The Hot Dish One Country Project

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