The Rural Impact

Michelle Rathman
  • 5.0 (9)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A Podcast that Connects the Dots between Policy and Rural Everything.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Inescapable Impact of Immigration Policies on Small Towns and Rural Communities with Lynn Melling, Brian Depew and Betsy Froiland

    In part one of this episode, The Inescapable Impact of Immigration Policies on Small Towns and Rural Communities, Michelle sits down with Emmy and Murrow Award–winning video storyteller, content strategist, and co-founder of 515 Productions, Lynn Melling, to examine how immigration policies and ICE operations are shaping life in small rural communities like Melrose, Minnesota. Lynn shares insights into the cultural, economic, and emotional impacts on residents, local businesses, law enforcement, and emergency services, and discusses how fear and silence often limit open community dialogue. The conversation underscores the critical role of storytelling and local journalism in bringing empathy, accuracy, and rural voices into the national immigration conversation.   In part two, Brian Depew, Executive Director of the Center for Rural Affairs, and Michelle explore how federal immigration policies are affecting rural communities across the country. They discuss the fear these policies create for immigrant workers, the resulting workforce shortages in sectors such as agriculture and healthcare, and the essential role immigrants play in sustaining rural economies. Brian also highlights growing bipartisan support for reform and the power of public advocacy to drive meaningful immigration policy change.   In part three, Michelle speaks with Betsy Froiland, a freelance reporter whose work focuses on rural faith communities and social issues, featured in The Daily Yonder, Barn Raiser, and MinnPost. Betsy shares reporting from Willmar, Minnesota, examining the personal and economic consequences of immigration enforcement in rural communities. The conversation explores fear stemming from ICE actions, ripple effects on families, schools, and local businesses, and the resilience and solidarity that emerge in response. The episode concludes with a discussion on the vital role of independent journalism and the need for policy change to better protect vulnerable populations. Resources:"Melrose" https://youtu.be/TVmNbIEXOc0?si=4mmydoK1yVFT7nx8Federal immigration actions affect rural communities, toohttps://www.cfra.org/blog/federal-immigration-actions-affect-rural-communities-too\"A Small Town Under ICE Occupation" https://dailyyonder.com/a-small-town-under-ice-occupation/2026/02/02/

    51 min

  2. JAN 29

    Great Healthcare Plan & Threats to Food Security with Larry Levitt & Gina Plata-Nino

    In part one of the episode, Tracking Transformation: Great Healthcare Plan & Threats to Food Security, Larry Levitt, Executive Vice President for Health Policy at KFF, joins host Michelle Rathman. Larry oversees KFF's policy work on Medicare, Medicaid, the health care marketplace, the Affordable Care Act, racial equity, women's health, and global health.    In this conversation, Michelle and Larry Levitt discuss the current state of health policy in America, focusing on President Trump's recent healthcare plan, affordability challenges, and implications for rural health. They explore the complexities of healthcare funding, the impact of the ACA, and the potential effects of the Rural Health Transformation Fund. The discussion highlights the need for transparency and bipartisan cooperation in addressing these pressing issues.   In the second half of this in-depth episode, Michelle speaks with Gina Plata-Nino, SNAP Director for the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). At FRAC, Gina collaborates with the SNAP team to expand the program's reach and improve its effectiveness for low-income households. She leads legislative and technical support efforts for national, state, and community organizations, as well as government agencies and nonprofits, to strengthen SNAP access, benefits, and customer service.    Michelle and Gina discuss the critical intersection of agriculture, nutrition, and policy, with a particular focus on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They delve into the implications of recent legislative proposals that threaten to undermine SNAP, highlighting the hardships they could cause for millions of Americans, especially in rural areas. Gina emphasizes the economic ripple effects of these policies, explaining how cuts to SNAP could lead to significant losses for farmers and local economies, exacerbating food insecurity and health disparities.   The conversation also addresses the broader implications of federal disinvestment in rural communities, including the strain on state budgets and the potential for increased poverty and food deserts. Gina articulates the urgent need for policy changes that prioritize access to healthy food and support for local economies. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with their legislators to advocate for better SNAP policies that ensure food security and health equity for all communities.   Rural Impact Merchandise Has Arrived! Visit our Store and Order Your Gear   Show Resources: https://frac.org/actionhttps://www.kff.org/

    49 min

  3. JAN 15

    Tracking Transformation: Funding Awarded. Now What? with Bob Atlas and Kevin Bennett

    In part one of the episode, Tracking Transformation: Funding Awarded. Now What? Michelle Rathman invites Grace Creek Advisors' Bob Atlas to discuss his analysis of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Bob is an executive consultant in health policy and strategy, serving public - and private - sector clients nationwide on health care delivery and financing. The health care safety net is a special focus of his work. In their discussion, Michelle and Bob focus on the implications of the $50 billion funding aimed at addressing the challenges faced by rural healthcare systems. They explore the limitations of the funding, the importance of workforce resilience, the need for transparency in allocation, and the critical role of advocacy in ensuring effective use of resources. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of rural and urban health systems and the necessity for a comprehensive approach to healthcare transformation. In the second half of this in - depth episode, Michelle speaks with Kevin Bennett, PhD. Bennett is a Professor of Family & Preventive Medicine at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, SC. He serves as the Director of the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. He served as the president of the National Rural Health Association in 2024. His work focuses on improving healthcare delivery for marginalized and underserved communities, particularly in rural areas, while examining the influence of national, state, or local policies and legislation on these populations. The conversation delves into RHTP, discussing its strategic goals, implementation logistics, how it may address workforce challenges, and the importance of empowering rural communities, including cross - sector leaders, to become involved in how funds are invested to ensure they are used for transformation rather than "new toys." The dialogue emphasizes the need for sustainable access to healthcare, innovative care models, and the role of technology, while also addressing the cautious optimism surrounding the program's potential impact on rural health systems. Resources: Rural Health Transformation Program: Analysis of Funding By State

    58 min

  4. JAN 1

    Making Waves Meeting People Where They Are

    Every year, National Rural Health Day is a chance to recognize and celebrate the dedicated efforts of rural health advocates and partners working to improve rural life. On November 20, 2025, The Rural Impact celebrated with something special, a live, story-driven event that lifted the voices behind The Rural Effect.    Over the past two years, over a dozen Community-Based Organizations across Massachusetts led bold, creative, community-rooted work that rippled across 143 rural towns, resulting in expanded access, stronger trust, and lasting local change.   Rural Impact Host and Creator, as well as Rural Effect producer and storyteller, Michelle Rathman, brought together rural leaders who expanded access, belonging, and opportunity, along with staff from community benefit organizations reaching the most remote corners of the state, and leaders from the New England Rural Health Association advancing rural health equity, to share their stories in a special livestream event.    As we kick off a new year with a keen focus on tracking rural health transformation and other policies that impact over 60 million people, we invite you to listen to this special episode.     Every conversation offered something valuable, insight, hope, inspiration, and a reminder that rural communities hold extraordinary potential, and indeed are the #powerofrural.    Special thanks to Kirby Lecy, Jennifer Kimball, Ezekiel Baskin, Sarah Garvin, and Brea Corsaro.

    1h 22m

  5. 12/18/2025

    Uncertain Times for Community Health Centers with Dr. Feygele Jacobs and Joe Dunn

    In part one of the last episode of 2025, 'Uncertain Times for Community Health Centers,' Michelle invites Feygele Jacobs, DrPH, MS, MPH to The Rural Impact. Dr. Jacobs is the Director of the Geiger Gibson Program in Community Health and Professor of Health Policy and Management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University. Previously, she was President and CEO of the RCHN Community Health Foundation, a non-profit dedicated exclusively to supporting and benefiting health centers and their communities and patients. Her diverse background includes positions in Medicaid managed care, public health care systems, and teaching hospitals. Summary Michelle Rathman speaks with Dr. Jacobs about the critical role of community health centers in the American healthcare system, especially in light of recent legislative changes such as HR1. They discuss the challenges these centers face, including funding cuts, Medicaid work requirements, and the impact of immigration policies on access to care. The conversation highlights the importance of these centers in serving vulnerable populations and the potential consequences of policy changes on healthcare access and quality. In part two of this episode, Michelle talks with National Association of Community Health Centers Chief Policy Officer, Joe Dunn. Joe is a two-time graduate of the George Washington University, Joe has spent the last twenty years in Washington, DC, on Capitol Hill and in a variety of government relations roles. Joe joined NACHC in January 2021 as Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Research from Cigna. Prior to this, he was in senior positions in three congressional offices, including Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy. Michelle and Joe discuss the critical role of community health centers in rural America, highlighting their contributions over the past 60 years, the challenges they face, and the importance of advocacy. They delve into the Rural Health Transformation Fund, workforce shortages, funding instability, and the need for innovative solutions to overcome geographic isolation. The discussion emphasizes the significance of community voices in shaping health policy and ensuring the sustainability of these vital health services.

    1h 12m

  6. 12/04/2025

    A Conversation about the Intersections of Policy and Philanthropy with Cara V. James, PhD

    In this episode, 'A Conversation About the Intersections of Policy and Philanthropy,' Cara V. James, PhD, President and CEO of Grantmakers in Health (GIH), joins Michelle to explore key topics like rural health funding challenges and the critical conversations shaping health policy.    Before joining GIH in 2020, James served as Director of the Office of Minority Health at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the US Department of Health and Human Services, where she provided leadership, vision, and direction to advance health equity. Under her guidance, CMS developed its first CMS Equity Plan to Improve Quality in Medicare, its first Rural Health Strategy, created an ongoing initiative to help individuals understand their coverage and connect to care, increased the collection and reporting of demographic data, and developed numerous tools and resources to advance health equity.   In this conversation, Michelle and Cara talk candidly about how philanthropy can address health disparities, especially in rural communities, and the impact of government policies on nonprofit funding, emphasizing community engagement and leadership in advancing health equity.    The conversation highlights the need for a collaborative approach to improve healthcare access and population health, stressing the importance of systemic change and the freedom to give, encouraging listeners to consider how they can support these efforts.

    49 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    A Conversation about the State of America's Family Farms with Hannah Tremblay and Caitlin Arnold Stephano

    In this episode, "A Conversation About the State of America's Family Farms," Hannah Tremblay and Caitlin Arnold Stephano, both from Farm Aid, discuss issues impacting America's small and family farms.   Hannah Tremblay is Policy and Advocacy Manager, where they manage Farm Aid's advocacy program and engage a broad coalition in support of policies that strengthen family farmers and family farm agriculture. Hannah has worked as an agricultural technical specialist and a farmer throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic since 2014.    Caitlin Arnold Stephano joined the organization in the fall of 2021 as the Hotline Program Manager. Caitlin grew up riding the tractor at her Grandfather's cherry and apple farm in Eastern Washington state, and has been working in agriculture, farmer organizing, and advocacy since 2006. Caitlin holds a Master's in Sustainable Food Systems with a focus on farmer mental health   In this conversation, Michelle speaks with Hannah and Caitlin about Farm Aid's mission to support family farmers, the implications of the ongoing stalled farm bill, the myriad of challenges farmers face, including economic policies that harm small farms, and the importance of community advocacy and supporting local farmers by purchasing their goods. Also covered in this conversation is the increasing demand for the Farm Aid hotline services, the impact of climate change and immigration policy on farming, and the need for improved disaster relief and support systems for farmers.    The conversation emphasizes the critical role of local and federal policies in sustaining small farms and the importance of community engagement in supporting farmers.

    37 min

  8. 10/23/2025

    Finding Common Ground in Community Engagement with Meredith Dean

    In this episode, "Finding Common Ground in Community Engagement," Michelle welcomes Meredith Dean, the National Director of the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative's Community Works program, to discuss how rural communities are finding common ground and bringing people together, regardless of political differences, to address local needs. Meredith brings 40 years of experience in community organizing, Democratic politics, non-profit management, and teaching in both formal and informal settings, from adults to higher education to kindergarten. She and her husband settled 39 years ago in a ruby red Virginia county nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains, where they raised their son, 13 cats, four dogs, and a horse. In this conversation, Michelle Rathman and Meredith Dean discuss the importance of community engagement in rural areas, particularly through the Community Works initiative. They explore the impact of national policies on local communities, the need for trust and collaboration across political divides, and practical steps for individuals to get involved in community improvement efforts. The discussion emphasizes the significance of addressing local needs, fostering relationships, and creating sustainable solutions for rural challenges. The episode emphasizes how sustainable engagement requires ongoing effort and commitment, and how cross-political collaboration can lead to practical and effective solutions.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

A Podcast that Connects the Dots between Policy and Rural Everything.

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Rathman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Impact! Communications, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Rural Impact

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