Shows
The Hot DishJustin Wolfers Tells The Truth About the US EconomyEconomist 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...
2025-11-1939 min
The Hot DishTom Nichols on Trump's "Populist Popcorn" MilitaryIn 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 co...
2025-11-1242 min
The Hot DishGov. Tim Walz asks, "What happened to 'Don't Tread On Me'?"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...
2025-11-0550 min
The Hot DishTaking Farmers for GrantedIn 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...
2025-10-2940 min
The Hot DishShutting Down Rural HealthcareHeidi 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...
2025-10-2247 min
The Hot Dish"Don't Be Chicken Shit!" Sen. Tina Smith has something to saySenator 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.Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we...
2025-10-1549 min
The Hot DishExciting Announcements!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-6IGkQmlXUY5pzCheck out more information on CrookedCon here: https://www.crookedcon.com/Join us on The Hot D...
2025-10-0102 min
The Hot DishDrowning in Debt: A National Security RiskMaya 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...
2025-09-1736 min
The Hot DishTennessee Red: Justin Kanew on theocracy in the Volunteer StateToday, 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...
2025-09-0331 min
The Hot DishThis Land is Your Land: the Fight for Public LandsCo-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 invo...
2025-08-2037 min
The Hot DishTexas GOP goes all-in for AuthoritarianismMatt 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...
2025-08-0625 min
The Hot DishImmigrants in Rural AmericaIn 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.Join us on The Hot Dish e...
2025-07-2348 minThe Hot Dish2025 Rural Progress Summit HighlightsIn 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.Th...
2025-07-1132 minThe Hot DishSpecial Announcement about the Rural Progress SummitThis 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.
2025-07-0701 min
The Hot DishSarah Longwell's Republican Triangle of DoomSarah 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...
2025-06-2559 min
The Hot DishGet Activated with Jess PiperJess 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...
2025-06-1142 min
The Hot DishMemorial Day Special: We Talked to VeteransMany 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 M...
2025-05-2839 min
The Hot Dish100 Days of ChaosJerry 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 ke...
2025-05-1440 min
The Hot DishDNC Chair Ken Martin on Making Democrats Strong AgainDNC 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 un...
2025-04-3046 min
The Hot DishHow to Fight BackIn 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...
2025-04-1642 minThe Hot DishGutting Rural Education: the GOP's long-term planNorth 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...
2025-04-0243 minThe Hot DishWhat Farmers are SayingIn 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...
2025-03-1933 min
The Hot DishNews Deserts are Changing Rural AmericaIn 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....
2025-03-0536 min
The Hot DishGas, Groceries, and Rent (with Paul Begala)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...
2025-02-1941 min
The Hot DishTikTok: What You Need To KnowIn 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...
2025-02-0529 min
fiction/non/fictionSCOTUS vs. MFA: Jaswinder Bolina on How the End of Affirmative Action Will Affect Writing Program AdmissionsPoet Jaswinder Bolina joins co-host Whitney Terrell and V.V. Ganeshananthan to talk about how the Supreme Court’s decision to outlaw the consideration of race in college admissions will affect MFA programs. The group reflects on why diversity is a crucial part of any writer’s education and the risk that this decision will change writing programs for the worse. Comparing the MFA admissions processes for their respective institutions, the three also discuss how everything from scholarships to the workshop environment may be affected, and Bolina speaks about the importance of diverse faculties. He reads from his essay “Americ...
2023-07-201h 02fiction/non/fictionReady Player One: B.J. Best, Andrew Ervin, and Brittney Morris on Video Games, Storytelling, and the Importance of PlayWriters B.J. Best, Andrew Ervin, and Brittney Morris join co-hosts V.V. Ganeshananthan and Whitney Terrell live from the Unbound Book Festival in Columbia, Missouri to discuss the narrative realms of video games and the evolving space they inhabit. The group reminisces about their first experiences playing and talks about nostalgia, reflects on ludology vs narratology in game design, and analyzes the way video games include players in the storytelling. Ranging from the text-based games of early days to the AAA and blockbuster franchises like Red Dead Redemption and World of Warcraft, this episode considers the necessity of...
2023-05-0451 minfiction/non/fictionThe Literature of QAnon: From 4chan to January 6, Will Sommer on Reading the Authors of Conspiracy TheoriesJournalist Will Sommer joins co-hosts V.V. Ganeshananthan and Whitney Terrell to discuss his new book Trust the Plan: The Rise of QAnon and the Conspiracy That Unhinged America, a history of the rise of the cultish right-wing group. Sommer, a reporter for The Daily Beast, has covered QAnon since its inception and explains its origins, what—and who—drives it now, and how he handles interviewing people who believe the world is controlled by a satanic cabal of celebrity pedophiles. He also reads an excerpt from the book.To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Goog...
2023-03-3039 min