The Hot Dish

Nick Levendofsky has spent years watching Washington write farm bills that land badly in the field. As director of the Kansas Farmers Union, he's tracked input costs climbing, cattle herds shrinking, and processing power concentrating into fewer hands, and he's done sugarcoating what that means.While Heidi is out this week, Joel sits down with Nick to work through where the farm bill actually stands, why the House version leaves too much on the table, and what trade wars cost rural markets long after the headlines move on.In this episode:Why the House farm bill misses on crop insurance, antitrust, and beginning farmersThe bipartisan math required to pass anything that actually sticksHow packers and processors have shifted market power away from producersWhat tariffs and trade disruptions do to rural markets over the long runThe structural problems no single bill can fix, and where the pressure points areResources & LinksKansas Farmers UnionConnect with Nick Levendofsky on:LinkedInThe farm bill keeps falling short, and farmers can't afford to wait. Tune in, get informed, and find out what real reform actually looks like.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) - Overview of today's focus on U.S. farm policy challenges (02:00) - Current status of the farm bill and legislative prospects (03:00) - Why the House version falls short for farmers’ needs (04:45) - Critical issues: antitrust, beginning farmers, and safety nets (05:50) - Land transfers, farm retirements, and generational shifts (12:00) - The impact of past reconciliation cuts and nutrition programs (14:00) - Farmer reliance on federal aid versus trade-based income (15:46) - Concentration in meatpacking and input industries (20:12) - The efficacy of checkoff programs amid trade conflicts (22:30) - Challenges with U.S. trade policies, tariffs, and international markets (26:20) - Long-term outlook for market recovery and trust rebuilding (33:27) - The political landscape and farmers’ support for current leadership (36:31) - Reflections on football coaching ties and regional pride

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 officeThe key to motivating candidates: focus on their passion, not their willingness to begHow flipping districts in 2025 showed that authentic candidates can beat money and outmoded politicsOvercoming fears: safety, sacrifice, and doubts — and turning them into fuel for changeThe vital role of women, rural leaders, and young people in shaping future politicsPractical tips for everyday citizens to exercise power—door knocking, volunteering, and engaging directly with representativesWhy courage, persistence, and authenticity beat slick campaigns every single timeResources & Links:Run for SomethingRun for WhatAmanda Litman (Google Search)Local ProgressFuture CaucusState Innovation ExchangeConnect with Amanda Litman:TwitterLinkedInThis 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 episode of The Hot Dish, Joel Heitkamp speaks with Jamie Ager, a congressional candidate from North Carolina, about pressing issues facing rural America. The conversation covers the tragic story of Alex Pretti, the impact of Hurricane Helene on local communities, frustrations with government response, healthcare challenges, housing affordability, and the importance of curiosity in leadership. Ager shares his family legacy in farming and his vision for a better future for his community and 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) - Introduction to Jamie Ager and His Background (07:43) - The Impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina (15:34) - Challenges in Healthcare and Housing in Rural Areas (22:52) - Curiosity as a Leadership Trait (29:01) - Accountability and Law Enforcement in America

In this episode of The Hot Dish, Heidi engages in a compelling conversation with retired General Mark Hertling. The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the complexities of U.S. military operations, foreign policy, and the implications of regime change. General Hertling shares insights from his experiences in Iraq and his views on the recent U.S. incursion into Venezuela. He specifically addresses his concerns about the seeming lack of any single individual within the U.S. government who is responsible for the aftermath in Venezuela.The conversation also touches on the role of the Venezuelan military, the global ramifications of U.S. actions, and the importance of clear leadership in military operations. Additionally, General Hertling discusses his new book, "If I Don't Return: a Father's Wartime Journal," which offers a personal perspective on military service and its impact on families. (You can pre-order a signed copy here: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/if-i-dont-return.)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 the Conversation with General Hurtling (50:03) - OCP-YouTube-EndScreen.mp4 (00:00) - Chapter 3 (00:00) - Introduction and Overview (00:13) - Introduction to the Conversation with General Hurtlin (01:51) - Military Insights and Foreign Policy (05:59) - Oil Economy and Venezuela (10:40) - Latin America and Global Implications (21:11) - The Insurrection Act and Domestic Concerns (27:22) - Personal Stories and Reflections (41:40) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts