In this episode of The Hot Dish, hosts Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp are joined by Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh to discuss her efforts to gain access to a state-run federal immigration detention center. Senator Cavanaugh shares her experiences of being denied access to the facility, her political background, and the impact of the detention center on local communities. The conversation also touches on broader political issues, including the role of state legislatures and the importance of local elections.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Senator Machaela Kavanaugh

In this episode of The Hot Dish, hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp announce the 2025 Rural Champion Awards before highlighting the Christmas Spirit of Kellie Smith, a small-town entrepreneur from Perham, Minnesota. Kellie shares her inspiring story of creating a community space for those in need during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of leadership and community support in rural areas. The conversation also touches on the significance of traditions and the spirit of giving in small towns.

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) - Celebrating Rural Champions

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Cynthia Cox from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) to discuss the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on healthcare costs. Cynthia shares insights into how the ACA supports individuals without employer-provided insurance, including small business owners and farmers.

You will learn more about the complexities of the challenges and opportunities in the current healthcare landscape. Tune in if you're interested in understanding the intricacies of healthcare policy. 

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/. 

• (06:00) - Cynthia Cox from KFF discusses her role and expertise on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp.

The Liberal Redneck, Trae Crowder, joins Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss his journey from rural Tennessee to internet fame. You will learn about Trae's unique perspective on blending humor with serious topics, discussing the impact of growing up rural on political views.

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 onecountryproject.org or find us at One Country Project Substack.

• (00:11) - - Trae Crowder introduces himself and his background.

Jess Piper joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss the political climate in rural America, focusing on Democratic engagement and the challenges faced by local communities. The conversation covers economic issues, healthcare, and the importance of local political campaigns.

Gain valuable insights into the current political landscape and learn about strategies for engaging rural voters. You will learn about the significance of local representation and the impact of economic policies on rural communities. Jess Piper shares her experiences and perspectives, offering a unique view on the challenges and opportunities in rural America.

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/.

• (05:00) - - Political Climate and Rural Engagement

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp are joined by political commentator Chris Matthews to discuss the future of the Democratic Party, lessons from Bobby Kennedy, and the importance of connecting with everyday Americans. They examine recent election results, challenges facing rural America, and how both parties can better serve working people. 

You will gain valuable insight into how Democrats can rebuild trust with rural and working-class voters. Chris Matthews shares stories about the Kennedys and offers advice for future leaders. You should listen if you care about democracy, dignity, and the future of rural America.

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/.

• (05:22) - Chris Matthews discusses how snobbery hurts Democrats in reaching rural America.

Economist Justin Wolfers joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to break down the current state of the American economy under recent administrations. They discuss inflation, rural financial challenges, the impact of tariffs and trade, and how government policies shape economic opportunity across the country.

Listen for a clearer understanding of how economic decisions in Washington directly affect rural communities and everyday families. Heidi, Joel, and Justin provide honest analysis, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on building confidence and hope in rural America’s economic future.

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/.

• (05:02) - Justin Wolfers explains what a K-Shaped Economy is and how it affects Americans

In this Veteran's Day episode, Journalist and professor Tom Nichols joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss current leadership at the Pentagon and Justice Department, the state of American democracy, and Republican foreign policy shifts.

Listen to gain insight into the impacts of political loyalty, leadership challenges, and shifts in military and governmental norms. You'll learn how these changes affect America’s standing in the world and the daily lives of rural communities.

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) - Tom Nichols describes how he sees himself as an Old-School Conservatism

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