Welcome back to "The Hot Dish," where we serve up the latest political insights with a side of grassroots wisdom. In today's episode, host Heidi Heitkamp welcomes Iowa State Representative J.D. Scholten, who shares his insights from the campaign trail. We'll dive into the critical issues that drove his unexpected victory in a Trump district.

First, the hosts touch on the challenges facing rural communities, including healthcare crises and the fast-paced messaging tactics of conservative media and the importance of engaging younger voters for a vibrant political future.

Heidi offers personal news about becoming a grandmother and reflects on the Democratic Party's evolving connection with working-class America.

Don’t forget, we want to hear from you—drop us an email at podcast@onecountryproject.org.

Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Hot Dish, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate deeply with rural America. In this episode, Heidi and Joel answer some listener mail from parents who fear losing their adult children to MAGA inlaws. Then Joel engages in a riveting discussion with Chris Gibbs, an Ohio farmer and former Republican turned Democrat.

Our discussion dives into the heart of economic concerns that the Democratic policies seem to miss, focusing on everyday financial pressures and the high cost of living. Chris Gibbs shares his firsthand experiences and reflections on how tariffs and geopolitical impacts, like China's shift to Brazilian soybeans, affect farmers and the agricultural landscape. You'll hear about the farmers' perceptions of trade policies and compensations alongside the broader, long-term effects of tariffs on U.S. market reliability.

We'll also discuss the urgent need for the Democratic Party to rebuild its brand, particularly in rural and moderate regions, by connecting with the values and daily experiences of working-class Americans.

This episode also includes an engaging holiday segment where Heidi and Joel share personal reflections and holiday wishes.

Join us on The Hot Dish every other week for discussions that cut to the core of the issues impacting rural America. Whether you're interested in economic policies, agricultural challenges, or the intersection of politics and everyday life, this episode offers a rich, informative dialogue.

To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. Today, we're serving up engaging discussions on healthcare accessibility in rural America, challenges for the Trump Administration, and community values.

Hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp also provide valuable life advice in response to listener mail, addressing career choices and the benefits of community involvement. They share heartfelt reflections on values taught by their parents, emphasizing the importance of contributing to local communities.

They also discuss the importance of immigrants in filling workforce gaps in rural areas. Heidi and Joel critically examine the negative portrayal of immigrants and the economic impact of deporting undocumented individuals.

Then our special guest, Becca LaFond, joins us to discuss making medical testing accessible in homes, a crucial need for rural areas. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, Becca introduces listeners to Healthy.io. This groundbreaking technology company empowers patients by allowing them to use their smart devices to detect and monitor kidney diseases without needing to attend in-person doctor appointments regularly.

Rounding out this episode with warmth and reliability, enjoy some humorous banter between Heidi and Joel about holiday singing, family traditions, and the epilogue to Joel's pumpkin patch travails.

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.org.

To learn more about Healthy.io visit https://healthy.io/