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.

• (00:00) - Introduction