Sitting in a chair overlooking a hollow, Kurt Ullrich writes about his encounters with the people, wildlife, and nature of the rural Midwest. He shares those reflections in a published column titled ”Rural America.” Read by Kurt, this is a collection of those writings.
Enjoy.
Artwork designed in collaboration between Bill Doyle and Felicia Carner.
In The Iowa State Fair, Kurt opens the barn doors of “History,” a chapter where the butter cow, tractor pulls, motorhomes, cattle, and stories abound as precise, clear memories.
In 2013, Kurt set out to chronicle the magic of the Iowa State Fair in words and black and white photographs.
30 Aug 2026
Serpents in the Hollow
On a day in July (2026) -
Kurt takes the road to where he belongs, among diminutive and sprinting creatures, and alongside classmates at a high school reunion yet to come.
30 Aug 2026
A Groundhog in Headlights
On a day in February (2026) -
Silence and moonbeams fill the hollow, while dust gathers on well-traveled ice skates in Kurt’s basement.
30 Aug 2026
A Chalet in Bavaria
On a day in August (2026) -
Kurt paints a memory of his mother’s hands, the ritual of school supply lists, and conversations with creatures in the hollow.
19 Oct 2025
Wild Plums of the Hollow
On a day in August (2025) -
Kurt is joined by a passenger as he observes the fading of summer—the purple blooms of thistle plants, the electric buzzing of cicadas, and the swirling gold leaves.
15 Oct 2025
Been there. Done that. I understand.
On a day in September (2025) -
Kurt hears the far too close yipping of coyotes, retires tethered pages of his past, and prepares remarks about the one who drove away the cold.
9 Oct 2025
A Nudge
On a day in September (2025) -
Kurt finds affirmation in a letter, a smile, and on the field he cross for his wife.
27 Aug 2025
Pastoral Moments in a Modern World
On a day in April (2025) -
Kurt portrays a looming and eager Luna, receives a reminder that the serene hollow nestles near the modern world, and offers strength through old memories.
27 Aug 2025
Ullrich's Language Theorem
On a day in September (2023) -
Kurt is interrupted by a menacing grey squirrel, shares the pleasantry of "tiny human speeches," and offers a wish for the nearing autumn.
27 Aug 2025
Brontosauruses on the Fence Line
On a day in June (2021) -
Kurt outlines grain augers at dusk, reconnects with once-acquaintances, and awaits the hours he’ll spend on his tractor, singing in full voice.
29 Jul 2025
Thundering of Harleys and Dementors
On a day in July (2019) -
Kurt recalls frantic summer motorists, cursive lightning streaking across the sky, and the absence of the hollow's berries on his vanilla ice cream.
29 Jul 2025
Fawns in the Hollow
On a day in July (2003) -
Kurt recollects meeting eyes with twin fawns, the rumbling of a machine in the garden, and reconciling with a lost world.
8 Jul 2025
An Encounter at Dusk
On a day in June -
Kurt shares an encounter with an unsuspecting bird at dusk, the memory of distant broadcasts, and reflections on voices that resonate.
8 Jul 2025
Red Flowers in the Hollow
On a day in June -
Kurt reflects on his encounters with a trotting bird, the remembrance of a dear friend, and the acceptance of an unexpected gift.
8 Jul 2025
Middle Earth in the Midwest
On a day in May -
Kurt notes the velvet antlers of a resident deer, imagines the layout of a badger's sett, and shares a few details from a day that was followed by countless of meaningful moments.
5 Jul 2025
Rural America: An Introduction
Kurt greets listeners with an introduction to "Rural America."
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5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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