Substacks recommended by Jason Walsmith

Recommended by Jason Walsmith

A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.

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

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. For those done waiting on legacy and are ready to act on it. 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

Christina’s Substack

By The Latest

I explore cool people and happenings in the Midwest, being first-born and first-gen, widowhood, grief & healing, and other topiocs that make my fingers itch to write.

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

- Jason Walsmith

Frame of Mind with Dan McClanahan

Industry insights, workflow tips, and lessons from the field 📷

Ty's Take

By Ty Rushing

My personal Substack

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

- Jason Walsmith

Taylor’s Millennial Mindset

By Taylor Deckert

What's happening in Siouxland? The perspective of a tech-savvy, Sioux City, Iowa-based news anchor prioritizing self care, mental health and a social life.

Taylor 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

Iowa Collaborative Calendar

A list of music and entertainment venues where our members will perform or hold events.

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

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

Peter Hedges

Hola Iowa

Connect with the Latino communities in Iowa.

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

- Jason Walsmith

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

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

Fern and Joe

By Fern Kupfer and Joe Geha

opinions on topics

Fern and Joe are a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative as are many of the great writers I am recommending here.

- Jason Walsmith

Deep Midwest: Politics and Culture

By Robert Leonard

The politics and culture of Iowa, the Midwest, and beyond.

I am proud to know Robert and love his unique and thoughtful way of viewing and talking about the world and the people in it.

- Jason Walsmith

Okoboji Writers' and Songwriters' News

By Julie Gammack

The Okoboji Writers' Retreat is a tradition started in 2021. Writers of all skill levels come to experience Lake Okoboji for a 2.5 day retreat. Topics range from getting started, memoir, nonfiction, fiction, playwriting, opinion, and now songwriting.

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

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

Chad Elliott

Chad is one of the most prolific artists I know AND his work is outstanding. We are lucky to have him as a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

- Jason Walsmith

stories from the waypoint ✨

By Emma Walsmith

moments & insights from an animal lover's little farm featuring six alpacas, two fainting goats, two great pyrenees, four barn cats, two setters, a house cat and our boss: fritz, the miniature dachshund.

Because it's awesome.

- 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.

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

Listening to the Land

By Larry Stone

Join me on my travels in Iowa outdoors.

Larry Reminds us to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty of Iowa.

- Jason Walsmith

The Efficient Hustle Substack

By Lucas Meek

Doing my best to inspire professionalism with efficiency and attention to detail.

I read his book and highly recommend his work!

- Jason Walsmith

Julie Gammack and Guests

If Iowa had a group chat, this would be it. Hosted by Julie Gammack, this Substack blends independent journalism, lively opinion, and unexpected voices from across the state. Think potluck, but with more insight and fewer Crock-Pots.

Julie is the ringleader and inspiration to us all.

- Jason Walsmith

This Stays Here

By Nicole Baart

A Substack about community for people who want to be better neighbors. Life in my small, rural, Iowa town is idyllic--and also really hard. I imagine the same can be said about wherever you live. Come join the conversation!

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

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

Corn Belt Confidential

By Nina B. Elkadi

The history and science behind agriculture, water, and our food systems.

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

- Jason Walsmith

The Seven Times produced by Nik Heftman

We produce inspiring stories about Black entrepreneurs. We also write pieces on art, travel, and our experiences as a mission-driven film production company. Paid subscribers receive courses on storytelling, entrepreneurship and creativity.

Barry Piatt on Politics: - Behind the Curtains

Consistently ahead of the curve political commentary and analysis

Barry 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

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

Art Cullen’s Notebook

A view from rural America: immigration, agriculture, environment, politics

Arts work, career, track record and reputation speak for themselves. I am so happy he is represented here.

- Jason Walsmith

The Asian Iowan

By Jane Nguyen

Born in Saigon, Vietnam. Nearly lifelong Iowan writing about people, places, and things.

Jane 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

Iowa politics with Laura Belin

Where you get in-depth coverage and exclusive reporting about Iowa politics

Laura does a great job of finding the things we all need to know about and digging deep.

- Jason Walsmith

Talking Good

By Teresa Zilk

In this space, I’ll write about the people, places, and learnings that have helped to shape me and my journey here in Iowa.

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

- Jason Walsmith

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

Dining Well in DSM by Wini Moranville

By Dining Well in Des Moines

Where you'll discover great food finds and the best restaurant experiences in Des Moines.

I know she is good because every time I read her work it makes me hungry. She is a master of her craft.

- Jason Walsmith

"The Mitch"

By Mitch Walsmith

The Mitch is Mitch Walsmith's therapy device for putting his thoughts down, where his ego has convinced him to throw them out into the world instead of in a journal. Writes about writing, music, media, and occasional contrarian political takes.

I am very excited to reconnect my son’s new Substack. I am genuinely entertained and impressed by his writing in a way that I believe is not just parental pride. I think you’ll like it too.

- Jason Walsmith

Minding the Gaps

By Kali White VanBaale

Stories about gaps in mental health, 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

Mary Swander's Emerging Voices

Diverse people voice their opinions for the Iowa Writers Collaborative

Another Mary Swander project worth digging into.

- 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

Relatively Minor

By Vicki Minor

A newspaper column providing a weekly dose of humor.

Vicki makes me wish my address was in madison county.

- Jason Walsmith

The Piecemaker: Musings and Meditations of a Midwest Maker

By Sarah

I write about making, mending, and finding beauty in the ordinary.

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

Arnold Garson: Second Thoughts

A unique perspective on public affairs built on commentary, historical perspective, and subject matter that is deeply researched.

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

The Racontourist

Recommended by Jason Walsmith