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.

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.

Some stories stay with you because of what happened. Others stay because of how they’re told. And every once in a while, a story does both.

Today’s conversation lives in that rare space. Please watch and listen.

We’re joined by Des Moines Register reporter Courtney Crowder and Dr. Michael Welsh, the University of Iowa physician-scientist whose decades of research helped unlock one of the most significant breakthroughs in the treatment of cystic fibrosis—a disease that, not long ago, was a death sentence for many children.

Through persistence, curiosity, and years of incremental discovery, Dr. Welsh and his colleagues helped pave the way for treatments that are now transforming—and in many cases saving—lives. What once seemed impossible is now reality.

But this is not just a story about science. It’s a story about how breakthroughs actually happen—not in a single flash of genius, but through years of trial, error, and small victories along the way. And staying curious.

And it’s also a story about storytelling itself.

Courtney Crowder took this complex, deeply technical journey and turned it into a powerful, human narrative—one that brings readers inside the science, but more importantly, into the lives changed by it. Her work reminds us that data informs, but stories connect.

Together, we explore the long road from discovery to treatment, the emotional impact of seeing lives transformed, and the difficult questions that remain—about access, affordability, and who ultimately benefits from life-saving innovation.

This is a conversation about persistence, empathy, and the profound intersection of science and storytelling—and what it means, to give someone not just more years, but a different life.

Series Links to The Des Moines Register

PART ONE: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-patient-meets-scientist-who-saved-life-miracle-of-breath-part-1/87132027007/

PART TWO: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/patient-suffering-cystic-fibrosis-gene-discovery-protein-miracle-breath-part-2/88737582007/

PART THREE: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-breakthrough-frog-eggs-protein-channel-miracle-breath-part-3/88737593007/

PART FOUR: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-patients-modulator-pills-miracle-breath-part-4/88899043007/

Subscriber Tom Martin of Iowa City dropped me a note after this interview:

“You have had many good calls, but that may have been the best. I did tear up a little. When I was in my child-rearing years, I had a college friend whose son suffered (and I mean suffered) from cystic fibrosis. I can still remember Fred “working his son out” at night and thinking — ‘my God, how terrible must that be!’ It was a daily event…The son died at age 17.”

Podcast Guests Coming Up

Join Me Mondays: Conversations with Writers, Journalists, and Newsmakers

Each Monday, I host a live conversation with people shaping the worlds of writing, publishing, and journalism. It’s not just an interview — it’s an open exchange. Those on the call can ask questions, offer insights, and be part of the discussion. The full conversation is then released as a podcast.

Next Monday: Inside the Publishing World

I’ll be joined by the five literary agents coming to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat (September 27–30). If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to get a book published — or how to position your work for today’s market — this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. We’ll talk about what agents are looking for, how the industry is evolving, and where opportunity exists right now.

April 13: A Breaking News Machine, Up Close

My guest will be Scott MacFarlane, the veteran Washington reporter who recently left CBS News, joined the MeidasTouch Network, after launching his own Substack: Scott MacFarlane Reports. In less than a month, his fast-paced, relentless 24/7 reporting has drawn thousands of subscribers.

We’ll talk about why his approach is resonating, what it takes to operate at that level of intensity, and what it signals about the future of journalism.

So Grateful

On a personal note — I am deeply grateful to the people who built the technology that allows us to tell the stories we do without the market and political pressures that can limit honest journalism.

A special thanks to Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie, who will join us virtually at the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat.

Hamish, along with Chris Best, created a platform that empowers journalists like Scott MacFarlane, and the 60+ members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, to produce the kind of reporting our communities need.

But this model depends on you.

There may be no paywall, but there is a real cost to producing independent, trustworthy journalism. If you have the ability to support the writers you read, now is the time. Your subscription isn’t just a transaction — it’s an investment in democracy.

Okoboji Bound

“There’s a Story in Everyone.”*

That’s what my dad, Gordon Gammack, would say when someone asked how he produced a daily feature column for The Des Moines Tribune during his decades-long career.

Let us help you tell yours. Come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat and become inspired, learn tips, make new friends, and find out how the best in the business of storytelling got to where they are today.

*This means you, too.

Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

Check out the incredible stories in the Sunday Roundup of Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members:

Welcome to new subscribers.

Every Monday we host a guest and readers for a live Zoom conversation about the news, ideas, and whatever else comes up. We record the discussion and later post it as a podcast, as you find here.

It’s a bit like pulling up a chair at a lively dinner party and listening in on the conversation. And as a subscriber to this column, you’re automatically invited to the table. Our guest on Monday, March 30, will be Des Moines Register writer Courtney Crowder. We’ll talk about her recent series about cystic fibrosis: PART ONE: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/columnists/courtney-crowder/2026/03/15/cystic-fibrosis-patient-meets-scientist-who-saved-life-miracle-of-breath-part-1/87132027007/

Tell a friend.

Severin Sorensen

Severin Sorensen has spent his career as a trusted advisor to business leaders, and these days, one topic dominates every conversation: artificial intelligence (AI).

In this week’s Monday podcast, Sorensen — founder of his own advisory firm focused on leadership, governance, and digital transformation — pulled back the curtain on how he uses AI daily, demonstrating live how he assembled a comprehensive economic dashboard in under an hour by directing AI to scan the work of 70 top economists, synthesize the signals, and filter out the noise. What would have taken a research team days, he did before breakfast.

Watch this podcast. Severin does a masterful job of explaining how AI today works.

But Sorensen’s demonstration raised questions that go well beyond productivity hacks and platform comparisons. If AI can compress hours of knowledge work into minutes, what do we do with the time it gives back? Who benefits — and who gets left behind? Those questions are at the heart of what follows. Because AI isn’t just changing how we work. It may be forcing us to ask whether the way we’ve structured work, school, and daily life was ever the right design to begin with.

Looking for a speaker, or consultant to bring in-house to work with your organization?

Severin Sorensen:

50 S Broadway, Suite 300, Salt Lake City, UT 84101Tel: (801) 559-2001[email protected]

https://aiwhisperer.org

Hate it? Love it? Deny it? Embrace it? My Perspective

AI is the latest “it.” And it is here.

Human history has its exclamation points: fire, the printing press, the Industrial Revolution. AI is shaping up to be the loudest one yet. If the Industrial Revolution rewired civilization, what’s coming promises to be exponentially more disruptive — and exponentially more powerful.

Some believe the energy, water, and land required to run AI data centers will accelerate environmental damage. Communities are mobilizing to block them from moving in. But they’ll simply appear elsewhere. This train has left the station.

For context, consider how unrecognizable life would be without these inventions: electricity, cars, planes, the telephone, computers, the internet. Each one felt jarring at first. Each one became indispensable. AI is next.

Here’s a concrete example of what’s already possible. What once took days — pulling data from dozens of sources, synthesizing trends, building a clear economic picture — can now be done in seconds. Charts mapping current economic indicators, ready before your morning coffee. Any organization not dedicating serious time to understanding, training on, and implementing AI will find itself at a competitive disadvantage. That means businesses, universities, nonprofits, political parties, journalists — all of us.

But the bigger question isn’t just how we use AI. It’s what we use it for.

Think of a house where a family has lived for decades. They’ve made improvements, added a room, raised children within its walls. The scuffs and creaks are a record of a life lived. Then one day, the house catches fire. It’s devastating — a total loss. The familiar staircase, the furniture, the accumulated meaning of daily life — reduced to ash and black soot.

That’s where we are with AI. The old house is burning. The systems and structures we’ve built our lives around — how we work, how we learn, how we organize time — are being consumed. It can’t be stopped. The question is what we build on the cleared ground.

Many tasks are going to be eliminated or streamlined. Jobs will be lost or reimagined. Change is hard, and can be devastating. The net math is cautiously optimistic but comes with a major asterisk. The World Economic Forum projects that 92 million jobs will be displaced by 2030 while 170 million new ones will be created — a net gain of 78 million jobs — but these aren’t one-to-one swaps. The new jobs won’t be in the same locations, won’t require the same skills, and won’t go to the same people. Let’s ask Claude: AIMultiple

But for the individual worker whose job disappears in Ankeny while the new AI job opens in Austin, that’s cold comfort.

Overly dramatic? Maybe. Maybe not.

Example - Education Reimagined

Here’s one paradigm worth reimagining: the gap between the school day and the workday.

Children are released from school at 3 p.m. Most parents are still at work until 5 or later. That gap — two to three hours of unsupervised time every single day — is a well-documented risk factor for a child’s future trajectory. Research consistently finds that 70% of all juvenile crime occurs between 3 and 6 PM. Children left on their own during those hours show higher rates of truancy, poor grades, risk-taking, and substance abuse. Home alone. Passively watching screens. Drifting toward trouble.

Families with money fill that gap with structured activities and reliable transportation — racking up the extracurriculars, volunteer hours, and enrichment programs that strengthen a college application. Families making $15 an hour without benefits can’t.

What if AI gave us enough of our time back that we could close the gaps?

If AI can compress hours of work into minutes, the rigid 8-hour workday becomes a relic rather than a necessity. What if we used some of that reclaimed time to synchronize work schedules with school schedules — so parents could actually be present in those afternoon hours? The ripple effects would be significant: stronger family bonds, less inequality in childhood outcomes, and entirely new industries built around that realigned vision of daily life.

The house is ash. We get to decide what we build next.

Unrealistic? Sure

Certainly, in our current system, the divide between the haves and have-nots rivals anything we've seen since the Great Depression. On the other hand, if AI can help democratize access to information and train humans to weigh multiple data points in solving problems, maybe there's hope yet.

I see examples in flashes - massive amounts of money dumped into special election campaigns in Florida didn’t work. The lesser-funded candidates won.

We need new leaders who not only understand how technological advances can be harnessed, but also are committed to addressing the human consequences that will inevitably need to be addressed.

Will we embrace evolution, revolution, or mutually assured destruction?

What are your thoughts about AI?

Okoboji

I’m hoping AI will help grow educational tourism and fill the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 27-30. We are 1/3 of the way there already.

AI cannot replicate human connection, and the unpredictable magic of being in a room together and hearing how 10 others answered the writing prompt in a memoir workshop:

Describe the moment you realized your parents were just people

Severin gave me an AI generated marketing plan starting with getting a PDF brochure to public libraries in Iowa. I asked alumni in the Facebook group for former participants and have 10 volunteers willing to contact their local library. AI created the PDF.

IOWA WRITERS’ COLLABORATIVE

Please also note that all paid subscribers are welcome to join the monthly Iowa Writers’ Collaborative’s Office Lounge on Zoom. It’s the last Friday of every month and it’s a lively conversation with Dr. Robert Leonard moderating. Please join members of the IWC and other paid subscribers for an unscripted conversation here.

Here is the most recent roundup of columns:

Join Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Members in Storm Lake and or Pomeroy

To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative. We’re planning two nights of music as part of our IWC Storm Lake retreat on April 23 and 24th. Admission is free for our paid subscribers. Please RSVP with the links below now as seating is limited for both events. The Weary Ramblers will perform on Thursday, April 23rd in the Mermaid Room of the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake and Friday, April 24th is the Inaugural IWC Hootenanny at Legendary Byron’s in Pomeroy.

Why?

Paid subscriptions make it possible to produce the Iowa Down Ballot podcast featuring Dave Price, Laura Belin, and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch. They also make it possible for members of the collaborative to gather each year—like we will in Storm Lake—to learn from one another and sharpen our work. We do it to better serve you, the reader.

No Money? No Problem

Yes, the cost of anchovies has skyrocketed. We get it.

If you’d like to support the growth of independent local journalism, there’s something simple, free, and powerful you can do: share this column with someone who might enjoy it.

Maybe they live out of state but still consider Iowa home. Or maybe you were just talking about politics, religion, sports, or the arts—and they’d welcome the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative roundup in their inbox.

Welcome to new subscribers.

Every Monday we host a guest and a small group of readers for a live Zoom conversation about the news, ideas, and whatever else comes up. We record the discussion and later post it as a podcast.

It’s a bit like pulling up a chair at a lively dinner party and listening in on the conversation. And as a subscriber to this column, you’re automatically invited to the table. Our guest on Monday, March 30, will be Des Moines Register writer Courtney Crowder. We’ll talk about her recent series.

Our podcast guest was bestselling novelist William (Bill) Bernhardt— one of the most successful writers of legal thrillers in America. His books, including the long-running Ben Kincaid series, have sold millions of copies and helped define the modern courtroom drama. But Bill’s impact goes far beyond the page. He’s also one of the country’s most respected teachers of writing, mentoring authors through conferences, workshops, and programs designed to help writers not only tell better stories, but build lasting careers.

What makes Bill especially compelling is the path he’s taken—and continues to take. From a small-town upbringing in Oklahoma to a career in law, and ultimately to full-time writing, he has consistently followed his instincts while adapting to a changing literary landscape. Whether he’s crafting fiction, exploring nonfiction, or creating opportunities for emerging writers, his work reflects both discipline and curiosity. And this fall, he’ll bring that experience and insight to Okoboji, offering writers a rare opportunity to learn directly from someone who has not only succeeded in publishing—but helped shape it.

Learn more

Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat

Would you like to meet Bill Bernhardt? Come to the Okoboji Writers and Songwriters’ Retreat.

The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat has become one of the Midwest’s most dynamic creative gatherings, bringing together aspiring and established writers for an immersive, craft-focused experience on the shores of West Lake Okoboji. With more than 60 faculty members—including bestselling authors, literary agents, editors, and songwriters—the retreat offers practical instruction, meaningful connections, and real pathways to publication. Central to its impact is the presence of accomplished authors like William Bernhardt, whose remarkable career—spanning bestselling legal thrillers and the founding of a nationally respected writing program—demonstrates what’s possible with discipline and craft. Having a writer of Bernhardt’s success on faculty not only elevates the caliber of instruction but also provides attendees with a tangible example of how storytelling can evolve into a lasting and influential career.

Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

To find more stories and insights across the state of Iowa, please consider following and supporting the many talented journalists and storytellers of the Iowa Writer’s Collaborative of which I’m a proud member. We’re planning two wonderful nights of music as part of our IWC Storm Lake retreat on April 23 and 24th. Admission is free for our paid subscribers. Please RSVP with the links below now as seating is limited for both events. The Weary Ramblers will perform on Thursday, April 23rd in the Mermaid Room of the Cobblestone Ballroom in Storm Lake and Friday, April 24th is the Inaugural IWC Hootenanny at Legendary Byron’s in Pomeroy.

The Office Lounge is Coming Up

Please also note that all paid subscribers are welcome to join the monthly Iowa Writers’ Collaborative’s Office Lounge on Zoom. It’s the last Friday of every month and it’s a lively conversation with Dr. Robert Leonard moderating. Please join members of the IWC and other paid subscribers for an unscripted conversation here

Thanks - your paid subscriptions help in many ways, including providing production costs for the Iowa Down Ballot podcast featuring Dave Price Laura Belin and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch.

I recently hosted a Zoom conversation with longtime Iowa trial lawyer Roxanne Conlin, and after viewing her green fingernail polish (Happy St. Patrick’s Day) the discussion quickly turned into a sobering look at how much civil rights and employment law in Iowa have changed.

Roxanne, who has spent six decades representing workers and victims of discrimination, began by explaining a misconception many people have about employment law. Most people believe that if they work somewhere for many years and are suddenly fired, they can sue. In reality, that’s rarely the case. A lawsuit is only possible if the decision was based on a legally protected category such as race, age, sex or another protected status.

What troubled Roxanne most was how much the landscape has shifted. She said that during the most recent legislative session alone, Iowa effectively rolled back about 30 years of civil rights protections. One example is the removal of protections for transgender people under the state’s civil rights law — the first time Iowa has actually reduced civil rights protections rather than expanded them.

She also described how changes in court rulings have made discrimination cases harder to prove. In the past, attorneys could present evidence showing a pattern of discrimination across an organization. Today, the evidence has to be extremely narrow — involving the same supervisors and departments — which makes it much more difficult to demonstrate systemic problems.

The group talked about Iowa’s broader political climate and how the state has shifted in recent years. Several participants noted that businesses once publicly supported civil rights protections because they understood those policies helped attract talent. Today, many companies remain quiet, in part because diversity initiatives have become politically and legally risky.

We also discussed issues that don’t always get enough attention, including human trafficking. Roxanne noted that Iowa sits at the intersection of major interstate highways, making it a hub for trafficking activity. She described both sex trafficking and labor trafficking cases, including one involving Brazilian students recruited to Iowa under promises of education but instead forced to work long shifts in factory jobs.

Throughout the conversation, Roxanne remained clear about one thing: despite the setbacks, giving up is not an option. The fight for civil rights has always been difficult, she said, and it will require persistence from lawyers, citizens and community leaders alike.

The hour ended with participants thanking Roxanne for her lifetime of advocacy — and for reminding us that the work of justice is never finished.

Chat from the Zoom conversation:

Diane Crookham-Johnson:Roxanne, I wanted to say hi. My dad, Joe Crookham, went to law school with you. He still talks about your impact on his view of women in the workplace. You have impacted his worldview and the way he developed his own work team. Thank you!

Mary:Thought for the day: “Great journalism brings us close not to power, but to each other.” — Terry Moran, formerly of ABC News, now on Substack. The quote was in a March 8, 2026 column.

Julie Gammack:Reacted to “Thought for the day…” with 👍

Peter Rose:A victory would be a new attorney general!

Ralph Rosenberg:In 2008, when protections of the Civil Rights laws were extended to the LGBTQ community, Des Moines–based big businesses were present and vocal in support of the changes. For example, the CEOs of Principal, Bankers Trust, Wells Fargo (I think), the Business Record, and others.

Liz Seiser:Reacted to Diane’s message with ❤️

Mary:The Iowa City Centennial Building is closing — a great loss.

Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to Mary’s message with 👌

Peter Rose:Citizens United is what happened.

Karl Schilling:An hour ago I was on Zoom with a committee planning training for crime victim support workers, wondering what to do about the segment we traditionally have had for “cultural awareness.” It’s vital information but dicey to present now.

Tim Grover:“Iowa Spites.”

Ralph Rosenberg:Reacted to “Iowa Spites” with 👍

Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to “Iowa Spites” with 👌

Mary:For a world view that impacts Iowa, see Democracy Noir, available at clarityfilms.org. There is an impactful interview with the film’s producer, Connie Field. The film is about the erosion of democracy in Hungary. Three people are profiled — an elected Budapest official, a journalist, and a nurse — and the rightward shift toward an exclusive and corrupt government.

Peter Rose:The MAGA cult is the American Taliban.

Peter Rose:And Nate Willems for AG.

Ralph Rosenberg (replying to Karl Schilling):Hi Karl. It is painful to see what is happening. I submit testimony and write letters. Very hard to see what is happening.

Diana:I’m learning that we always have to hold companies and elected officials accountable. As soon as we think we have solved that problem and look away, falling back happens. The candidates we elect will need my continued attention to make sure what they said in their campaign they are still attending to for the welfare of their constituents.

Mary:Reacted to Diana’s message with 👍🏽

Mary:Yes, the blame for the Sioux City mess falls on Western Iowa Tech Community College. They played the denial, deflect, and deception mode for a long time. Justice did prevail eventually.

Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to Diane’s earlier message with ❤️

Judy Conlin:Thank you. And just so you know, the family has already erected a statue for Roxanne. It’s not bronze, but it is very colorful. Sorry I have to get to a 1:00 meeting.

Chuck Offenburger:Reacted to Judy’s message with ☺️

Karl Schilling:Just so you know, I pounded pavement for your election, and my in-laws were big supporters — Lowell (of the Iowa Farmers Union) and Dorothy Gose.

Chuck Offenburger:Great conversation today. Thank you, Roxanne!

Laura Engler:Thank you, Roxanne — and Julie!

Mary:Thank you, Roxanne and Julie.

Tim Wagner:Thank you for being you, Roxanne!

Ralph Rosenberg:Reacted to Diana’s message with 👍🏽

Phil Specht:Thanks for mentoring my son Jon, Roxanne.

Artis Reis:Thanks so much for joining us today!

Liz Seiser:Reacted to Artis’s message with ❤️

Artis Reis:Reacted to their own message with ❤️

Okoboji

Last call - March 15 is the deadline for enrolling in the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat with the inclusion of the Okoboji Mastery Circle online classes at no additional charge. You have access to the archives of the classes held so far (Kali White VanBaale, Peter Hedges and Rekha Basu), plus the ability to participate in future sessions.

Come to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 27-30. Get advice on how to tell your stories. If you can’t afford the enrollment fee, apply for a scholarship.

Learn more

Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

Check out the roundup from our professional Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members.

Scott Anderson is one of America’s most respected journalists and historians of the modern Middle East. A longtime contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine, he is the bestselling author of Lawrence in Arabia and The Quiet Americans. He was our featured guest Monday, and more than 60 readers joined the conversation.

His new book, King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution — A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation, tells the story of how Iran went from a close U.S. ally under the Shah to the Islamic Republic we know today — a rupture that still shapes global politics and conflict across the Middle East.

Summary of the conversation

Scott Anderson has been in heavy demand since the U.S. president said the country is at war with Iran and began bombing strikes. Anderson grew up overseas in East Asia because his father worked for USAID as an agricultural advisor. He has lived in the New York area for about three decades.

Anderson is ideally situated to help us understand what is happening in Iran — and why it matters — especially as Americans try to make sense of the latest escalation in the Middle East.

The discussion quickly turned to who in Washington truly understands the region. Anderson’s blunt answer: “Nobody,”especially not in the current administration. He criticized the idea that targeted strikes or leadership decapitation will spark a successful popular uprising, warning that the regime’s security apparatus — particularly the Revolutionary Guard — is deeply motivated by power and money and will fight for survival. He predicted worsening internal violence and a significant risk of the conflict spreading regionally.

Was it possible the war was launched as a distraction from the Epstein files? Plausible, Anderson said — but he also suggested there may be little coherent planning, more impulse and “knee-jerk” decision-making.

On whether ordinary Iranians hate Americans, Anderson said not broadly. He noted long-standing cultural ties, past educational exchange, and reports from journalists that many Iranians react warmly to Americans — even if anger rises when U.S. actions kill Iranian leaders.

He also talked about the collapse of student exchanges and the hollowing-out of USAID, arguing that isolation and sanctions often strengthen dictatorships and deprive the United States of reliable insight into what’s happening inside closed societies.

Then the Q&A begins with Iowa Writers’ Collaborative participants and guests:

* Rekha Basu asks what people inside Iran are feeling now and whether democracy is realistic. Anderson says it’s hard to read from outside, notes the opposition is fractured, and suggests that even symbolic rallying around the Shah’s son reflects desperation and the absence of viable internal leaders. He’s pessimistic about democracy emerging cleanly, citing how hopes of the Arab Spring largely collapsed.

* James O'Shea opinion writer for the Eagle Intelilgence Report, a Europe-based online publication that circulates in several languages throughout the Middle East and Europe. I give them stories on news That’s my latest paying gig. Former Des Moines Register reporter, and managing editor of the Chicago Tribune. He shares an anecdote from Iran—during “death to America” chants, someone winked at him—supporting Anderson’s point that public slogans don’t always reflect private sentiment.

* Daniel Henderson asks about Trump’s motivations and Netanyahu’s influence, including the role of Christian Zionist politics. Anderson agrees Israel is a major driver, questions the “imminent nuclear threat” framing, and argues Netanyahu has pushed this alarm for years.

* Lyle Muller asks why U.S. leaders keep repeating the mistaken belief that bombing produces democratic transitions. Anderson says airstrikes don’t topple regimes and often harden resistance; he warns the security forces can still terrorize citizens regardless of conventional military damage.

* Barry Piatt asks about timing and why regional actors support an attack now. Anderson says Iran has made many enemies through proxies and regional influence; Arab solidarity isn’t automatic here because Iran isn’t Arab, and many governments view Iran’s weakening as overdue.

* Laura Belin asks about a conspiracy theory involving locator chips and Mossad. Anderson says Iranians love conspiracy theories; he believes Israel likely has deep intelligence networks inside Iran and notes the historically complex Iran–Israel relationship, including oil supply under the Shah.

* Rekha Basu follows up on claims of “imminent threat” and war powers. Anderson rejects the imminent-threat claim and argues the administration uses “emergency” logic to act first and litigate later.

* Richard Gilbert asks about Americans trapped in Iran. Anderson says there probably aren’t many, but warns Iran has a pattern of detaining Americans as bargaining chips.

Scott attended the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in Iowa City for three years, so reader Mary McCarthy put in the chat that some of his old watering holes are still standing (Foxhead, Deadwood, and Joe’s).

Thank to Jan Kaiser of Beaverdale Books for helping us invite the author to address this very important topic.

Key themes that come through

* Iran’s modern crisis is rooted in imperial history, 1953, and the 1979 revolution’s dual religious + anti-colonial character.

* Anderson is deeply skeptical that bombing leads to democracy; he expects Revolutionary Guard dominance and internal bloodshed.

* The administration’s “imminent threat” narrative is challenged repeatedly; participants connect it to war powers and a broader “emergency powers” pattern.

* A persistent distinction between regime hostility and public sentiment, with multiple anecdotes supporting “Iranians don’t necessarily hate Americans.”

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DATE: March 11, 2026TIME: 7:00 pmTITLE: Writing for Change

How to use your voice to illuminate injustice, human rights issues, global challenges, and more—and how to offer readers pathways to action.

BIO: Rekha Basu is a syndicated columnist, author, and globally raised feminist journalist.

Rekha will also be presenting at the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Click to learn more about Rekha.

The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Has a New Look!

I am so doggone proud of what we have built over the past five years! Check out the amazing columns by award-winning journalists, and emerging writers, too.

Summary

Our guest Monday was Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart.

Also on the call were readers from Washington, D.C., Decorah, Carroll, Council Bluffs and the metro area of Des Moines.

Hart’s leadership was framed through her razor-thin 2020 congressional loss and her experience as a teacher and farmer in eastern Iowa. Hart says that race exposed major structural gaps between Democratic and Republican party support—organization, resources, and communications—and convinced her the party had to rebuild its basic capacity to win close races.

Hart describes her chairmanship since 2023 as a nuts-and-bolts overhaul: paying down debt, expanding staff (from a few part-timers to a larger team), and committing to year-round organizing instead of parachuting in during election season. A key priority has been reconnecting the state party to county parties—especially rural counties—after discovering even basic infrastructure had eroded (she cites not even having a complete list of county chairs early on). She says the party is now active in all 99 counties and that internal governance has improved, with a more functional, less factional state central committee.

Candidate recruitment is a major theme. Hart says the party has worked intentionally to recruit a strong, diverse, and younger slate, including personally calling candidates after the last cycle to learn what worked and to encourage future runs or help with recruiting. She acknowledges not every slot is filled, but argues Democrats are “ahead of the game” compared to recent years.

The discussion turns to the Iowa caucuses. Doug Burns argues Democrats should “go first” regardless of national penalties, saying appearing to surrender looks weak. Hart responds that Democrats in Iowa aren’t unified on the issue, so she’s used listening sessions and a statewide survey, while also pursuing a formal process with the DNC. She believes Iowa has a strong case, but repeatedly emphasizes that the best argument for Iowa’s early status is winning meaningful races in 2026—making the state more competitive and demonstrating that “if you can win here, you can win anywhere.” Richard Bender agrees that Democrats being shut out while Republicans go first is a structural disadvantage, and suggests Iowa could still act first even without DNC blessing, banking on candidates finding ways to show up and benefit from the media presence.

Messaging and issues come up next. Mary Pyatt presses the party to nationalize an economic message around tariffs and farm impacts; Hart says the IDP is already pushing accountability messaging and using farmer stories at press conferences. On voter registration, Hart concedes Democrats face a disadvantage but calls registration a “lagging indicator” tied to losing cycles; she says the bigger task is persuading independents and disaffected voters through direct, local conversations about the consequences of one-party Republican control (schools, economy, health care, rural hospitals, cost of living). Local activists describe efforts to re-register voters purged from the rolls.

The group also discusses the governor’s race and Democratic branding. Some participants worry Rob Sand’s criticisms of the party could damage down-ballot Democrats; Hart argues voters are prioritizing authenticity and that Sand’s town-hall-heavy approach shows a path forward—show up everywhere, talk directly to people, and build momentum across parties.

Asked what she’d do with an unexpected $1 million, Hart says she would invest it almost entirely in organizing—more trained field organizers and a permanent year-round program tied closely to county parties. Bender echoes that a serious statewide GOTV operation and rural capacity-building are essential. Hart points to strong rural caucus turnout as proof that investment can work.

In closing, Hart reflects on how political communication has changed—less local news, fragmented information sources, and higher costs—and says building a stronger communications operation is now indispensable. She also cites recent Iowa special elections where Democrats outperformed expectations as a blueprint: recruit early, fund adequately, organize aggressively, and run smart campaigns—especially when Republican nominee-selection processes push candidates too far right for the median voter.

Optional quick pull quotes / moments

* Hart: her 2020 race taught her “we had to strengthen the party itself” to get candidates “across the finish line.”

* The recurring refrain: win in 2026 to strengthen Iowa’s case for 2028.

* Light moment: a fire truck breaks down in Rita’s driveway mid-call; Chuck Offenberger jokes about Democrats going first and teases the overuse of the word “folks.”

Monday Podcast Guest is Author Scott Anderson, King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion, and Catastrophic Miscalculation.

Here are Four Reviews of this book:

“[A] masterly new account of the Iranian revolution, illustrates the stubborn American blindness that hastened the shah’s demise and helped the mullahs prevail. It was an ‘obliviousness’ that ‘became willful, an ignorance to be maintained and defended,’ Anderson writes. . . . This is an exceptional and important book. Scrupulous and enterprising reporting rarely combine with such superb storytelling.”

—The New York Times“Mr. Anderson is a first-rate writer of histories. . . . King of Kings is a sweeping, gripping book, one that makes past times and dead people (often weird, complex and evil) spring to life with its narrative verve and attention to detail. . . . Riveting. . . . Exquisite.”

—The Wall Street Journal“Anderson succeeds precisely because he eschews structural, quasi-philosophical queries for an energetic account that concerns itself with, as he puts it, ‘a few core questions’. . . . As a result of this inquiry, Anderson finds an answer at once simpler, more instructive, and truer than those of many scholars. . . . Anderson has also consulted the best scholarship on the revolution. . . . Anderson thus offers a readable page-turner that’s also attuned to those core questions. . . . Anderson’s book [is] one of the best on 1979.”

—The Atlantic“Veteran journalist Anderson takes readers through the final years of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s regime in Iran, tracing the political machinations that kept him in power and the corruption that helped turn the Iranian public against him. It is attentive to both the shah’s own oblivious rule and the world-historical mistakes that his American allies made in their attempt to prop him up.”

—The Washington Post

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Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat

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Iowa Writers’ Collaborative

Do you know about the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roundup?

I am thrilled to be a founding member of this incredible group. Professional writers from across the state provide content you just don’t have access to this way. See for yourself: