The Hot Dish

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.

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It's a bonus episode of The Hot Dish! Today Joel and Heidi review the Vice Presidential Debate with Chuck Corra of the Appodclachia podcast.

You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the debate's dynamics, including who appeared to come out on top, the candidates' strategies, and the critical moments that could sway voters.

Joel dives into how Tim Walz and JD Vance navigated crucial issues like healthcare, abortion, gun control, and more. You'll hear an in-depth examination of JD Vance's demeanor and debate tactics, contrasted with Tim Walz's relatable, conversational style that proved to resonate well with the audience.

This episode also highlights the importance of soundbites in shaping public perception and the significant role clips from the debate will play in the campaign's final stretch. The analysis extends to how each candidate's approach to rural and agricultural topics might influence rural voters and the broader electorate.

Learn more about us at OneCountryProject.com.

Welcome back to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we dive deep into the heart of America’s rural and small-town landscapes.

Former Missouri Senator, Claire McCaskill, joins us to share her perspectives on Trump’s impact throughout the midwest due to his influence by the dark corners of the internet. Comedian and co-host of the popular youtube channel The Liberal Redneck, Trae Crowder, provides a refreshingly candid look at the changing dynamics within the conservative base. This episode also touches on crucial topics such as immigration, the economic realities of tariffs, and the fight for reproductive rights in challenged states like Missouri and Florida. Tune in for a rich dialogue that not only critiques but also seeks solutions, providing a roadmap to a more inclusive and hopeful future.

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 serves up the unfiltered truth straight from the heartland.

We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.com

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In this special BONUS episode, Heidi and Joel are joined by former Congressman, Senator, and Ambassador Joe Donnelly of Indiana to review the Presidential Debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump!

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Welcome back to The Hot Dish, where we dive deep into the heart of America’s rural and small-town landscapes.

In this episode, Heidi sits down with the renowned Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower. Jim delves into his lifelong advocacy for rural communities, sharing grassroots movements and economic battles that have shaped his work. Listeners will gain an understanding of how consistent challenges in rural areas can be met with innovative, people-centered policies. You can learn more about Jim Hightower at Https://jimhightower.com and subscribe to his newsletter at Https://jimhightower.substack.com.

As we close out the summer, we here from Ezekiel Wells and and Lucas Kult-Banout, who have just wrapped up their Crossroad America summer tour. Their stories illuminate the lessons of warmth and mutual respect found in the communities they visited, emphasizing the importance of understanding and bridging the divides in our country.

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 serves up the unfiltered truth straight from the heartland.

We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]. To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.com

• (00:00) - - Intro

Welcome back to The Hot Dish. In this episode, we’re bringing you a variety of insightful conversations that shine a light on some of the most pressing issues facing rural and small-town communities. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you like (and even what you don't like) about the show, and the guests and topics you want. Email your thoughts to [email protected].

In this episode, Heidi and Joel talk about their trip to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. They reflect on the key moments and takeaways from the convention and provide their unique perspectives on what it all means for the future of rural Americans and the Democratic Party.

Heidi also sits down with Chuck Corra, Co-founder and Co-host of the Appodlachia podcast. Chuck joins us to break down the recent republican VP pick, JD Vance, and what his selection means for rural America. Together, they explore how the GOP’s policies—or lack thereof—will impact these communities during this election.

Then, we hear from Connie Garner, Senior Policy Director, to discuss the critical issue of mental health in rural areas. Connie, a longtime advocate for mental health parity, shares her perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in expanding mental health services and support to underserved communities when voting this year.

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 serves up the unfiltered truth straight from the heartland.

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

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Welcome back to another enlightening episode of The Hot Dish, where we explore the pulse of middle America and the issues that matter most to its people. In this episode, we're joined by two distinguished guests who provide an inside look at the upcoming Democratic National Convention and the crucial role delegates play.

Sarah Godlewski, the Secretary of State of Wisconsin and a DNC delegate, shares her personal journey and the vital responsibilities delegates have in shaping the party's future. We also hear from Alex Hornbrook, the Executive Director of the Democratic National Convention Committee, who takes us behind the scenes of organizing this monumental event. He dives into the sheer scale and logistics of hosting a major convention while accommodating surging enthusiasm.

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 serves up the unfiltered truth straight from the heartland.

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

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Welcome to another exciting episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. We've lined up an engaging and insightful discussion of the latest political shifts for the 2024 Election.  

We chat with Democratic political strategist and blogger, Simon Rosenberg. In this episode, we'll dive into his unique perspective on the evolving political landscape and his insights on the recent election news involving Biden, Harris, and Trump. Simon will share his thoughts on these developments and discuss practical solutions for the challenges faced by rural America.

We also have a special update from the Crossroads America guys, Lucas and Ezekiel. They have been traveling across America, gathering incredible stories from the people they meet on their journeys. Hear about their latest adventures and the inspiring stories they've encountered.

Lastly, we chat with J.D. Scholten, a One Country Project Board Member and Iowa State Representative J.D. Scholten, who recently had a very successful stint pitching for the Sioux City Explorers.

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

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Please note: This episode was recorded before the assassination attempt against former President Trump last weekend. It contains honest, authentic criticism of President Trump's administration's policies from Republicans and former Republicans, including an expert who served in that administration. This criticism is based on the real outcomes of actual policies, and we think it's fair and important for our audience to hear it. This is how we address the differences in our political views. Violence is never a way to resolve our differences, political or otherwise. We deplore it. 

Welcome back to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we dive deep into the heart of America's rural and small-town landscapes. 

On today's episode we have Chris Gibbs, a full-time farmer and former Republican now aligned with the Democratic Party. Chris opens up about his journey from the local Republican party to his current position, driven by his discontent with the Trump administration's tariffs and mishandling of the agricultural sector. 

We will also be joined by Elizabeth Neumann, a former Homeland Security official during the Bush and Trump administrations and esteemed author of Kingdom of Rage: The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace. Elizabeth delves into her deep concerns about the rise of domestic extremism in the United States and the ideologies associated with that. 

In this episode, we explore the rapid shifts toward political violence, the dangerous rhetoric of certain leaders, and the profound—yet, always tragic—consequences of radicalization.

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.com

• (00:00) - - Note to our listeners

Welcome back to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we explore the trials and triumphs within America’s rural and small-town communities. In today's episode, we're thrilled to welcome two incredibly insightful guests who will offer valuable perspectives on overcoming adversity and fostering community growth.

Dale King, a veteran and CrossFit coach, opens up about his difficult journey of reintegration after returning from war. He candidly shares how his early judgment of those battling addiction transformed into empathy and action through his gym, where he helps individuals in recovery rebuild their lives. King also talks to us about his documentary "Small Town Strong," offering a raw glimpse into addiction's grip on rural America and his efforts to mend these broken threads.

We also hear from, Sarah Low, a professor at the University of Illinois and a co-author of a pivotal study, delves into the critical role of high-speed broadband for women entrepreneurs in rural areas. Sarah's insights underscore the need for robust infrastructure and the empowerment of women entrepreneurs as pillars for sustaining and revitalizing rural communities.

Stay tuned as we explore the resilience, compassion, and community spirit that drive America's rural landscapes forward.

• (00:00) - - Introduction