Hold onto your hats — this episode is a wake-up call, a rallying cry for the soul of rural America. Senator Peter Welch of Vermont spills the truth bombs on agriculture, healthcare, trade, and the values that bind us all — forces that are threatened but must be fought for with passion, integrity, and boldness. If you're tired of the noise, ready for real solutions, and crave authentic voices, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• The real fights behind the farm bill and why it’s more than just policy — it’s about survival and dignity.
• How tariffs, trade wars, and market loss hurt farmers and rural communities — beyond political talking points.
• The erosion of core rural values like community, self-reliance, and tolerance — and why they matter to everyone.
• The crisis in rural healthcare and what it reveals about government failures.
• The dangerous politicization of justice, border enforcement, and immigration — and the urgent need for oversight and accountability.
• Practical solutions to fix broken systems — healthcare, labor, trade — rooted in respect and bipartisan action.
• A call to approach rural folks not as victims or subjects but as neighbors, allies, and innovators.

Resources & Links:

• Farm Bill Insights
• The impact of tariffs on farmers
• Healthcare in Rural America

Connect with Senator Welch:

• Senator Welch's official website
• Senatoe Welch on Bluesky

• (00:00) - Introduction to The Hot Dish
• (01:40) - The Farm Bill Debate
• (06:44) - Challenges Facing Rural America
• (12:30) - Healthcare in Rural Communities
• (19:19) - The Impact of Immigration Policies
• (24:15) - The Role of the Judiciary
• (32:06) - Conclusion and Reflections on Rural Values
• (39:45) - Mailbag + outro

This episode is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt the call to make a real difference. Whether you’re new to politics or part of the old guard, Amanda Litman’s story and insights will inspire you to step up, speak out, and run — for your community, your future, your life!

In this episode:

• Amanda Litman breaks down how "Run for Something" energizes diverse, non-traditional leaders to run for local office
• The key to motivating candidates: focus on their passion, not their willingness to beg
• How flipping districts in 2025 showed that authentic candidates can beat money and outmoded politics
• Overcoming fears: safety, sacrifice, and doubts — and turning them into fuel for change
• The vital role of women, rural leaders, and young people in shaping future politics
• Practical tips for everyday citizens to exercise power—door knocking, volunteering, and engaging directly with representatives
• Why courage, persistence, and authenticity beat slick campaigns every single time

Resources & Links:

• Run for Something
• Run for What
• Amanda Litman (Google Search)
• Local Progress
• Future Caucus
• State Innovation Exchange

Connect with Amanda Litman:

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

This episode is a call — a declaration — that YOU are part of this movement. Your voice, your vote, your courage can change history. Don’t wait — run, speak, act. The future isn’t written yet. Let’s write it together.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

• (00:00) - Introduction to Run for Something
• (01:22) - Empowering Young Leaders in Politics
• (03:23) - The Candidate Recruitment Process
• (04:45) - Understanding Candidate Success Rates
• (06:21) - Overcoming Doubts About Winning
• (08:36) - Addressing Fears of Running for Office
• (10:29) - Navigating Financial Sacrifices in Campaigning
• (12:58) - Reframing Fundraising as Public Service
• (15:30) - Encouraging Women to Run for Office
• (17:19) - Building a Pipeline for Future Candidates
• (19:35) - The Importance of Community Engagement
• (22:11) - Call to Action
• (23:18) - Minnesota's Political Landscape with Grant Hauschild
• (29:27) - Addressing Authoritarianism and Civic Responsibility
• (32:12) - Empowering Citizens to Take Action
• (34:31) - The Role of Candidate Recruitment in Democracy

In this jam-packed episode, Heidi and Joel speak with Nathan Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections, about Democrats' prospects in the Midterm Elections and the collapse of the Trump Coalition.

Then, Iowa State Rep. Adam Zabner gives a quick update on turnout for the state's precinct caucuses and the frustration with the Trump Administration among the state's Independent and centrist Republican voters.

Finally, Heidi and Joel speak with former Arizona Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano about the failure of good law enforcement that the Department is exhibiting in Minneapolis and across the country.

The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject).

• (00:00) - Midterm Election Insights with Nathan Gonzales
• (02:20) - Current Political Landscape and Trends
• (07:49) - Republican Challenges and Voter Sentiment
• (11:57) - Polling Dynamics and Election Predictions
• (14:23) - Rural Voting Patterns and Shifts
• (18:03) - Key Issues Affecting Voter Behavior
• (19:49) - Final Predictions for House and Senate
• (23:09) - Adam Zabner on the Iowa Caucuses
• (28:08) - Former DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano on the state of Homeland Security