The Hot Dish

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2025 Rural Progress Summit Highlights Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, guest host Bethany Brookshire recaps the Rural Progress Summit and brings you conversations with panelists including Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Joe Donnelly, Maya MacGuineas, Anderson Clayton, and experts from fields like agriculture, education, health care, and tribal affairs.

You will gain fresh perspectives on the hope and resilience in rural communities, practical solutions for everyday challenges, and inspiring stories from those working to rebuild trust and create opportunity. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of the importance of local voices, collaboration, and policies that reflect the true needs of rural America.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be part of a movement to uplift and empower rural Americans.

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) - Bethany Brookshire hosts The Hot Dish, highlighting this week's Rural Progress Summit by the One Country Project, featuring panels available soon on YouTube.
(00:00) - Chapter 2
(00:00) - Chapter 3
(00:00) - Chapter 4
(00:00) - Chapter 5
(08:51) - Pete Buttigieg highlights how rural America fosters face-to-face relationships that bridge social and partisan divides.
(16:09) - Gov. Beshear discusses vetoed anti-choice and anti-LGBTQ bills, emphasizes Democrats must focus on core concerns and effective governance.
(25:03) - Marc Elias discusses how threatening Project 2025 is through its suggestion the President need not follow Congressional appropriations.
(29:57) - Cesar Blanco discusses workforce shortages in agriculture, oil, and healthcare, worsened by restrictive policies and deportation priorities.

Special Announcement about the Rural Progress Summit Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

This week on the Hot Dish, we're switching things up for the fourth annual Rural Progress Summit. It's a virtual event celebrating the importance of rural communities in shaping America's future, featuring a keynote fireside chat with Sec. Pete Buttigieg. Instead of our usual Wednesday episode, we’ll be sharing a glimpse into the summit on Friday. Register now at ruralprogress.com.

Sarah Longwell's Republican Triangle of Doom Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

Sarah Longwell of the Bulwark and Phil Snape of Impact Social join this episode to discuss voter sentiment in rural areas. Then, Heidi Marttila-Losure and Christopher Vondracek explore the value of rural journalism and the impact of current political trends. Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp discuss the real-world effects of tariffs, job security, and community resilience in rural America. Listen to hear candid conversations on the hopes, challenges, and culture of rural communities.

You will gain new insights into how rural voters are feeling, what fuels political divisions, and strategies for staying informed and engaged. Heidi and Joel emphasize the importance of honest dialogue, practical action, and genuine leadership at all levels. This episode will give you the knowledge to navigate political noise and offers practical ways to strengthen local community bonds.

Join the One Country Project for the fourth annual Rural Progress Summit, July 8–10. The keynote will feature a virtual fireside chat between Sec. Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

The Rural Progress Summit is a virtual event that brings together voices from across the country to explore ideas and solutions that address the real needs of rural America.

Go to OneCountryProject.org to learn more or https://pdcst.news/RPS2025 to register for the Rural Progress Summit.

(05:51) - Sarah Longwell and Heidi Heitkamp discuss Trump's influence on Republican dynamics
(18:35) - Sarah Longwell describes how Trump's media ecosystem impacts rural voters
(29:38) - Sarah Longwell advises candidates now to trust in their beliefs and speak from their heart
(37:20) - Phil Snape discusses how tariffs have had an unseen impact on jobs with Joel Heitkamp
(46:10) - Heidi Martilla-Losure and Christopher Vondracek talk about the shift taking place in rural men's Mental Health
(54:29) - Christopher offers his point of view on the pluralism offered by living in rural America

Get Activated with Jess Piper Jun 11, 2025

Show notes

Jess Piper, Bryce Oates, and Isaac Nehring join this episode to discuss the future of rural America, from youth leadership to media access and political advocacy. Isaac shares his journey as a Truman Scholar, while Bryce and Executive Producer Richard Fawal tackle the urgent need for truthful reporting in rural America. Jess Piper joins host Heidi Heitkamp to break down how Democrats can rebuild trust in deeply red states.

Come away empowered with practical ideas for making a difference in your communities, no matter where you live. This episode highlights the importance of community building, hope, and the power of grassroot efforts to restore faith in Democracy for rural Americans.

Join the One Country Project for the fourth annual Rural Progress Summit, July 8–10. The keynote will feature a virtual fireside chat between Sec. Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.

The Rural Progress Summit is a virtual event that brings together voices from across the country to explore ideas and solutions that address the real needs of rural America.

Go to OneCountryProject.org to learn more or https://pdcst.news/RPS2025 to register for the Rural Progress Summit.

(04:24) - Isaac Nehring discusses how he champions rural advocacy at Stanford
(16:01) - Bryce Oates and Richard Fawal discuss rural perspectives and politics
(26:43) - Jess Piper and Heidi Heitkamp discuss the Big Beautiful Bill & ACA Credits
(39:07) - Jess Piper talks about her time Deep Canvassing in rural America
(41:25) - Heidi Heitkamp encourages listeners to continue their support of rural communities

Memorial Day Special: We Talked to Veterans May 28, 2025

Show notes

Many rural veterans join the Hot Dish for this special Memorial Day episode. Marine Corps Infantryman and North Dakota Army National Guard First Sergeant Bradley Aune discusses issues veterans face when rejoining civilian life. North Dakota Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Jessica Petrick offers her perspective on what Memorial Day means to her. And One Country Project board member and former Senator and Member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, Joe Donnelly, leads a discussion with Brigadier General Art Austin, Master General Frank Morales, and Staff Sergeant Sean Coulter about their experience with VA services.

On this Memorial Day week, gain a deeper understanding of what it means to transition from military to civilian life and how vital public programs and support systems are for veterans. Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp emphasize the need for collective action and listening to veterans’ voices to improve systems meant to serve them. This episode will remind us all of the ongoing cost of service, the importance of advocating for continued funding, and the strength found in rural communities as they support their own.

(02:10) - Bradley Aune joins Joel Heitkamp to discuss veteran transition and support work.
(08:57) - Joel and Bradley discuss how federal grant cuts will impact Veterans Housing and Job Support
(19:19) - Jessica Petrick shares her perspective on Memorial Day as a female National Guard Staff Sergeant.
(23:18) - Joe Donnelly leads a panel with Brigadier General Austin, Master Sergeant Morales, and Lt. Colonel Coulter on rural veteran care.
(38:14) - Heidi and Joel reflect on the importance of remembering veterans all year long and call for story submissions.

100 Days of Chaos May 14, 2025

Show notes

Jerry Hagstrom, Sarah Melotte, and Bob Leonard join host Joel Heitkamp and guest host J.D. Scholten to discuss the impacts to rural America of Trump’s first 100 days in office. You will learn about disaster relief, rural healthcare, tariffs, manufacturing, immigration, and the ongoing Farm Bill debates in Congress. Each guest offers firsthand perspectives from their communities, highlighting the struggles and hopes of rural people.

Joel and J.D. weave together stories of hardship and hope while connecting local issues to national policy. You will hear engaging, actionable conversations on how rural communities are organizing, what key policy battles mean for them, and how everyone can get involved to support positive change.

Find Sarah Melotte's work at https://dailyyonder.com/.
Find Bob Leonard's work at https://rleonard.substack.com/.
Find Jerry Hagstrom's work at https://www.hagstromreport.com/.

(05:26) - JD Scholten, Sarah Melotte and Bob Leonard discuss the impact of tariffs in their communities
(15:30) - Sarah Melotte details the role immigration plays in growing rural America
(23:15) - Joel Heitkamp and Jerry Hagstrom debate the future of SNAP and the Farm Bill
(29:44) - Jerry Hagstrom and Joel Heitkamp discuss the Administration impacts to Agricultural Aid
(35:13) - Joel Heitkamp and Jerry Hagstrom wrap up with suggested solutions for how Democrats should handle future Ag leaders

DNC Chair Ken Martin on Making Democrats Strong Again Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

DNC Chair Ken Martin joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss the Democratic Party’s future in rural America. They explore the brand image of the Democratic Party and how to reconnect with blue collar and rural voters. Ken, Heidi and Joel stress the importance of authentic local messengers to deliver Democratic narratives, offering you practical steps for community-driven change.

Listen to learn how the Democratic Party plans to rebuild trust, restore its brand, and fight for economic opportunity in rural towns nationwide. Ken offers honest reflection on mistakes, shares new strategies for grassroots engagement, and unveils unprecedented investments in state party infrastructure.

(06:42) - Ken Martin, Heidi and Joel Heitkamp discuss how isolation drives political choices
(12:14) - Ken Martin details how Democrats should use local influencers as trusted validators
(21:50) - Heidi asks Ken for an apology from Democrats
(31:38) - Heidi, Joel and Ken debate the branding struggles of the Democratic Party
(40:44) - Ken Martin emphasizes the importance of seeking Democratic voices within the community

How to Fight Back Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Heidi and Joel give you specific advice on how to channel your frustrations into positive action within your community, focusing on local issues and building a strong support network. They offer insights into being proactive and engaged, highlighting how to make a difference on the ground, especially in rural settings.

Then Jess Piper, Executive Director for Blue Missouri, joins Joel to discuss political engagement, grassroots organizing, and the importance of rural communities in America. Jess shares her teaching journey, key strategies to revive Democrats' presence in rural areas, and her current role with Blue Missouri, raising funds to support Democrats in red districts. Jess’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of individual action in fostering change, even against daunting odds.

(05:50) - Heidi and Joel encourage listeners to share their stories, support local
(11:40) - Jess Piper discusses how her activism began post-2018 due to the Abortion Ban
(22:40) - Joel and Jess commiserate on how frustrating uncontested elections can be for rural voters
(31:24) - Jess and Joel touch on the misunderstood topic of Rural Democrats being Pro-Gun
(39:31) - Heidi and Joel encourage us all to have the courage to defend Democracy

Gutting Rural Education: the GOP's long-term plan Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

North Carolina Representative Julie Von Haefen, Tennessee Representative J.C. Bowman, and Iowa Representative and One Country Project board member J.D. Scholten join The Hot Dish to discuss the challenges facing public education in rural America. The conversation highlights the efforts to fight against the dismantling of public education systems and the consequences of funding private schools with public dollars. Heidi Heitkamp leads the conversation, emphasizing the importance of this issue for rural communities and the future of American education.

Heidi and Joel Heitkamp delve into the vital role of public education in maintaining democratic values and fostering community. They encourage listeners to support public schools by advocating for policies that prioritize educational access for all. Gain valuable insights into the ongoing battle for public education and hear the various arguments against the privatization of public schools. The guests provide a comprehensive view of the political challenges and the grassroots efforts needed to protect public schools and uphold educational equity.

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/.

(03:51) - Heidi and Joel discuss the "School Choice" debate
(11:43) - Heidi and JC Bowman talk about the lack of accountability in Voucher bills
(21:26) - JC Bowman details the Tennessee education privatization issues
(28:25) - JD Scholten and Julie Von Haefen debate whether rural Republicans are voting against their own interests
(37:08) - Julie Von Haefen talk about how education funding cuts are devastating North Carolina communities
(42:22) - JD Scholten advocates for universal access to decent public education

What Farmers are Saying Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Joel Heitkamp hosts a roundtable discussion with farmers Chris Gibbs, Will Westmoreland, and Nick Levendofsky. They talk about the ups and downs of farming today and dive into topics like tariffs, infrastructure, and politics.
From tariff troubles to the fight to keep rural infrastructure strong, listeners will get an inside scoop on what it's like to manage a farm in today's challenging environment. Learn why these issues matter to rural America and why it's crucial for these farmers to have their voices heard in the bigger political arena.
Heidi Heitkamp also highlights the ongoing planning of the upcoming One Country Project 2025 Rural Summit. It's all about making sure rural America's got a say in the big decisions being made!
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/. To see more of Will Westmoreland's work, visit http://www.thebackfortyofficial.com/.

(05:50) - Will, Nick, and Chris discuss how cutting programs puts Rural America in trouble
(11:58) - Joel, Will, and Nick bond over the difficulties of reporting facts as a public figure
(19:37) - Nick and Will debate with Chris whether farmers are being pushed out by corporations
(28:47) - Will calls for a redefinition of "farmer" to unify and affect collective change
(31:24) - Heidi calls for more voices of affected farmers to write into the show

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