Julie Gammack's Iowa Potluck

Julie Gammack
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The Iowa Potluck features commentary, stories and interviews with notable leaders. Feel free to join our growing tribe, where you'll find a smart, engaged community of readers. okobojiwriters.substack.com

  1. 4d ago

    Three Guys Fomenting a Revolution

    The Lobe Rangers: Iowa Farmers Challenging the Status Quo Julie Gammack’s podcast featured the Lobe Rangers, a trio of Iowa farmers—Zach Smith, Matt Bormann, and James Hepp—who are advocating for practical changes in agriculture that they believe can improve Iowa’s water quality, soil health, and rural communities while also helping farmers remain profitable. The discussion opened with journalist, farmer and Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member Darcy Maulsby, who described the Lobe Rangers as one of the most hopeful developments she has seen in Iowa agriculture in 30 years. She said their message offers practical solutions to problems such as polluted water and soil erosion while also making economic sense for farmers. It was Darcy who introduced our Collaborative members to the Lobe Rangers when we gathered in Storm Lake earlier this spring. Who Are the Lobe Rangers? All three members are working farmers who have adopted conservation-minded practices, including cover crops, strip tillage, no-till farming, reduced fertilizer applications, and improved nutrient management. They emphasize that these methods are not simply environmental measures. Many of them were adopted because they reduce costs, improve soil productivity, and make farms more resilient and profitable. Their Core Message The Lobe Rangers argue that Iowa already has a scientifically developed roadmap for improving water quality: the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy, adopted in 2013. They believe the problem is not a lack of knowledge, but a lack of implementation. According to the group, politicians frequently talk about water quality, conservation, and nutrient reduction, but actual progress on the ground remains limited. Their mission is to compare political promises with what scientists say is actually necessary to improve Iowa’s waterways. Why They Remain Nonpartisan Although two members are Republicans and one is an Independent, they intentionally avoid aligning with political parties. They argue that cancer rates are not partisan, polluted water affects everyone, and clean lakes and rivers matter regardless of political affiliation. Rather than endorsing candidates, they want voters to understand the science and ask harder questions of elected officials. The Truth, According to the Rangers When I asked, “What is the truth?” each member offered a variation of the same answer. They believe Iowa is not achieving meaningful water-quality improvements. The science already exists to address the problem, but the pace of change is far too slow. Farmers, policymakers, and citizens need to be honest about what it will take to improve conditions. Matt Bormann said he became frustrated while serving on Iowa’s State Soil and Water Conservation Committee because conservation success stories were often highlighted while broader statewide progress remained limited. Voluntary Conservation vs. Regulation One of the most significant conversations centered on whether voluntary conservation efforts are enough. The Rangers argued that after more than a decade of voluntary programs, adoption rates remain too low. While they recognize that regulation is unpopular among farmers, they believe some policy changes and incentives will eventually be necessary if Iowa hopes to achieve its nutrient reduction goals. At the same time, they emphasized that any policy should help farmers transition rather than punish them. Results on Their Own Farms All three farmers reported measurable benefits from conservation practices. They described lower fuel and equipment costs, reduced fertilizer use, better water infiltration during heavy rains, increased organic matter in the soil, and strong crop yields. James Gillmore described cutting tractor horsepower needs in half after switching systems and significantly reducing fertilizer expenses. Zach Smith noted that regenerative-style practices have produced exceptionally high corn yields on some acres while improving soil health. The Role of the Farm Bill The conversation also explored federal farm policy. The Rangers argued that current crop insurance programs heavily favor corn and soybeans, making it difficult for farmers to diversify into other crops such as small grains, forage crops, and alternative rotations. They believe future farm policy should support more diverse cropping systems, expand insurance options for alternative crops, and encourage farming systems that improve soil and water quality. What’s Standing in the Way? The group identified fear of change, fear of failure, economic pressure, existing agricultural systems and incentives, and political influence from large corporations and industry groups as major obstacles. They argue that many farmers understand the problems but are reluctant to be the first to change. Art Cullen’s Perspective Art Cullen was on the call, and said the Lobe Rangers are part of a larger shift in Iowa’s conversation about agriculture, and they know what “they are talking about.” “Farmers are going to grow what they are paid to grow, and so they are going to grow corn and soybeans until it’s coming out your ears. If you want them to grow grass, pay them to grow grass.” Final Takeaway The Lobe Rangers are not advocating for the end of modern agriculture. Instead, they argue that Iowa can continue to be one of the world’s most productive farming regions while dramatically improving water quality, rebuilding soil health, and strengthening rural communities. Their message is straightforward: the science already exists, the practices work, and the challenge is finding the political and public will to implement them at scale. Our lives depend on it. Resources Shared Jim Sayers shared several resources related to the Lobe Rangers: * The Lobe Rangers: The Lobe Rangers * The Lobe Rangers Facebook page * Land Stewardship Project podcast featuring the Lobe Rangers: Ear to the Ground #395: The Lobe Rangers Here’s the mid-week Flipside Roundup of columns by Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Members Don’t Miss Early Bird Pricing for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat Deb Engle and I did a short interview about OWSR on WHO TV’s Hello Iowa program. Hello Iowa - an interview with Debra Engle and Julie Gammack This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 5m
  2. Post Election Analysis With Laura Belin

    Jun 4

    Post Election Analysis With Laura Belin

    Laura Belin’s Analysis of Iowa’s Primary Election Results Laura Belin, editor of Bleeding Heartland and co-host of the Iowa Down Ballot podcast, joined the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative the morning after Iowa’s primary election to help unpack what happened and what it means for November. Her overall conclusion: Iowa voters sent a clear message that they are looking for candidates who engage directly with voters and offer something different from the political establishment. Feenstra’s Defeat Was the Story of the Night Belin described Randy Feenstra’s loss in the Republican gubernatorial primary as the biggest surprise of the election. In her view, Feenstra entered the race with virtually every advantage imaginable. He was a sitting member of Congress, enjoyed strong establishment support, had significant fundraising, and received a late endorsement from Donald Trump. Yet he lost. Belin argued that Feenstra’s campaign strategy was fundamentally flawed. He avoided debates, skipped multi-candidate forums, held mostly small events with supporters, and rarely placed himself in situations where voters could ask difficult questions. She said Iowa voters still expect candidates to show up and earn their support, and Feenstra never did. Meanwhile, Zach Lahn did. Why Zach Lahn Connected With Voters Belin believes Zach Lahn’s appeal stemmed from his outsider status and his focus on issues that many Iowans believe are being ignored. His campaign centered on four themes: * Young people leaving Iowa * The decline of family farms * Struggles within public education * Iowa’s high cancer rates Belin noted that Lahn also spoke openly about water quality, agricultural consolidation, and corporate influence—issues that aren’t commonly emphasized by Republican candidates. Because he has never held elected office, voters were able to view him as a fresh face rather than someone responsible for the state’s current problems. That made him a particularly effective change candidate. Trump’s Endorsement Arrived Too Late Belin believes Donald Trump’s endorsement probably helped Feenstra but wasn’t enough to overcome the campaign’s weaknesses. She suggested Republican insiders became concerned when polling showed Feenstra underperforming and Lahn gaining momentum, leading to a last-minute effort to secure Trump’s backing. Had Trump endorsed Feenstra months earlier, Belin speculated, the outcome might have been different. Instead, one of Trump’s endorsed candidates lost one of the highest-profile primary races of the year. Josh Turek’s Senate Victory On the Democratic side, Belin attributed Josh Turek’s decisive Senate primary victory largely to the enormous amount of outside spending supporting his candidacy. Millions of dollars from VoteVets helped introduce Turek to Democratic voters and tell his personal story across the state. Belin said many Democrats genuinely liked both Turek and Zach Wahls. Rather than choosing between a strong candidate and a weak candidate, voters were choosing between two candidates they generally respected. The difference, she argued, was visibility. Turek simply had far more advertising reaching voters. Belin also said Tom Harkin’s endorsement likely helped Turek, though she was surprised the campaign didn’t emphasize it more heavily. Turnout Was Stronger Than Expected One of the night’s more surprising developments was voter turnout. Republican turnout exceeded expectations despite weak early-voting numbers. Democratic turnout was significantly higher than many analysts predicted, even though Democrats had only one truly competitive statewide contest. Belin said the stronger Democratic turnout could be an encouraging sign for Democrats heading into the general election. Legislative Results Show Continued Republican Shift Belin pointed to the defeats of Republican legislators Brian Lohse and Jane Bloomingdale as evidence that Iowa’s Republican Party continues moving away from its moderate wing. Both lawmakers were viewed as more pragmatic Republicans and were targeted by conservative groups. Their defeats suggest that the center of gravity within the party continues to move rightward. Rob Sand Faces a Tougher Opponent Looking ahead to November, Belin believes Rob Sand would have preferred to face Feenstra rather than Lahn. Sand has built his campaign around the idea that Iowa needs change after years of one-party Republican control. The challenge now is that Lahn is making a very similar argument. Because Lahn has never served in elected office, Democrats cannot tie him to unpopular legislative decisions or congressional votes. Belin expects Sand’s campaign to emphasize Lahn’s years living in Kansas and attempt to define him early before voters form firm impressions. Still, she believes Lahn presents a more complicated challenge than Feenstra would have. Data Centers Are Emerging as a Major Political Issue Former legislator Chuck Isenhart joined the discussion and predicted that data centers could become one of Iowa’s most significant political issues. He pointed to a new moratorium on data-center development in Dubuque County and suggested the issue could become as contentious as carbon pipelines. Several participants agreed that data centers may affect nearly every county in Iowa and could become a major issue in local elections across the state. The Bottom Line Belin’s central theme throughout the discussion was simple: Iowa voters reward candidates who engage with them. Feenstra largely avoided voters and paid the price. Zach Lahn spent months building a message around issues many Iowans care deeply about and earned an upset victory. Meanwhile, Josh Turek demonstrated the power of a compelling biography backed by substantial outside spending. And as Iowa heads toward November, Belin expects the governor’s race between Rob Sand and Zach Lahn to be far more competitive—and far less predictable—than many observers anticipated. Follow Laura Belin. Become a paid subscriber. She is working day and night to keep us informed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    59 min
  3. Live with Julie Gammack & Dana Kennedy

    May 14

    Live with Julie Gammack & Dana Kennedy

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    11 min

  4. May 13

    Peter Hedges and the Big Iowa Book Sale

    Incase you are wondering what is on my nose in this video, I fell on my face last Friday and have a few unsightly gashes. The show must go on, so a combination of bandages and concealer were deployed to hide the evidence. Sorry. Filmmaker Peter Hedges returns to Iowa this week for an event at the Iowa State Capitol Saturday at 11:00 a.m., hosted by a growing grassroots group called Iowans for Decency — an organization formed by former Valley High School classmates and other Iowans searching for ways to reconnect community across political divides. But before Peter joined our Monday gathering, we began with another beloved Iowa institution making a comeback: the annual book sale once affiliated with . Now revived as Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale. The massive volunteer-run event benefits the Young Women’s Resource Center, which has supported girls and young women in Iowa for nearly 50 years. There turned out to be a surprising thread connecting both conversations: the legacy of Louise Noun — activist, visionary, and founder of the YWRC — was connected to Peter through our mutual friend, Dan Johnston, former Polk County Attorney. Small world. Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale Returns The first podcast conversation focused on the revival of the beloved Planned Parenthood Book Sale, now reborn as Iowa’s Biggest Book Sale. The event is organized by volunteers and benefits the Young Women’s Resource Center, a nonprofit serving girls and young women ages 10 to 24. Rachel Woodhouse and Madeline Rutledge described the organization’s mission of supporting young women emotionally, socially, financially, and educationally. Programs include support for young mothers, doula care, financial literacy, parenting education, childcare, meals, internet safety education, and community-building opportunities for teens. The discussion explored how today’s teens are struggling with isolation, online dependency, and relearning how to build real-life friendships after years of digital interaction. There was also conversation about increasing pressure on nonprofits due to changing public policy, funding uncertainty, and rising community needs. The book sale itself promises approximately 900 tables filled with puzzles, games, DVDs, vinyl records, collectibles, and — of course — books. It will be held at the 4-H Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Volunteers shared stories about the massive sorting effort behind the scenes, along with amusing discoveries hidden inside donated books — including forgotten checks and gift cards. Throughout the conversation, themes of literacy, storytelling, women supporting women, and preserving community traditions kept resurfacing. I also offered a scholarship to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat for a participant connected to the Young Women’s Resource Center, because storytelling can be deeply healing and empowering. Your paid subscriptions help send scholarship recipients to the retreat. Peter Hedges on Iowa, Storytelling, and Decency The second podcast conversation featured acclaimed author and filmmaker Peter Hedges, who reflected deeply on Iowa, legacy, creativity, political division, and the importance of human connection. Peter spoke movingly about rediscovering his connection to Iowa during and after COVID, and about the emotional impact recent political events have had on him personally. He talked about the importance of honest storytelling and his belief that communities survive when people continue listening to one another. He also spoke generously about the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative and the importance of creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can gather and share stories. Peter compared those efforts to the legacy of Louise Noun, emphasizing that visionary people create “rooms” where others can contribute their gifts. One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centered around leadership and democracy. Peter described feeling devastated after the recent election and worried about growing polarization, cruelty, and the erosion of truth in public life. In response, he began reconnecting with former classmates from Valley High School through Zoom conversations. Those gatherings evolved into a larger civic group first called “Tigers for Democracy,” later renamed “Iowans for Decency.” The group now includes Democrats, Republicans, and independents focused on protecting democratic norms, human dignity, and respectful conversation. Peter also shared personal stories about growing up in Iowa, his minister father, his artist mother, and the teachers who changed the course of his life. He credited Valley High teacher Mr. Jim Lamson and his wife, Cindy Lamson, with helping him see potential in himself before he could see it on his own. Both conversations ultimately circled back to the same idea: communities survive when people gather together — to tell stories, to listen carefully, and to remind one another of our shared humanity. That may be the real thread connecting a book sale, a writers retreat, and a filmmaker returning home to Iowa. Peter Hedges is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here is a tribute he wrote about his teacher, Mr. Jim Lamson: Okoboji Peter Hedges will be teaching during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Early Bird pricing is now in effect until July 1. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 37m
  5. Laura Belin's Take

    May 3

    Laura Belin's Take

    The conversation featured Iowa political analyst Laura Belin, who offered a wide-ranging look at the current legislative session, upcoming elections, and the broader political climate in Iowa. She described a legislature still working through several major issues, most notably property taxes, which remain the biggest point of disagreement between House and Senate Republicans. While there appears to be some alignment on the state budget, other issues like eminent domain are likely to stall out entirely. One of the more striking dynamics, she noted, is the ongoing tension between Republicans in the House and Senate. Even with a long-standing trifecta, the two chambers often operate with different priorities and, at times, clear frustration with one another. Governor Kim Reynolds, now seen as a lame duck, appears to have less influence over the process than in previous years. Looking ahead to the elections, Belin emphasized just how unusual and competitive this cycle is. For the first time in decades, Iowa will have both an open U.S. Senate race and an open governor’s race at the same time. Add to that several competitive congressional contests and state-level races, and it becomes one of the most dynamic political environments Iowa has seen in years. Fundraising trends show some Democratic challengers performing strongly at the grassroots level, while Republican incumbents are leaning more heavily on PACs and institutional support. Belin also made a strong case for the value of competitive primaries. While they can be costly and sometimes contentious, she believes they ultimately produce stronger candidates by increasing visibility, sharpening messaging, and forcing engagement with voters early on. The discussion also highlighted several influential political figures and policy debates. State Representative Taylor Collins, for example, has emerged as a leading voice on higher education policy and a central figure in efforts to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. His approach has been seen by some as aggressive, particularly in his interactions with colleges and universities. A number of policy issues are shaping both legislative debates and campaign messaging. Healthcare is a major concern, especially as more communities in Iowa lose access to OB-GYN services, creating what are increasingly referred to as “care deserts.” These challenges are compounded by Medicaid cuts and restrictive abortion laws, which some argue are driving providers out of the state. Clean water is another issue gaining traction, particularly in statewide races, while education policy and DEI continue to be areas of sharp partisan division. Campaign strategies are beginning to take shape around these issues. Democrats are focusing on healthcare access, workers’ rights, and environmental concerns like water quality. Republicans, meanwhile, are emphasizing tax policy and cultural issues, particularly around education. Iowa is in Play Several races stand out as especially important to watch, including the attorney general contest, which appears highly competitive, and the crowded Republican primary for governor, which remains unpredictable. The Secretary of Agriculture race is also drawing attention, largely because of its focus on water quality. Overall, the takeaway is that Iowa is entering a period of heightened political competition and uncertainty. Divisions within parties, not just between them, are playing a significant role in shaping outcomes. And as candidates begin to define their messages, the issues most likely to resonate with voters include the cost of living, access to healthcare, education, and environmental concerns. Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’s Retreat. Laura will be leading workshops and on panels talking about how she approaches nonfiction writing, and researching. She’ll be one of 60+ speakers serving readers in small group discussions on a wide range of topics. Whether you’re interested in memoir, fiction, comedy, poetry, or meeting with a literary agent, this retreat is designed for you wherever you are in writing process. Learn more. The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative — Your Statewide ‘Paper’ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    1 hr
  6. Live with Julie Gammack

    Apr 25

    Live with Julie Gammack

    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min

  7. Apr 14

    Scott MacFarlane: From CBS News to Your Inbox

    Scott MacFarlane reached a decisive turning point. Sitting—figuratively—in the chair once occupied by Walter Cronkite at CBS News, it hit him: he could no longer tolerate what legacy media had become. So he walked away. Just like that. Today, instead of working inside a large machine of producers, editors, and even someone assigned to comb his hair, he sits in a home studio with a fabric backdrop he found on Amazon for $8, lit with a flashlight. I liken Scott MacFarlane to a race horse who’s been set free to run without a jockey, a bit, saddle, or fences to rein him in. He’s flying. First, he joined Substack—and then the Medias team—about a month ago, and has already attracted more than 56,000 subscribers, with that number continuing to grow. When friends call and ask how he’s doing, his answer is simple: “It’s great.” Now he has the freedom to tell stories in depth, as often as he likes. And judging by the rush of early subscribers, his success is a testament to something many of us already know: readers and viewers are hungry for straight news—unfiltered, trustworthy, and delivered by a reliable source. Just like that, we are witnessing yet another example of the democratization of news and information. From my home office in Des Moines, Iowa, I was able to send a direct message on Substack to a nationally known journalist and invite him onto our local podcast. He said yes. I recorded the interview over Zoom on my iMac, dropped the raw footage into iMovie, trimmed a little noise from the beginning, added a touch of music to the intro and outro, created a title card, and voilà—here it is. In a wide-ranging conversation, Scott MacFarlane described why he left CBS for Substack, arguing that independent media allows him to report with more immediacy, depth, and authenticity than the time-constrained format of legacy broadcast news. He also delivered a stark warning about the unfinished consequences of January 6, the corrosive effects of misinformation and partisan media silos, the pressures shaping the 2026 midterms, and the urgent need to build new models for straight-news journalism that can reach audiences without surrendering to opinion or spectacle. Subscribe to Scott MacFarlane. Iowa Writers’ Collaborative I’m thrilled to be part of a network of professional Iowa writers, each publishing their own independent column on Substack. Together, we’re connecting readers across Iowa with stories that reflect the places they live—from Sioux Center in the northwest to the Quad Cities in the east, and 60 communities in between. What we’re building is more than a collection of columns—it’s a new model for local journalism, one that is nimble, decentralized, and deeply rooted in place. We believe this model can work anywhere. Check out the Sunday roundup of columns linked below. If you want to create something similar in another state, or a different kind of collaborative effort on Substack, ask me how we did it. One more thing…come to the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 27-30. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    44 min

  8. Apr 9

    Eavesdrop on the call..

    Welcome, new subscribers. You’ve just joined what I like to think of as a potluck—where everyone brings something to the table. On Mondays, you are invited to pull up a chair and join a live Zoom conversation I host with a special guest (and sometimes more than one). What makes these conversations different is that subscribers are not just listening—you are part of it. You can ask questions, offer thoughts, and help shape where the discussion goes. Afterward, the conversation is produced and shared in podcast form, like the one you see here. As far as I know, there is nothing quite like this in the Substack universe. Yes, there are plenty of talking heads online. But these interviews are not driven solely by me—they are shaped by a community of curious, engaged readers. Some weeks, we dig into world affairs or local politics. Other times, we sit down with fascinating thinkers, writers, and creators and simply follow the conversation wherever it leads. This week, I invited subscribers behind the scenes for something a little different—a live conversation with several of the literary agents who will be joining us at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. It’s a glimpse into how ideas become books, and how connections—real, human conversations—can open doors. Learn more. Four Literary Agents Answer Questions There is a moment in every writer’s journey when the work leaves the privacy of your desk and begins its path into the world. For most, that moment feels mysterious—guarded by unseen forces, gatekeepers, and a long line of unanswered emails. But after listening to the podcast we recorded Monday, one thing became unmistakably clear: the gate isn’t nearly as closed as we imagine. Literary agents—Andy Ross, Katharine Sands, Sheree Bykofsky, and Rita Rosenkranz—pulled back the curtain on what really happens when a book begins to find its way. And what they revealed was not a system built to keep writers out, but one actively searching for them. They are looking. Listening. Hoping. Hoping to feel that unmistakable “yes”—the one Andy describes as something you feel in your chest. The spark Katharine talked about when a project truly connects. The clarity Rita insists upon. The readiness Sheree recognizes when a writer shows up exactly as they are. And perhaps most surprising of all, many of the authors they represent did not come through cold submissions. They came from conversations. From conferences. From moments when a writer was no longer just a name in an inbox, but a person sitting across the table. Which brings us to Okoboji. This is what makes the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat different. It creates the very conditions these agents described—the space where writers are seen, heard, and given a real opportunity to connect. From September 27–30, these four agents will be there. Not behind a screen. Not hidden behind layers of submissions. But in the room—taking pitches, answering questions, and doing what they all said they love most: discovering writers. If you have ever wondered how to move past the silence of “no,” or how to get your work in front of someone who might say “yes,” this is your moment. Come to Okoboji. Pull up a chair. Start the conversation. You never know where it might lead. Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Did you see the Flipside edition of the IWC this week? We welcomed a new member to the roster. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 4m
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The Iowa Potluck features commentary, stories and interviews with notable leaders. Feel free to join our growing tribe, where you'll find a smart, engaged community of readers. okobojiwriters.substack.com

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