Substacks recommended by Jason Walsmith

Recommended by Jason Walsmith

Stories from along the thoroughfare and down the side streets, too

I am recommending Kyle because we once wrote a hit song together and we are famous because it went viral. AND because his an Iowa treasure.

- Jason Walsmith

My Life, in Color

By John Naughton

Adventures in travel, food and fun. And Iowa sports, of course.

John is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Shifting Gears with Phoebe Wall Howard

Original news reporting, analysis and features by award-winning journalist Phoebe Wall Howard. Topics range from auto industry and politics to sailing and spotlight profiles with a Detroit perspective.

I am a car guy (I have never said that before) so I particularly enjoy Phoebe's coverage of innovation in the auto industry. She is also a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Christie Vilsack

I write about people living close to the land who believe in community and the public good. Teacher, writer, wife, mom and gramma. Proud Iowa First Lady, candidate and USAID Advisor. A world traveler but an Iowan by birth and choice.

Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup

By Julie Gammack

Linking readers and professional writers who care about Iowa.

I am proud to be a part of this group. Please consider subscribing and supporting. There are so many great writers and columns associated with this group.

- Jason Walsmith

Okoboji Writers' & Songwriters' Retreat News & Alum Essays

By Okoboji Retreat News +

This post is for speakers, enrollees or other writers & musicians who are interested in the Okoboji Writers' and Songwriters' Retreat.

Letters From Iowans

By Julie Gammack

This column consists of Letters to the Editor of the Iowa Writers' Collaborative.

LFI is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Unfinished Business

By Cheryl Tevis

Current events, rural living/consumer issues, women's challenges, Iowa life

Cheryl is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Reporting from Quiltropolis

By Marianne Fons

Marianne Fons writes from the small town of Winterset, Iowa, reporting on quilty and non-quilty topics.

I am recommending this column by Marianne Fons because she is an inspiring women with a fascinating life and wonderful way of observing and relaying stories of her life experiences.

- Jason Walsmith

Dispatches from the Heartland

By Suzanna de Baca

Reflections on change and transformation.

Suzanna is part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative along with many of the other writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

With Uncertainty

By Macey Shofroth

Essays in defiance of certainty.

Macy is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Let's Talk Politics

By Dennis Goldford

These are short discussions of various aspects of American politics in particular and the nature of politics and political affairs generally.

I am proud to share page space with Dennis as a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

- Jason Walsmith

The Corners by Nadia Bolz-Weber

Grace for fuck-ups. Prayer for the impious. A space for spiritual misfits.

Nadia was a guest at our vanlife destination in Iowa and had the most fascinating stories. We are all lucky that she chooses to share her stories on this platform.

- Jason Walsmith

Along the Mississippi

By Ed Tibbetts

News, opinions and ideas from the Quad-Cities, where the river runs east to west

Ed is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Kathryn Severing Fox

Regular posts from a creative entrepreneur, talking about my life, the craft of writing songs and being wanderlust

She is a rockstar who so full of talent she has to find new ways to share it. This column is a new and exciting way for her to do so.

- Jason Walsmith

View from the Cedar Valley

By Pat Kinney

Column of news and observations from the Waterloo-Cedar Falls and greater Cedar Valley area.

Puckerbrush Dispatch

By Joe Murphy

Welcome to the Puckerbrush Dispatch, a mix of photography and short stories highlighting the people behind your next meal and other interesting folks I meet along the way.

I am a fan of Joe's work. Sometimes I think he might be living the life I always dreamed of but then I remember I am also living the life I always dreamed of. He does great work and it is so satisfying to observe someone living their life having found their purpose.

- Jason Walsmith

Mary Swander's Emerging Voices

Diverse people voice their opinions for the Iowa Writers Collaborative

Another Mary Swander project worth digging into.

- Jason Walsmith

So it goes...by J Goerdt

By J. Goerdt

Advocating for legal and political policies that are grounded in facts and promote justice, democracy, and compassion.

The Swine Republic

By Chris Jones

Writing about confluence of agriculture and environment from the heart of the big ag beast here in Iowa

I wish everyone would just listen to what chris says (or read what he writes)

- Jason Walsmith

In the Dirt by Beth Hoffman

Learn more about the economics of farming, the dirt on the politics of agriculture and tales from our ranch, Whippoorwill Creek Farm.

Buy Beth's book "Bet the Farm", read it...then subscribe to her substack.

- Jason Walsmith

Between Two Rivers

By Jeff Morrison

Exploring Iowa, the "Land Between Two Rivers," through history, road trips, and more. Posts appear about every 10 days.

andy lyons/outpourings

By Andy Lyons

cockeyed chronicles from a runaway mind

Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger

...Iowa, small towns, and saddle shoes

He needs no recommendation from me. Maybe the most famous Iowan who is famous for being Iowan. Chuck should be required reading for all Iowans and wanna be Iowans.

- Jason Walsmith

The Five and Dime

By Avery Gregurich

A sporadic establishment situated in the guts of Midwestland. Mainly stocking short fiction, essays, fanaticisms, and other inquiries into music, film, and whatever culture means. It's cheap, and always aims to please.

Avery Gregurich is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Homestead Collective

By Gretchen

A collective of Homesteaders sharing their stories, tips, photos, success and failure around homesteading, gardening, from scratch cooking, skills, permaculture, and more.

Brecht's Beat

By Tory Brecht

On Iowa sports, life on the Upper Mississippi and other subjects.

Tory is part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative along with many of the other writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Black Iowa News

By Dana James

Black Iowa News is an independent news platform designed to highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify the voices of Black Iowans — online and in print.

Black Iowa News is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

My Integrated Life

By Dartanyan L. Brown

Stories and Sounds from a Life In Jazz and Journalism

Dartanyan is one of my musician brothers in the Iowa Writers Collective.

- Jason Walsmith

Chip Happens

By Chip Albright

A catalog of stories and songs following the musical endeavors of Midwestern singer-songwriter, Chip Albright.

I have been following Chip's career. He is an excellent songwriter and storyteller so it is no surprise that his column on substack is remarkable.

- Jason Walsmith

Rob Gray's Area

Musings and observations on sports, gardening, travel — and anything else I care to write about.

Rob is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Postcards from The Heartland

By A New Postcard

A fresh take on rural America

Mary Swander’s Buggy Land

By swandermary@gmail.com

A tale of two homesteads, one among the Amish, the other in Connemara, Ireland. A serialization of a new book of non-fiction.

Mary is a prolific writer, writing about a part of Iowa, people and culture that many people don't know about.

- Jason Walsmith

Monday's Music

By Carol Montag

Come backstage with me, where you'll receive bi-weekly behind-the-curtain insights and tips into the world of the performing singer/songwriter.

The Iowa Mercury

By Douglas Burns

Fourth-generation Iowa journalist dives deep with unpredictable, well-reported writing on rural America's people, politics and culture.

I have been a fan of Doug Burns work for a long time and I am proud to call him a friend.

- Jason Walsmith

At the Iowa Farm Table Podcast

By Beth Hoffman

The At the Iowa Farm Table Podcast takes a deep dive into food and farming in Iowa. Brought to you by the Iowa Food System Coalition.

A World of Your Own

By Debra Engle

Where writing and life meet—stories, reflections, and prompts to help you live more deeply and write more truly.

Debra is part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative along with many of the other writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Letters from an American

By Heather Cox Richardson

A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.

Minding the Gaps

By Kali White VanBaale

Stories about gaps in mental healthcare, social justice, crime, and more

Kali is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Things We Don't Talk About Like Politics & Religion

By Daniel Henderson

I like to write about current affairs in politics and religion and how they affect our lives. It can be controversial, but always enjoyable, and sometimes humorous. Join me!

Daniel is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Out Here in the Fields

By Alison McGaughey

Reporting from the Midwest/midlife/meno beat.

Alison is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Christina’s Substack

By The Latest

For widows & high-achieving, deeply feeling women who are rebuilding a life after grief, trauma, & lifelong pressure to be perfect. I am an award-winning writer, first-generation MFA, & widow who believes stories help us heal & thrive.

Christina is part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative along with many of the other writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Peter Himmelman’s Morning Musings

Essays On Jewish Life, Creativity, Music, and Meaning

True Justice

By Lynn Hicks

Spotlighting restorative justice and the human side of the courts. Not true crime, not legal advice. A non-lawyer's observations and aspirations on pursuing effective and equitable justice for all.

Romen Borsellino

Romen is an LA-based comedy writer who has been accused of "relying on writing the "f" word ala a junior high schooler who struggles with words"

Romen is part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative along with many of the other writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Showing Up

By Kurtis Meyer

My interests are diverse: history, politics, current events, music, life experiences. I write about things that interest me, things I know about... often reflecting my (primarily) rural perspective.

Kurtis is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

FORGOTTEN HISTORY with Arnold Garson

FORGOTTEN HISTORY with Arnold Garson provides historical context for today's news, telling stories from the past that are relevant in today's world; also digging deep into history to find stories that have been lost, forgotten, or never told before.

I really enjoy Arnolds writing. I spent my summers growing up in Okoboji and he writes a lot about the history there. I have learned about things I have always wondered about from his pieces.

- Jason Walsmith

Dave Busiek on Media

How to be a more informed news consumer and understand why journalists do what they do

Dave has been a voice of our community for a long time. I am glad to recommend him on substack.

- Jason Walsmith

The Crossover

By Jane Burns

Women's sports stories from Iowa - a place where new generations of female athletes carry on a century of success.

Jane is part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative along with many of the other writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

The Inevitable™ from Normal 40

By Lon Stroschein @ Normal 40

It’s not content. It’s a confrontation. A signal from the edge of change—a call from the inevitable work still inside you. This is your Normal 40 moment. Take it.

I am finding inspiration and perspective from Lon. I am new to his community and excited to be a part of it. I am looking forward to sharing a walk and sitting around a campfire with him soon. You can too by subscribing.

- Jason Walsmith

The Racontourist

Recommended by Jason Walsmith