Keepin' It Rural

A newsletter about life and death and things in-between (business, tech, and culture).

Join me on my travels in Iowa outdoors.

Where you'll discover great food finds and the best restaurant experiences in Des Moines.

Essays and explorations on the creative life in the Midwest.

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

Connect with the Latino communities in Iowa.

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

My interests are diverse: history, politics, current events, music, life experiences. I write about things that interest me, things I know about... often reflecting my (primarily) rural perspective.

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

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

On writing and life. Long-form musings on the nature of creativity and the essence of everything. Some poems, too.

opinions on topics

Diverse people voice their opinions for the Iowa Writers Collaborative

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

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

We produce inspiring stories about Black entrepreneurs. We also write pieces on art, travel, and our experiences as a mission-driven film production company. Paid subscribers receive courses on storytelling, entrepreneurship and creativity.

Consistently ahead of the curve political commentary and analysis

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

Reflections on change and transformation.

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

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

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

Black Iowa News is an independent news platform designed to highlight Black perspectives, showcase the Black community and amplify the voices of Black Iowans — online and in print.

...Iowa, small towns, and saddle shoes

A tale of two homesteads, one among the Amish, the other in Connemara, Ireland. A serialization of a new book of non-fiction.

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

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

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

Linking readers and professional writers who care about Iowa.

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

A front-row seat into Minnesota farming and rural life sharing stories and my perspective.

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

Where food and culture collide

Subscribe to grow your writing and content marketing muscles.

A newsletter for food writers. Come on in!

Weekly art, writing, and creative inspiration from the author of Steal Like an Artist and other bestsellers.

If Iowa had a group chat, this would be it. Hosted by Julie Gammack, this Substack blends independent journalism, lively opinion, and unexpected voices from across the state. Think potluck, but with more insight and fewer Crock-Pots.