The Hot Dish

In this episode, we examine how the absence of local news affects political polarization, civic engagement, and community identity. 
First, scholars John Volk and Joshua Darr join The Hot Dish to discuss the emergence and consequences of News Deserts across the United States. 

Then, journalist Brandon Tensley and Joel engage in a compelling conversation on the importance of local news to communities of color across America.

Listen to learn more about how this phenomenon shapes information access, democratic participation, and the broader political landscape, proving the media's pivotal role in shaping public discourse.

Heidi and Joel delve into the shift away from local media sources and the consequential impact on the social fabric of middle America. They provide listeners with a practical roadmap for actively engaging with local politics and media by highlighting the importance of reviving local journalism, offering ways communities can rebuild their media ecosystems, and exploring how doing so will improve democratic engagement and reduce polarization.

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 on Substack at https://onecountryproject.substack.com/.

• (05:09) - Joel and Heidi discuss the difficulties of confronting misinformation in News Deserts

Veteran political strategist Paul Begala joins the Hot Dish to discuss how the Democratic Party can reconnect with rural Americans. He offers straightforward actions each of us can take to respond to the challenges of chaos in Washington and State Capitals and to help our neighbors get past the misinformation and propaganda to see the truth about the dangerous impacts of the Donald Trump / Elon Musk administration on rural and small-town values.

But first, Joel speaks with Isaac Wright, founder of the Rural Voter Institute, about Democrats' communication challenges and the need to speak about values like personal faith.

This episode is packed with political strategies, insights into rural issues, and suggestions on how to make political messaging that resonates with middle America. Listen for a deeper understanding of our country's current political dynamics and practical suggestions for making an impact.

Join hosts Joel and Heidi Heitkamp on The Hot Dish every other week to learn about the economic and cultural issues pertinent to rural constituents and the importance of effective messaging. The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org. 

• (01:28) - Isaac Wright and Joel on the challenges Democrats face in rural America

In this episode, we delve into essential discussions on federal policy, TikTok, and the balance of power in Washington that we know will resonate with you.

Heidi and Joel explore the chaos caused by a recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo concerning the freeze on federal expenditures. They provide a clear-eyed analysis of the memo's implications for Americans, particularly those relying on federal assistance programs, and question the legality of specific executive branch actions.

In the second half of the episode, we're joined by David Dorfman, Deputy Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the House Select Committee on China. David provides an in-depth understanding of the critical legislation affecting TikTok, clarifying misconceptions about a so-called "ban" and diving into the platform's national security concerns.

Lastly, hear from TikTok user Sayen Gates, a small business owner from South Carolina, who discusses how TikTok has been crucial in growing her life coaching business and how the threat of its ban poses challenges to entrepreneurs relying on the platform.

Tune in to The Hot Dish every other week as we serve up hearty discussions that matter to the heartland. We aim to ensure that the voices of 'the rest of us' are heard loud and clear in Washington.

To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org
Visit Sayen's site: www.shadowcornerlifecoaching.com 

• (00:50) - OMB memo confusion and federal expenditure freeze.

Welcome to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we serve comfort food for Middle America. In today's episode, Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp delve into the political whirlwind surrounding Donald Trump's inauguration, cabinet picks, and executive orders — and their implications for the next four years. 

Later in the episode, you'll hear a fascinating conversation between One Country Project Board Member J.D. Scholten and Anderson Clayton, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. Anderson, the youngest state party chair in the nation, shares her experiences and insights on enhancing grassroots infrastructure, speaking to rural voters, and the GOP's efforts to throw out 60,000 legal votes in the Tarheel State to overturn the results of a state Supreme Court election.

Join us as we explore these pivotal topics and more, all aimed at bringing clarity and hope to the heartland.

• (00:04) - Introduction and Discussion on Donald Trump's Inauguration

Welcome back to "The Hot Dish," where we serve up the latest political insights with a side of grassroots wisdom. In today's episode, host Heidi Heitkamp welcomes Iowa State Representative J.D. Scholten, who shares his insights from the campaign trail. We'll dive into the critical issues that drove his unexpected victory in a Trump district.

First, the hosts touch on the challenges facing rural communities, including healthcare crises and the fast-paced messaging tactics of conservative media and the importance of engaging younger voters for a vibrant political future.

Heidi offers personal news about becoming a grandmother and reflects on the Democratic Party's evolving connection with working-class America. 

Don’t forget, we want to hear from you—drop us an email at [email protected]. 

• (00:35) - Populist politics and personal milestone.

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Hot Dish, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate deeply with rural America. In this episode, Heidi and Joel answer some listener mail from parents who fear losing their adult children to MAGA inlaws. Then Joel engages in a riveting discussion with Chris Gibbs, an Ohio farmer and former Republican turned Democrat.

Our discussion dives into the heart of economic concerns that the Democratic policies seem to miss, focusing on everyday financial pressures and the high cost of living. Chris Gibbs shares his firsthand experiences and reflections on how tariffs and geopolitical impacts, like China's shift to Brazilian soybeans, affect farmers and the agricultural landscape. You'll hear about the farmers' perceptions of trade policies and compensations alongside the broader, long-term effects of tariffs on U.S. market reliability.

We'll also discuss the urgent need for the Democratic Party to rebuild its brand, particularly in rural and moderate regions, by connecting with the values and daily experiences of working-class Americans. 

This episode also includes an engaging holiday segment where Heidi and Joel share personal reflections and holiday wishes.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week for discussions that cut to the core of the issues impacting rural America. Whether you're interested in economic policies, agricultural challenges, or the intersection of politics and everyday life, this episode offers a rich, informative dialogue.

To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org

• (01:00) - Listener Mail

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. Today, we're serving up engaging discussions on healthcare accessibility in rural America, challenges for the Trump Administration, and community values.

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp also provide valuable life advice in response to listener mail, addressing career choices and the benefits of community involvement. They share heartfelt reflections on values taught by their parents, emphasizing the importance of contributing to local communities.

They also discuss the importance of immigrants in filling workforce gaps in rural areas. Heidi and Joel critically examine the negative portrayal of immigrants and the economic impact of deporting undocumented individuals.

Then our special guest, Becca LaFond, joins us to discuss making medical testing accessible in homes, a crucial need for rural areas. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, Becca introduces listeners to Healthy.io. This groundbreaking technology company empowers patients by allowing them to use their smart devices to detect and monitor kidney diseases without needing to attend in-person doctor appointments regularly. 

Rounding out this episode with warmth and reliability, enjoy some humorous banter between Heidi and Joel about holiday singing, family traditions, and the epilogue to Joel's pumpkin patch travails.

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

To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org.

To learn more about Healthy.io visit https://healthy.io/ 

• (00:28) - Listener Mail

Welcome to another powerful episode of The Hot Dish. This one delves deep into the past and present of untold stories from America's heartland, from the historical injustices faced by Native communities to the contemporary heroes fighting fires without pay.

Of course, Heidi and Joel begin by reviewing the shocking results of the 2024 elections, and the failure of the Democratic Party to communicate effectively with a majority of American voters. 

Then, we sit down with Donovan Archambault, a tribal leader and author whose new book offers an eye-opening account of life at a government-backed Indian school in the 1950s. Drawing from his own experiences and those of his community, Donovan reveals that approximately 90% of his fictional book is based on actual events. Listeners will learn about the harsh realities faced by Native American children, including abuse and cultural erasure. He emphasizes the importance of advocating and reclaiming Indigenous cultural values to foster societal healing.

Next, we shift our focus to an inspiring piece of documentary filmmaking with Pete Yoakum, who discusses his project "Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat." This documentary highlights the lives of volunteer firefighters in rural America, shedding light on their bravery and dedication despite minimal recognition and compensation. Pete reveals his journey, from conception to the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the incredible support he received from communities. You’ll gain insights into the diverse stories of volunteer first responders and the evolving role of women in firefighting.

Tune in every other week for The Hot Dish, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.

To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org

For a copy of Tatanga Hōksheen: A Failed Attempt to Kill The Indian by Donovan Archambault, Sr, you can find it in many booksellers including Praire Edge: https://prairieedge.com/all-products/katanga-hoksheen-a-failed-attempt-to-kill-the-indian-book/?srsltid=AfmBOoqyD3HW2XGQMkPB6XwJpVg0Qqm5xd8UwbudbIocHoa4F89R5kKz
or Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tatanga-h-333-ksheen-donovan-archambault-sr/1145828386

For local listings and more info on the documentary, visit the official "Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat" website: https://oddhoursfilm.com/

• (00:04) - Welcome

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. We've curated a rich and thoughtful discussion to explore key issues impacting rural and urban communities alike.

In this episode, Joel has a fascinating conversation with Dee Davis, the founder of the Center for Rural Strategies. Dee discusses the foundational importance of human connections and shared experiences to bridge the gaps between rural and urban areas. He also highlights The Daily Yonder, the Center's publication dedicated to amplifying rural voices.

Joel also dives deep into the complexities of gun policy with Joe Mason and T.D. Hill, co-founders of Pro Gun Democrats. They bring a nuanced perspective on finding a middle ground in the gun control debate, advocating for common-sense measures like a three-day waiting period and banning binary triggers and bump stocks.

Joe Mason sheds light on the resistance to change from organizations like the NRA and stresses the importance of one-on-one discussions to foster understanding and common ground. T.D. Hill shares insights on the challenge of shifting deeply ingrained talking points but finds hope in individual conversations leading to agreement on sensible measures.

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

To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org

Center for Rural Strategies: https://www.ruralstrategies.org/ 
The Pro Gun Democrat: https://theprogundemocrat.com/ 

• (00:04) - Introduction

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. In this very special episode, Joel speaks with two incredibly insightful guests who will illuminate the intertwining of religion and politics in the upcoming election.

Joe Donnelly, former Congressman, Senator, and Ambassador to the Holy See, passionately calls for character and equitable values in candidates, urging the religious community to consider these traits closely.

Robert P. Jones, the President of the Public Religion Research Institute, discusses how Kamala Harris's diverse background is more accepted by younger Americans while illustrating how the push for Christianity in public schools, like the Ten Commandments case in North Dakota, ties into the broader Christian nationalist movement.

Listeners will discover how American Catholics' views on abortion, governance, and religious affiliation are evolving, highlighting a growing acceptance of diversity within religious communities. We also delve into the pivotal role women play in political organization, particularly within African American communities, and the significant demographic shifts shaping the religious landscape in Middle America.

Joe Donnelly’s reflections on the humor and diversity in religious practices and Robert P. Jones’s dissection of Christian nationalism’s rise provide valuable insights into the underlying currents influencing today’s political climate.

Heidi will be back on November 6 and stay tuned for a special post-election episode that week as well. Don't forget to let us know your thoughts at [email protected].