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

• (00:00) - Introduction with Heidi and Joel