Substacks recommended by Denise OBrien

Recommended by Denise OBrien

Diverse people voice their opinions for the Iowa Writers Collaborative

The highlighting of emerging writers is critical. Mary does an excellent job of bringing our attention to these voices.

- Denise OBrien

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.

I love Steve's writing. Sense of humor I try to absorb.

- Denise OBrien

The Racontourist

By Jason Walsmith

Hey there! I am Jason Walsmith - I am a traveling musician, photographer and storyteller. I write about music, travel, people, places and things.

My Gaia

By Diane Porter

It's about personal contact with nature, especially birds, native plants, and other wildlife in rural Iowa and farther afield. Whenever I can, I try to give nature a helping hand.

Love this insight into Iowa birds and prairie flowers. Donna's pictures of birds and flowers are beautiful.

- Denise OBrien

Iowa politics with Laura Belin

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

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.

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.

I love Jane's writing and highlighting women's sports. It's about time we pay attention - we have outstanding women athletes in Iowa.

- Denise OBrien

View from the Cedar Valley

By Pat Kinney

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

Humble Hands Harvest

By Hannah Breckbill

A Queer Mennonite farmer's musings and adventures

Unfinished Business

By Cheryl Tevis

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

Cheryl's investigative nature brings light to Iowa issues that many miss. I appreciate her exposing the injustices that are currently on the lose in Iowa.

- Denise OBrien

The Dworkin Report

By Scott Dworkin

Insight into national politics and elections from a seasoned and fearless independent journalist, delivered to your inbox daily so you can stay inspired and informed—while you push back on Trump and corporate media.

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.

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's stories present an insight to a community of people many of us do not know nor understand. She relates a real sense of community.

- Denise OBrien

Deep Midwest: Politics and Culture

By Robert Leonard

The politics and culture of Iowa, the Midwest, 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.

Letters from an American

By Heather Cox Richardson

A newsletter about the history behind today's politics.

Lisa Kivirist - Stirring the Pot

Musings from a Wisconsinite moving abroad midlife and now living in rural Estonia on the Baltic Sea, embracing her heritage, local foods & flavors with a hefty dose of serendipity.

Exploring New Ground

By Jim Sayers

Here to encourage awareness, growth, kindness, inspiration, and creativity.

Listening to the Land

By Larry Stone

Join me on my travels in Iowa outdoors.

Postcards from The Heartland

By A New Postcard

A Radical in Rural America Project

Suzan writes with honesty and passion.

- Denise OBrien

I Run For Water

By Mike Stein-Prairie Fire Found.

This site highlights my running journey and fundraising for clean, accessible water for all. I have traveled to Tanzania for water projects and continue to raise money and awareness for water. "When creating a fire, so much depends upon the spark."

Learn how water is testing in nitrates from this informative substack.

- Denise OBrien

Indivisible Iowa

Rural Resistance: Voices from the Heartland is a space for rural Indivisibles to share their stories. From town halls to mutual aid, we uplift voices resisting extremism and building hope in small towns across Iowa. Your story matters!

This is where practical advice is shared and community is found.

- Denise OBrien

Firmly Rooted

Recommended by Denise OBrien