The Hot Dish

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 that helped her clinch victory. Her narrative underscores the urgency of reproductive rights and the personal stakes therein. It's a raw and honest examination of how policy intersects with individual lives, offering lessons on the power of addressing often-stigmatized issues with compassion and clarity. Economically, the legislation she navigated has ripple effects we'll explore in-depth, from ensuring IVF services are available to keeping Alabama a family-friendly state. Marilyn offers a firsthand perspective on the socioeconomic divide such policies exacerbate and shares stories from her early days in the State House, including a strong emphasis on bipartisanship. By juxtaposing this account with J. D. Scholten’s critique of the Democratic Party's rural outreach, we draw a comprehensive picture of the American political landscape. This episode does not shy away from the hardships of political division, as Heidi Heitkamp thoughtfully illuminates while advocating for the importance of bridging gaps that exist between urban and rural understandings. As always, the earnest groundwork laid by the One Country Project provides our backdrop, stressing unity and dedication to American values across all divisions. Listen for a compelling dialogue that not only delves into the intricacies of abortion politics but also celebrates the spirit of American diversity and the potential of policy to enact meaningful change. Join us on The Hot Dish, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.com and register for the upcoming Rural Progress Summit virtual event in June.

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 Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small joins us with a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to action. She sheds light on the pressing need for a robust farm bill that provides certainty to our farmers and addresses the sting of food insecurity many feel. Through our conversation, listeners will gain an appreciation for the importance of programs like EQIP and rotational grazing, especially for the smaller farm units striving to survive and stay intact. We also welcome Zach Rodvold from Second Harvest Heartland, diving into the startling levels of food scarcity in rural communities and the critical role federal policies play. Our discussion will reveal the staggering statistics and the human stories behind hunger in the Midwestern landscapes, where the soil is rich, but the tables can be sadly bare. Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp bring a personal touch to the episode, sharing their family experiences with food assistance, from a pastor's reliance on SNAP benefits to distributing government cheese. The duo will not only make you feel at home with their down-to-earth banter about cooking liver and deer sausage, but they also drive home the point that providing school meals should be as fundamental as supplying books. Listeners can expect a balanced plate of discourse, from the hearty successes of past farm bills to the potential roadblocks that might delay the next one. Deputy Secretary Torres Small emphasizes opportunities for all farmers, the need for both efficient and resilient markets, and the USDA's role in rural development, encompassing energy, housing, and infrastructure. So, stir the pot with us as we delve into these heartfelt stories and discuss the vital connections between nutrition, healthcare, and agriculture. You'll leave with a greater understanding of the administrative focus on implementing laws like the Inflation Reduction Act while navigating the complex fabric of federal farm policies. This episode of The Hot Dish is informative and invites you to reflect on the convergence of policy and the dinner plate. Remember, your feedback is as welcome as a hot supper on a cold day, so tune in, think, and talk back. We'll be simmering on these thoughts and returning in two weeks to serve more food for thought. The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. For more information, visit https://onecountryproject.org. Save the data for the 2024 Rural Progress Summit, June 4-6. Send your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas to podcast@onecountryproject.org.

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 affordability. He'll delve into the intricacies of his proposed Great Start Affordability Act and its objectives to alleviate financial stress for families. It’s a compelling exploration of legislative efforts to support the backbone of rural communities. Navigating through the ever-changing political currents, we are joined by esteemed scholars Daniel M. Shea and Nicholas F. Jacobs. Their extensive research brings a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of rural voting patterns and the deep-seated cultural values that inform them. Listeners will gain insights into the factors that have historically swayed rural allegiance and the prospects of these allegiances shifting over time. Their discussion offers a rare glimpse into the underlying forces that shape voter sentiment in America's heartland. Unpacking their personal experiences, Heidi Heitkamp and guest host Joshua Boschee bring their firsthand perspectives to the table. Heidi reflects on the shifting voter patterns in North Dakota, giving us a narrative steeped in reality, while Joshua highlights the underrated significance of local and state elections. Together, our hosts and guests will probe the deafening silence of Democrats in rural areas and the news deserts that impact the political credit often overlooked. Their dialogue will chart a pathway forward, reimagining an inclusive rural America and the constructive role elected officials must play within it. So tune in to The Hot Dish and be part of this enlightening conversation as we dissect the shifting political tides of rural voters and the resonance of their choice in America's democracy. Learn more about the One Country Project at https://onecountryproject.org, and tell us what you think in an email to podcast@onecountryproject.org.

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 is a poignant reminder of the shadow cast by addiction in rural spaces and the critical need for communal support and legislative advocacy, especially against the backdrop of a growing fentanyl crisis. The conversation turns to the election year as hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp provide a rich backdrop for a conversation as real as the soil itself. As we navigate the upcoming election, Heidi reveals how crucial rural America is and praises the timeless role of rural radio in stitching together the fabric of these communities. Our guest, Isaac Wright, from the Rural Voter Institute, brings an unfiltered look at the experiences shaping rural conversations. Isaac delves into his motivations behind the institute, emphasizing the dire need for candid discourse and an authentic understanding of rural voters. Together with Joel, they dissect the economic and societal threats looming over small towns and candidly discuss the daunting wage gap that threatens to undermine the spirit of rural neighborhoods. Isaac's reflection on the deep-seated fear of school consolidation reveals the generational impact such events have on local sentiment. Confronting the challenges of political branding, Isaac highlights how the attachment of the Democratic label can unfavorably sway rural support, shedding light on a study underscoring the delicate interplay between rural identity and political affiliation. Throughout the dialogue, Joel and Isaac's shared passion for hunting emerges as a touchstone for discussing the nuanced topic of gun ownership and its political implications. Isaac's focus on integrating genuine faith and moral grounds in political decision-making underscores the complexity of rural America's value system. Listeners will also glean fresh perspectives on rural radio's role in the political landscape. As Heidi and Joel endorse the medium's significance, they invite you to tune in to rural voices and consider radio a conduit for understanding, far beyond costly focus groups. Finally, the hosts remind us that The Hot Dish and the One Country Project are like comfort food for middle America, a place to connect and reflect. So, as we wrap up this savory episode, we encourage our listeners to stay engaged, visit the One Country Project's website, and share your thoughts with us by emailing podcast@onecountryproject.org. All in all, this episode is a full meal, delivering sustenance for thought and fuel for action in rural America.

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 service, delves into her journey toward Congress. With a commitment to public education, environmental conservation, and agricultural prosperity, Katrina illuminates her legislative triumphs in Wisconsin. She shares her vision for central and western Wisconsin as she runs for a congressional seat. Her narrative focuses on the dedication to championing rural development and constituents' well-being. Steve Case, a titan of entrepreneurship and pioneer of the digital age, extends the discussion to the economic forefront. As the founder of Revolution and the ‘Rise of the Rest’ seed fund, Steve articulates the transformative power of dispersed innovation. With real-world stories of Hermes in Atlanta and start-ups prospering far from the glittering tech hubs, he makes a compelling case for the egalitarian distribution of venture capital. Listeners will glean insights on how cities like Cincinnati, Sioux Falls, and Omaha are priming themselves as engines of technological growth and how sustained investment breeds vibrant, welcoming communities. Our hosts, the Heitkamps, bridge the personal with the political and the local with the national, provoking earnest consideration of today's most pressing issues. From firearm legislation and its implications for safety and sport to the allure of entrepreneurship in shaping America's economic trajectory, they guide the conversation with deftness and depth. The harrowing impact of gun laws, combined with Steve's inclusive vision for America's innovation, frames the interplay of policy and progress, leaving listeners well-informed and deeply contemplative. Join us on The Hot Dish as we explore governance, growth, and the spirit of American ingenuity.

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 into the agricultural challenges affecting rural America, the ever-shifting sands of Republican politics, and the pressing conversation surrounding the farm bill. This episode does not shy away from the real issues. We are graced with high-caliber guests who bring their wisdom and experiences to the table, discussing the realities often overlooked in mainstream narratives. In this episode, Former Montana Governor Steve Bullock speaks with Heidi about a tabletop exercise addressing a fictional insurrection, which is the subject of a new documentary called "War Game." Michael Hansen, the president and CEO of Columbus Community Hospital, discusses rural hospitals' challenges, from fiscal sustainability to the hurdles of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements. His expertise offers a big-picture view of these hospitals' critical role and the dire need for adequate governmental support. The hosts, with their grit rooted in the heartland, and the guests, with their extensive backgrounds, bring an episode that is as educational as it is impassioned. Listeners can expect a show that questions and celebrates the intricacies of governance, the nuances of public service, and the unyielding spirit of rural communities dotting the American landscape. Join us and be part of the meaningful dialogue we foster here at the One Country Project. Https://onecountryproject.com

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, tackling the obstacles they face, and setting ambitious goals for increased democratic participation. It’s a look into the empowering work being done to ensure every voice is heard in our electoral process. Next, we turn to the pressing issue of education vouchers, or "School Choice," as advocates like to call it, with Ashton Clemmons, a dedicated educator and legislator in North Carolina. She discusses how North Carolina prioritizes the push for school vouchers without guaranteeing a great education for every child. How is her state managing the tension between public education and the growing political warfare affecting our schools? Can educators push back against policies fueled by fear and censorship? Listen to find out. Our hosts, Heidi and Joel Heitkamp share their own personal anecdotes and insights about the importance of rural America to the political pulse and remind us that not all Trump supporters are a monolith, and not every economic triumph makes the headlines. Buckle up, listeners, as we tackle these critical topics head-on. Make sure to visit the One Country Project website to learn even more about the importance of understanding and engaging with America's rural and small-town communities.

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?” Scholten tells Heidi about his run-in with canvassers for Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley and how he thinks Democrats can drive rural swing voters to the Democratic Party. Later, a young Virginia farmer explains why he decided to move back home after college to start his own farm. But first, host Joel Heitkamp gives us a look inside his childhood and how he sees the Democratic Party today. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 rural America, his work to reach more rural folks in Montana, and how it takes more than just lip-service to keep farmers afloat. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 visit to O&H Bakery in Racine, Wisconsin, where owner Eric Olesen has turned a small-town Kringle-making operation into a mail order phenomenon. Finally, members of the One Country Project share some of their favorite foods and holiday traditions. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 flexible skill sets and increasing their access to high paying jobs across the work sector. Then Joel speaks to Robin Phillips, the CEO of Child Care Aware Missouri and a fierce advocate for families and children, about the economic and emotional toll that the lack of affordable child care is having across the state. Robin outlines the current gaps in the child care system and shares some hopeful changes developing in Missouri and across the country to increase funding and support for parents and child care workers. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 go from food on the shelf to the farm itself, as Joel talks to Robbie Kluver, a third-generation farmer in Northfield, MN, about hosting President Biden on his family farm. Finally, the One Country Project Board members share their favorite Thanksgiving memories and what they’re grateful for this season. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 Joel discuss why Democrats aren’t polling better with rural Americans (hint: it’s interest rates), and how to widen the winning margins for Democrats in key districts. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 means for people in rural America. Joel and Heidi first speak with Brad Nordholm, the President and CEO of Farmer Mac. Farmer Mac is a financial services company servicing rural communities across the United States. Later, Joel and Heidi are joined by climate scientist Dr. Mason Fried to talk about his new report on what rising temperatures will mean for rural America. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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% annual increase, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.. To raise awareness about the need for more mental health resources across the USA and especially in rural America, Joel and Heidi share a very personal story. Their niece Bobbi Prochnow discusses her son Brady’s suicide attempt in March, and his recovery journey. Visit this link to learn more about Brady’s recovery. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 affairs. Doug breaks down a survey from the One Country Project showing large support for paid family leave among both Republicans and Democrats in the battleground state of Wisconsin. Adrienne Schweer is a fellow with the Bipartisan Policy Center and leads the organization's Paid Family Leave Task Force. Adrienne explains why paid family leave is good for business and how it would affect people in rural America. Christine Levi is a mother of two who recounts her experience having to return to work immediately after giving birth because her employer did not offer paid leave. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website. Please support the important work we're doing to elevate the needs of rural America in Washington!

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 economic developments are intertwined in Alabama, and what measures are being taken to improve the lives of Rural Alabamians. Then, we hear from Angela Kennecke about the realities of the opioid epidemic in Rural America. Angela discusses the various facets of addiction and some of the ways in which it can start. She speaks about the lack of resources available in rural communities, and why early education about addiction is paramount. Rep. Anthony Daniels is the house minority leader in the Alabama House of Representatives. He is a board member of the One Country Project and former elementary school teacher. His legislation is focused on economic development for his constituents. Angela Kennecke is a journalist, host of the podcast Grieving Out Loud, and founder of Emily’s Hope. Her own family’s journey with addiction and loss has inspired her to turn heartbreak into action in her quest to ensure no other families endure the same experience. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 speak about the important role a healthy diet plays in childhood development and education. Plus, don’t tell Karen, but Heidi does love a good cheeseburger! Our final segment takes you to a small town in rural Michigan, where the annual Cheeseburger in Caseville festival lures tens of thousands of hungry, Jimmy Buffett-loving, tourists every August. The episode is dedicated to Jimmy Buffett and all Parrot Heads. Rep. Clemmons is an educator and advocate for improvement in the education system. Her background in teaching and experience as a parent bring insights into the economic impacts of the childcare crisis on the families it directly affects as well as on the national economy, and why investment in early childhood education is critical. Karen Ehrens is the Director of Legislative and Government Affairs at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. As a registered dietitian, she offers a vital perspective on the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, and why childhood nutrition impacts us all. Steve Louwers is the President of the Caseville, Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival has become one of the country’s largest Tropical Rock gatherings. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 intriguing insights into the green energy transition, discussing electronic vehicles, carbon capture and storage processes, and critical minerals. Wade Boeshan is the Executive Vice President of Summit Carbon Solutions. Ernest Scheyder is a Senior Correspondent at Reuters, covering the green energy transition and critical minerals. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.

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 legislature and emphasizes the need for grassroots engagement. Sister Simone shares her experiences engaging with rural communities and the importance of understanding and empathy. David Pepper is the author of a new book called Saving Democracy. J.D. Scholten is a rising star in Iowa politics and baseball. Sister Simone is an American Roman Catholic Religious Sister on a road trip across the South to hear what's on the mind of Southern rural Americans. To find out more about the One Country Project, visit our website.