Shows
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckHere's the Podcast: Peter Hedges Comes HomeWhen I opened the conversation with author, director, and filmmaker Peter Hedges on Monday’s Potluck Zoom call, I could’ve led with the obvious: the big Hollywood names orbiting his life. But instead of clickbait, I chose to bring him home—beginning not with stardom, but with the recent passing of his former Valley High School drama teacher, the man who helped shape the storyteller he became.Mr. Lamson wasn’t just a teacher. For a young, insecure kid like Peter, he was the one who offered a spotlight off the scoreboard—a stage where everyone had a role...2025-05-071h 22
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWater soothes the soul. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-04-2600 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckIowa Writers’ Collaborative RetreatThank you to everyone who tuned into my live video! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-04-1903 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckI Misspelled Caitlin Clark at 3 A.M.—But at Least I Know What AI Stands ForOther analysts are doing their best to keep up with the firehose of head-snapping actions coming out of this administration, so I’ve mostly been content to let ponder other topics in this space. But then my sister Katy texted me the other night: "Are you watching Rachel Maddow? Did you just hear what the Secretary of Education said?"At a conference about Artificial Intelligence, the Secretary reportedly referred to it as “A-1.” Not “AI.” A-1. Like the steak sauce.I blinked. Then blinked again. Surely not. But sure enough—there it was. For the rest of Rach...2025-04-1700 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckToday's Zoom Link (Open Show), a video featuring Rep. Helen Miller, and Peter Hedges will come to OkobojiNew Subscribers: On Mondays, we hold a Zoom call from noon to 1 p.m. Central Time. Sometimes, we have an interesting person to interview, and today YOU are that featured guest. What’s it like to be YOU these days? Event Summary: Honoring Helen Miller and Her Memoir, I Don’t SwimFormer Iowa Representative Helen Miller was celebrated in a warm, packed-room gathering, co-hosted by me, with Rekha Basu, who encouraged (I nagged) Miller to write her memoir. The event was filled with humor, candor, and powerful reflections on race, resilience, and publ...2025-04-1453 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA Voice for the VoicelessBreaking News: Please welcome award-winning author, playwright, filmmaker, and former Iowan, Peter Hedges to the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. His introduction is in today’s Roundup. Peter will also be conducting workshops during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, September 28-October 1. Learn more: https://okobojiwritersretreat.com Highlights from the Robert Leonard Zoom Call A Voice for the VoicelessRobert Leonard, Iowa Writers’ Collaborative columnist and self-described anthropologist, shared stories from his life and work as a writer, carpenter, cab driver, bouncer, professor, river raft...2025-04-131h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckCHRISTIE VILSACK - USS IOWA ANCHORS AWEIGH!We caught up with Christie Vilsack, who is onsite in Groton, Connecticut, for the commissioning of the USS Iowa, the newest addition to the United States Naval fleet.With her signature blend of heart and home-state pride, Vilsack brought a unique gift for the families of the crew—packets of seeds from Earl May in Shenandoah, Iowa. Her thoughtful gesture encouraged families to plant and nurture flowers while their loved ones serve offshore—a living symbol of growth, hope, and the promise of reunion.Vilsack, a lifelong advocate for education and civic engagement, served as Iowa...2025-04-0517 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckConversation about possibilities...Would you like to learn how to create a personal, successful Substack column? Julie Gammack and Debra Engle will present a class to teach you how to do just that. Read the announcement of this endeavor here, and sign up now: Substack Success.We are human. We have fears, and this moment in history is stirring up many of them. How we cope—and how we act—is a conversation worth having. Our Zoom guest today has some valuable insights on navigating fear, and together, we've come up with an idea that might help you writ...2025-03-251h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackJoin me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-03-221h 07
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackJoin me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-03-2210 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie Gammack and Christie Vilsack, Iowa's former First LadyJoin me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-03-2009 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDrake U president Marty Martin: why he supports DEI, and other topicsDrake President Marty Martin Reaffirms Commitment to DEI, Expands on University’s Future and ChallengesDrake University President Marty Martin reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in response to recent legislative changes in Iowa that could impact university policies and student funding. He emphasized that his recent public statement was not an act of bravery but a necessary reaffirmation of Drake’s core values, ensuring that all students—especially those affected by evolving state policies—know they belong. He acknowledged that while most responses to his statement have been supportive, there are concerns a...2025-03-1758 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie Gammack and the University of Okoboji founderToday, I entered the Three Sons Clothing Store in Milford, Iowa, to meet the creators and founders of the University of Okoboji. We were lucky to nab Herman Richter, one of the original ‘three sons’, and his son, Matt, in this surprise LIVE visit. Herman is an original fixture in this store as much as the floor boards and rickety steps. Defying all retail convention, the store remains unchanged since long before Vineyard Vines, a preppy brand they carry, was established in 1998."And, it hasn’t changed in the decades since my dad first...2025-03-0831 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackJoin me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-03-0403 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckAdmiral Michael Franken, retiredThank you Dartanyan L. Brown, The Seven Times, Tammy Steands, William Staplin, Marjorie Nelson, and many others for tuning into my live video with Michael Franken! Join me for my next live video in the app. Admiral Franken Exposes White House Showdown with ZelenskyKey Takeaways from Admiral Michael Franken’s Explosive Interview on Ukraine, National Security, and the Future of U.S. Democracy* "America is Becoming a Pariah on the World Stage" – Admiral Franken warns that U.S. foreign policy is shifting in a way that distances us from key allies while alig...2025-03-0140 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackWelcome to over 500 new subscribers and followers! This column is called An Iowa Potluck because everyone brings something to the table.Iowa is my home state, and after a 20-year absence, I’m back and present. I’ve experienced this state from farm kitchen tables, and from Council Bluffs in western Iowa, to the wooded peaks overlooking the Mississippi River in Dubuque. As a talk show host and columnist, I’ve been invited into a variety of communities for decades, maintaining a lifelong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion—though in years past, these values went by differen...2025-02-2844 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackThank you Susan Beckman, Bill Radl, Bonnie Berry, and many others for tuning into my live video with Dave Price! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-02-2339 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWho is Elon MuskTim Higgins was our Potluck guest this week. The former Des Moines Register reporter is a seasoned automotive and technology writer for The Wall Street Journal who frequently appears on CNBC. His book, Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century, published in 2021, offers a deep dive into Tesla’s journey under Elon Musk’s leadership.Musk, of course, is changing the direction of the United States government and the services provided around the world, perhaps more than any single individual non-elected person in history, so who is this guy? Unfortunately, due to t...2025-02-2312 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckCarol Montag - singer/songwriterJoin me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-02-2135 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackThank you Rekha Basu, Carol Montag, and many others for tuning into my live video with Kelsey Bigelow and John Crabtree! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-02-2040 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackJoin me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-02-1748 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLive with Julie GammackThank you Dave Price, Robert Leonard, Connie Taylor, William Staplin, and many others for tuning into my live video with Art Cullen and Marianne Fons! Join me for my next live video in the app. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-02-1625 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLifesaving Aid Frozen: Iowans Warn U.S. Farmers and Global Lives at Risk as USAID Shuts DownWe can almost always find the ‘Iowa angle’ to international stories—and this one hits close to home. Within minutes of announcing that Teresa Dunbar, a Des Moines-area resident with over 15 years of experience in food security, would join our Monday call, Potluck readers were eager to hear her insights on the global impact of USAID.In this conversation, Dunbar shares her experiences working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and highlights the critical role USAID plays in international development. From Uganda and Kenya to Haiti, she’s witnessed firsthand how U.S.-funded programs like PEPFAR (President's Emergenc...2025-02-1158 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDemocracy is being threatened from withinOn Monday’s call with author John Dinges, we had readers from Algona, Burlington, Bussey, Clear Lake, Spirit Lake, Davenport, Jefferson, Sioux Center, Waterloo, Washington, D.C., the Des Moines metro area, southwest Iowa, Decorah, and others from unidentified parts of the state. I was surprised to discover that over 60 participants joined the call during the noon hour Monday. Why? Democracy is in peril, and many on our call have been trying in vain to leave a message for their members of Congress. Their offices are not answering the calls. Below is a li...2025-02-061h 04
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckFrom a Northwest Iowa guy to Arctic Explorer: How David Thoreson’s Journey Through the Northwest Passage Changed EverythingIs the U.S. headed toward a dictatorship? Our Monday Zoom lunch guest has experience to share about this concern. See below for details and a link to the Zoom call. David Thoreson, an Iowa native who grew up far from any ocean, set his sights on something more extreme—the Arctic’s fabled Northwest Passage. From his childhood on the banks of the Des Moines River and Lake Okoboji to sailing 40,000 miles across some of the most treacherous waters on Earth, Thoreson’s life has been one of relentless exploration and environmental advocacy....2025-02-0259 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA conversation with Rita Hart, chair of the Iowa Democratic PartyIn this conversation with Rita Hart, Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, we dive deep into Rita's journey from growing up in a bipartisan household to becoming a key political leader in Iowa. The call itself mirrored some of the conflicts within the party. On one side was Jerry Crawford, a major donor and long-time Democratic operative with clients like Monsanto, alongside members of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, including writers who have been critical of Hart’s leadership. Also present were others who have written pointed commentary about Big Agriculture's impact on Iowa’s water quality and the pa...2025-01-191h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWho is behind the RAYGUN T-shirt phenomena? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2025-01-071h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckHeads up: Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to change your lifeHeads up: Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to change your life. Whether you're excited about its possibilities or wary of its implications, one thing is certain—AI is the biggest wave of change we’ve seen in decades. Over the coming months, this podcast will bring you conversations with experts to help demystify the extraordinary transformation happening right before our eyes.Today, we’re kicking off that journey with Rob Wray, a serial entrepreneur from Baltimore whose career has been defined by solving problems in uncharted industries. From pioneering IT solutions in the late '90s to buildi...2025-01-0159 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA Christmas Reflection on HomelessnessI wish you a Merry Christmas today and hope you are safe, warm, well fed, and feeling loved. Not everyone is, and today’s podcast offers a sobering yet hopeful conversation about homelessness, sharing shocking stories, news, and ways we can help.At Christmas time, volunteers from Joppa gather on the steps of the Iowa State Capitol to read the names of the homeless here who died the previous year. One of the most poignant moments of today’s podcast came when Abena Sankofa Imhotep shared how Joppa’s work unexpectedly touched her life in a deep...2024-12-251h 12
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDrama, mayhem, extremesSometimes, he screams into his pillow.That’s my lead to this column, and I’m sticking to it because I want to draw you into this podcast, even though it’s about a topic many of us seem reluctant to confront: climate change.Oh, those two words can be so politically charged that they’ve led to death threats against our Monday Potluck guest.In fact, Chris left KCCI-TV in Des Moines after being told to tone down his language about climate change—an admonishment he did not take kindly to, which contribute...2024-12-2039 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckBuzzing into the future: A conversation with Mark Gillies, VW PR leaderNote to new subscribers: I hold weekly Zoom calls with newsmakers and influencers for one hour so subscribers can join and ask questions. Please share this with anyone you think might be interested in Volkswagen's latest creation, the ID, which is getting a lot of attention. Buzz. Today’s guest is the former editor of Car and Driver magazine and the head of Public Relations for VW North America.We’ll be talking about this all-electric, attention-grabbing vehicle, the future of VW, and much more. Climate, Can’t Deny...2024-12-161h 05
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckSeriously funny: A side splitting ode to the Wit and Wisdom of Erma BombeckThere is still time to grab tickets for the play, which will open tonight and run through December 21. This production is a part of the Temple Theater’s Comedy Series. Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Erma Bombeck never won a Pulitzer Prize, though many—including today’s guest, Peggy Engel—believe she deserved one. Her columns, often clipped and pinned to refrigerators across America, earned a place of honor Bombeck herself cherished more than the coveted journalism award. Still….Syndicated in over 900 newspapers, Bombeck was lovingly dubbed the “housewife humorist,” but our Potluck guest ar...2024-12-0353 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckTips for peaceful Thanksgiving conversations...This Thursday is Thanksgiving when many families come together from far and wide. Not just physically but also, politically and culturally. Half the country voted one way in the presidential election, and the other half voted for the other party’s candidate — or didn’t vote (gasp). These family events can have multiple generations seated at a table, so just incase you’d like to ward off any rancor, we here at Potluck Central have some ideas that might be helpful. Our Potluck guest this week is a psychologist who speaks about generational differences, and how to c...2024-11-271h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckYes, it was too soonWe had an open show Monday, and to my surprise, over 50 showed up for the Zoom call. I had no agenda or idea of how the conversation would unfold. Still, when I spotted Bill Sniffin, a former Iowan, who used to run newspapers in Wyoming, I called on him to start the conversation because he voted for Donald Trump.He’s the guy, Richard, my husband, apologized to Liz Cheney about when she appeared at Drake University last year, because he helped mentor Bill as a young reporter for an Iowa newspaper. Sniffin’s news organization did not...2024-11-131h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckJ. Ann Selzer has political junkies FREAKING OUTNo one in the political pundit class thought the Iowa presidential race could be in play. And now it is. Today, our Potluck Podcast guest is J. Ann Selzer, who revealed that Iowa still has a purple and blue streak. Harris surpasses Trump in this sliver of time. Check it out at The Iowa Poll. I was delighted Ann was willing to join our call today, as we were sandwiched between media requests from India, London, and national networks in the U.S. First, I apologize to those who could not join the...2024-11-0455 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckPodcast: Admiral Michael FrankenAdmiral Michael Franken believes we are dangerously close to becoming a fascist country under Donald Trump. The warning signs are all around us. So, what is fascism? The key elements include authoritarianism, or concentrated power in a single leader; suppression of opposition through censorship, propaganda, and violence; and control of society through manipulation of media, education, and culture. Sound familiar? One antidote, in a nutshell, says Franken: VOTE. And, I might add, vote while you still can. Franken sees parallels between what is taking place in the United States...2024-10-2949 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLoss of abortion rights in IowaIn her decades of practice in the field of obstetrics, Dr. Rebecca Shaw would care for women who believed they would never consider having an abortion. Occasionally, the patient’s circumstances changed, and they would face the choice on a different level. “Now I understand why it’s important to have a choice,” was the common response, said Shaw. She continued: “My views on abortion have been shaped profoundly by all the different, unbelievable, circumstances that I have seen in my over 40 years of practice; things that are just unimaginable.”In this podcast we explore w...2024-10-2259 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA save-the-date announcementSave the date! As a thank-you to our paid subscribers and donors, The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative and Iowa Capital Dispatch team will host a holiday party from 5-8 p.m. in the spacious lobby of the Tom and Ruth Harkin Institute, 2800 University Avenue, Des Moines—appetizers by the Drake Catering department. The date is December 13. It’s a state-of-the-art facility, and on December 13th, it will become a great place for us to gather, meet your favorite writers, and meet the readers who make it possible for us to do what we do. All paid subscr...2024-10-1658 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckRadio talent Maxwell Schaeffer talks about life after being fired from WHO radioMaxwell Schaeffer is a well-known radio and local theater personality in central Iowa with a career that spans several decades. His longest-running gig was spinning Oldies on Des Moines' KIOA radio station, where he co-hosted the morning show for over 20 years. He later joined WHO Radio, taking over the morning show in 2021 with co-host Amy Sweet after the retirement of long-time hosts Van Harden and Bonnie Lucas. Schaeffer is also a member of the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and has been actively involved in the local music and theatre scenes.In March 2024, Schaeffer and...2024-10-151h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckState Auditor Rob SandRob Sand is often considered a top 2026 Iowa gubernatorial race contender. Wait, you say? We are in the final stage of the 2024 election, and I’m already talking about 2026?! Yeah, Rob Sand had a bit of the same reaction when I coaxed him to talk about his future ambitions. Sand is currently the only Democratic officeholder in state government. He was our guest on Potluck’s Monday Zoom call podcast this week. Sand is probably better known than any previous Iowa Auditor, not only for his work but because of his command of soci...2024-10-0543 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckRun like nobody's watching...There’s a saying that’s gained popularity in recent years: Dance like nobody’s watchingOf course, we all watch and judge people dancing and certainly feel that judgment ourselves without the benefit of copious amounts of alcohol. So I thought about that saying after spending an hour with candidate Sarah Corkery, who is running to unseat Ashley Hinson in Iowa’s 2nd district in Congress. Sarah Corkery is picking up raving fans to unseat incumbent Hinson. She’s the real deal, they say. And she’s running with abandon...2024-09-151h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckCould Ryan Melton mount a political upset that would shock pundits?Ryan Melton is challenging incumbent Congressman Randy Feenstra for the second time. The voter registration margin for Democrats in the Fourth District is about as bleak historically as it is for any race in the country. And yet…Read on. Listen to the call, and decide for yourself.* Landowners in northwest Iowa are furious over the proposed pipeline that would take over their land, THEIR LAND, for a project many believe is not only noxious but an unnecessary boondoggle that would benefit a small group. Comparing the proposed pipeline route to the district bo...2024-08-271h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckChat with Ruth Harkin and friendsPlease enjoy this podcast that includes candid conversations about the origin of some of the essays in Ruth Harkin’s first book, When My Husband Ran for President and Other Short Stories. Yes, Tom Harkin did run for president during the 1992 cycle (Bill Clinton was the eventual nominee). Readers of Ruth’s book will be taken behind the scenes of the decision to end the campaign. The story of how Ruth met her husband in a Tokyo shrine is one of the many stories told in this series of vignettes that offer a brief glimpse of w...2024-08-2053 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLet's talk to a therapist about bullyingSo many of us have experienced being bullied as a child and even as adults. It is one thing about 71% of us have in common, according to therapist Meredith Stahl, our guest last Monday. She is a licensed mental health therapist, working predominately with individuals aged 13-30. Early in our call, I shared an incident endured in grade school, and I can pinpoint the event as pivotal in my withdrawal from my peer group, except for one friend, until I reached adulthood. The decisions I made about myself from that moment in time will always...2024-08-121h 00
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckFans flock to Justin RobertsJustin Roberts is beloved by children and their families, and is serious about reaching them through his trademark, whimsical musical style. This is a hometown-kid-made-good story. “He has a remarkable ability to see through a child’s eyes… the Judy Blume of kiddie rock.” The New York TimesReaders of this column were able to spend an hour with Justin on Monday, to learn how he evolved from a teenage rocker at Roosevelt High School, to a Montessori teacher in Minneapolis, and ultimately stumbling into a successful career delighting kiddos through his songs and perf...2024-08-0156 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckShe's at the top of her game, and is shifting gearsPhoebe Wall Howard recently left a highly sought-after beat as an auto reporter for The Detroit Free Press. So, what’s a writer who covers cars, sailing, and a life where she is based in Michigan doing in the IOWA Writers’ Collaborative? First, she spent part of her career in Iowa working for The Des Moines Register, and she’s a popular presenter during our Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. Most importantly, our Iowa readers love cars, and many can relate to her column title, Shifting Gears.Read her first few columns, and I’ll bet you ge...2024-07-2559 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA Chicago journalist is devoting his efforts toward taking on right-wing mediaStop the Presses newsletter author Mark Jacob was our Monday Zoom lunch guest today. It was a doozy. Sparks can fly when over 50 folks gather on a Zoom call to discuss journalism from a learned perspective. Take a listen.In 2018, Mark left one of the top jobs in journalism, as Metro Editor of the Chicago Tribune, partly because he had become disillusioned with right-wing lies and felt the media was being ‘outfoxed.’ As he says on our call, traditional journalism wasn’t confronting the systematic lying of the right-wing machine. The podcast offers a fascinating conver...2024-07-161h 01
Iowa Down BallotPolitics Panel: Should Biden go or stay, and what impact will there be down ballot?We are presenting the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative’s first episode of the inaugural Politics Panel season.Dave Busiek, veteran KCCI-TV news manager, is our moderator. From this point forward, others in the Collaborative will share the moderation duty, following Busiek’s template.There is a growing demand for this kind of thoughtful, local commentary in an audio podcast format, and the assembled panel offers a combined decades of experience to bring to the conversation. We hope you like our beginning effort and understand it will become even more substantial as time progre...2024-07-1047 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLiz Garst says it is time for a taxpayer revoltOkoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat / Iowa Writers’ Collaborative Roundup / About Julie Editors Note: This post includes audio (above) and video (below) recordings of the conversation. The transcript is also posted.Our Potluck guest, Liz Garst, said a typical rain gauge sold in an Iowa hardware store measures up to 7” of precipitation. In northwest Iowa last week, rainfall was up to 10-15” in some areas, creating devasting flooding, eroding Iowa’s topsoil even further. Weather events like the 1993 Iowa floods were called 100-year events. Of course, that was just 30 years ago, and her...2024-06-251h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA panel of Iowa Writers' Collaborative political analysts discuss the Iowa PollThe Iowa Writers’ Collaborative has 55 members, some of whom have a background in political analysis. During Monday’s Potluck Zoom call, Ed Tibbetts, Dana James, founder of Black Iowa News, Dave Busiek, Dennis Goldford, Robert Leonard, Art Cullen, Barry Piatt, and Laura Belin talked with Ann Selzer about the Iowa Poll, which is being released this week, starting on Monday in The Des Moines Register. Ann shared results from the Iowa Poll in our discussionn. She discussed her methodology and the results. Watch the video to see the graphs from the poll. J. Ann...2024-06-1959 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckTalking heads don't get itThe article VoiceOver is included, and it includes me coughing and the dog in the background chewing on stuff. Sorry. Some don’t have time to read, but they will listen if given the chance. There wasn’t a way to pause and edit the audio, so here you go. Today’s column combines multiple recent experiences. A trip to Davenport, a podcast conversation with the new Polk County Attorney, a tragedy that struck an Iowa family, and watching how confounded pundits are about Biden’s poll numbers. Since we brought Marianne Fons on board the Iowa...2024-06-1122 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckPolk County Attorney Kimberly GrahamCandidate Kimberly Graham had big, bold ideas for changes she planned to make within the office of Polk County Attorney she pursued. Graham was elected in 2022, so she’s had time to settle into the job after succeeding her predecessor John Sarcone, who held the office for over three decades. How’s it going? What I appreciate about our Potluck podcasts is that we have one hour to ask questions and follow up with our guests. Unlike a television or radio interview spliced together into one-minute segments, we can have a real...2024-06-041h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDid you know most Iowa counties have a quilt shop?To our new subscribers: I host a Monday Zoom call over the noon hour most weeks but usually take holidays off. After meeting Marianne Fons in Winterset recently, we decided we needed her to meet you BEFORE the upcoming Winterest Quilt Festival happening June 5-8, so she was our guest on Memorial Day. I didn’t expect a big turnout today because it’s a holiday and the weather is mostly beautiful. Turns out, there is a lot of interest in quilting, even among those of us who know nothing about the craft/art form. J. Ann Selz...2024-05-281h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWhat We Need to Know about Disinformation…Greenfield Tornado ReliefSusie Oleson, of Greenfield, answered a question asking how people can help our Iowa neighbors recover from yesterdays horrific tornado that ripped through Adair County and spit out homes, cars, trucks and wind turbines in its wake. Some lost their lives, many others lost their homes. The button below is a link to the Greater Greenfield Community Foundation Tornado Relief Fund, a reputable organization that will collect and distribute funds. When disasters hit, some unscrupulous folks try to take advantage of the situation, so I wanted to offer this option for those who want...2024-05-221h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckExtraordinary Discussion about Gaza and IsraelThis week, we held an extra podcast to discuss what’s happening in Gaza and the protests on college campuses over Israel’s reaction to the attack on their country by Hamas. If you are a new subscriber or have not listened to one of these Zoom sessions with readers and special guests, I invite you to check this out. They are described as informal but facilitated dinner-party conversations with wise, well-informed participants and guests. I never know if we will have three or 35 people on the call. This one had over 50 attendees, which is rema...2024-05-091h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckRandy Evans, Iowa Freedom of Information CouncilThe picture above is not of the esteemed Randy Evans, executive director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council, our special podcast guest in this episode. It is meant to portray a stereotype of secretive public officials who don’t want you, the taxpayer, to know things, like lawsuits filed against public officials or cost overruns on public expenditures. There’s a lot of stonewalling going on, more than ever, and this tiny nonprofit organization stands up tall to hold our ‘representative’ government accountable. Why does it matter? You have a right to know how taxpayer...2024-04-131h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckPoetry: it's a thingYes, poetry is on the grow. The 2023 Poetry Palooza will begin on April 19 at 5:00 p.m. and run through April 20 at 9 p.m. Mark the calendar, find your way to Grandview University, 1200 Grandview Avenue, and immerse yourself in this old yet new (slams) way of storytelling. But first, REGISTER. Thanks to the generosity of donors, this event is free and open to the public. On the one hand, in this podcast is Dawn Terpstra, the president of a 78-year-old group called the Iowa Poetry Association. On the other is Kelsey Bigelow, who is at the...2024-04-0758 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckJara Johnson: Clarinda, Nashville to PellaJara Johnson has performed the National Anthem several times, so you might have been introduced to her at the opening of some big event around these parts. She’s a songwriter, who is also currently the associate director of the Pella Opera House, where she uses her connections with Nashville songwriting colleagues to turn the small town known for the Tulip Festival this time of year into ‘Nashville North.’Jara is one of 13 songwriters who will be workshop leaders during the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, to be held September 22—25. If you love to sing, com...2024-03-2757 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckBarons, a new book about the corruption of the American Food IndustryRobert Leonard and I teamed up to bring you a conversation with Austin Frerick, an author whose book is being released this week.This work could change how readers view what is happening all around us. As Bob said in his introduction to Austin, the author doesn’t just offer facts and data about the consolidation of the food industry; he tells stories about families and how they came to, for example, be able to invest $300,000 in an Iowa gubernatorial race. Who does that, and why? Is there a connection between polluted rivers an...2024-03-221h 05
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckHere's the scoop on what it takes to be a food criticWelcome new subscribers. This column is called Julie Gammack’s Iowa Potluck because it features various stories, interviews, and commentary with a morsels of Iowa life. Paid subscribers support the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. Words underlined or found in bold purple are links to pertinent websites. I am glad to have you on board with this growing community. Julie Here’s a podcast of our conversation with Wini Moranville and readers of our columns. This popular food critic is a consummate reporter who writes news and information about where and what to eat, mainly in the greater...2024-03-141h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckMary Riche: therapist, women's reproductive health advocate,Do not be fooled.Extremists want to declare an embryo created in a petri dish for potential implantation in women dealing with infertility, a person. The Alabama Supreme Court ruling on embryo rights was issued on February 16, and the upheaval is palpable. This has caused some infertility clinics to halt In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services, leaving patients with even more uncertainty and delays that could render the opportunity for conception out of reach. As if they didn’t have enough emotional stress to deal with. Mary Riche joined our Monday Zoom ca...2024-03-051h 00
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckSave Byron's of PomeroyIf ever there was an example of why local storytelling matters, it’s this one.Byron Stuart lives in the town of Pomeroy, population 500. He discovered that owning a bar was a way to manifest his dream of experiencing live music regularly. Musicians and patrons describe the venue that seats 80 as ‘magical.’ The building appears outside as a dilapidated structure, but when one crosses the threshold, it is an Alice-in-Wonderland Fun House of tie-dye color. In January, Byron received a letter saying he had to produce an inspection report that the building was sound...2024-02-2758 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA change of one word in a bill could have been a library killerAh, the power of words. Changing ‘shall’ to ‘may’ when it comes to language levying monies supporting public libraries caused a furor enough that the specific bill designed to do just that was put back on the shelf. Words matter, and that change spelled impending death to enough small-town libraries in Iowa and became a catalyst for uncommon political action by library fans. I highly recommend you listen to Sam Helmick, Community & Access Services Coordinator at Iowa City Public Library, and Iowa Library Association Past-President/Government Affairs Chair. They will explain the legi...2024-02-2156 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckJason Walsmith (and a plea)Today’s podcast with musician and entrepreneur Jason Walsmith does not mention the great news that he has joined the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative ranks, as we launched it on Saturday. As regular readers of this column know, I am on a mission to support writers through the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat (OWR) and the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative (IWC). This September, we’ve added songwriting to the OWR curriculum. In the process, I am learning about the similar challenges individual performance artists face — much like those in the publishing industry — due to the impact of corporate cons...2024-02-181h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckCharity Nebbe, UnsettledStarting today, I will acknowledge those who become new or renewed paid subscribers to support the Okoboji and Songwriters’ Retreat. If you are new to this space and are interested in learning more about this annual event or applying for a scholarship, check the FAQ page on this website: https://okobojiwritersretreat.com.Thanks to Deb Martin and Linda Beatty, our most recent paid subscribers, for helping us transform emerging writers. Charity Nebbe and her producers at Iowa Public Radio launched the podcast about and for women, Unsettled, in response to the ‘me too’ moveme...2024-02-1053 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckFormer DSM woman creates a new museum in Washington, D.C.Ann B. Friedman built a museum called Planet Word in the heart of Washington, D.C., within walking distance of the White House and the Washington Mall. When did you last talk with someone responsible for building a museum worth north of $50 million, money which she both raised and contributed? Yeah, me too. Never. Listen to the podcast (or read the rough transcript included). It’s a story of vision, commitment, and persistence, a chronicle of inspiration we can all use today. Planet Word opened in 2020 and promises to be an at...2024-01-291h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckStunning stories and disastrous data about Iowa reported in this podcastOn January 22, 1973, the landmark Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade, was issued. This decision legalized abortion across the United States, recognizing a woman's constitutional right to choose to have an abortion. The ruling established a woman's legal right to access abortion services, with certain restrictions based on the trimester of pregnancy.On January 22, 2024, we had as our Zoom lunch guests, Dr. Francesa Turner and Dr. Emily Boevers, two OB-GYN doctors practicing in Iowa, who know the reality of what it means to turn back the clock on the right woman have had for 50 years. Together, they formed...2024-01-231h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDemocrats have a choice to make tonightWell, sort of, you have a choice to make. If you are an Iowa Democrat, the National Democratic Party apparatus has stripped Iowa of the usual reason to go to your precinct caucus— having your presidential preference recorded. Of course, with an incumbent President, that stands to reason. Senator Claire Celsi said one reason to attend is the social aspect of meeting fellow Democrats. And to sign ballots or run for a delegate to the county convention spot. Or pass resolutions for or against policy issues. Celsi was joined by Scott Brennan, a me...2024-01-151h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckMerry Caucus EveTwo things today: first is the recording of our conversation with legendary musician and writer Dartanyan Brown, the newest columnist in the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative ranks. Next is a link to the Monday Zoom lunch on Caucus Day, January 15, with an impressive cast of leaders within the Iowa Democratic Party. Please join Iowa Democratic Party chair Rita Hart, Scott Brennan, Bill Bauch, Senator Claire Celsi, and more. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89790052103Okoboji Writers’ RetreatDo you know about one of the coolest events in Iowa, the...2024-01-1459 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckChad Elliott on songwritingSongs are a form of storytelling. They capture a time in a composer’s experience that can be shared and remembered because they are anchored to sound, not the page. I embarked on a quest to add a songwriting track to the 2024 Okoboji Writers’ Retreat (OWR). Since this isn’t my area of expertise, I asked former participants for their recommendations. The name ‘Chad Elliott’ was suggested repeatedly, and I soon understood why. He’s a versatile artist who brought to the forefront the visual side of his creativity when the threat of Clovid wreaked havoc on the...2023-12-2350 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDave Busiek, a ConversationIn our conversation with retired television news leader, Dave Busiek, one of our participants was able to ask him why there was no local television coverage of the World Food Prize meeting even though leaders from around the world gathered in Des Moines to participate. Busiek had an answer at the 33:36 mark of the podcast. This conversation offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of a local television news broadcast. Plus, we get to know a bit about the personal interests of a news leader familiar to many within central Iowa. Subscribe to Dave’s co...2023-12-171h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA recording about new Iowa history from last week...Our Monday Zoom guest last week was Jeff Bremer, who is on a tour promoting his book titled “A New History of Iowa.” As is typical of these sessions, the participating audience asks good questions and offers thoughtful comments. I don’t believe there is anything quite like what we are doing with this Substack platform happening anywhere else- using the Substack podcast feature with Zoom to interview then upload the program to a general audience via Spotify, Apple Podcast, and other services. Our readers are smart and engaged folks, and they have about as much t...2023-12-111h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLee Rood, investigative reporter, takes on Boys TownAs a community watchdog for The Des Moines Register, Lee Rood is one of a declining breed. The story she produced is a reason legacy media is essential in holding powerful people, especially those in charge of children. Listen to the podcast interview of the Watch Dog columnist for The Des Moines Register and or read the transcript. Our listeners offer an additional level of perspective to the conversation, too. You’ll hear the discussion about the story itself, the reaction, and the backstories of how she chose to tackle the beloved organization, Bo...2023-12-021h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLaura Belin talks Iowa politicsDuring our Monday Zoom lunch session, Laura Belin had 40-50 participants on the call, where the day's appetite was for all things political. Belin is an Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member and the Bleeding Heartland blog publisher. Take a listen to one of the most thoughtful analysts around. Lee Rood will be our guest on Monday, November 20. She is an investigative reporter who created a reader Watchdog column for The Des Moines Register. She recently published a blockbuster series on abuse at Boys Town. https://pulitzercenter.org/stories/reports-sex-abuse-iconic-boys-town-youth-home-omaha-kept-secret-publicWe’ll discuss the series, other interests, and...2023-11-191h 00
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA conversation with publisher Steve SemkenToday’s podcast features Steve Semken, owner of Ice Cube Press.Our podcasts are recordings of a Zoom call, featuring conversations with readers of this Potluck column and special guests. We hold the sessions most Mondays at noon central time (our guest this coming Monday is political analyst and Iowa Writers’ Collaborative columnist Laura Belin). The session is recorded and then uploaded into this podcast format.You must be a subscriber to receive the link to join the call live, but you do not have to pay. We typically have 20-40 on the call...2023-11-121h 12
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckKali White VanBaale podcastThis riveting conversation with Kali White VanBaale reveals why the murder of her neighbors has led her on a quest to fix Iowa’s broken mental health system. Iowa’s ranking in the number of available beds to treat the severely mentally ill is one of the lowest in the country. Why? Had it been adequate, her neighbors - a father, mother and sister of the murderer, would be alive today. He asked for help, the family had asked for help, and they were turned away due to lack of treatment availability. She has...2023-11-051h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckPodcast: A candid conversation with RoxanneRoxanne. One word, one name, evokes a visceral reaction from all who know of the woman who has been a lightening rod for controversy, progress, justice and hilarity. In this podcast, a conversation between a few old friends, listeners can get a sense of why this is, and what drives one of the most iconic leaders in the state of Iowa, and beyond. Monday Zoom Guest: Nicole BaartWe are lucky to have as our Monday Zoom lunch guest, best-selling author of 11 books, mother of five and...2023-10-2257 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckMonday's Zoom was timelyYesterday’s open show was newsy, so I’m bumping up this podcast upload while the topics discussed are dominating the news. Our Monday Zoom participants typically include newsmakers and keen observers of current affairs. We have folks from New Mexico, Alexandria, Reston, Virginia, California, Ohio, Colorado, and rural and urban areas of Iowa. When we have an ‘open show’ format, the folks on the call set the agenda. I’ll ask a question or two and follow up, but there is no template, and it’s a free-wheeling conversation much like one would have around a dinner table...2023-10-101h 00
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckHow we do things around here...Welcome to our new subscribers. Suppose this is the first column you’ve opened since subscribing. In that case, you might be surprised to find a podcast about how a former Des Moines businessman has discovered the personal benefits of combining tai chi and yoga to quell symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Today’s posted podcast is an example of what we do around here. I regularly hold a Zoom conversation on Mondays, and 20-50 participants will join the call live. The podcast is then posted and receives 3-4,000 views. I didn’t get last week’s ‘...2023-10-0359 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWini Moranville, Food WriterShe’s back. Wini Moranville, the popular writer about local food, once again tells readers about dining in Iowa, and readers are - shall I say? - eating it up. Her work has appeared in Better Homes and Gardens magazine publications, books, The Des Moines Register, and DSM magazine. She had a successful blog but says she’s found the best fit yet as an independent writer through Wini’s Food Stories in her Substack column: “You just write; if people want to see it, they will see it. And it's between me and t...2023-09-0259 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA conversation with Allison and Peggy EngelOn Mondays, over noon on Zoom, I converse with notable guests and subscribers of this Potluck column. Think of it as a virtual luncheon, without food, but with interesting people. Our participants are generally as interesting as our guest of honor and contribute mightily to the conversation. On Monday, August 28, our dining reviewer, Wini Moranville, will be our featured guest. We start at noon and end at 1 p.m. Join the call: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85434186927Allison and Peggy Engel had a milestone birthday. It is the kind of dot on...2023-08-271h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckShhh...the best kept secret on Lake OkobojiAUGUST 18: OKOBOJI, IAOne month from today, over 250 writers will converge on a part of the Iowa Great Lakes area few know exists. The Lakeside Labs consists of 147 acres of natural land developers would love to get their hands upon, but thanks to the foresight of the original benefactors and contemporary community leaders, the property owned by the Iowa Board of Regents remains in the public domain.This is a very good thing, as you will come to understand and appreciate when you listen to this hour-long conversation with the director, Dr. Mary Skopec. 2023-08-1856 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA conversation with Marilyn MayeThis podcast was recorded on July 24 as a part of Julie Gammack’s Potluck podcast series. To subscribe: Marilyn Maye will appear in the Pearson Lakes Art Center August 1 and 2. There are still a few tickets remaining for the August 2nd performance.She will be performing in the beautiful Lauridsen Performing Arts Theatre: Click here: ACT FAST: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit okobojiwriters.substack.com/subscribe2023-07-2458 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckThree things today:First, here is a link to our conversation with former WHO TV political director Dave Price. He recently left his position with the station - not an uncommon occurrence for a popular TV personality in a market the size of Des Moines. Rather than leave for a job in a larger metro area, Price is opting to stay in Iowa. We’ll find out what he’s thinking about and get his take on his new column with the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Here is your link for today (starting at noon central time):DAVE PRICE ZOOM CALL LINK2023-07-1759 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWhat's behind the Writers' Strike?Hey, you there. Welcome to Julie Gammack’s Potluck column. Subscribers receive a link to future Monday Zoom discussions. Paid subscribers help fund the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat. We need five more paid subscribers to meet the needs of applicants. Can you pitch in? Be sure to participate in the poll at the bottom of this column. There will not be a Monday Zoom call today due to a scheduling snafu on Julie’s end Julie Gammack's Iowa Potluck is a reader-supported publication. Paid subscribers fund life-changing schola...2023-06-121h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckMeet Iowa Capital Dispatch's reporter who will be covering higher educationOur Monday Zoom lunch guests on May 15 (in the podcast above) were Kathie Obradovich and her newest addition to the stellar Iowa Capital Dispatch team, Brooklyn Draisey. In this conversation you will listen to Obradovich, the managing editor of Dispatch, and Brooklyn. You’ll also hear questions and suggestions from experienced journalists on the call, who are welcoming Brooklyn to this very important beat.Iowa just lost Iowa Wesleyan University, a 181-year-old fixture and employer in the town of Mt. Pleasant. This is speculation, but I can’t help wonder if the plight of the school had been...2023-05-1958 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckSome want to silence Chris JonesThe state of Iowa has been recognized as having the second-highest rate of cancer diagnosis in the country. Rather than try to figure out why, this Iowa Legislature is blocking funding for the sensors in place to measure water quality.This vital information is now in peril.Dr. Chris Jones, the man in charge of the monitoring project, decided to retire early rather than succumb to pressures meant to silence his blog housed on the University of Iowa servers. Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member Dr. Robert Leonard reported the story in hi...2023-05-081h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckWho's Who in Potluck LandOur Monday Zoom lunch guests May 8 are columnist Robert Leonard and Chris Jones, the latter in the throes of a major controversy regarding his work with the University of Iowa, overseeing water quality testing. We’ll discuss pressure from the legislature that resulted in his resignation. Jones is a popular blogger who just moved his writing to a Substack column and Leonard interviewed Jones for his column and podcast. You’re reading my inaugural post at Substack. I’m here now because a few farmer legislators here in Iowa couldn’t stomach my blog at the U...2023-05-0759 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckThe Negro Artist...My how time flies! Tomorrow is the last Friday of the month, and that means our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative team gathers via Zoom for our Office Lounge chat. This is a gift for those who are paid subscribers to any of our columns. If you are a paid subscriber, join us: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83172833586 Noon, central time. It’s a lot of fun to check in on these Iowa writers. Confession: I love Caleb Rainey, and you might, too, after listening to our conversation recorded during last week’s Monday Zoom lunch. W...2023-04-2759 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckLast Monday's Zoom podcast with Beaverdale Books folksTucked away in a small shopping center is an independent book store that is a magnet for metro-area readers and writers. On any given evening, the doors will be open after hours for authors to give readings from their books, and guests gather happily to listen. It’s a cherished experience by the grateful followers of Beaverdale Books store. And, it’s a welcome and necessary service for Iowa authors. It is also a gem we should not take for granted. In this podcast upload, come meet the store’s co-o...2023-04-2356 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckSimply the best political pollster in AmericaTake a listen to a conversation between J. Ann Selzer and our subscriber participants about the Iowa Poll and Grinnell Poll, conducted by Selzer & Company. Here is a link to her recent Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll, showing Governor Kim Reynolds’ approval rating.Ann walks us through her polling results and trends over the years (i.e.are we on the right track or wrong track) and explains why her methodology works. Our participants are informed observers, who follow the pollster’s work with a keen eye, so their questions are equally inte...2023-04-1459 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckAs you recover from last night's gameWelcome to over 101 new subscribers in the past two days. For those who landed here thinking they were subscribing to a column by Jane Burns, a former Des Moines Register sports reporter whose guest column about the hottest topic in the state - Iowa women’s basketball - racked up over 14,500 views, you’ve actually joined Julie Gammack’s Potluck column. Surprise. Here’s how we do things around here:Most Monday’s I host a Zoom call over the noon hour with notable guests. The podcast included above is described below. I w...2023-04-0354 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckAs you recover from last night's gameWelcome to over 101 new subscribers in the past two days. For those who landed here thinking they were subscribing to a column by Jane Burns, a former Des Moines Register sports reporter whose guest column about the hottest topic in the state - Iowa women’s basketball - racked up over 14,500 views, you’ve actually joined Julie Gammack’s Potluck column. Surprise. Here’s how we do things around here:Most Monday’s I host a Zoom call over the noon hour with notable guests. The podcast included above is described below. I w...2023-04-0354 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckRambling reactionsRekha Basu and Julie Gammack upload their third podcast of What the hell happened to Iowa? We begin with Rekha talking about her most recent trip to India, and her reflections about Iowa from a country on the other side of the globe.The two friends talk openly about their feelings of depression around the radical policy changes taking place in their beloved home state, but end the podcast with a dash of optimism, and an acknowledgment of the fact there is one thing happening now that just about every Iowan supports. Take...2023-03-2948 min
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckCan social responsibility be taught in a business college?Do well while doing good is a motto and now a foundational cornerstone of a multimillion dollar gift from two Drake alumni who have done just that in their lives. Larry and Kathi Zimpleman don’t disclose the specific amount of their gift, but it is said to be one of the largest donations to Drake in the school’s history.They, along with Dean Alejandro Hernandez, are in the process of determining specific ways the donation will be put to use, but in our conversation with all three last Monday, a few thin...2023-03-191h 03
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckDavid Houle, speaker, author and 'futurist'Futurist David Houle, Monday Zoom Lunch guest podcast from March 6. Coming Monday, March 13Our upcoming Monday Zoom guests are Larry and Kathi Zimpleman, and Alejandro Hernandez, dean of the Zimpleman College of Business. The link to the discussion: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82681542348. What does the mission, do well while doing good, mean to them? Join us, Monday, March 13, at noon central time. Julie Gammack's Iowa Potluck is a reader-supported publication. There is no cost to subscribe unless you would like to become a paid...2023-03-101h 02
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckAnd now, we have a Pod-luckOn Monday, I borrowed a page from my old talk radio days. I invited those on our Zoom call session - a regular weekly feature of this column - to participate in an ‘open mic’ show, meaning we did not have a guest to interview. We started the hour by my asking a question: Think of a leader you know or knew, and what qualities did they possess that you admire? On any given Monday we have between 25-50 people on the call, I’ve then sent the video of the call to all subscribers. I laun...2023-03-011h 01
Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckA new Potluck feature announcedThis post is an audio version of our Zoom session last week featuring veteran broadcasters George A. Clark and Michael Libbie talking about their experience with podcasting. We also had Mary Swander and Bob Leonard on the call, who both have audio shows. This coming Monday, we are going to try something different. The open-show format was popular when I was a talk show host on WHO-AM radio, so let’s try it in the Zoom Monday Lunch space. Back in the day, I was known to throw out all kinds of topics, in...2023-02-231h 02
Des Moines Storytellers ProjectJulie Gammack: Why I left my longtime job and the lessons I learned along the wayAt 40, Julie Gammack was craving something new. So despite her friends' advice, she left her longtime job — only to have it fall apart 6 weeks later. Julie told this story during the Des Moines Storytellers Project's "Bad Advice" on Aug. 30, 2022 at Hoyt Sherman Place. The Des Moines Storytellers Project believes everyone has a story and everyone can tell it. Des Moines Storytellers Project events are filled with neighbors and notables who have a true, first-person story they’re willing to share in 8-10 minutes in front of a live audience. See past storie...2022-09-2617 min
Arete Coach: The Art & Science of Executive CoachingArete Coach Podcast 1088 Julie Gammack "Personal Courage, Free Press, and Empowering Writers"This is episode 1088 of the Arete Coach Podcast with host Severin Sorensen and an episode on Personal Courage, the necessity of the Free Press for Democracies, and Empowering Writers, with special guest Julie Gammack, a former Executive Coach and Vistage Chair, with a background of journalist, reporter, columnist, and talk news radio host in Des Moines, Iowa.
In the interview, we explore Julie's life journey and experiences. At an early age, she saw, felt, and experienced injustice, and she stood up and took action. This carried into her career in the press, as a journalist...2022-08-221h 02