Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Cynthia Cox from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) to discuss the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on healthcare costs. Cynthia shares insights into how the ACA supports individuals without employer-provided insurance, including small business owners and farmers.

You will learn more about the complexities of the challenges and opportunities in the current healthcare landscape. Tune in if you're interested in understanding the intricacies of healthcare policy. 

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/. 

• (06:00) - Cynthia Cox from KFF discusses her role and expertise on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp.
• (00:00) - Chapter 2
• (12:00) - Cynthia urges listeners to pay attention to healthcare cost increases and the role of Congress.
• (00:00) - Chapter 4
• (18:00) - Heidi and Cynthia debate the numerous Republican arguments against Obamacare and the impact on healthcare costs.
• (00:00) - Chapter 6
• (24:00) - Cynthia details the work she's doing with KFF on Medicare Advantage and its implications.

The Liberal Redneck, Trae Crowder, joins Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss his journey from rural Tennessee to internet fame. You will learn about Trae's unique perspective on blending humor with serious topics, discussing the impact of growing up rural on political views.

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 onecountryproject.org or find us at One Country Project Substack.

• (00:11) - - Trae Crowder introduces himself and his background.
• (14:12) - - Heidi, Joel, and Trae discuss the special election in Tennessee.
• (23:45) - - Heidi and Trae talk about the impact of $12 billion on rural schools.
• (33:00) - - Trae Crowder discusses his unique style to political speech.

Jess Piper joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss the political climate in rural America, focusing on Democratic engagement and the challenges faced by local communities. The conversation covers economic issues, healthcare, and the importance of local political campaigns.

Gain valuable insights into the current political landscape and learn about strategies for engaging rural voters. You will learn about the significance of local representation and the impact of economic policies on rural communities. Jess Piper shares her experiences and perspectives, offering a unique view on the challenges and opportunities in rural America.

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/.

• (05:00) - - Political Climate and Rural Engagement
• (15:00) - - Economic Issues and Healthcare
• (25:00) - - Political Campaigns and Strategies
• (35:00) - - Conclusion and Call to Action

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp are joined by political commentator Chris Matthews to discuss the future of the Democratic Party, lessons from Bobby Kennedy, and the importance of connecting with everyday Americans. They examine recent election results, challenges facing rural America, and how both parties can better serve working people. 

You will gain valuable insight into how Democrats can rebuild trust with rural and working-class voters. Chris Matthews shares stories about the Kennedys and offers advice for future leaders. You should listen if you care about democracy, dignity, and the future of rural America.

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/.

• (05:22) - Chris Matthews discusses how snobbery hurts Democrats in reaching rural America.
• (12:00) - Chris, Heidi and Joel debate the hypocrisy around immigration in Red states.
• (22:18) - Heidi and Chris highlight the importance of rallying for our country's democracy.
• (27:36) - Joel and Chris discuss how Senators need to speak up and use their office for the good of the country.
• (33:49) - Heidi and Chris debate Roosevelt's Social Security strategy.

Economist 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 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/.

• (05:02) - Justin Wolfers explains what a K-Shaped Economy is and how it affects Americans
• (14:29) - Heidi and Joel Heitkamp discuss the dire political consequences of policy shifts
• (23:52) - Justin discusses how there is a global shift away from U.S. trade due to tariffs
• (28:21) - Justin details how global stocks are outpacing the U.S. market and why
• (37:28) - Joel, Heidi and Justin describe a shared fear of the long-term impact of Trump's policies

In 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 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) - Tom Nichols describes how he sees himself as an Old-School Conservatism
• (12:11) - Tom Nichols discusses Trump's fascination with the military
• (18:10) - Heidi and Joel discuss with Tom Nichols how Trump's reelection diminished worldwide trust
• (28:17) - Joel, Tom Nichols and Heidi discuss how Democrats are acting as gutless leaders
• (39:29) - Joel points out that if he's in a dogfight, he wants to be able to bark back

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 divides.

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/.

• (04:59) - Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Gov. Tim Walz to discuss rural America's growing farm crisis
• (09:42) - Hosts and Gov. Walz discuss the importance of Midwest agriculture to America's economy
• (19:58) - Gov. Tim Walz critiques Trump's blatant Market manipulation
• (34:03) - Gov. Walz discusses how the tariffs raise consumer costs nationally
• (41:53) - Hosts and Gov. Walz how Democrats are ignoring Rural America to their great detriment
• (49:39) - Heidi emphasizes the importance of winning trust over votes

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

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

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.

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/.

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/

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) - 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