DNC Chair Ken Martin joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss the Democratic Party’s future in rural America. They explore the brand image of the Democratic Party and how to reconnect with blue collar and rural voters. Ken, Heidi and Joel stress the importance of authentic local messengers to deliver Democratic narratives, offering you practical steps for community-driven change.

Listen to learn how the Democratic Party plans to rebuild trust, restore its brand, and fight for economic opportunity in rural towns nationwide. Ken offers honest reflection on mistakes, shares new strategies for grassroots engagement, and unveils unprecedented investments in state party infrastructure.

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/.

In this episode, Heidi and Joel give you specific advice on how to channel your frustrations into positive action within your community, focusing on local issues and building a strong support network. They offer insights into being proactive and engaged, highlighting how to make a difference on the ground, especially in rural settings.

Then Jess Piper, Executive Director for Blue Missouri, joins Joel to discuss political engagement, grassroots organizing, and the importance of rural communities in America. Jess shares her teaching journey, key strategies to revive Democrats' presence in rural areas, and her current role with Blue Missouri, raising funds to support Democrats in red districts. Jess’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of individual action in fostering change, even against daunting odds.

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/.

North Carolina Representative Julie Von Haefen, Tennessee Representative J.C. Bowman, and Iowa Representative and One Country Project board member J.D. Scholten join The Hot Dish to discuss the challenges facing public education in rural America. The conversation highlights the efforts to fight against the dismantling of public education systems and the consequences of funding private schools with public dollars. Heidi Heitkamp leads the conversation, emphasizing the importance of this issue for rural communities and the future of American education.

Heidi and Joel Heitkamp delve into the vital role of public education in maintaining democratic values and fostering community. They encourage listeners to support public schools by advocating for policies that prioritize educational access for all. Gain valuable insights into the ongoing battle for public education and hear the various arguments against the privatization of public schools. The guests provide a comprehensive view of the political challenges and the grassroots efforts needed to protect public schools and uphold educational equity.

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/.