Donald Trump versus the Pope

Donald Trump versus the Pope

Author: The One Country Project April 15, 2026 Duration: 50:00

Buckle up, folks! Today’s episode is a wild ride through the messiest, juiciest conversations about church, politics, and global trade, served with a side of satire and a sprinkle of smirk. Former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to the Vatican Joe Donnelly dropping truth bombs about the Catholic Church’s dance with politics.


But there’s more! Washington Post financial journalist David J. Lynch hoins Heidi and Joel to help you navigate the murky waters of AI, tariffs, and global instability with razor-sharp wit. Lynch’s new book, The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong (And What Would Make It Right), addresses rise and fall of the greatest engine of prosperity the world has ever known.


Lynch explains why global trade prosperity is failing to benefit Americans and what we can do to change it.

In this episode:

  • Joe Donnelly roasts the U.S. President for his AI Jesus and Pope-bashing antics
  • The Catholic bishops’ role in American politics, and why their message hits a nerve
  • How Trump’s AI-generated image depicting him as Jesus is sparking international outrage, and should make us all uncomfortable
  • The domino effect of tariffs, trade wars, and the broken promises to rural America
  • The strategic disaster of ignoring Congress in decisions about war, and why even Senate insiders are throwing in the towel
  • Why globalized trade isn't a magic potion for economic prosperity
  • The urgent need to rethink safety nets as AI and economic inequality threaten to wipe out the middle class

Resources & Links:

Connect with David J. Lynch:

And remember: When it comes to faith, trade, and technology—sometimes the truth is too bizarre for fiction. Thanks for tuning in to the Hot Dish: the political casserole your grandma would be proud of, served up with a side of sass.

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) - Joel and Heidi speak with Joe Donnelly about Trump versus the Pope
  • (25:16) - Introduction to Globalization and Its Impact
  • (28:14) - The Consequences of NAFTA and Trade Policies
  • (30:55) - Political Ramifications of Globalization
  • (34:00) - The Effects of Tariffs on American Workers
  • (36:52) - Trust and Credibility in International Trade
  • (39:58) - The Future of Globalization and AI
  • (42:51) - Addressing the Challenges Ahead

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: 50

The Hot Dish
Podcast Episodes
Shutting Down Rural Healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:26
Heidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Michelle Rathman and Jeanne Lambrew to discuss their expert insights on the future of rural hospitals, premium tax credits, Medicaid, and nursing care, as well as how community leaders and…
"Don't Be Chicken Shit!" Sen. Tina Smith has something to say [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:10
Senator Tina Smith joins hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to discuss urgent rural issues like skyrocketing health insurance premiums, farm policies, crop markets, and rural hospital survival.You will learn how current decis…
Exciting Announcements! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19
Host Joel Heitkamp announces exciting updates for The Hot Dish, including the move to weekly shows and upcoming video content. Joel also shares details about the upcoming Hot Dish live show, which will take place at Croo…
Drowning in Debt: A National Security Risk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins host Heidi Heitkamp to tackle the urgent issues of federal debt, government spending, and the economic challenges facing rural America.…
Tennessee Red: Justin Kanew on theocracy in the Volunteer State [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:35
Today, hosts Heidi Heitkamp and Joel Heitkamp welcome Justin Kanew, founder of the Tennessee Holler. They discuss the political climate in Tennessee, the role of faith in politics, and the impact of media on public perce…
This Land is Your Land: the Fight for Public Lands [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:05
Co-founders of the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network, Land Tawney and Aaron Murphy, join hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp to tackle the urgent threats facing America’s public lands. Land and Aaron break down recen…
Beto O'Rourke on the Fight for Democracy in Texas [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:51
In this brief conversation with Heidi, former Congressman Beto O'Rourke discusses the critical political landscape in Texas, focusing on the fight against gerrymandering and the implications of recent Republican Party ac…
Texas GOP goes all-in for Authoritarianism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:16
Matt Angle, founder of the Lone Star Project, joins the Hot Dish to break down the urgent issues of gerrymandering and redistricting in Texas. Host Heidi Heitkamp and Matt explore how recent political maneuvers aim to we…
Immigrants in Rural America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
In this episode, Bryan Little, Director of Labor Affairs for the California Farm Bureau, and Sonia Parras Konrad join hosts Joel and Heidi Heitkamp to discuss farm labor regulations, immigration, and affects of this Admi…