'Tis the Season for Community

'Tis the Season for Community

Author: The One Country Project December 24, 2025 Duration: 30:17

In this episode of The Hot Dish, hosts Heidi and Joel Heitkamp announce the 2025 Rural Champion Awards before highlighting the Christmas Spirit of Kellie Smith, a small-town entrepreneur from Perham, Minnesota. Kellie shares her inspiring story of creating a community space for those in need during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of leadership and community support in rural areas. The conversation also touches on the significance of traditions and the spirit of giving in small towns.

Join us on The Hot Dish every 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/. 

  • (00:00) - Celebrating Rural Champions
  • (01:18) - Introducing Community Hero Kelly Smith
  • (03:25) - The Heart of Perham: A Small Town's Spirit
  • (04:19) - Creating a Community Giving Tree
  • (07:28) - Community Response and Support
  • (09:38) - Breaking Barriers: Accessing Help
  • (12:48) - Unity in Diversity: Bridging Divides
  • (14:22) - Inspiring Neighboring Towns
  • (15:39) - Leadership in Rural Development
  • (16:33) - Encouraging Community Involvement
  • (19:16) - Christmas Traditions and Family Memories
  • (28:25) - Creating Lasting Memories Over Material Gifts

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

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