One Country Project's Hot Dish

Welcome to another powerful episode of The Hot Dish. This one delves deep into the past and present of untold stories from America's heartland, from the historical injustices faced by Native communities to the contemporary heroes fighting fires without pay.Of course, Heidi and Joel begin by reviewing the shocking results of the 2024 elections, and the failure of the Democratic Party to communicate effectively with a majority of American voters. Then, we sit down with Donovan Archambault, a tribal leader and author whose new book offers an eye-opening account of life at a government-backed Indian school in the 1950s. Drawing from his own experiences and those of his community, Donovan reveals that approximately 90% of his fictional book is based on actual events. Listeners will learn about the harsh realities faced by Native American children, including abuse and cultural erasure. He emphasizes the importance of advocating and reclaiming Indigenous cultural values to foster societal healing.Next, we shift our focus to an inspiring piece of documentary filmmaking with Pete Yoakum, who discusses his project "Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat." This documentary highlights the lives of volunteer firefighters in rural America, shedding light on their bravery and dedication despite minimal recognition and compensation. Pete reveals his journey, from conception to the challenges of filming during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the incredible support he received from communities. You’ll gain insights into the diverse stories of volunteer first responders and the evolving role of women in firefighting.Tune in every other week for The Hot Dish, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.orgFor a copy of Tatanga Hōksheen: A Failed Attempt to Kill The Indian by Donovan Archambault, Sr, you can find it in many booksellers including Praire Edge: https://prairieedge.com/all-products/katanga-hoksheen-a-failed-attempt-to-kill-the-indian-book/?srsltid=AfmBOoqyD3HW2XGQMkPB6XwJpVg0Qqm5xd8UwbudbIocHoa4F89R5kKz or Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tatanga-h-333-ksheen-donovan-archambault-sr/1145828386 For local listings and more info on the documentary, visit the official "Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat" website: https://oddhoursfilm.com/

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. We've curated a rich and thoughtful discussion to explore key issues impacting rural and urban communities alike.In this episode, Joel has a fascinating conversation with Dee Davis, the founder of the Center for Rural Strategies. Dee discusses the foundational importance of human connections and shared experiences to bridge the gaps between rural and urban areas. He also highlights The Daily Yonder, the Center's publication dedicated to amplifying rural voices.Joel also dives deep into the complexities of gun policy with Joe Mason and T.D. Hill, co-founders of Pro Gun Democrats. They bring a nuanced perspective on finding a middle ground in the gun control debate, advocating for common-sense measures like a three-day waiting period and banning binary triggers and bump stocks.Joe Mason sheds light on the resistance to change from organizations like the NRA and stresses the importance of one-on-one discussions to foster understanding and common ground. T.D. Hill shares insights on the challenge of shifting deeply ingrained talking points but finds hope in individual conversations leading to agreement on sensible measures.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.orgCenter for Rural Strategies: https://www.ruralstrategies.org/ The Pro Gun Democrat: https://theprogundemocrat.com/ 

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. In this very special episode, Joel speaks with two incredibly insightful guests who will illuminate the intertwining of religion and politics in the upcoming election.Joe Donnelly, former Congressman, Senator, and Ambassador to the Holy See, passionately calls for character and equitable values in candidates, urging the religious community to consider these traits closely.Robert P. Jones, the President of the Public Religion Research Institute, discusses how Kamala Harris's diverse background is more accepted by younger Americans while illustrating how the push for Christianity in public schools, like the Ten Commandments case in North Dakota, ties into the broader Christian nationalist movement.Listeners will discover how American Catholics' views on abortion, governance, and religious affiliation are evolving, highlighting a growing acceptance of diversity within religious communities. We also delve into the pivotal role women play in political organization, particularly within African American communities, and the significant demographic shifts shaping the religious landscape in Middle America.Joe Donnelly’s reflections on the humor and diversity in religious practices and Robert P. Jones’s dissection of Christian nationalism’s rise provide valuable insights into the underlying currents influencing today’s political climate.Heidi will be back on November 6 and stay tuned for a special post-election episode that week as well. Don't forget to let us know your thoughts at podcast@onecountryproject.org.

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 Podcast@OneCountryProject.org and learn more at OneCountryProject.org.

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

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!

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

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 podcast@onecountryproject.com.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

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