Welcome to another episode of The Hot Dish, where we serve comfort food for Middle America. In today's episode, Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp delve into the political whirlwind surrounding Donald Trump's inauguration, cabinet picks, and executive orders — and their implications for the next four years.

Later in the episode, you'll hear a fascinating conversation between One Country Project Board Member J.D. Scholten and Anderson Clayton, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair. Anderson, the youngest state party chair in the nation, shares her experiences and insights on enhancing grassroots infrastructure, speaking to rural voters, and the GOP's efforts to throw out 60,000 legal votes in the Tarheel State to overturn the results of a state Supreme Court election.

Join us as we explore these pivotal topics and more, all aimed at bringing clarity and hope to the heartland.

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