Governor Tim Walz joins co-hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss the mounting economic and social challenges facing rural America. The conversation covers the farm economy, rural health care, trade policy, and how political messaging affects rural communities. You'll hear firsthand stories about the impact of national policy decisions on small-town life and agriculture.

Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp lead a candid discussion about trust, messaging, and what rural voters really want from their leaders. Gov. Tim Walz offers lessons from Minnesota and challenges both parties to listen better, prioritize common sense, and rebuild partnerships across political divides.

Join us on The Hot Dish every week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (04:59) - Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Gov. Tim Walz to discuss rural America's growing farm crisis

In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp host Nick Levendofsky, the Kansas Farmers Union Executive Director. Together, they discuss challenges facing rural America, especially farmers and ranchers.

Listen to this episode to learn more about trade tensions, changing markets, and how government aid policies are affecting the livelihoods of those in agriculture and rural communities.

Heidi and Joel share practical insights on political shifts, infrastructure funding, and community support for food banks, exploring how rural voices can regain confidence and hope.

Join us on The Hot Dish every week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (00:00) - Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp start their conversation with Nick Levendofsky debating the trade damage with China

Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Michelle Rathman and Jeanne Lambrew to discuss their expert insights on the future of rural hospitals, premium tax credits, Medicaid, and nursing care, as well as how community leaders and healthcare workers are responding to looming changes.

Heidi and Joel explore how rural Americans can advocate for better healthcare policies and learn about the essential connections between food security, workforce issues, and local economic development.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (05:33) - Michelle Rathman and Jeanne Lambrew discuss how food security impacts rural communities during this healthcare scare

Senator Tina Smith joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss urgent rural issues like skyrocketing health insurance premiums, farm policies, crop markets, and rural hospital survival.

You will learn how current decisions in Washington are impacting rural America, and gain practical insight on navigating the government shutdown, healthcare changes, and agricultural trade disruptions. Heidi and Joel highlight the importance of community resilience and hope, exploring solutions for rural families while explaining why strong local leadership and bipartisan cooperation matter now more than ever.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

Host Joel Heitkamp announces exciting updates for The Hot Dish, including the move to weekly shows and upcoming video content. Joel also shares details about the upcoming Hot Dish live show, which will take place at CrookedCon on November 7. Joel’s announcements promise to keep the show timely, interactive, and even more connected to rural America’s needs. 

Check out the Hot Dish YouTube page here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2G66VjeWHz7xdze-0Y-6IGkQmlXUY5pz
Check out more information on CrookedCon here: https://www.crookedcon.com/

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (00:00) - Joel opens the show with a request for listeners to contact One Country Project

Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins host Heidi Heitkamp to tackle the urgent issues of federal debt, government spending, and the economic challenges facing rural America. Together, they examine why fiscal responsibility matters, how national debt impacts everything from farm policy to national security, and what everyday citizens can do to demand change from their leaders.

Maya and Heidi will offer you a clearer understanding of the real-life consequences of rising deficits, including higher interest rates and lost economic opportunities. Listen for practical insights on how government debt can affect your family's finances, local communities, and the future strength of the nation.

Heidi and Joel also discuss current rural concerns—from shrinking farm markets to trade wars—and discuss how uncertainty in Washington translates to hardship in rural America. You will learn how community engagement and honest political action can help secure a brighter future for all.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (00:00) - Maya MacGuineas joins to discuss federal budget and fiscal responsibility with host, Heidi Heitkamp.

Today, hosts Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp welcome Justin Kanew, founder of the Tennessee Holler. They discuss the political climate in Tennessee, the role of faith in politics, and the impact of media on public perception. Listeners will gain insights into how local politics shape national narratives and the importance of grassroots movements.

This episode will empower you by highlighting the power of community voices and the importance of staying informed. Justin shares his experiences in challenging the status quo and emphasizes the need for truth in media. You will learn about the challenges and opportunities in advocating for change at the local level. This episode is a must-listen if you're interested in understanding the dynamics of rural America and the power of grassroots activism.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country. The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit onecountryproject.org or find us at our One Country Project Substack.

• (02:15) - - Heidi Heitkamp, Joel Heitkamp and Justin Kanew discuss the political climate in Tennessee

Co-founders of the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, Land Tawney and Aaron Murphy, join hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to tackle the urgent threats facing America’s public lands. Land and Aaron break down recent political attempts to sell off millions of acres of public lands and explain what’s truly at stake for rural communities and outdoor enthusiasts.

You will learn more about the ongoing fight to keep public lands accessible, the role of grassroots activism, and the economic and lifestyle benefits these lands provide to all Americans. You will get actionable tips for getting involved, making your voice heard, and understanding why public lands matter, whether you hunt, fish, hike, or simply value clean air and water.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (06:27) - Land Tawney and Aaron Murphy discuss the Federal vs. State Management of public lands

In this brief conversation with Heidi, former Congressman Beto O'Rourke discusses the critical political landscape in Texas, focusing on the fight against gerrymandering and the implications of recent Republican Party actions. 

He emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism, the need for a strong Democratic message, and the urgency of mobilizing support for upcoming elections. O'Rourke highlights the risks Texas Democrats face standing up against authoritarian tactics and calling for unity in the fight for democracy.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org or find us at OneCountryProject.substack.com.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Context of the Fight in Texas

Matt Angle, founder of the Lone Star Project, joins the Hot Dish to break down the urgent issues of gerrymandering and redistricting in Texas. Host Heidi Heitkamp and Matt explore how recent political maneuvers aim to weaken minority voting power and reshape congressional districts to favor Republicans.

Listen to learn more about how redistricting in Texas could impact democracy nationwide, especially for rural and minority communities. You will hear practical insight into the legal, political, and social challenges surrounding voting rights. Hosts Heidi and Joel highlight the importance of fair representation and recount personal stories on the real-life impacts of current immigration policies. 

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project, making sure the voices of the rest of us are heard in Washington. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org or find us at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (04:11) - Heidi Heitkamp and Matt Angle discuss how Democrats should strategize against redistricting