Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of The Hot Dish, where we dive deep into the heart of America’s rural and small-town landscapes. Today, we are honored to host two incredibly insightful guests who will illuminate the challenges and triumphs within their respective spheres.

George Goehl joins us to share his profound work on rural organizing groups and debunks stereotypes with his podcast, "To See Each Other." Listeners will gain insights into the realities of life in rural communities and the importance of deep canvassing and community conversations, as advocated by his organization, Addition. George emphasizes the necessity of listening to and addressing what residents care about, such as the debate over the privatization of nursing homes in Wisconsin and the role of social justice advocates already present in rural areas.

Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, offers a unique perspective as a lifelong Republican who stresses the importance of non-partisan governance. Listeners will learn about the political and demographic context of Mesa, Giles' climate action initiatives, and his stance on immigration—highlighting the need for comprehensive reform. Through Mayor Giles' experience, we see a model for local leadership that addresses community interests beyond partisan lines.

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp guide us through discussions on political strategies in rural America, the power of local governments in climate action, and the critical role of rural voices in upcoming elections. They also discuss the personal and political impacts of genuinely and effectively engaging with rural communities.

This episode of The Hot Dish offers listeners valuable lessons on moving from political anxiety to action, the power of authentic community engagement, and the importance of not writing off rural areas in political strategies. Join us for a deep dive into these pivotal conversations and discover how to make a difference in your own community.

Email us at [email protected] and learn more at OneCountryProject.org.

• (00:00) - Introduction (and more on Joel's pumpkins)