why accessibility to constituents isn’t optional, and how pocketbook issues—from grocery bills to homeowners insurance—connect to policy choices like tariffs and health-care funding. We also tackle rural water quality, school vouchers, the value (yes, value!) of primaries, and how Democrats can talk about democracy while still meeting voters at the rent-and-child-care level. If you care about Iowa’s future from Polk to Page County—and every Taylor County in between—take a look at this race.On November 10, primary opponent State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott (D-West Des Moines) will be our guest, starting at noon central time. She is also Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.Transcript SummarySetting & stakes: A community Q&A with Jennifer about the IA-03 race, the primary dynamics, and what differentiates her from Sarah Trone Garriott and the incumbent, Zach Nunn.Why Jennifer says she’s the stronger nominee* Electability & grit: “Tough enough to beat Zach Nunn”—direct, willing to contrast, comfortable going on offense.* Geography & governing: Deep familiarity with rural Iowa and the full district, plus legislative leadership experience.On Zach Nunn* Portrayed as inaccessible (holds unannounced/one-sided events) and out of touch with constituent experiences.* Ties rising household costs to policy choices, especially tariffs, arguing voters’ “lived experience” doesn’t match his messaging.Education* School vouchers are squeezing public schools across urban/suburban/rural communities.* Warns federal moves (block grants, dismantling the U.S. Dept. of Education) raise the stakes for federal oversightof Iowa education dollars.Government funding & ACA subsidies* In a shutdown context, she’d push for more than a short subsidy extension—a bolder package that addresses Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security solvency (salary cap), and broader accountability. Emphasizes governing realities inside a caucus.Messaging & the Democratic brand* Lead with everyday economics (rent, childcare, insurance) and Maslow’s hierarchy logic; protect rights (e.g., reproductive freedom) without letting the debate be consumed by GOP-framed “divisive” issues.* The problem is often messengers & distribution, not message; social media fragments reach.* Primaries help: sharpen the case, extend coverage against Nunn, and engage voters earlier.Turnout, registration, and the 2022 lesson* Polk County turnout shortfall and lack of a Libertarian candidate were decisive in Axne’s loss.* Iowa Dems are hemorrhaging registrants; solution is redefining “what a Democrat looks like in Iowa,” showing up everywhere, and segmenting “no-party” voters rather than treating them as a monolith.* GOTV = all of the above: postcards, doors, phones, rides, and constant registration checks (QR code tables, local events).Rural water quality & ag policy* Calls the problem acute and systemic; cites Harkin Institute work; says voluntary strategies aren’t working and monitoring has been cut.* Wants federal–state partnership, long-term leadership, and farmer-validated practices (à la Liz Garst) to de-risk change for producers.* On the farm bill: divided Congress has stalled progress; flipping seats like IA-03 would help force compromise.Pipelines & eminent domain* Anti-eminent-domain concern is district-wide, with particular organizing in Montgomery County; argues private gain ≠ public use.Immigration conversations at the door* De-escalate & localize: ask about the voter’s specific concern, surface real neighbors’ stories, and avoid abstract, fear-driven frames.Accessibility promise* Pledges a Cindy Axne–style openness (minus rigid “every county every X days” guarantees), with sustained presence beyond Polk and Dallas.Closing note* Top three contrasts against Nunn in a general:* Household costs tied to his votes (tariffs, health-care dynamics),* Rural health care (nursing homes, hospital viability, Medicaid),* Accessibility & authenticity vs. “gone Washington.”Monday Zoom Podcast, October 13: A Town Hall for Those Interested in News about the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ RetreatPlease join me for a conversation about the future of the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, starting at noon central time. The Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeI am proud to be the founder of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, a collection of professional writers from across the state. Solid, local, independent commentary is delivered to your inbox twice a week. We are the only state doing something like this (so far). Check it out: 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

This podcast was recorded on Monday.As the saying goes, 24 hours is a long time in politics. In this interview, you’ll hear the origin story of a formidable candidate for the Iowa Democratic Party’s U.S. Senate nomination.Jackie Norris is, by any measure, formidable. She knows organizational politics—having helped Barack Obama win Iowa by a sizable margin.Today, as chair of the Des Moines Public School Board, she is facing a leadership crisis that may well serve as a preview of the kind of U.S. Senator she could be.I’m not going to comment directly on the detention of Dr. Ian Roberts—except to say that, as a fellow human being, I can hardly imagine the trauma of being pulled over, especially knowing how many people with skin tones other than white have been whisked away or disappeared.What I will comment on, as a political observer of many years, is that one of my suspicions was about a motive to take action that could be detriment to the US Senate aspirations of the current DMPS board chair. Was this ‘traffic stop’ a coincidence—or something orchestrated as a way to weaken a highly regarded public official, Dr. Ian Roberts, and the school board that hired him. What raised my suspicions even further was a comment posted this afternoon on my column here. The poster is not a subscriber, nor did they use a real name. Nor did they have any kind of legitimate profile on Substack. Out of the blue, with no history, someone pops up in my comments to say Jackie Norris ought to resign from her role as school board president.Well, well, well.What’s that odor in the air? It seems there are folks who’d like to nip the Jackie Norris candidacy in the bud—before Emily’s List endorses and field staff are hired.But what do I know?I reached out to Jackie Norris via email this evening and asked if she had any further comment, to which she replied: Not sure what to add other than what I am doing - leading as School Board Chair with authenticity and heart while also ensuring we are doing our fiduciary responsibility to the district. Jackie NorrisOn her Facebook page this evening, Jackie Norris posted this message:In the spirit of sharing facts - here is what I read on behalf of the board earlier today. Ms. Alonzo also read it in Spanish.___Good evening:Below is a copy of the statement given at the Board meeting as it was sent to all families and staff via ParentSquare this evening:School Board Places Dr. Roberts on Leave, Shares StatementDes Moines Public Schools • Amanda Lewis • an hour ago • Saturday, Sep 27 at 6:46 PM • Des Moines Public SchoolsThe School Board met on the evening of Saturday, September 27 and placed Dr. Ian Roberts on administrative leave. Following the Board’s vote, School Board chair Jackie Norris gave the following statement on behalf of the Board:There is no denying this simple fact: yesterday was a jarring day for many people, not only at Des Moines Public Schools but throughout this community and country.In 2023, our students, staff and families warmly welcomed Dr. Roberts into our community, and he has served as an enthusiastic voice in support of our students’ academic success and the need to support public education.So yesterday came as a shock to all of us.I want to be clear today: we still do not have all of the facts.According to ICE, in May 2024, an immigration judge issued a final removal order for Dr. Roberts. We were not made aware of that fact and that’s very concerning. I want to be clear: No one here was aware of any citizenship or immigration issues that Dr. Roberts may have been facing.The accusations ICE has made against Dr. Roberts are very serious. And we are taking them very seriously.Dr. Roberts has obtained representation from the Parrish Kruidenier Law Firm, and they have already provided a statement on their role. They will probably be offering future statements.As we shared yesterday afternoon, employers, including DMPS, are required to verify employment eligibility for all employees. In this case, Dr. Roberts completed the I-9 employment eligibility verification form and submitted the required documentation. Everything the district has on file indicates Dr. Robert affirmed that he was a citizen who was eligible to work for the school district.The Iowa Department of Education issued a license in 2023 to the Des Moines Superintendent. The Agency says an FBI criminal background check did not raise issues and Dr. Roberts said he was a U.S. citizen on the application.Later on, we will address the steps the board took when conducting the Superintendent search and hiring Dr. Roberts in 2023.Two things can be true.We must support our Interim Superintendent and Staff as they lead 35,000 students and staff on Monday because our collective role is to educate and support our students and their families. And we must continue to pursue the facts in this case and understand our school community is still processing this very significant issue.I also want to be clear about one fact that cannot be ignored: of course, the school district ensured that a background check was conducted before hiring Dr. Roberts. That is done for every person who is hired by the district and periodic reviews are conducted on a regular basis for all current employees.On that point, I want to share the steps in the process that led to the hiring of Dr. Roberts.• In December 2022, DMPS approved a contract with JG Consulting as the district’s search firm to bring qualified Superintendent candidates for our consideration;• Between January and the end of March 2023, the Board worked with the search firm on a variety of issues related to the qualifications and characteristics of candidates for the position, as the search firm recruited potential candidates for consideration;• Between April 11-13, the School Board conducted interviews with candidates;• On May 16, the School Board approved our first contract with Dr. Roberts, who began his role as Superintendent on July 1, 2023.As a part of their work for DMPS, JG Consulting’s contract included their obligation to disclose to the district all known information of a positive or negative nature regarding candidates for the Superintendent position. That included having comprehensive criminal, credit, and background checks conducted by a third party. In this case, the search firm used a company called Baker-Eubanks to conduct the background check, which found nothing related to citizenship or immigration matters related to Dr. Roberts.After his selection, Dr. Roberts then applied for his superintendent license with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. The State of Iowa issued a superintendent license to Dr. Roberts on July 11, 2023.This all came after a career of more than 20 years that Dr. Roberts spent as an educator and school leader in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Maryland, Washington D.C., and New York.In addition, DMPS is cooperating with requests for information from State of Iowa authorities and will continue to do so.Finally, we all need to cool down the rhetoric. We should promote true discourse and facts, not spread misinformation meant to divide us.Our elected officials need to behave like role models for our children – enough with the name calling and misinformation that is meant to divide us. We are talking about human beings.Our kids are watching – they are online 24/7, on social media, on phones, and what they see right now is likely very difficult for them to process. While we work to address this personnel issue, we must continue to lift up our district, our students and staff and push back against hateful rhetoric against us.Our Monday Podcast Held This Week Jackie Norris joined our Potluck Zoom with the energy of a former teacher. Born in Ossining, NY, she caught the D.C. bug early, moved to Iowa in 1998 to work for Tom Vilsack, and never looked back. Now a Des Moines School Board chair, ex–Goodwill CEO, and small-business owner, Norris says her “why” is simple: kids and families. She argues we can’t normalize government dysfunction, wants campaign-finance reform and a ban on congressional stock trading, and pushes a practical, hopeful agenda: universal pre-K, real career pathways for every graduate, and a national plan for the caregiving economy. Rural to urban, she’s about doorbells more than hashtags—and she’s ready to prove it.Watch and or listen to the podcast, and review the transcript. Jackie Norris is someone to watch. I’m delighted to be a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. 🌾✍️Sign up to receive the Sunday Roundup—a weekly collection of columns from writers across the state. If you’re interested in following this unfolding story, now is the perfect time to join. Each week you’ll get fresh links and insights on this and many other issues delivered right to your inbox. 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

When Art Cullen Drops By…Pulitzer Prize–winner Art Cullen joined us to talk about his new book Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest—and, true to form, he made us laugh while reminding us just how screwed up Iowa’s water, soil, and politics really are.Art confessed he never wanted to write a book again after New York publishers dismissed his “Corn Gospel” chapter as too provincial. (“Too provincial? Have they been to Iowa?”) But Steve Semken and Phoebe Wall Howard caught him at a weak moment, flattered his ego, and—bam—book deal.He talked about the Des Moines Register’s decline, his son Tom’s dogged reporting, the Pulitzer-winning editorials, and why local journalism is still the only thing standing between citizens and complete bamboozlement. Also: he’s undergoing prostate cancer treatment and joked about his urologist having “a claw up my ass—give me another Valium, dude.” Classic Art.The book itself? Not just doom and gloom. It’s funny too. As he put it, “It’s the end of the world, but it should be a good time at the end of the world.”The Crowd Warms Up* Folks trickled into the Zoom room like Methodists to a potluck—30 here, 50 there.* Art Cullen got the rock-star welcome: “We’ve got a nice crowd for you today, Art.”* Offenburger showed up, and suddenly the banter about Rob Sand turned into a cornfield roast: Sand is “corny,” but then again, so is Art. Pot, meet kettle.Art’s Reluctant Book Deal* Cullen swore off writing books after New York publishers told him his “Corn Gospel” was too provincial and too much of a “ramble.” (Translation: not enough vampires or billionaires in it.)* He retreated to 800-word columns—short, sharp, and Pulitzer-worthy.* Then Steve Semkin and Phoebe Wall Howard caught him in a weak moment, flattered his ego, and—bam—book deal.* Working title? We Shit in Our Nest. Final title? We Crapped in Our Nest. Apparently “shit” was too spicy for Ruth Harkin and the radio. “Crap” is family-friendly filth.Journalism, Water, and Why We’re All in Trouble* Art laid out how the decline of the Des Moines Register left Iowa without a common set of facts. Once everyone sang from the same hymnal; now it’s more like a karaoke night gone bad.* He described how his son Tom’s dogged reporting on nitrate pollution helped expose dirty water, dark money from Monsanto and Koch Industries, and the counties’ stonewalling. That series of editorials won Art the Pulitzer.* Local journalism matters, he reminded everyone, because someone has to sit through eight-hour meetings about “noxious weeds” just to catch the real bombshells that happen at hour nine.On Health and Hog Shit* Art casually dropped that he’s undergoing treatment for prostate cancer—handled with classic Cullen humor: “The urologist has a claw up my ass. Can’t you give me another Valium, dude?”* He pivoted back to rural Iowa’s water quality, which he says is the worst in the nation—by design. (Apparently Genesis said, “Let there be corn subsidies.”)* Iowa soil has eroded from feet to inches, rivers are toxic, fish species extinct. And yet, tourism ads still beam out: “Come swim in our hog lagoon!”Supporters and Side Characters* Mike Delaney, Chuck Offenburger, Laura Belin, and others chimed in about CAFOs, lawsuits, propaganda, and the lonely but necessary fight for clean water.* One woman noted she now counts hog confinement barns on road trips the way people used to count license plates.* Another asked why Iowa spends money promoting tourism when fishing here is basically Russian roulette with mercury.Wrapping Up with a Laugh* Art insisted the book isn’t all doom and gloom—it’s funny, too. (“End of the world, but a good time at the end of the world.”)* His Ice Cube Press, LLC publisher Steve Semken praised the writing and revealed that even Montana’s Rick Bass was upset he’d never heard of Cullen: “How do I not know about a Pulitzer Prize winner in Iowa?”* The book will be launched at the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, because of course.* Closing note: If Oprah’s people are listening, call Art.👉 Big Picture:Art Cullen’s Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest is part memoir, part stand-up routine. It’s about dirty water, dirty politics, and the dirty truth that without local journalism, nobody’s left to tell the story. But Art makes sure you’ll laugh, even while holding your nose.Book Review of Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest, by Lyle Muller: To pre-order Art Cullen’s book: Better yet, come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat where it will be officially launched. Meet Art, and publisher Steve Semken. Who knows? Maybe he’ll publish your books some day! September 28-October 1. Learn moreArt Cullen and several others on this podcast call are members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here’ the roundup from Sunday (you can read Offenburger’s piece about gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, referenced in this podcast: 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

As the saying goes, 24 hours is a long time in politics. In just one news cycle, JD Scholten dropped out of Iowa’s U.S. Senate primary and endorsed his colleague Rep. Josh Turek in the race to take on Joni Ernst. Meanwhile, in Ohio, beloved Democrat Sherrod Brown — who lost his Senate seat last cycle — announced he’ll run again, this time for the seat JD Vance left behind to become VP. For most political junkies, this is already old news (it broke just hours ago). But for the rest of us: IYMI.Julie Stauch is a political veteran in Iowa. Not as a candidate, but as someone who runs campaigns for a living. This year, for the first time, Julie Stauch has put her hat in the ring to run in the Iowa Democratic Party primary for governor. It’s a long shot, because she faces the popular Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, who has been speaking across the state and making headlines for the work he does, catching ‘accounting’ errors, and holding those who make them accountable. And, oh by the way, her opponent has a campaign war chest beyond compare. Julie Stauch: From Campaign Veteran to CandidateJulie Stauch, a longtime political strategist and campaign manager, is now stepping out from behind the curtain to run for governor of Iowa. Born in Ames and raised elsewhere before returning to Iowa for college, Stauch built her career in Mason City, where community involvement drew her into politics. She’s worked with a wide roster of candidates—Pete Buttigieg, Leonard Boswell, Michael Franken, and Maisie Hirono, among others—gaining decades of experience as a problem solver.Why She’s RunningStauch frames her candidacy around one theme: Iowa needs a problem solver. She points to her career in both politics and consulting, where she has helped organizations and campaigns build, grow, and adapt. For her, being governor isn’t about running against fellow Democrat Rob Sand or anyone else—it’s about bringing her skills directly to the state’s biggest challenges: clean water, public schools, access to healthcare, and ending eminent domain abuses.What’s Different as a CandidateAfter years of coaching others, she says running as herself feels freeing. Instead of tailoring advice to fit another candidate’s personality, she can now speak authentically. Stauch sees her campaign as a “job interview” with the people of Iowa. She introduces herself at events by saying: “I’ve applied for the job of governor, and you are the hiring committee.”Her Approach: Listening FirstRather than rolling out a platform upfront, Stauch is conducting listening sessions across the state, often organized through community college districts, which she sees as central hubs of local life. Attendees fill out worksheets, discuss concerns, and share priorities—feedback she’s compiling into a report by the end of August. She insists this isn’t “pretend listening,” but genuine engagement to rebuild trust with Iowans who feel ignored.She did mention some of her priorities, however. Key Issues Raised* Clean Water: Stauch calls water quality one of Iowa’s most urgent problems, citing both personal conviction and widespread concern she hears in meetings. She published an op-ed outlining possible solutions and stresses the need for inclusive, community-driven action.* Public Schools & Healthcare: She sees both under attack and promises to defend them.* Eminent Domain: Strongly opposes current abuses that allow private profit at the expense of landowners.* Engaging Black Iowans: Acknowledges her campaign hasn’t yet reached enough people of color but is actively working to connect through churches, community groups, and events.Party Strategy & InspirationStauch argues Democrats must shift from purely rational policy debates to emotional connections with voters. She cites Bernie Sanders as an example of someone who combines heart and clarity of purpose. Her goal is not just to register more Democrats but to motivate all Iowans—Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike—by showing respect, listening, and connecting on shared concerns.Closing NoteWhen asked why she wants to be governor, Stauch’s answer is straightforward: “I like solving problems. And we’ve got a lot of problems in Iowa.”Learn moreToday’s podcast will be an Open Show! What’s on Your Mind? Join me at noon central time, and we’ll chat. The Zoom link is below: OkobojiDid you miss my column this week where I announce an idea where those who want to come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1, can ‘name their price’ to enroll. Thanks to the generosity of a handful of readers who have stepped up to offer financial aid, we have been able to give this deal to five participants. We have an angels in our midst who want you to come. I wish I could make it free for all, but we have a lot of expenses to put on this event for 300 people. I’m just so grateful we can make this affordable for those who need a hand. If you would like to enroll by naming your price, or donate to this effort, the information is in the column below:I am delighted to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Did you see the Sunday roundup of posts by 30+ members of our group yesterday? IYMI: 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

Two Chaplains, One Detained Colleague, and a Stand That Cost Them Their JobsThis podcast shines a spotlight on one of the most under-reported stories of our time — and that’s saying something.Right now, in Iowa alone, over 200 immigrants are being detained, according to the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.The interview you’re about to hear is a must-watch. I expect this story to gain national attention because of the sheer injustice: a hospital chaplain — beloved by patients and their families for bringing light in their darkest hours — is now behind bars.I cannot believe that even the most fervent MAGA supporter envisioned this when they cheered a presidential promise to “round up criminals and send them back.” That promise has morphed into deportations that amount to death sentences — either in dangerous foreign lands or in grim U.S. detention centers, like Florida’s infamous Alligator Alley.This is the story of Imam Ayman Soliman, a religious leader now detained in a county jail, certain he will face execution if he returns to Egypt. He was involved in the pro-democracy demonstrations during the Arab Spring.For now, he waits — locked up without charges, for an indefinite stretch of time. And he’s one of the “lucky” ones. Ayman has a strong community fighting for him. Many others in detention do not; their families are too afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation.In our podcast last Monday, we interviewed two faith ministers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — Lizzy Diop and Adam Allen — another colleague fired for speaking publicly about their friend, Ayman Soliman.I asked Lizzy and Adam, knowing they counsel people of all political beliefs, how they advise us to talk about this issue with those with whom we disagree politically. Lizzy said:“I saw a Facebook post from a dad that I suspect has a different political leaning than me. And he said in the beginning of his post, this is not a political post. He explained his child's situation. And he said, so basically, I guess what I'm asking is that you pray for Chaplain Ayman the same way that he prayed for my daughter. And he posted a picture of Ayman smiling at his little girl.”They advised people to not make this a political issue, but a human story.The Story Behind the HeadlinesAyman Soliman is an Egyptian journalist, Arab Spring activist, and interfaith chaplain. He was tortured before coming to the U.S. and granted asylum nearly a decade ago. Known for his extraordinary compassion, Ayman is fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish, and holds two master’s degrees — one from a Christian seminary.Earlier this summer, during a routine ICE check-in, Ayman was detained. His asylum status had been revoked under a claim that a nonprofit he once worked with had tenuous ties to a terrorist group — a connection his supporters call baseless and discriminatory. If returned to Egypt, Ayman faces certain imprisonment and likely execution.Speaking Out — and Paying the PriceWhen Lizzy visited Ayman in detention, she saw firsthand the injustice and, at his request, spoke to the media about his situation. She did this on her own time, taking PTO as instructed. Days later, she was fired for violating the hospital’s media policy — her first disciplinary action in 10 years of stellar reviews.Adam, who had worked alongside Ayman in the NICU, describes him as the best chaplain on the team:“Ayman studied my religion as deeply as his own. He’s more prepared for interfaith care than anyone I’ve met.”Both chaplains say their advocacy has been met with internal intimidation at the hospital, warning staff not to speak publicly about Ayman or political issues.The Ayman They KnowColleagues, patients, and families describe Ayman as a gentle, humble, and selfless presence. He often came in on days off to visit families in need, guided children in their spiritual development, and made every person — Muslim, Christian, atheist — feel seen. Even in detention, he uses his limited phone calls to arrange help for other Muslim inmates.Fighting Back: Community and Legal ActionAyman has three attorneys fighting to restore his asylum status and prevent deportation. Supporters have:* Organized rallies and vigils* Gathered 500+ signatures from faith leaders on a petition* Held interfaith meetings to coordinate advocacy* Gained national coverage from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, MSNBC, Salon, and moreThe concern extends beyond Ayman: his case could set a precedent for undermining asylum protections nationwide.Why This MattersLizzy and Adam stress that conversations about immigration should start with the human being, not the politics:“Ask if the way this person is being treated aligns with your values. Start there.”In Iowa alone, it’s estimated there are 200 people currently in ICE detention — most without the public visibility or legal support Ayman has.How to HelpWrite to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital leadership, urging them to act with compassion.Clergy: consider visiting detainees in your area to provide connection and hope.Ways to support Ayman:🔗 Free Imam Ayman — Yusra OrganizingAdvocacy:Email the hospital:📧 [email protected]📧 [email protected] Support:* Lizzy’s GoFundMe* Adam’s GoFundMeListen to the full conversation with Lizzy and Adam to hear their powerful accounts, learn more about Ayman’s case, and understand the human stakes of America’s detention system.Related links & resources:* Petition with 500+ faith leader signatures* Media coverage from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, MSNBCThis is an episode you won’t forget.Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1Your story matters. Please consider exploring the many ways available for you to write the stories that matter to you, and others. All skill-levels are welcome. Learn moreThe Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeI’m proud to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative — a talented roster of professional writers from across Iowa and beyond, sharing stories and commentary that matter to anyone with a connection to the Hawkeye State.Here are the Collaborative members featured in last Sunday’s Roundup: 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

JD Scholten Pulled Over to Join Us—LiterallyLast week, JD Scholten was driving across Iowa when he pulled over— literally—to join our readers for a one-hour conversation about his quest to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate.No commercials. No sound-bite slivers. Just a real conversation.The field of Democratic primary candidates is growing, and thanks to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative—with contributors like Laura Belin, Robert Leonard, Douglas Burns, Art Cullen, and others—you’ll be introduced to each of them in a way that’s never been possible before, without the reach and immediacy of this digital platform.This is in service to you—Iowans—and the democratic process.So go ahead, tell a friend. Better yet, share the link.And mark your calendar:Monday, August 4 at noon Central, Iowa gubernatorial candidate Julie Stauch will join us live to take your questions about her run to become the Democratic nominee for governor, seeking to replace Kim Reynolds, who is not running for re-election.About this column and the Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeExpect the unexpected here. Some days I tackle issues, candidates, and news-makers, while other posts are more feature-oriented. On Mondays, I like to offer an opportunity for YOU to engage with thought-leaders locally and nationally. We in the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative are treading a new path. No other state has a group of professional writers who have joined forces like this to provide thoughtful, and in many cases, in-depth analysis of what is going on in Iowa. Ed Tibbetts, our colleague in Davenport, has been covering Iowa politics for decades. His work is a must-read for those who want to be in the know. Chuck Offenburger has been roaming the state most of his career, reporting on everything from the best sweet rolls in the state, to welcoming immigrants to Jefferson. Many of our members have been writing about water quality - or lack there of - since starting their columns on Substack (and before) which is bringing concerned citizens to a massive tipping point. Iowans are mad as hell at being ranked the worst state in terms of cancer diagnosis, and are not going to take it any more. These are issues many would prefer to not talk about. Or read about. And yet, we must. Your support is essential to making this kind of information available to all. We are not funded by corporate business interests, or advertising. Many of our writers are banging away on outdated computers, and scrapping together change to put gas in the tank to meet and interview someone. Seriously. Please know how important subscriber support is to bring this information to readers.And, thank you. OkobojiThe fifth annual Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will be held September 28-October 2, on the shores of Lake Okoboji. If you would like more information, sign up to receive updates by clicking the link below. We have some great, new speakers being announced. 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

Welcome. Come on in. Each Monday we feature a thought-leader for a one-hour conversation with our subscribers. The recorded video has the feel of a down home potluck, because everyone brings something to the table. Join us by subscribing (free). Photo credit: image of Julie Cantrell on our Zoom call by Chuck Offenburger.Uplifting, Insightful, and Deeply Personal: A Conversation with Julie CantrellBest-selling novelist Julie Cantrell joined the Monday Zoom potluck for a conversation about her path as a writer, teacher, and seeker. The interview began with Cantrell's origin story—a barefoot Louisiana girl with a deep love for books, storytelling, and the magic of the South. She shared how a ninth-grade assignment—journaling as Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird—ignited her passion for fiction and empathy-driven storytelling.Despite being discouraged by a high school teacher who told her she'd never make it as a writer, Cantrell eventually embraced her calling, getting up at 3 a.m. to write before tending to kids and animals. That determination led to Into the Free, a novel inspired by a real-life “gypsy queen” grave in Mississippi—and a career that catapulted her to the New York Times bestseller list.Key Highlights:* Teaching & Mentorship: Julie sees writing as a sacred tool for personal and spiritual growth. She believes everyone has a story, and she loves helping others birth theirs—especially through retreats, classes, and editing. She was a guest speaker during the last Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, and returns this fall. * The Role of Fiction: Writing fiction allows Cantrell to process hard truths, build empathy, and deliver transformative life lessons. She views fiction as a way to “deliver medicine with a spoonful of sugar.”* Memoir Advice: When guiding memoirists, Cantrell encourages choosing a focused “slice of life” with a transformational arc. Based on a conversation with one of our participants, One compelling hook shared: “How did an Iowa woman end up in a tank in Afghanistan?”* Her Spirit Retreat: Cantrell co-leads this women-only, in-person retreat blending writing craft, community, and wellness. It includes top-tier writing instructors, yoga, ‘sound baths,’ in a luxurious California spa setting. * Substack Column – Curiosity: Her column explores everything from secret Vatican libraries to sunken treasure—driven by her boundless inquisitiveness and desire to learn.* Encouragement to Writers: “Dare to do it.”Participants on the call, including fellow writer and Summiteer and Okoboji retreat veteran, Julie Klein, praised Cantrell’s ability to coach and critique with insight and warmth. A rich Q&A followed, covering memoir structure, rejection, writing routines, and dialogue development. Cantrell shared that she is fascinated by language, and sees dialogue as second nature thanks to her speech pathology background.If she could do anything and not fail? Write for film. A series or feature screenplay is on her bucket list.Final Message: Fiction builds empathy, heals division, and gives voice to those who often go unheard. As Cantrell said, “Maybe you’re the only one who can give that story in the way someone needs to hear it.”MoreJulie Cantrell’s Substack column: CuriousityStory Summit: Learn more (Become a member and take online classes for year for one low fee)Her Spirit Retreat: Learn moreOkoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat News: Learn moreThe Iowa Writers’ CollaborativeI’m proud to be the founder of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative—now 70+ members strong—providing thoughtful commentary and insightful reporting about our state. Subscribe to our Roundup column to get these stories delivered straight to your inbox twice a week. You won’t want to miss them.Watch for the Flipside edition, full of features stories from around the state on Wednesday mornings, and issue and news oriented 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

Join me, founder of the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, as we welcome Emmy‑nominated filmmaker and UCLA professor Becky Smith for an engaging conversation about what it means to find and nurture your creative voice. Becky begins by recalling her improbable journey from a town of just 350 year‑round residents in Okoboji to earning a scholarship at Stanford after her college professor made a single phone call. She reflects on the impact of reading a jazz memoir in her father’s home library, which opened her eyes to issues of race and broadened her worldview long before she left Iowa.Becky then shares the story of turning 130 hours of women’s basketball footage into a documentary about Title IX, enduring rejection after rejection until PBS’s Frontline took a chance on her work. She describes her excitement and occasional chaos while directing the pilot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy—herding five charismatic hosts across New York City and earning the first reality‑documentary directing Emmy nomination. That experience led to her independently producing the feature film 16 to Life along the banks of the Mississippi, blending Iowa settings and local talent with her own coming‑of‑age vision.Throughout the conversation, Becky honors the students and workshop participants she has mentored at UCLA and Okoboji, celebrating their dedication and reminding us that storytelling is both a craft and a community effort. Looking ahead, she talks about her desire to finance one of two deeply personal indie scripts and to write a semi‑fictional memoir inspired by her small‑town roots. This episode is a testament to persistence, the magic of small‑town stories, and the power of bringing diverse voices together to shape meaningful narratives.The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat Early Bird discount ends at midnight tonight. Save $100Last chance! Today is the final day to grab the Early Bird discount for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Some of you generously wait to pay full price — and we’re grateful. Your support helps cover rising costs and fund scholarships. But if it helps the budget to save $100, enroll before midnight tomorrow.We’re also welcoming emerging writers on partial scholarships. Their voices enrich the retreat, and the impact is mutual.Read about the current faculty coming:The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Invites Our Paid Subscribers to Join us in WintersetCome meet some of your favorite Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members in Winterset on July 26. We are holding a thank-you event for those who are paid subscribers to any of our members, or this roundup.Starting at 3:00 p.m., our paid subscribers are invited to join the screening of the film Storm Lake, a documentary about the struggles a family-owned newspaper in Iowa faces. The focus of this story is Art Cullen, who will be on hand to meet y’all.There will be an after-party, too.All you need to do to come is RSVP, and be a paid subscriber to any one of us. Still lurking? May we suggest you start with our Madison County hosts, Marianne Fons, Deb Engle, or Vicki Minor.Barry Piatt will be joining us, trekking back to his home state from Washington, D.C., Dennis Goldford, Robert Leonard, Wini Moranville, Jane Burns, David Thoreson, Jane Nguyen,Marianne Fons,Vicki Minor,Debra Engle,Julie Gammack,Laura Belin,,Jane Nguyen,Douglas Burns,Connie Taylor, Sarah Scull, Matt Russell, The Anglo Back 40,Joan Zwagerman, Cheryl Tevis, Alison McGaughey, Tej Dhawan and Jason WalsmithWe are eager to meet this amazing community of readers from across the state.Please let us know if you are coming. We need to make sure we have enough popcorn!Thank you the paid subscribers of this column. Your support is gratifying, and funds help support those who need financial assistance to attend the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Together, we are changing lives. 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