The Seven Times produced by Nik Heftman

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Cultural, political, and social observations across the Black world.

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

The premier seed program for agricultural innovators. Posts will include thoughts and insights from the Ag Startup Engine team on new ag technology, venture capital industry, fund operations, and how we think about investing in ag-tech startups.

Linking readers and professional writers who care about Iowa.

...Iowa, small towns, and saddle shoes

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

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

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

Writer, storyteller, and filmmaker sharing creative sparks, soulful insights, and life lessons to inspire your next chapter. Motivation to create, grow, and thrive.

This is a record of Iowa's technology companies and the people who built them. I'll find the stories and talk to the people 1:1 and bring you what they did, why they did it, and how they see the community's progression since (used to say 80s) the 1960s

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

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

Veteran entrepreneur and Iowa State University Faculty since 1986. These posts explore the confluence of research, business, and technology, with a primary focus on University-driven innovation.

Tips, tricks, and a bit of advice to get your entrepreneurial neurons firing.

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

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

I'm sharing the good, bad, and ugly experiences I've gone through while building technology companies. These writings are meant to save founders time, capital, and heartache.

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

Entrepreneur. Investor. Author. Professor.

A Radical in Rural America Project

My personal Substack

This newsletter provides in-depth insights on Iowa’s startup ecosystem, from university-driven innovation to hiring strategies and scaling operations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply passionate about startups, subscribe!

TechMobility Topics by Ken Chester is a Substack affiliated with the Iowa Writers Collaborative that covers news, information, and perspectives at the intersection of mobility and technology. If it moves, it's open to discussion!

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.

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

My mind wanders far and wide. History, genealogy, current events, nature, and sports...and whatever "godservations" may come my way. Author of the book "Barnstorming Babe--A Slugger's Bumpy Trek Across Small-Town America."

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

Behind every headline is a writer, and sometimes, the hardest story to tell is your own.

I'm a startup-operator-turned-venture-capitalist, currently running the InnoVenture Iowa co-investment fund on behalf of the state. We are a $40M fund focused on supporting early-stage, Iowa-based startups with tremendous growth potential.

Consider this a warning: I write about whatever inspires me. It's random, I know.