Beth Macy: Journalist, Author, Fighter for the Working Class

Beth Macy: Journalist, Author, Fighter for the Working Class

Author: The One Country Project March 11, 2026 Duration: 50:21

In this episode, Beth Macy joins Heidi and Joel to discuss her compelling journey from journalist to political candidate. She explores how her books illuminate the struggles of rural communities facing economic and social upheaval, and how storytelling can serve as a catalyst for political change. Beth shares her insights on reconnecting with voters across political divides, the importance of local narratives, and her vision for representing rural America in Congress.

Key topics covered:

  • Beth Macy’s background as a journalist and author of Factory Man, Dopesick, and Paper Girl
  • The impact of globalization, NAFTA, and foreign trade policies on rural jobs and communities
  • How the opioid crisis and big tech regulation highlight broader societal failures
  • The personal stories that catalyzed her decision to run for Congress
  • Strategies for bridging political divides through shared values and empathy
  • The challenges and opportunities of campaigning in Virginia’s Sixth District
  • The influence of media, misinformation, and the decline of local journalism
  • The role of the farm bill, small farms, and rural economic policies
  • Beth’s approach to reconnecting with her family across political lines
  • Her vision for policy solutions that serve everyday Americans

Resources & Links:

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 Beth Macy and Her Journey
  • (01:09) - Beth Macy's Background and Early Career
  • (02:06) - The Impact of NAFTA and Globalization
  • (03:54) - The Opioid Crisis and Its Effects on Rural America
  • (05:04) - Transitioning from Journalist to Politician
  • (06:26) - Personal Reflections and Family Dynamics
  • (10:26) - Facing Criticism and Challenges in Politics
  • (13:24) - Understanding Political Identity and Values
  • (16:50) - The Role of Media in Political Discourse
  • (19:44) - Rebuilding Family Relationships Across Political Lines
  • (27:08) - The Sixth District: Challenges and Opportunities
  • (30:59) - Campaign Strategies and Community Engagement
  • (33:29) - Introduction to the Book Club and Audience Engagement
  • (35:25) - Heidi & Joel: The Challenges Facing Small Family Farms
  • (38:35) - The Future of Hemp and Alternative Crops
  • (41:49) - The Current State of U.S. Foreign Policy
  • (44:29) - The Role of Israel in U.S. Politics
  • (47:29) - Conclusion and Future Discussions

Heidi Heitkamp, a former U.S. Senator, and her brother Joel, a longtime Midwest radio host, bring a unique perspective to the table in their podcast The Hot Dish. Their dynamic is the engine here-a blend of deep policy knowledge from the halls of Congress and grounded, everyday insight from community radio, all filtered through the familiar and often humorous lens of sibling debate. They sit down with a range of guests, from national newsmakers and elected officials to local policymakers, focusing squarely on the ideas and actions that impact rural communities across America. These aren't dry lectures; they're animated discussions that dig into practical solutions for real challenges, from economic opportunities to infrastructure. Produced by The One Country Project, the conversation on this podcast is as informative as it is engaging, often punctuated by the kind of lively back-and-forth that only a brother and sister can provide. You'll come for the insightful analysis on politics and news, but you'll stay for the authentic and enlightening dialogue that makes complex issues relatable. Each episode serves up a hearty mix of substance and personality, offering listeners a fresh take on the stories that shape the heart of the country.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hot Dish
Podcast Episodes
News Deserts are Changing Rural America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
In this episode, we examine how the absence of local news affects political polarization, civic engagement, and community identity. First, scholars John Volk and Joshua Darr join The Hot Dish to discuss the emergence and…
Gas, Groceries, and Rent (with Paul Begala) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Veteran political strategist Paul Begala joins the Hot Dish to discuss how the Democratic Party can reconnect with rural Americans. He offers straightforward actions each of us can take to respond to the challenges of ch…
TikTok: What You Need To Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:46
In this episode, we delve into essential discussions on federal policy, TikTok, and the balance of power in Washington that we know will resonate with you.Heidi and Joel explore the chaos caused by a recent Office of Man…
Young Democrats Fighting for Rural America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
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,…
Balancing Voter Interests: Split-Ticket Voting in Rural America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
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 i…
Navigating Tariffs, Politics, and Economic Pressures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:05
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 fea…
How Home Testing Can Improve Rural Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:25
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. Today, we're serving up engaging discussions on healthcare accessibility in rural America, challenges for the Trump Administration,…
Silent Voices: Indigenous Histories and Volunteer Firefighter Stories [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:33
Welcome to another powerful episode of The Hot Dish. This one delves deep into the past and present of untold stories from America's heartland, from the historical injustices faced by Native communities to the contempora…
How Religion Will Impact The Election [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
Welcome back to another thought-provoking episode of The Hot Dish, where we dive deep into the heart of America’s rural and small-town landscapes. In this very special episode, Joel speaks with two incredibly insightful…