The Rural Impact

Michelle Rathman
  • 5.0 (10)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

  1. 3D AGO

    Rural Counties Responding to Policy Shifts: The Impact of Civic Engagement with Hope Harmon, Paul Heimel and Chuck Marohn Jr.

    In part one of this episode of The Rural Impact, “Rural Counties Responding to Policy Shifts: The Impact of Civic Engagement,” Michelle speaks with two rural leaders navigating complex policy challenges: Commissioners Hope Harmon and Paul W. Heimel. Harmon, a County Commissioner in Ben Hill County, Georgia, champions education, healthcare, economic development, and public safety. Heimel, in his 19th year as a County Commissioner in Potter County, Pennsylvania, focuses on community and economic development amid population decline and an aging population, while also advancing work in criminal justice reform, healthcare, veterans’ affairs, and arts-driven revitalization. In Michelle’s conversation with Commissioners Harmon and Heimel, they explore the growing strain federal policy shifts are placing on rural counties, from reduced funding and rising service costs to workforce shortages, healthcare access challenges, and population decline. Both Commissioners share firsthand insights into how their communities are adapting through budget tightening, restructuring services, and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. They highlight the critical role of community involvement, local leadership, and innovative approaches, such as partnerships, grassroots events, and arts initiatives, in sustaining and strengthening rural communities despite limited resources. In the second part of the episode, Michelle is joined by Charles “Chuck” Marohn Jr., Founder and President of Strong Towns, an organization focused on helping communities build financial resilience and long-term sustainability through bottom-up development strategies. In his segment, Chuck and Michelle discuss how traditional top-down economic development models have contributed to financial fragility in rural communities. He emphasizes the need for incremental, locally driven growth, smarter infrastructure investment, and rethinking housing and development patterns to better align with the realities of small towns. He also underscores the importance of focusing on local action, encouraging individuals to engage in their communities, rebuild civic infrastructure, and take practical steps to create stronger, more resilient places to live. GUESTS: Hope Harmon, Ben Hill County Commissioner Paul W. Heimel, Potter County Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Marohn, Jr, Founder and President of Strong Towns

    1h 5m

  2. MAR 26

    USPS Under Threat and the Impact on Rural with Elena Patel and Sarah Anderson

    In part one of this episode, USPS Under Threat and the Impact on Rural America, Elena Patel, Co-Director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, joins Michelle to break down the growing financial crisis facing the United States Postal Service. Elena shares insights from her recent research on the USPS funding model, explaining how the shift from letter mail to digital communication has disrupted a system that once sustained universal service. The conversation explores the Postal Service’s Universal Service Obligation and what it means to deliver affordable mail service to every address in the country, six days a week. They discuss the structural challenges USPS faces, including rising operational costs, limited borrowing authority, and increasing competition in package delivery. Elena also outlines potential policy solutions, emphasizing the critical role Congress must play in modernizing funding mechanisms to reflect today’s digital economy. The conversation highlights the broader implications for rural communities, small businesses, and essential services that rely on a stable and accessible postal system.   In part two of this episode, Sarah Anderson, Global Economy Director at the Institute for Policy Studies, joins Michelle to explore the deeper community impact of the Postal Service, particularly in rural America. The conversation examines how USPS functions as more than a delivery system, serving as a vital economic and social lifeline for rural residents. Sarah discusses the potential consequences of privatization, including increased costs, reduced service, and the possible closure of rural post offices. They also highlight the essential role USPS plays in delivering prescription medications, supporting small businesses, and ensuring access to vote-by-mail, especially in areas with limited polling locations. The discussion addresses workforce impacts, noting the importance of postal jobs as stable, middle-class employment in rural communities. Looking ahead, Sarah shares ideas for strengthening the Postal Service through expanded services, such as financial offerings and community-based programs, while reinforcing the importance of preserving USPS as a public good that serves all Americans.

    44 min

  3. MAR 12

    Rural Education: Public Funds for Private Schools with Dr. Melissa Sadorf and Jessica Piper

    In part one of this episode, Rural Education: Public Funds for Private Schools, Dr. Melissa Sadorf, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA), joins Michelle to discuss the evolving landscape of rural education. Dr. Sadorf shares insights from the 2022-2027 NREA research agenda, highlighting the importance of spatial and educational equity and how policy decisions shape students' and communities' opportunities.   The conversation continues to focus on persistent and new challenges facing rural education systems and schools, including student funding disparities, teacher recruitment and retention, and limited broadband access that can restrict learning opportunities for those seeking to access virtual charter schools.   Moving to Policy Lifts and Let Downs - Dr. Sadorf describes the impact of the 2025 dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) and the expanding, critical role of rural schools as hubs for health and wellness services.   The two also discuss the lift rural schools are receiving from an innovative program funded by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant.   Before a break, Michelle and Dr. Sadoff discuss the complexities of school choice in rural areas, and looking ahead, Dr. Sadoff outlines key priorities for future research and policy advocacy to strengthen rural education systems and the communities they serve.   In part two of this episode, Executive Director of Blue Missouri, Jessica "Jess" Piper, returns to Rural Impact to take a closer look at the challenges and resilience of rural education in Missouri. The conversation examines how decades of public education underfunding impact rural districts, including contributing to larger class sizes, fewer resources, and increased pressure on educators. They also discuss efforts to expand school privatization and voucher programs that use public funds for religion-centered education, as well as how school-choice policies in Missouri are expanding, and what it could mean for public schools, including the quality of education K-12 students have access to and the economic impact on rural communities when choice creates fewer options for funding public education.

    48 min

  4. FEB 26

    Tracking Transformation: Opportunity for Some, for Others Pain with Joan Alker, Dr. Shannon Dowler, Alan Morgan and Carrie Henning-Smith, PhD, MPH, MSW

    In part one of this episode, Tracking Transformation: Opportunity for Some, for Others Pain, Michelle sits down with Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Children and Families at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, Joan Alker, as well as Dr. Shannon Dowler, who is a family medicine physician, serves on the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians, and an expert leader in Medicaid programs and expansion. Michelle, Joan, and Dr. Dowler unpack the scale and scope of recent Medicaid cuts under H.R. 1, examining how nearly $1 trillion in reductions compare with investments in rural health and what that imbalance means for communities on the ground. They explore the disproportionate impact on rural populations and how these cuts intensify existing racial, economic, and geographic health disparities. The conversation breaks down the political landscape, separating rhetoric from the reality of rural health funding, and explains the mechanics of provider taxes, state-level Medicaid financing strategies, and how work requirements contribute to coverage churn. Finally, they highlight actionable strategies for healthcare providers and advocates to educate policymakers and the public, underscoring the urgent need to reverse federal Medicaid cuts and protect essential rural health services. At the close of the episode, Michelle shares some special excerpts from interviews she had while attending the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Policy Institute, with NRHA CEO Alan Morgan and President Carrie Henning-Smith. Alan Morgan argues that the “slowing of growth” in Medicaid is effectively a cut that will harm rural hospitals, which are already struggling due to a high concentration of patients with complex health needs and limited ability to pay, not because of low volume or poor management. He emphasizes that Medicaid is the primary tool keeping rural hospitals open by helping offset uncompensated care and bad debt, and he urges postponing the proposed reductions. Dr. Carrie Henning-Smith adds that rural health policy must focus on strengthening the overall foundation of care, addressing longstanding disparities, stopping looming Medicaid cuts, reinforcing the safety net, investing in the workforce, and making temporary support programs permanent through statutory action.

    42 min

  5. FEB 12

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Rathman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Impact! Communications, Inc.
  • Show Website
    The Rural Impact

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