The Hot Dish

Welcome back to The Hot Dish. In this episode, we’re bringing you a variety of insightful conversations that shine a light on some of the most pressing issues facing rural and small-town communities. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you like (and even what you don't like) about the show, and the guests and topics you want. Email your thoughts to podcast@onecountryproject.com. In this episode...

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of The Hot Dish, where we explore the pulse of middle America and the issues that matter most to its people. In this episode, we're joined by two distinguished guests who provide an inside look at the upcoming Democratic National Convention and the crucial role delegates play. Sarah Godlewski, the Secretary of State of Wisconsin and a DNC delegate, shar...

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. We've lined up an engaging and insightful discussion of the latest political shifts for the 2024 Election.   We chat with Democratic political strategist and blogger, Simon Rosenberg. In this episode, we'll dive into his unique perspective on the evolving political landscape and his insights on the recent electio...

Please note: This episode was recorded before the assassination attempt against former President Trump last weekend. It contains honest, authentic criticism of President Trump's administration's policies from Republicans and former Republicans, including an expert who served in that administration. This criticism is based on the real outcomes of actual policies, and we think it's fair and importan...

Welcome back to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we explore the trials and triumphs within America’s rural and small-town communities. In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome two incredibly insightful guests who will offer valuable perspectives on overcoming adversity and fostering community growth. Dale King, a veteran and CrossFit coach, opens up about his difficult journey of reinte...

Welcome back to another illuminating episode of The Hot Dish, where we dig into the core of rural progress and the pivotal issues shaping our small-town communities. Today, we’re delighted to share highlights of the conversations from the Rural Progress Summit with a conversation about political polling with Tim Miller of the Bulwark and Tom Bonier of TargetSmart, bringing their wealth of knowledg...

Welcome back to another captivating episode of The Hot Dish, where we journey into the crossroad and backroads of America's rural and small-town landscapes. Lucas and Ezekiel from Crossroads America share their mission to highlight the similarities and shared experiences among diverse Americans. Their storytelling through video will reveal the common threads that bind us. Then, Professor Ben Winch...

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of The Hot Dish, where we delve into the pressing issues shaping America's rural and small-town communities. Our hosts, Heidi and Joel Heitkamp, guide us through a compelling conversation with two remarkable guests who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from their respective fields. First, we hear from fourth-generation farmer Harold Wilken, who sh...

Welcome to a compelling new episode of The Hot Dish, where today's discussion magnifies the vital role of rural America in our nation’s fabric and the pressing issues it faces. Our hosts, Heidi and Joel Heitkamp, along with our distinguished guests, delve into topics that resonate deeply with our theme of engaging actively and voting FOR solutions. Michelle Rathman, a renowned rural health strateg...

Welcome to an especially stirring episode of The Hot Dish, as we probe an astonishing political turn in a traditionally red state. This week, we're excited to bring together dynamic voices that provide a unique blend of personal insights and political acumen. Marilyn Lands, the Democrat who defied the odds by winning a special election in Alabama, will articulate the emotional and complex journey...

Welcome back to another stirring installment of The Hot Dish, where we unwrap the complex layers of issues that hit close to home for America's heartland communities. In this timely episode, we tackle the poignant issue of food insecurity in areas often dubbed the country's breadbasket. We bring together the voices of advocates and policymakers who are at the frontline of this challenge. Deputy Se...

Welcome to a vital and timely episode of The Hot Dish, where we take an in-depth journey into the dynamics shaping rural America's political scene. This installment promises to enrich our understanding of the pivotal role that rural voters play in the fabric of our nation. First up, we have Grant Hauschild, a State Senator from Minnesota, who will shed light on the critical issue of childcare affo...

In this compelling episode of The Hot Dish, we're dishing out a hearty serving of insight into the pulse of America's rural heartland, exploring perspectives on politics, addiction, and the essence of community. Join us as Lisa and Bill Bright share their personal narrative of tragedy and triumph. Their story of losing a son to drug addiction and their dedication through the Will Bright Foundation...

Welcome to a riveting session of The Hot Dish, where we dissect complex themes of American governance, innovation, and community vitality with a particular lens on rural and small-town America. Today, we bring an enriching dialogue featuring distinguished guests who provide unique perspectives on enhancing America's heartland. Katrina Shankland, an esteemed legislator with a heart for public servi...

Welcome to an exciting new episode of The Hot Dish, where our conversation cuts through the noise to shine a light on the truth of policy and governance in rural America.  This is no ordinary episode. Heidi and Joel Heitkamp rely on sibling chemistry to dig into topics from the personal—covering decades of marriage and their down-to-earth approach to Valentine's Day—to the political. They delve in...

Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of The Hot Dish, where we dive deep into the heart of America’s rural and small-town landscapes. Today, we are honored to host two incredibly insightful guests who will illuminate the challenges and triumphs within their respective spheres. Tara Benally of the Rural Utah project will share her passionate efforts to mobilize the Native American vote...

On Monday, former President Donald Trump won the Iowa Caucuses by a roughly 30-point margin. But Iowa Democrat and One Country Project board member J.D. Scholten tells host Heidi Heitkamp in this episode of the Hot Dish that he’s actually underperforming for an incumbent candidate. “If he’s running as an ‘incumbent,’ 50 percent is nothing to brag about. It should be over 80 percent, you know?” Sch...

To ring in the New Year, Heidi and Joel talk to senior Senator Jon Tester of Montana, a crucial leader representing rural America in Washington, DC, especially in 2024 as national elections – and farm bill negotiations – are front of mind.  A third-generation farmer from Big Sandy, MT, and winner of the 2023 One Country Project Rural Champion award, Tester talks about his thoughts on revitalizing...

Heidi and Joel wrap up the year with a conversation with Sister Simone Campbell, a Catholic Nun and 2022 recipient of the medal of freedom award, who shares her experience traveling across the rural South and the importance of taking the time to talk to people about what unites us. Then Joel and Heidi reminisce about the best and worst Christmas presents they ever received, and the Hot Dish pays a...

This week on the Hot Dish, we dive into two critical challenges impacting our economy: providing college-age students with skills-based education and making high quality child care accessible to families. Heidi interviews Nick Fouriezos, a rural education reporter with Open Campus Media , about innovative new approaches in Montana to give students micro-degrees in trades, allowing them more flexib...

Heidi and Joel share laughs about Thanksgivings past, and offer some pro tips on hosting family during the holiday season (leave politics off the table, and just let Grandma cheat at cards). Heidi then talks to Eddie Oliver, executive director of the Federation of the Virginia Food Banks, about spiking demand for food across the state and how listeners can support their local food bank. Next, we g...

Heidi and Joel analyze key election results and discuss how abortion politics led to Democratic victories across VA, KY, and OH.  From a major ballot measure passing that will enshrine abortion rights into the Ohio state constitution, to a rebuke of VA Governor Youngkin’s attempt to ‘to thread the needle on abortion,’ voters turned out at unexpected levels to protect women’s rights. Then Heidi and...

Rural farmers are facing a slew of challenges. Ongoing interest rate hikes are placing further financial pressure on farmers as the cost of lending increases. And prices aren’t the only thing rising in rural America.  In the coming decades, global warming will force farmers to find new ways to adapt to increasing heat. On this episode of The Hot Dish, we look at these two forces and what this mean...

Content warning: this episode includes frank discussions about mental health and suicide.  If you or someone you know is undergoing a suicidal, mental health and/or substance use crisis, please call 988.  Counselors at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available to help. Suicide is a public health crisis in the United States, with nearly 50,000 Americans dying by suicide last year, a 2.5% annu...

The United States is one of only a few nations in the world that doesn't have guaranteed paid family leave. But recent polling shows growing support for federal legislation. Heidi and Joel speak with guests to learn more about the support for paid family leave, as well as the effect it can have on a family.   Doug Usher is a partner with Forbes Tate Partners , a bipartisan government and public af...