Substacks recommended by Kurtis Meyer

Recommended by Kurtis Meyer

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

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

Perhaps because I LOVE talking politics... you know, settling the issues, ha... this is among my favorites. Even when I don't fully agree, a must-read.

- Kurtis Meyer

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.

Listening to the Land

By Larry Stone

Join me on my travels in Iowa's outdoors.

GREAT stuff... column after column, focused on the part of our world I love the most. Essential reading!

- Kurtis Meyer

Unfinished Business

By Cheryl Tevis

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

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.

Art Cullen’s Notebook

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

View from the Cedar Valley

By Pat Kinney

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

Dave Price's Perspective

An award-winning Iowa journalist's observations on politics, current events, policy, and some random things, too.

Dave has insights -- keen insights -- that remind me of that line from Gretzky: "I see where the puck is moving," always well before others.

- Kurtis Meyer

Iowa Writers Collaborative Roundup

By Julie Gammack

Linking readers and professional writers who care about Iowa.

Dispatches from the Heartland

By Suzanna de Baca

Reflections on change and transformation.

Barry Piatt on Politics: - Behind the Curtains

Consistently ahead of the curve political commentary and analysis

My Life, in Color

By John Naughton

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

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.

AG's second thoughts seem so much better than my first... or my second... or my third. Compelling reading every single time!

- Kurtis Meyer

Dave Busiek on Media

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

Dave's insights are from someone who knows... because he's been there. Filled with nuggets not widely available. Essential reading week after week.

- Kurtis Meyer

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.

Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger

...Iowa, small towns, and saddle shoes

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.

The Swine Republic

By Chris Jones

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

Always well worth reading... if you care about Iowa, if you care about agriculture, if you care about our collective future.

- Kurtis Meyer

Along the Mississippi

By Ed Tibbetts

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

Mary’s Newsletter

By Mary Slanker

Food and Recipes

Iowa politics with Laura Belin

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

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 friend Jason is a glorious blend of musician, photographer, and storyteller. (That's why he can call himself a "Racontourist".) WELL worth reading!

- Kurtis Meyer

Kyle Munson's Main Street

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

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.