Like Des Moines content in newsletter form lately? Check out these seven team favorites that help us stay up to date with what’s going on in the Des Moines area. Plus, many of them feature special deals, profiles of cool people, and info on the newest openings! We included our own newsletter, obviously. Subscribe here. In alphabetical order, because we couldn’t possibly rank them.
the dsmg newsletter
Best for: Things to do / places to know about in Des Moines
We have to promote our own, right? Think of the dsmg newsletter as your “cheat sheet” to the week’s content in case you haven’t been checking the website or social media pages frequently. We’ll hit you with a recap of guides posted, shared, a short message from Morgan the founder, and exclusive deals just for newsletter subscribers!
Axios
Best for: Local news, openings, closing, political updates
Sample Axios Des Moines Newsletter
This is our version of a morning “brief” about what’s happening in our backyards with food, drink, politics, and any interesting trends/insights to watch for. It’s easily digestible, and how we stay on “top” of what’s happening locally.
Bravo Monthly Newsletter
Best for: Learn all about the arts, culture, and heritage community
Sample Bravo Monthly Newsletter, July 2023
Bravo Greater Des Moines curates this truly once-a-month publication with industry updates and notices of happenings in the arts, culture & heritage community. Subscribe for industry updates, calendar round-ups, and opportunities in Greater Des Moines, with Bravo in your inbox each month.
Chatter by Iowa Public Radio
Best overall: Brilliantly written by two powerhouse women at IPR, Chatter appeals well to millennials (like us) who like to stay informed in an ENJOYABLE way. Think Moo Deng, playlists, and news. It’s cute to stay informed while supporting public radio. Win, win, win.
IPR’s weekend newsletter with the stories you may have missed and all the things we’re talking about off the air. The first edition talked through topics such as book recommendations, music playlists, news you definitely could’ve missed, funny quotes, and a lot more.
Chatter is described by the fabulous creators, Josie Fischels and Madeleine King as, “what you get when you combine the powers of two chronically online staffers who love to chat, believe in the power of the meme and had juuust enough time on our hands to convince our boss to let us make this a reality.”
Fearless
Best for: Women’s issues, empowerment, profile pieces
Fearless is a Business Record initiative that elevates coverage of women’s and gender issues with a goal of helping Iowa women succeed in work and life. The editorial team produces a free weekly e-newsletter, which on any given day can feature profiles of Iowa women; coverage of the issues that women face, such as child care, financial empowerment or representation in leadership; or guest opinion pieces. The Business Record also hosts several events throughout the year that focus on confidence, leadership and risk-taking. You can see a full archive of past newsletters here.
What’s Good by Karla Walsh
Best Substack style: A glimpse in the life and times of Karla Walsh. A dynamic Des Moines-based writer doing and writing, wellness news, podcast picks, restaurant recommendations, local faves and more.
Karla is a force of a writer. She has covered health, food, fitness, psychology, beauty, and beyond for more than 12 years, and currently contributes to a bunch of magazines as a freelance writer. The “What’s Good” by Karla Walsh substack is an amazing way to support freelance writing with various levels of content that you can subscribe into, including a free level! She also happens to be a HUGE cheerleader of the Des Moines small business community, including this channel.
Bonus for the Parents Among Us: Des Moines Parent
Best for: Parents, duh!
We have lots of wonderful parents and parents-to-be in our audience, but our content doesn’t exclusively cater to the parents among us, although we do love to include a family friendly activity here or there. If you’re looking for family-friendly content 24/7, head over to Des Moines Parent’s platform and newsletter. From cooking classes to kids to the latest on pools and summer activities, they’ve got it.
