The Hot Dish

An Internment Camp in Nebraska

In this episode of The Hot Dish, hosts Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp are joined by Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh to discuss her efforts to gain access to a state-run federal immigration detention center. Senator Cavanaugh shares her experiences of being denied access to the facility, her political background, and the impact of the detention center on local communities. The conversation also touches on broader political issues, including the role of state legislatures and the importance of local elections. (00:00) - Introduction to Senator Machaela Kavanaugh (03:42) - Political Background and Family Dynamics (06:12) - Concerns Over Immigration Detention Center (09:34) - Access Denied: A State Senator's Struggle (13:40) - Legislative Oversight and Lack of Action (16:33) - The Bigger Picture: National Implications of Detention Centers (19:44) - Public Pressure and Advocacy Strategies (21:55) - The Role of Local Politics in National Issues (25:30) - Impact on Local Communities and Workforce (28:05) - Religious Influence on Political Decisions (30:08) - Conclusion: Standing Up for Justice and Human Rights (31:52) - New Year Predictions and Political Landscape (36:35) - The Impact of Donald Trump on the Republican Party (42:52) - Agriculture and Economic Concerns for Rural America

'Tis the Season for Community

In this episode of The Hot Dish, hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp announce the 2025 Rural Champion Awards before highlighting the Christmas Spirit of Kellie Smith, a small-town entrepreneur from Perham, Minnesota. Kellie shares her inspiring story of creating a community space for those in need during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of leadership and community support in rural areas. The conversation also touches on the significance of traditions and the spirit of giving in small towns.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) - Celebrating Rural Champions (01:18) - Introducing Community Hero Kelly Smith (03:25) - The Heart of Perham: A Small Town's Spirit (04:19) - Creating a Community Giving Tree (07:28) - Community Response and Support (09:38) - Breaking Barriers: Accessing Help (12:48) - Unity in Diversity: Bridging Divides (14:22) - Inspiring Neighboring Towns (15:39) - Leadership in Rural Development (16:33) - Encouraging Community Involvement (19:16) - Christmas Traditions and Family Memories (28:25) - Creating Lasting Memories Over Material Gifts

What's Happening with Healthcare?

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 Rebirth of Rural Democrats

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.

Don't Tell Jess Piper It's Raining

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