Substacks recommended by Jason Walsmith

Recommended by Jason Walsmith

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

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

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

Matt Blaylock

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

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!

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

Arnold Garson: Second Thoughts

A unique perspective on public affairs built on commentary, stories about real people, 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

Kyle Munson's Main Street

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

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

Keepin' It Rural

By Darcy Maulsby

My personal Substack

Darcy 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

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

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

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

The Piecemaker: Musings and Meditations of a Midwest Maker

By Sarah

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

Reading with Rachelle

By Rachelle Chase

Exploring history you never learned in school — but should have

Rachelle does incredible work. I am thankful to the Iowa Writers Collaborative for introducing us.

- 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.

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 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

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

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

Michael Brandmeier

I’m an indie-pop artist, author, producer, and publisher of hundreds of tracks and songs in Film and TV. www.michaelbrandmeier.com

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

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.

Firmly Rooted

By Denise OBrien

Denise O'Brien and Larry Harris, unique individuals who chose to remain in their place of birth to be organic farmers. The Harris/O'Brien partnership has lived by the philosophy that "the personal is political", a feminist movement phrase from the 1970s.

The Intellectual Investor

By Vitaliy Katsenelson

Value Investing, Life/Philosophy and Classical Music Explained

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

Ice Cube Press: Publishing, Writing, and Smart Life Secrets

Where Fact and Fiction Merge Into One. Smart Thinking, Creativity, and Celebrating Being Bold, Ferocious, and Brave. An Independent Press in a Red State.

Steve 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

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

View from the Cedar Valley

By Pat Kinney

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

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 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

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

Narratives and Notes

By Vicki Minor

Stories Showcasing the Remarkable Talents of Writers and Songwriters from Iowa and Beyond.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Autumn Loon

By Zac Bales-Henry

My own meandering thoughts.

Weathering Climate Change

By Chris Gloninger

The nexus between extreme weather events and climate change - we will be connecting the dots between the two and why it matters to you.

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

- Jason Walsmith

Micah Spurlock

There’s a deep connection, through vulnerability, that claws through existence when we share the stories of our lives. Here are a few of mine.

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

Rekha shouts & whispers

By Rekha Basu

This opinion column examines news, events and experiences through a humanitarian and social justice lens, names the culprits and applauds the defenders of truth, democracy and human rights.

Rekha is a pro with a voice and perspective that has stood the test of time. She is a part of the Iowa Writers Collaborative, and I am honored to share page space with her.

- Jason Walsmith

Growing New Leaders: Perspectives from Coyote Run Farm

By Matt Russell

A newsletter advancing a hopeful future from and through rural America.

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

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

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.

The Racontourist

Recommended by Jason Walsmith