Pie, Tunes, Tall Tales: The stories that make us sing...
From a heated debate over a hidden food gem to haunting ballads of love and regret, this week’s must-read stories serve up delicious bites, timeless melodies, and the heart of small-town Iowa
Your Flipside edition of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
From the aroma of comfort food to the rhythm of a timeless melody, this week’s stories take us on a journey through Iowa’s culture, history, and heart. Wini Moranville defends a local dining gem against the highbrow critics, proving that great food is about more than just reputation. Meanwhile, Jeff Morrison captures the joy of Pi Day celebrations in Springville, where pie is more than a dessert—it’s a tradition. Chuck Offenburger, with newfound clarity after cataract surgery, offers a humorous reflection on how the world (and his own reflection) looks a little different these days. And Pat Kinney pays tribute to the life and legacy of Evan “Curly” Hultman, a Waterloo native who left his mark on Iowa, the legal world, and the NATO alliance.
Music, in all its forms, continues to bridge generations and emotions. Kathryn Severing Fox shares her deeply personal journey of battling perfectionism through music, while Chad Elliott weaves a haunting ballad of love, regret, and the passage of time. Julie Gammack reminds us why music stays with us forever as she recounts a powerful night with Judy Collins, and Carol Montag tells a tale set against the backdrop of Stone City. Kyle Munson explores the enduring legacy of a Des Moines musical institution celebrating its centennial.
Chip Albright sets the tone for morel mushroom season with a tune that brings the outdoors to life. Whether it’s a melody that lingers, a meal that comforts, or a story that honors the past, these columns remind us why food, music, and our shared experiences make Iowa \ special.
Music
Kathryn Severing Fox – Perfectionism, music, and the journey to self-acceptance—Kathryn Severing Fox shares how she found her voice, battled anxiety, and embraced the art of imperfection in her latest column, The Perfectionist.
Read moreChad Elliott – Chad Elliott explores the echoes of dreams, love, and regret in The Salt Dream, weaving a haunting melody and lyrical storytelling to uncover the delicate balance between empathy, sacrifice, and the passage of time.
Read moreJulie Gammack – Judy Collins took the stage, and in a theater filled with life’s memories, music became a bridge between past and present, reminding us why songs—and the stories they hold—stay with us forever.
Read moreCarol Montag – It Happened One Night in Stone City.
Read moreKyle Munson – Kyle Munson writes about a cultural institution in Des Moines celebrating its centennial.
Read moreChip Albright – The Morel Song: These treasured treats will be popping up soon, making it the perfect time to catch up with Becca English of the Iowa Morel Report.
Read moreFood & Dining
Wini Moranville – Wini Moranville often gets a disparaging earful from the food cognoscenti when she talks about Noah's. Here, she tells you why it's worth your attention anyway.
Read moreCar Culture
Phoebe Wall Howard – Ford CEO Jim Farley has taken his podcast to #1. No extra pay. Just for fun.
Read moreKen Chester – Your Personal Land Aircraft Carrier.
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Strictly Personal
Macey Shofroth – Take a glance inside the mind of our Midwest Creative, Macey Shofroth.
Read moreJoan Zwagerman – School days are long in her past, but recently Joan Zwagerman went on a wild tear after reliving fifth-grade math trauma.
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Around Iowa
Jeff Morrison – Belinda and Mark Bloom of Springville celebrate March 14, Pi Day, with lots and lots of pie for everyone to enjoy.
Read moreChuck Offenburger – Since he had his cataracts removed, Iowa Boy Chuck Offenburger says everything looks better -- except himself.
Read morePat Kinney – Pat Kinney eulogizes Waterloo's Evan 'Curly' Hultman, former Iowa attorney general, U.S. district attorney, and World War II veteran who broadened and deepened the NATO alliance through his work as a U.S. Army Reserve major general.
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Humor
Vicki Minor – Where Did My Hour Go?
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Travel
David Thoreson – My life as an explorer began forty years ago with a series of life-changing adventure travels through Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia. I'll be adding photo essays and some of my journal entries from my travels going forward.
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Diversity in the Heartland
Jane Nguyen – Jane Nguyen shares how Stacey Robles, DEI Manager for Greater DM Partnership, embraces her Mexican heritage.
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Entertainment & Travel
Marianne Fons – Quiltropolitan Fons reports on her latest jaunt to the big city of New York, this time to attend the opening of a solo artist show of works made by a painter who grew up in the cornfields of Madison County.
Read moreMary Swander (Buggy Land) – Mary Swander's Buggy Land created a St. Patrick's Day Special. Listen to Irish music, the pipes, the tin whistle, lilting, vocals, and ballads. Read "A Day of Craic and a Jug of Poitin."
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World Affairs
Michael Judge – On this St. Patrick's Day, Michael Judge looks to the past and his Irish heritage for wisdom and guidance in tumultuous times.
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Iowa at Large
Nicole Baart – In this week’s column, author Nicole Baart answers why she feels the need to post about politics and shares some conversations she wishes she could have.
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Sports
Jane Burns – It's not just the men, and it's not just the Hawkeyes: Women's wrestling teams from Iowa are leading the way.
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Business
Ken Chester – The Human Authorship Standard.
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