Rural America
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.
Listen on:
Episodes

Oct 18, 2025
Oct 18, 2025
3 min
On a day in September (2025) -
Kurt finds affirmation in a letter, a smile, and on the field he cross for his wife.

Oct 18, 2025
Oct 18, 2025
3 min
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.

Oct 15, 2025
Oct 15, 2025
3 min
On a day in August (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.

Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
3 min
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.

Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
3 min
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.

Aug 26, 2025
Aug 26, 2025
3 min
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.

Jul 28, 2025
Jul 28, 2025
3 min
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.

Jul 28, 2025
Jul 28, 2025
4 min
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.

Jul 7, 2025
Jul 7, 2025
3 min
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.

Jul 7, 2025
Jul 7, 2025
3 min
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.


