Featuring Appearances by
Rekha Basu
Rekha Basu is a Des Moines Register opinion columnist whose commentaries are distributed internationally. Born in India and raised globally, Rekha writes about politics, culture, human rights, social justice and all issues that concern women. She’s a frequent public speaker and has appeared on the “Today†show, “The Rachel Maddow Show,†PBS and National Public Radio.
Sue Woods
Sue Woods is a retired minister and writer. She and her husband, Jerry, live in Ankeny. Their four children hold their eight grandchildren hostage in Orlando, Minneapolis, Chicago and Bondurant. When asked to write her bio, her children submitted the following: “bossy (jk — mom),†“has issues making Jell-O — the struggle is real,†and “overshares.†Her future plans include rewriting her will.
Dave Makin
Dave Makin was born in England, raised in Canada and now lives in America, which means that July 4th is a very confusing time for him. In addition to being a storyteller, author and stand-up comedian, Dave is the co-founder of Nexus 6 Marketing and Prometheus Indie Solutions, a publishing company. He is the father of two kids, husband of one wife and the guy at the end of the leash of one dog.
Gunnar Olson
Gunnar Olson is a journalist, writer, speaker, bike enthusiast and woodworker. He is the communications manager for the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, where he strives to elevate community conversations about the region. He lives in Windsor Heights with his wife, Sara, and their children, Ellis, 4, and Louisa, 1.
Jonathan Wilson
Attorney Jonathan Wilson served on the Des Moines School Board for 12 years. He was also on the National School Boards’ Association Board of Directors. In 1995, he was defeated in a bid for election to a fifth term after coming out publicly as a gay man.
Agenda
October 3, 2017
Scandal: Rekha Basu - 'A lie I’m willing to live with'
Sometimes people keep secrets because they can’t bear to acknowledge the truth; even to themselves. This is how Rekha found herself deep within just that sort of secret.
October 3, 2017
Scandal: Sue Woods - 'Adoption, moms and being seriously Dutch'
Sue Woods never looked like anyone in her family. Then, a picture on ancestory.com changed everything and sent her on adventure to find her home, her family and herself.
October 3, 2017
Scandal: Dave Makin - 'What happens when you mix anthills with gas'
Dave was sort of a “professional” little-white-liar when he was a kid. His biggest, most ridiculous lie involved an anthill, a full can of gasoline and his eyebrows.
October 3, 2017
Scandal: Gunnar Olson - 'Bearing witness to the innocent victims of scandal'
Most newspaper reporters cover at least one good scandal. Not many get to see how that scandal ripples outward to family, friends, co-workers and entire communities. Gunner did.
October 3, 2017
Scandal: Jonathan Wilson - 'How I became an accident of history'
A longtime member of the Des Moines Public Schools board, Jonathan Wilson was forced to come out publicly as a gay man in 1995. If you think you know the rest of the story, you don’t.