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Julie Gammack's Iowa PotluckIf 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. Author: Julie Gammack
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Scientific Breakthrough by Iowa Dr. Saves Lives
Wednesday, 1 April, 2026
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.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 RegisterPART 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 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 NewsmakersEach 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 WorldI’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 CloseMy 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 GratefulOn 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: 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/subscribe
