The Hot Dish

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...

In this episode of The Hot Dish , we hear two very different stories about the significance of community and understanding those around us.    First, Rep. Anthony Daniels joins to talk with Heidi about the importance of redrawing district lines in Alabama to ensure African American voters are represented equitably. Rep. Daniels stresses the importance of addressing the ways in which political and...

Raising children is more than just a family matter. Especially in rural America, the resources parents and children have or lack access to play a significant part in setting children up for future success. Heidi and Joel hear from North Carolina Representative Ashton Clemmons about the economic and social strain on American families searching for affordable childcare. Karen Ehrens joins later to s...

The question of green energy has been circulating more and more in recent years. Often favored as a way to combat climate change, the transition to green energy is complicated. Heidi and Joel speak to industry experts Wade Boeshans and Ernest Scheyder to explore the complexities of this transition and its impact on rural communities.  Wade Boeshan and Ernest Scheyder’s combined expertise brings in...

From baseball to Iowa politics and the fight for democracy in rural America, Heidi and Joel get the hot dish on the issues at the forefront of rural Americans' minds. David Pepper highlights the power of state and local governments in shaping democracy and discusses nonpartisan outreach efforts to counter attacks on democracy. J.D. Scholten shares the changes he has witnessed in the Iowa legislatu...