Talk of Iowa

The stories behind Lucinda Williams' iconic songs

By Charity Nebbe,

Caitlin Troutman, Katherine Perkins, Madeleine Willis

Published January 1, 2025 at 7:00 AM CST

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In her memoir, Lucinda Williams explains how she spent her career making music on her own terms.

On this edition of the Talk of Iowa book club, host Charity Nebbe is reading Don't Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You: A Memoir by Lucinda Williams. Williams tells stories from her childhood and how she became a musical icon.

Later in the hour, Rachel Gulick and Katie Roche join the program as expert readers inspired by William's artistry.

Guests:

Lucinda Williams, musician, author
Rachel Gulick, executive director, Girls Rock! Des Moines
Katie Roche, musician, Awful Purdies & The Dandelion Stompers, director, Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation

This episode was originally produced Aug. 20, 2024.

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Charity Nebbe

Charity Nebbe is IPR's 'Talk of Iowa' host. She also hosts IPR's podcasts 'Garden Variety' and 'Unsettled'. Since 2010, Nebbe has interviewed, conversed with, and shared ideas from guests of all backgrounds and locations, and has helped listeners better understand, appreciate, and explore their state and the world around them. Nebbe has a bachelors degree from Iowa State University.

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Caitlin Troutman

Caitlin Troutman is a talk show producer for Iowa Public Radio. She holds a bachelor's degree from William Jewell College. Since 2022, Troutman has worked with IPR's talk team to bring news and features to IPR's listening audience.

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Katherine Perkins

Katherine Perkins is IPR's Executive Producer of Talk Shows and Program Director for News/Talk. Since 2014, Perkins has managed the broadcast schedule and sound of the news and information service of Iowa Public Radio, as well as has directed the long-term planning and oversight for IPR's talk shows, Talk of Iowa and River to River. Perkins has a masters degree from Sangamon State University (now the University of Illinois – Springfield).

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Madeleine Willis

Madeleine Willis is IPR's Production Assistant supporting the talk shows and The Sunny Side Project. Willis has experience in audio production, reporting, writing and editing stories and conversations. She's reported and produced conversations on womanhood, sports, and good news from across Iowa. Willis will receive her bachelors degree from the University of Iowa in May 2025.

See stories by Madeleine Willis

The stories behind Lucinda Williams' iconic songs

In her memoir, Lucinda Williams explains how she spent her career making music on her own terms.

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