The Hot Dish

Latest Episodes:

Taking Farmers for Granted Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

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
(07:01) - Nick Levendofsky discusses how farmers are facing huge market losses right now
(13:43) - Heidi and Joel debate uncertainty around the Farm Bill and Farmer Aid with Nick Levendofsky
(21:27) - Joel and Heidi highlight how it seems Democrats are abandoning Rural America
(31:58) - Nick and Joel agree on how important calling BS is to the Rural ethic
(34:57) - Joel and Heidi discuss the cattle farmers and Senate clash with Nick

Shutting Down Rural Healthcare Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

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
(11:39) - Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp discuss the rural challenges of immigration and aging in light of the government shutdown of rural healthcare
(18:09) - Michelle Rathman talks about her deep skepticism of the Rural Health Fund
(24:15) - Hosts and guests debate how much higher healthcare and coverage costs will impact rural families
(34:32) - Heidi and Jeanne emphasize how important it will be to repair divisions between the parties through facts instead of disinformation
(43:12) - Hosts discuss how the second No Kings protest defends Democracy at a very important time

"Don't Be Chicken Shit!" Sen. Tina Smith has something to say Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

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.

Exciting Announcements! Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

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/

(00:00) - Joel opens the show with a request for listeners to contact One Country Project
(00:44) - Joel announces the change to a weekly show format and the addition of video
(01:29) - Joel announces an upcoming live show at CrookedCon

Drowning in Debt: A National Security Risk Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

(00:00) - Maya MacGuineas joins to discuss federal budget and fiscal responsibility with host, Heidi Heitkamp.
(08:36) - Heidi and Maya discuss the potential for a farm bailout and making debt relevant to everyday people.
(13:21) - Maya and Heidi talk about the bond sales, US Treasuries, and looming fiscal warning signs.
(25:18) - Joel Heitkamp reports to Heidi about the Big Iron farm show, commodity markets, and equipment sales.
(27:57) - Heidi and Joel debate the ongoing trade war, impacts on soybean markets, and rural economic uncertainty.

Tennessee Red: Justin Kanew on theocracy in the Volunteer State Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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
(08:30) - - Justin and Joel talk about how faith affects politics on both sides
(15:45) - - Justin and Heidi debate media's role in public perception
(22:10) - - Joel and Heidi talk about economic challenges and opportunities
(30:00) - - Justin describes his view on grassroots movements and activism
(38:20) - - Heidi and Joel offer their closing remarks and give listeners a call to action

This Land is Your Land: the Fight for Public Lands Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

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.

(06:27) - Land Tawney and Aaron Murphy discuss the Federal vs. State Management of public lands
(14:11) - Heidi Heitkamp, Joel Heitkamp debate Sen. Mike Lee's proposed privatization of public lands with Land and Aaron
(20:56) - Land and Aaron stress the importance of access to clean water that public lands provide
(28:59) - Heidi and Joel discuss the Little League World Series Midwest Regional
(34:59) - Joel and Heidi talk about how price hikes from tariffs will negatively impact the supply chain for farmers

Beto O'Rourke on the Fight for Democracy in Texas Aug 08, 2025

Show notes

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
(02:54) - Gerrymandering and Its Implications
(05:25) - The Role of Activism and Grassroots Movements
(08:33) - The Importance of Messaging and Outreach
(11:32) - Mobilizing Support and Future Plans

Texas GOP goes all-in for Authoritarianism Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

(04:11) - Heidi Heitkamp and Matt Angle discuss how Democrats should strategize against redistricting
(12:37) - Matt Angle describes how Trump's policies strain rural Texas
(18:34) - Joel and Heidi Heitkamp talk about deportation concerns
(20:45) - Heidi and Joel analyze Governor's Abbott's gerrymandering strategy
(23:49) - Joel and Heidi focus on how this impacts rural economies across the nation

Immigrants in Rural America Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Bryan Little, Director of Labor Affairs for the California Farm Bureau, and Sonia Parras Konrad join hosts Joel and Heidi Heitkamp to discuss farm labor regulations, immigration, and affects of this Administration's immigration policies on rural communities.

You'll get practical insights and stories about the impact of labor shortages, ever-changing regulations, and evolving federal policies on American agriculture and everyday rural life. The discussion emphasizes the humanity behind immigration statistics, the urgent need for community advocacy, and ways you can make a difference for your neighbors.

(03:40) - Bryan Little discusses labor challenges in California agriculture
(13:37) - Bryan Little offers insights on Border Patrol enforcement in California
(29:23) - Sonia Parras Konrad talks with Heidi Heitkamp about the disconnect between rural policies and communities
(38:46) - Sonia Parras Konrad describes the policy impacts she is witnessing
(44:52) - Sonia Parras Konrad discusses how policies must change to meet the needs of immigrants
(48:07) - Heidi and Sonia encourage listeners to support immigrants in their communities

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Hot Dish

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6