When Art Cullen Drops By…

Pulitzer Prize–winner Art Cullen joined us to talk about his new book Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest—and, true to form, he made us laugh while reminding us just how screwed up Iowa’s water, soil, and politics really are.

Art confessed he never wanted to write a book again after New York publishers dismissed his “Corn Gospel” chapter as too provincial. (“Too provincial? Have they been to Iowa?”) But Steve Semken and Phoebe Wall Howard caught him at a weak moment, flattered his ego, and—bam—book deal.

He talked about the Des Moines Register’s decline, his son Tom’s dogged reporting, the Pulitzer-winning editorials, and why local journalism is still the only thing standing between citizens and complete bamboozlement. Also: he’s undergoing prostate cancer treatment and joked about his urologist having “a claw up my ass—give me another Valium, dude.” Classic Art.

The book itself? Not just doom and gloom. It’s funny too. As he put it, “It’s the end of the world, but it should be a good time at the end of the world.”

The Crowd Warms Up

* Folks trickled into the Zoom room like Methodists to a potluck—30 here, 50 there.

* Art Cullen got the rock-star welcome: “We’ve got a nice crowd for you today, Art.”

* Offenburger showed up, and suddenly the banter about Rob Sand turned into a cornfield roast: Sand is “corny,” but then again, so is Art. Pot, meet kettle.

Art’s Reluctant Book Deal

* Cullen swore off writing books after New York publishers told him his “Corn Gospel” was too provincial and too much of a “ramble.” (Translation: not enough vampires or billionaires in it.)

* He retreated to 800-word columns—short, sharp, and Pulitzer-worthy.

* Then Steve Semkin and Phoebe Wall Howard caught him in a weak moment, flattered his ego, and—bam—book deal.

* Working title? We Shit in Our Nest. Final title? We Crapped in Our Nest. Apparently “shit” was too spicy for Ruth Harkin and the radio. “Crap” is family-friendly filth.

Journalism, Water, and Why We’re All in Trouble

* Art laid out how the decline of the Des Moines Register left Iowa without a common set of facts. Once everyone sang from the same hymnal; now it’s more like a karaoke night gone bad.

* He described how his son Tom’s dogged reporting on nitrate pollution helped expose dirty water, dark money from Monsanto and Koch Industries, and the counties’ stonewalling. That series of editorials won Art the Pulitzer.

* Local journalism matters, he reminded everyone, because someone has to sit through eight-hour meetings about “noxious weeds” just to catch the real bombshells that happen at hour nine.

On Health and Hog Shit

* Art casually dropped that he’s undergoing treatment for prostate cancer—handled with classic Cullen humor: “The urologist has a claw up my ass. Can’t you give me another Valium, dude?”

* He pivoted back to rural Iowa’s water quality, which he says is the worst in the nation—by design. (Apparently Genesis said, “Let there be corn subsidies.”)

* Iowa soil has eroded from feet to inches, rivers are toxic, fish species extinct. And yet, tourism ads still beam out: “Come swim in our hog lagoon!”

Supporters and Side Characters

* Mike Delaney, Chuck Offenburger, Laura Belin, and others chimed in about CAFOs, lawsuits, propaganda, and the lonely but necessary fight for clean water.

* One woman noted she now counts hog confinement barns on road trips the way people used to count license plates.

* Another asked why Iowa spends money promoting tourism when fishing here is basically Russian roulette with mercury.

Wrapping Up with a Laugh

* Art insisted the book isn’t all doom and gloom—it’s funny, too. (“End of the world, but a good time at the end of the world.”)

* His Ice Cube Press, LLC publisher Steve Semken praised the writing and revealed that even Montana’s Rick Bass was upset he’d never heard of Cullen: “How do I not know about a Pulitzer Prize winner in Iowa?”

* The book will be launched at the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, because of course.

* Closing note: If Oprah’s people are listening, call Art.

👉 Big Picture:Art Cullen’s Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest is part memoir, part stand-up routine. It’s about dirty water, dirty politics, and the dirty truth that without local journalism, nobody’s left to tell the story.

But Art makes sure you’ll laugh, even while holding your nose.

Book Review of Dear Marty, We Crapped in Our Nest, by Lyle Muller:

To pre-order Art Cullen’s book:

Better yet, come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat where it will be officially launched. Meet Art, and publisher Steve Semken. Who knows? Maybe he’ll publish your books some day! September 28-October 1. Learn more

Art Cullen and several others on this podcast call are members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here’ the roundup from Sunday (you can read Offenburger’s piece about gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, referenced in this podcast:

As the saying goes, 24 hours is a long time in politics. In just one news cycle, JD Scholten dropped out of Iowa’s U.S. Senate primary and endorsed his colleague Rep. Josh Turek in the race to take on Joni Ernst. Meanwhile, in Ohio, beloved Democrat Sherrod Brown — who lost his Senate seat last cycle — announced he’ll run again, this time for the seat JD Vance left behind to become VP. For most political junkies, this is already old news (it broke just hours ago). But for the rest of us: IYMI.

Julie Stauch is a political veteran in Iowa. Not as a candidate, but as someone who runs campaigns for a living. This year, for the first time, Julie Stauch has put her hat in the ring to run in the Iowa Democratic Party primary for governor. It’s a long shot, because she faces the popular Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, who has been speaking across the state and making headlines for the work he does, catching ‘accounting’ errors, and holding those who make them accountable. And, oh by the way, her opponent has a campaign war chest beyond compare.

Julie Stauch: From Campaign Veteran to Candidate

Julie Stauch, a longtime political strategist and campaign manager, is now stepping out from behind the curtain to run for governor of Iowa. Born in Ames and raised elsewhere before returning to Iowa for college, Stauch built her career in Mason City, where community involvement drew her into politics. She’s worked with a wide roster of candidates—Pete Buttigieg, Leonard Boswell, Michael Franken, and Maisie Hirono, among others—gaining decades of experience as a problem solver.

Why She’s Running

Stauch frames her candidacy around one theme: Iowa needs a problem solver. She points to her career in both politics and consulting, where she has helped organizations and campaigns build, grow, and adapt. For her, being governor isn’t about running against fellow Democrat Rob Sand or anyone else—it’s about bringing her skills directly to the state’s biggest challenges: clean water, public schools, access to healthcare, and ending eminent domain abuses.

What’s Different as a Candidate

After years of coaching others, she says running as herself feels freeing. Instead of tailoring advice to fit another candidate’s personality, she can now speak authentically. Stauch sees her campaign as a “job interview” with the people of Iowa. She introduces herself at events by saying: “I’ve applied for the job of governor, and you are the hiring committee.”

Her Approach: Listening First

Rather than rolling out a platform upfront, Stauch is conducting listening sessions across the state, often organized through community college districts, which she sees as central hubs of local life. Attendees fill out worksheets, discuss concerns, and share priorities—feedback she’s compiling into a report by the end of August. She insists this isn’t “pretend listening,” but genuine engagement to rebuild trust with Iowans who feel ignored.

She did mention some of her priorities, however.

Key Issues Raised

* Clean Water: Stauch calls water quality one of Iowa’s most urgent problems, citing both personal conviction and widespread concern she hears in meetings. She published an op-ed outlining possible solutions and stresses the need for inclusive, community-driven action.

* Public Schools & Healthcare: She sees both under attack and promises to defend them.

* Eminent Domain: Strongly opposes current abuses that allow private profit at the expense of landowners.

* Engaging Black Iowans: Acknowledges her campaign hasn’t yet reached enough people of color but is actively working to connect through churches, community groups, and events.

Party Strategy & Inspiration

Stauch argues Democrats must shift from purely rational policy debates to emotional connections with voters. She cites Bernie Sanders as an example of someone who combines heart and clarity of purpose. Her goal is not just to register more Democrats but to motivate all Iowans—Republicans, independents, and Democrats alike—by showing respect, listening, and connecting on shared concerns.

Closing Note

When asked why she wants to be governor, Stauch’s answer is straightforward: “I like solving problems. And we’ve got a lot of problems in Iowa.”

Learn more

Today’s podcast will be an Open Show! What’s on Your Mind?

Join me at noon central time, and we’ll chat. The Zoom link is below:

Okoboji

Did you miss my column this week where I announce an idea where those who want to come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1, can ‘name their price’ to enroll.

Thanks to the generosity of a handful of readers who have stepped up to offer financial aid, we have been able to give this deal to five participants. We have an angels in our midst who want you to come.

I wish I could make it free for all, but we have a lot of expenses to put on this event for 300 people. I’m just so grateful we can make this affordable for those who need a hand. If you would like to enroll by naming your price, or donate to this effort, the information is in the column below:

I am delighted to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Did you see the Sunday roundup of posts by 30+ members of our group yesterday? IYMI:

Two Chaplains, One Detained Colleague, and a Stand That Cost Them Their Jobs

This podcast shines a spotlight on one of the most under-reported stories of our time — and that’s saying something.

Right now, in Iowa alone, over 200 immigrants are being detained, according to the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.

The interview you’re about to hear is a must-watch. I expect this story to gain national attention because of the sheer injustice: a hospital chaplain — beloved by patients and their families for bringing light in their darkest hours — is now behind bars.

I cannot believe that even the most fervent MAGA supporter envisioned this when they cheered a presidential promise to “round up criminals and send them back.” That promise has morphed into deportations that amount to death sentences — either in dangerous foreign lands or in grim U.S. detention centers, like Florida’s infamous Alligator Alley.

This is the story of Imam Ayman Soliman, a religious leader now detained in a county jail, certain he will face execution if he returns to Egypt. He was involved in the pro-democracy demonstrations during the Arab Spring.

For now, he waits — locked up without charges, for an indefinite stretch of time. And he’s one of the “lucky” ones. Ayman has a strong community fighting for him. Many others in detention do not; their families are too afraid to speak out for fear of retaliation.

In our podcast last Monday, we interviewed two faith ministers from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital — Lizzy Diop and Adam Allen — another colleague fired for speaking publicly about their friend, Ayman Soliman.

I asked Lizzy and Adam, knowing they counsel people of all political beliefs, how they advise us to talk about this issue with those with whom we disagree politically. Lizzy said:

“I saw a Facebook post from a dad that I suspect has a different political leaning than me. And he said in the beginning of his post, this is not a political post. He explained his child's situation. And he said, so basically, I guess what I'm asking is that you pray for Chaplain Ayman the same way that he prayed for my daughter. And he posted a picture of Ayman smiling at his little girl.”

They advised people to not make this a political issue, but a human story.

The Story Behind the Headlines

Ayman Soliman is an Egyptian journalist, Arab Spring activist, and interfaith chaplain. He was tortured before coming to the U.S. and granted asylum nearly a decade ago. Known for his extraordinary compassion, Ayman is fluent in English, Arabic, and Spanish, and holds two master’s degrees — one from a Christian seminary.

Earlier this summer, during a routine ICE check-in, Ayman was detained. His asylum status had been revoked under a claim that a nonprofit he once worked with had tenuous ties to a terrorist group — a connection his supporters call baseless and discriminatory. If returned to Egypt, Ayman faces certain imprisonment and likely execution.

Speaking Out — and Paying the Price

When Lizzy visited Ayman in detention, she saw firsthand the injustice and, at his request, spoke to the media about his situation. She did this on her own time, taking PTO as instructed. Days later, she was fired for violating the hospital’s media policy — her first disciplinary action in 10 years of stellar reviews.

Adam, who had worked alongside Ayman in the NICU, describes him as the best chaplain on the team:

“Ayman studied my religion as deeply as his own. He’s more prepared for interfaith care than anyone I’ve met.”

Both chaplains say their advocacy has been met with internal intimidation at the hospital, warning staff not to speak publicly about Ayman or political issues.

The Ayman They Know

Colleagues, patients, and families describe Ayman as a gentle, humble, and selfless presence. He often came in on days off to visit families in need, guided children in their spiritual development, and made every person — Muslim, Christian, atheist — feel seen. Even in detention, he uses his limited phone calls to arrange help for other Muslim inmates.

Fighting Back: Community and Legal Action

Ayman has three attorneys fighting to restore his asylum status and prevent deportation. Supporters have:

* Organized rallies and vigils

* Gathered 500+ signatures from faith leaders on a petition

* Held interfaith meetings to coordinate advocacy

* Gained national coverage from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, MSNBC, Salon, and more

The concern extends beyond Ayman: his case could set a precedent for undermining asylum protections nationwide.

Why This Matters

Lizzy and Adam stress that conversations about immigration should start with the human being, not the politics:

“Ask if the way this person is being treated aligns with your values. Start there.”

In Iowa alone, it’s estimated there are 200 people currently in ICE detention — most without the public visibility or legal support Ayman has.

How to Help

Write to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital leadership, urging them to act with compassion.

Clergy: consider visiting detainees in your area to provide connection and hope.

Ways to support Ayman:🔗 Free Imam Ayman — Yusra Organizing

Advocacy:Email the hospital:📧 [email protected]📧 [email protected]

Financial Support:

* Lizzy’s GoFundMe

* Adam’s GoFundMe

Listen to the full conversation with Lizzy and Adam to hear their powerful accounts, learn more about Ayman’s case, and understand the human stakes of America’s detention system.

Related links & resources:

* Petition with 500+ faith leader signatures

* Media coverage from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, MSNBC

This is an episode you won’t forget.

Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1

Your story matters.

Please consider exploring the many ways available for you to write the stories that matter to you, and others.

All skill-levels are welcome.

Learn more

The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

I’m proud to be a founding member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative — a talented roster of professional writers from across Iowa and beyond, sharing stories and commentary that matter to anyone with a connection to the Hawkeye State.

Here are the Collaborative members featured in last Sunday’s Roundup:

JD Scholten Pulled Over to Join Us—Literally

Last week, JD Scholten was driving across Iowa when he pulled over— literally—to join our readers for a one-hour conversation about his quest to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate.

No commercials. No sound-bite slivers. Just a real conversation.

The field of Democratic primary candidates is growing, and thanks to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative—with contributors like Laura Belin, Robert Leonard, Douglas Burns, Art Cullen, and others—you’ll be introduced to each of them in a way that’s never been possible before, without the reach and immediacy of this digital platform.

This is in service to you—Iowans—and the democratic process.

So go ahead, tell a friend. Better yet, share the link.

And mark your calendar:Monday, August 4 at noon Central, Iowa gubernatorial candidate Julie Stauch will join us live to take your questions about her run to become the Democratic nominee for governor, seeking to replace Kim Reynolds, who is not running for re-election.

About this column and the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

Expect the unexpected here. Some days I tackle issues, candidates, and news-makers, while other posts are more feature-oriented. On Mondays, I like to offer an opportunity for YOU to engage with thought-leaders locally and nationally.

We in the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative are treading a new path.

No other state has a group of professional writers who have joined forces like this to provide thoughtful, and in many cases, in-depth analysis of what is going on in Iowa.

Ed Tibbetts, our colleague in Davenport, has been covering Iowa politics for decades. His work is a must-read for those who want to be in the know.

Chuck Offenburger has been roaming the state most of his career, reporting on everything from the best sweet rolls in the state, to welcoming immigrants to Jefferson.

Many of our members have been writing about water quality - or lack there of - since starting their columns on Substack (and before) which is bringing concerned citizens to a massive tipping point. Iowans are mad as hell at being ranked the worst state in terms of cancer diagnosis, and are not going to take it any more.

These are issues many would prefer to not talk about. Or read about. And yet, we must.

Your support is essential to making this kind of information available to all. We are not funded by corporate business interests, or advertising. Many of our writers are banging away on outdated computers, and scrapping together change to put gas in the tank to meet and interview someone. Seriously.

Please know how important subscriber support is to bring this information to readers.

And, thank you.

Okoboji

The fifth annual Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will be held September 28-October 2, on the shores of Lake Okoboji. If you would like more information, sign up to receive updates by clicking the link below. We have some great, new speakers being announced.

Welcome. Come on in. Each Monday we feature a thought-leader for a one-hour conversation with our subscribers. The recorded video has the feel of a down home potluck, because everyone brings something to the table. Join us by subscribing (free). Photo credit: image of Julie Cantrell on our Zoom call by Chuck Offenburger.

Uplifting, Insightful, and Deeply Personal: A Conversation with Julie Cantrell

Best-selling novelist Julie Cantrell joined the Monday Zoom potluck for a conversation about her path as a writer, teacher, and seeker. The interview began with Cantrell's origin story—a barefoot Louisiana girl with a deep love for books, storytelling, and the magic of the South. She shared how a ninth-grade assignment—journaling as Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird—ignited her passion for fiction and empathy-driven storytelling.

Despite being discouraged by a high school teacher who told her she'd never make it as a writer, Cantrell eventually embraced her calling, getting up at 3 a.m. to write before tending to kids and animals. That determination led to Into the Free, a novel inspired by a real-life “gypsy queen” grave in Mississippi—and a career that catapulted her to the New York Times bestseller list.

Key Highlights:

* Teaching & Mentorship: Julie sees writing as a sacred tool for personal and spiritual growth. She believes everyone has a story, and she loves helping others birth theirs—especially through retreats, classes, and editing. She was a guest speaker during the last Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, and returns this fall.

* The Role of Fiction: Writing fiction allows Cantrell to process hard truths, build empathy, and deliver transformative life lessons. She views fiction as a way to “deliver medicine with a spoonful of sugar.”

* Memoir Advice: When guiding memoirists, Cantrell encourages choosing a focused “slice of life” with a transformational arc. Based on a conversation with one of our participants, One compelling hook shared: “How did an Iowa woman end up in a tank in Afghanistan?”

* Her Spirit Retreat: Cantrell co-leads this women-only, in-person retreat blending writing craft, community, and wellness. It includes top-tier writing instructors, yoga, ‘sound baths,’ in a luxurious California spa setting.

* Substack Column – Curiosity: Her column explores everything from secret Vatican libraries to sunken treasure—driven by her boundless inquisitiveness and desire to learn.

* Encouragement to Writers: “Dare to do it.”

Participants on the call, including fellow writer and Summiteer and Okoboji retreat veteran, Julie Klein, praised Cantrell’s ability to coach and critique with insight and warmth. A rich Q&A followed, covering memoir structure, rejection, writing routines, and dialogue development. Cantrell shared that she is fascinated by language, and sees dialogue as second nature thanks to her speech pathology background.

If she could do anything and not fail? Write for film. A series or feature screenplay is on her bucket list.

Final Message: Fiction builds empathy, heals division, and gives voice to those who often go unheard. As Cantrell said,

“Maybe you’re the only one who can give that story in the way someone needs to hear it.”

More

Julie Cantrell’s Substack column: Curiousity

Story Summit: Learn more (Become a member and take online classes for year for one low fee)

Her Spirit Retreat: Learn more

Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat News: Learn more

The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

I’m proud to be the founder of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative—now 70+ members strong—providing thoughtful commentary and insightful reporting about our state. Subscribe to our Roundup column to get these stories delivered straight to your inbox twice a week. You won’t want to miss them.

Watch for the Flipside edition, full of features stories from around the state on Wednesday mornings, and issue and news oriented

Join me, founder of the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, as we welcome Emmy‑nominated filmmaker and UCLA professor Becky Smith for an engaging conversation about what it means to find and nurture your creative voice. Becky begins by recalling her improbable journey from a town of just 350 year‑round residents in Okoboji to earning a scholarship at Stanford after her college professor made a single phone call. She reflects on the impact of reading a jazz memoir in her father’s home library, which opened her eyes to issues of race and broadened her worldview long before she left Iowa.

Becky then shares the story of turning 130 hours of women’s basketball footage into a documentary about Title IX, enduring rejection after rejection until PBS’s Frontline took a chance on her work. She describes her excitement and occasional chaos while directing the pilot of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy—herding five charismatic hosts across New York City and earning the first reality‑documentary directing Emmy nomination. That experience led to her independently producing the feature film 16 to Life along the banks of the Mississippi, blending Iowa settings and local talent with her own coming‑of‑age vision.

Throughout the conversation, Becky honors the students and workshop participants she has mentored at UCLA and Okoboji, celebrating their dedication and reminding us that storytelling is both a craft and a community effort. Looking ahead, she talks about her desire to finance one of two deeply personal indie scripts and to write a semi‑fictional memoir inspired by her small‑town roots. This episode is a testament to persistence, the magic of small‑town stories, and the power of bringing diverse voices together to shape meaningful narratives.

The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat Early Bird discount ends at midnight tonight. Save $100

Last chance! Today is the final day to grab the Early Bird discount for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Some of you generously wait to pay full price — and we’re grateful. Your support helps cover rising costs and fund scholarships. But if it helps the budget to save $100, enroll before midnight tomorrow.

We’re also welcoming emerging writers on partial scholarships. Their voices enrich the retreat, and the impact is mutual.

Read about the current faculty coming:

The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Invites Our Paid Subscribers to Join us in Winterset

Come meet some of your favorite Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members in Winterset on July 26. We are holding a thank-you event for those who are paid subscribers to any of our members, or this roundup.

Starting at 3:00 p.m., our paid subscribers are invited to join the screening of the film Storm Lake, a documentary about the struggles a family-owned newspaper in Iowa faces. The focus of this story is Art Cullen, who will be on hand to meet y’all.

There will be an after-party, too.

All you need to do to come is RSVP, and be a paid subscriber to any one of us. Still lurking? May we suggest you start with our Madison County hosts, Marianne Fons, Deb Engle, or Vicki Minor.

Barry Piatt will be joining us, trekking back to his home state from Washington, D.C., Dennis Goldford, Robert Leonard, Wini Moranville, Jane Burns, David Thoreson, Jane Nguyen,Marianne Fons,Vicki Minor,Debra Engle,Julie Gammack,Laura Belin,,Jane Nguyen,Douglas Burns,Connie Taylor, Sarah Scull, Matt Russell, The Anglo Back 40,Joan Zwagerman, Cheryl Tevis, Alison McGaughey, Tej Dhawan and Jason Walsmith

We are eager to meet this amazing community of readers from across the state.

Please let us know if you are coming. We need to make sure we have enough popcorn!

Thank you the paid subscribers of this column. Your support is gratifying, and funds help support those who need financial assistance to attend the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Together, we are changing lives.

This week’s Potluck Podcast welcomes Christine Brennan, the USA Today national sports columnist who’s covered 20 Olympic Games, Super Bowls, Wimbledon—and is now behind the mic to tell us why Caitlin Clark isn’t just rewriting women’s basketball records but rewriting what it means to be a sports superstar in 2025.

She wrote a book about just that, and in warp speed.

Just under a year ago—on July 11, 2024—Christine Brennan got the call: Scribner wanted a Caitlin Clark book, sight-unseen. She cleared her calendar, dove into reporting, and in just four months turned that green light into a manuscript. Now, with the book officially releasing today, July 8, we’re delighted to have on the call.

Better yet, you can see her in person:

July 15 with Beaverdale Books

Where: Franklin Event Center, 4801 Franklin Ave., Des Moines

When: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Price: Tickets start at $35. Includes a copy of the book

Summary of Our Conversation with Christine BrennanChristine Brennan is one of America’s most respected sports journalists — a longtime USA Today national sports columnist (since 1997), an Olympic veteran (she’s covered 20 Games), and a familiar voice on NPR, ABC News, CNN and PBS. Her work is defined by incisive reporting, clear-eyed commentary and a tireless advocacy for gender equity in sports.

The story behind the bookHer new release, On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, came together almost overnight. In mid-July 2024, Scribner offered Christine a blind contract — no proposal, no sample chapters — simply on the strength of her journalistic reputation. What began as a rapid turnaround project quickly became a deep dive into how a standout college player from Iowa became a national phenomenon.

Why Caitlin Clark matters

* An entertainer first. Brennan saw the “pink-jersey monster game” highlights and realized Caitlin isn’t just a star athlete, she’s a showstopper who has single-handedly turned casual sports fans into die-hard women’s basketball followers.

* Breaking barriers. Men who never cared about women’s hoops are now wearing #22 jerseys at grocery stores and gas stations — an explosion in popularity Brennan likens to a Taylor Swift tour.

* League unprepared. The WNBA’s leadership didn’t foresee the surge, leaving players and officials scrambling to manage record crowds, TV ratings and even new charter flights booked for Caitlin’s safety and security.

Behind the scenes reporting

* Unauthorized but open. Christine chose to write an “unauthorized” book so she could ask anything, and she did — 40–50 questions in small press availabilities, plus exclusive practice access under a full press pass.

* Zoom and phone sourcing. With just a few months to research, she conducted in-depth interviews via Zoom and phone with key figures: Iowa coach Lisa Bluder, Title IX pioneer Dr. Christine Grant (herself profiled in the book), Caitlin’s AAU coach Dixon Jensen, WNBA execs and more.

Key conversation highlights

* Title IX then and now: As a teenager when Title IX passed, Brennan marvels that today’s young women can pursue sports as a career — and that Caitlin Clark understands her place in that history.

* Pay equity realities: Rookie Caitlin made $76,000 last season, while the top NBA pick earned $57 million — yet Caitlin’s endorsement deals (Nike, State Farm, Gatorade) now top $30 million. The next CBA negotiation will be crucial.

* Race and representation: Christine led a panel on “the Caitlin Clark effect” with four people of color, probing how much Clark’s journey was shaped by talent vs. the privileges of being a white athlete in a majority-white sport.

Substack Success Class

Did you participate in the first Story Summit Substack Success classes Debra Engle and I co-facilitated recently? We are holding an advanced class later this month.

Pre-requisite: Either having attended the first three workshops, or have an existing Substack column. We will go through a deeper dive on how to use the Substack tools. If you prefer a beginners class, stay tuned for a future class date.

The Worm is Almost Gone

The end of the Early Bird enrollment period for the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat comes to an end on July 15. Why not save $100? This is the fifth annual retreat, and each year has sold out. You want to come, so do it!

Or, do you feel as if you aren’t good enough to come? Read this:

When the World Tilts: A Conversation with Admiral Michael Franken

What happens when you bring a retired three-star admiral, a hotel room in Wisconsin, a NATO security conference in The Hague, and the global chaos of 2025 into one conversation? You get clarity—sober, candid, and often chilling clarity.

I recently sat down with Admiral Michael Franken, whose 38-year Navy career spanned continents, crises, and command posts from Africa to the Middle East. We covered everything from the fallout of the U.S. bombing in Iran to the hidden geopolitics of climate change, sleeper cells, drone warfare in Ukraine, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, and even the existential fragility of American democracy under threat.

On this platform, and in this column, we have an opportunity to have an uninterrupted, one-hour, conversation about issues. And our Monday Zoom sessions are open for any subscriber of this column to join (free or paid). It is an opportunity like no other I know of where regular folks can engage with some of the brightest minds, and extraordinary influencers of our times.

Think about how technology has opened the airwaves. No longer does one need to have the money to buy a radio or television broadcast license to reach not only a local but global audience.

This conversation with Iowa native Admiral Mike Franken wasn’t a tidy soundbite session. This was the kind of in-depth, global briefing you wish cable news could deliver—but never does. He speaks with a bluntness shaped by firsthand experience—and he doesn’t sugarcoat.

Reader warning: This conversation may increase your heart rate and your sense of responsibility. But it may also inspire you, as it did many of the thoughtful Iowans who joined us on the call, to ask: What can I do? Where do I start?

Here’s the full conversation. It’s not light. But it matters.

Special sale for those who are not yet a paid subscriber. This will make it possible for you to join real time gatherings, the monthly Office Lounge Zoom call, and the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Holiday Party.

Crawling out from under the covers…is it time?

Crawling Out from Under the Covers… Is It Time?

When the news cycle feels like a tidal wave of doom, it’s tempting to stay under the covers and pretend the world isn’t on fire. But now is the time to get up. Not because it’s easy—but because it matters.

What can you, as one person, do?

Anything. Something. Take one small or large action step. They all count. They all add up.

I believe in storytelling as a tool for truths to be told. They generate awareness, understanding, and human connection. That’s why, in this chapter of my life, I’m focused on amplifying your voice, and those of others whose stories need to be heard.

There is a story inside every one of us. Yes, you too. Some are raw. Some are hilarious. Some hold deep wells of love, and others chart the path of survival through pain.

One such story is told by Elizabeth Barnhill, a past attendee of the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. In today’s piece featured in Rekha Basu’s column, she shares a first-person account of being raped at knifepoint while in college—a time when society showed even less compassion or understanding toward victims. Her courage in revisiting that trauma now sheds light on how the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts have gutted support systems for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, and why it matters.

Come to the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat participate in a workshop with Rekha Basu to learn how to express yourself in an Opinion essay. This is an extraordinary opportunity, and beyond that, just one of over 50 sessions from which to choose.

Elizabeth Barnhill’s story is heartbreaking. It’s brave. And it’s urgent. Thank you for writing it, Elizabeth, and Rekha, thank you for running it in your column. Every piece you offer in Rekha’s Shouts and Whispers, and included in the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, is illuminating and vital to read. xoxox

Okoboji

It’s Time to Register — Here’s Why

If you’ve been thinking about coming to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, now’s the moment to commit.

* The Early Bird discount ends July 15.

* We’ve sold out every single year—and this year is shaping up to be no exception.

So… just do it! There’s nothing to fear. I promise. Individuals of all skill-sets will be attending.

If something unexpected comes up, no worries—cancel by September 1, and you’ll receive a refund (minus the $20 bank service fee). Simple as that.

Reserve your spot, and get ready for a weekend that feeds your soul.

Enroll Now:

For more information and to keep updated about the retreat, subscribe here:

Newbie?

Are you new to this column? We are about to top 6,000 subscribers. It’s so heartening to have you join us.

And, if you are one of the 360 who are paid, I want you to know how much I appreciate your willingness to support this labor of love.

All of us members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative are throwing a shindig for paid subscribers to be held in Winterset, July 26th. We’ve corralled Art Cullen—who will forever be known as a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist—to join us for a showing of the documentary about his family’s newspaper in Storm Lake. It will be shown in the magnificent, restored local theater, The Iowa.

We’ll party afterwards.

We do need you to let us know if you can attend, so we have enough popcorn and food stuff afterwards.

You’ll meet dozens of our IWC members, and a community of readers. Find these new friends. You’ll be so glad you did.

Yes, you may bring a guest for a small charge.

Why?

This column has picked up three paid subscriptions in the past week.

Take advantage of the once-a-year-summer-sale and subscribe for 50% off. We have multiple events throughout the year to thank our paid subscribers. Want to be included?

This podcast features a conversation with Kali White VanBaale and several readers of this column. It samples the many interests held by our guest from memoir writing to True Crime, and mental health issues in Iowa.

If you don’t already subscribe to Kali, please consider doing so. You will be better informed about one of the most critical and widespread issues facing far too many Iowans today.

Kali will be a speaker during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 2. To receive updates about the event, click here and subscribe:

Podcast Recap

Mental Health as a Central Theme

* One of the most impactful portions centers on mental health. One speaker recounts a personal tragedy—a harrowing incident where a neighbor’s son, overwhelmed by untreated mental illness, committed an unspeakable act. This moment, as painful as it is profound, sparked the speaker’s ongoing advocacy and writing about mental health.

* The conversation explores not only the stigma surrounding mental illness (like the challenges of understanding conditions such as anisognosia) but also how mental health is intricately linked to broader social issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and public safety.

Memoir Writing: Craft, Challenges, and Choices

* A significant part of the dialogue delves into memoir writing. The speakers compare memoir to autobiography—emphasizing that while an autobiography might be a full life chronicle, a memoir is more focused and thematic.

* They discuss how writers must decide what parts of their life to share. Here, the idea of “what stays and what goes” becomes crucial, as every memory feels precious but not every detail serves the story. The insights are both practical and encouraging, reminding writers that personal stories—even those that seem “ordinary”—can be fascinating when told with honesty and clarity.

* There’s clever advice on dealing with sensitive subject matter too: using pseudonyms or composite characters to protect the identities of real people, which is especially important when dealing with family history or ongoing relationships.

True Crime by Accident and by Passion

* The guest candidly explains how she “fell into” the true crime genre. What started with a novel loosely based on real events soon led her to write articles and profiles in true crime—a field she’s now a serious buff of.

* Although the idea of hosting a true crime podcast is floated (and humorously shot down as “I hate the sound of my own voice”), it shows the organic evolution of a writer’s interests and how one topic can seamlessly lead into another.

The Iowa Factor and the Writer’s Identity

* There’s a reflective discussion about being an Iowa-based writer, touching on the stereotype that you can’t “make it big” out there. The speakers note that humility and down-to-earth attitudes—which are common in Iowa—can sometimes be a disadvantage when it comes to self-promotion in the arts.

* Despite this, the conversation is hopeful: successful Iowa writers have found ways to break through these stereotypes, and the local literary community is vibrant even if it sometimes feels overlooked by the larger mainstream.

Audience Q&A and the Realities of Telling Personal Stories

* The session isn’t just a monologue—it’s interactive. Listeners ask pointed questions about the challenges of writing memoirs, like dealing with family disagreements over how past events are remembered.

* The advice offered here is practical: embrace your own honest interpretation rather than obsessing over an objective “truth,” and remember that different perspectives can coexist. There’s even a humorous nod to the inevitable “freeze” moments during online calls!

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Memoir Writing

* A lighter but equally important point: the discussion touches on the legal risks of fictionalizing real events in memoirs. Citing well-known controversies (a nod to the infamous case involving James Frey and, later, the issues around Alice Sebold’s recounting), the speakers emphasize that creative nonfiction must balance narrative flair with accuracy.

* The overall message is clear: if you’re changing names or melding characters, do it with integrity to safeguard both your story and the people in it.

In a nutshell, this interview is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the intersections of mental health, memoir writing, and true crime. It’s as much a reflective dialogue on personal storytelling as it is a practical workshop sprinkled with humor and genuine advice. Whether you’re working on your own memoir or just love a good, deep-dive conversation about life’s messy, meaningful experiences, there’s plenty here to inspire you to get writing—even if you sometimes feel “frozen” in the moment!

Resources

* Memoir Nation: Founded by Grant Faulkner and Brooke Warner—great for writers seeking structure and community.

* Favorite craft book: Lit by Mary Karr—both her memoir and memoir-writing bible.

Party, Meet Our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Community

We are throwing a shindig in Winterset on July 26, and our paid subscribers (to any member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative or this roundup) are invited. For details, click on this RSVP form:

Our next Monday Noon Zoom Guest is Kali White VanBaale. She is a member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, an author, memoir teacher, and mental health advocate. Subscribers (free or paid) receive the Zoom link on Monday mornings.

Interview Review: Julie Gammack in Conversation with Aaron Parnas

An incisive, intergenerational dialogue on digital activism, political disillusionment, and the evolving American narrative

In this wide-ranging and nimble interview with Aaron Parnas, we pull the curtain back and hear what one of today’s super-sharp political commentators thinks.

Over the course of 56 minutes, listeners are invited into a candid, sharply observed, and refreshingly unscripted conversation with a rising voice in progressive digital media. Parnas, a 26-year-old lawyer and political communicator, offers more than just a millennial's hot take—he brings lived experience, historical awareness, and strategic clarity to some of the most pressing challenges facing both political parties, the media, and the American electorate at large.

From Boca Raton to the Beltway: A Personal Journey

Gammack begin with “Where are you from originally?” and go from there, divinginto impeachment trials, disinformation, and broken party machinery. Parnas, poised and transparent, outlines his fast-tracked academic path—completing high school and college simultaneously, graduating law school at 21—and growing up as the eldest of six in Boca Raton.

Despite being the son of Lev Parnas—a key figure in Rudy Giuliani’s Ukraine operations during Donald Trump’s first impeachment—Aaron emphasizes that his household wasn't politically engaged until 2016. This distinction is crucial: the tension between personal legacy and independent identity becomes a thematic thread throughout the interview.

Witness to a Tumultuous Era

When asked if he met Donald Trump, Parnas doesn’t hedge. Yes, he did. And, he calls Trump “one of the best manipulators you’ll ever meet.” It’s not said with admiration, but with analytical precision. He dissects Trump’s charisma, blunt messaging, and ability to make even skeptical insiders feel “seen.”

His recounting of Rudy Giuliani is even more sobering: an image of a once-respected legal figure now “drinking himself to sleep” and spewing bigotry behind closed doors. It’s a devastating portrait—one that only someone on the inside could provide, and one that carries the added weight of disappointment rather than disdain.

TikTok, Substack, and the Future of Political Communication

In a rare and valuable juxtaposition, we discuss the differences between Substack and TikTok. The contrast between short-form video virality and long-form reader trust plays out in real time, as Parnas outlines his strategy for reaching different audiences: TikTok for speed, Substack for depth. His dual fluency in visual and textual communication is no small feat, and Gammack rightly positions him as a kind of next-gen media hybrid.

He explains how he gained over a million followers on TikTok during the Russian invasion of Ukraine by sharing firsthand accounts from family on the ground. The result wasn’t just digital clout—it was a moral response to media disinformation. That sense of duty to inform runs throughout the conversation, never self-righteous, always grounded in fact.

Gen Z, Apathy, and the Democratic Party’s Blind Spots

Parnas is at his most insightful when discussing young voter behavior and the Democratic Party’s branding problem. “Trump is our normal,” he says, pushing back against nostalgic messaging that assumes younger voters remember pre-2016 political norms. He argues that young people do turn out to vote—but often for the wrong reasons, or the wrong candidates—because the Democratic Party fails to offer a cohesive, relatable, or inspiring message.

I asked a million-dollar question—what would he do with $100 million? His answer isn’t ideological; it’s journalistic. He’d build a media platform dedicated to fact-first reporting, not partisan hot takes. “I’m tired of Abby Phillips and Scott Jennings yelling at each other on CNN,” he says bluntly. “I just want the facts.”

Messaging, Misinformation, and Missed Opportunities

Throughout the interview, Parnas lays out a devastating critique of the Democratic Party’s communication apparatus: it’s fragmented, overly intellectual, and allergic to repetition. Republicans, he points out, stay on message from Fox News down to micro-influencers. Democrats, in contrast, splinter their messaging across issues and platforms without a central theme. “We have so many good things we want to work on,” he says, “but no one wants to stay on message.”

His prescription? Simplicity, consistency, and a healthy dose of authenticity. He argues that progressives don’t need to become propagandists—they just need to tell the truth clearly, early, and often.

Community Organizing & Party Reform

Our audience jumps in with thoughtful, grounded questions about rural organizing, grassroots independents, and whether it's time to look outside the party machine. Parnas supports hyper-local, year-round voter engagement and critiques the national party’s “election-season-only” mindset. He’s particularly passionate about investing in state parties, pre-voter outreach in high schools, and building long-term trust with voters—even if it’s more expensive.

His three-point message for the Democratic Party is strikingly clear:

* The economy (again and again)

* Year-round engagement

* Simplify the message. Then stick to it.

Final Thoughts: A Mirror and a Map

We give Aaron Parnas room to open up, reflect, and critique—but she also anchors the conversation in real-world Iowa organizing, multi-generational skepticism, and good old-fashioned political curiosity.

Aaron Parnas is more than a content creator or digital activist. He’s a case study in how someone can be formed by politics, scorched by it, and still be committed to reforming it from the inside out. He doesn’t ask for blind loyalty—he demands better communication, stronger messaging, and more trust in the intelligence of the American people.

Final Verdict:

This interview is essential listening for political organizers, media strategists, digital storytellers, and anyone trying to understand why traditional narratives are failing—especially with Gen Z. In Aaron Parnas, we see a potential bridge between an exhausted political generation and one that’s still deciding if democracy is worth its energy.

Here is Aaron’s substack column:

Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

Three events for paid subscribers coming up:

* Friday June 27: Zoom call in our ‘Office Lounge’ featuring members of the collaborative. Here is the Zoom link for this month’s Office Lounge for paid subscribers. It’s always held on the last Friday of the month at noon, except for November and December.

* Sunday, June 29: Weary Ramblers perform at Whippoorwill Creek Farm

* Saturday, July 26: Winterset: Movie and a Party!

Hey, the Weary Ramblers will be appearing June 29, at the farm home of In the Dirt columnist, Beth Hoffman. It is a thank-you event for paid subscribers. To become one click: paid subscriber and score a free ticket to see the Weary Ramblers at Whippoorwill Creek Farm!

Party, Meet Our Community of Writers

We are throwing a shindig in Winterset on July 26, and our paid subscribers (to any member of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative or this roundup) are invited. For details, click on this RSVP form:

Saturday, July 26

3 to 5 pm: private screening of "Storm Lake" documentary film at the Iowa Theater, free to IWC writers and all PAID subscribers, followed by Q&A with guest of honor Art Cullen, moderated by Julie Gammack. Free popcorn, paid concessions. (Non-paid subscribers and public members can attend for $20.)

5:30 to 7 pm: Robust appetizers with a cash bar will be served at The Winterset Livery (an event space once a horse livery, just off the square), which is open free to paid subscribers. Non-paid subscribers who paid to attend the movie are also welcome to attend the after-party.

Come! We have a terrific community and want you all to meet one another!

Okoboji

I’ve created a new column on Substack to keep those who are interested informed about the agenda. I hope you are interested. Here’s one I just posted about why you want to write a memoir: