What can you do? Run For Something!

What can you do? Run For Something!

Author: The One Country Project February 11, 2026 Duration: 36:04

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:

Connect with Amanda Litman:

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

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
Faith Communities to the Rescue [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:26
In this episode, Heidi and Joel delve into the pivotal roles religion and community resilience play in rural America, featuring insightful conversations with Reverend Jane Field of Maine and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture…
Tom Nichols on Trump's Iran War and Disastrous Foreign Policy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:52
In this episode of The Hot Dish, Heidi and Joel talk to Tom Nichols, staff writer at The Atlantic and professor emeritus of national-security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College, about the complexities of the U.S. mili…
Beth Macy: Journalist, Author, Fighter for the Working Class [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 socia…
Could Latinos Decide the Midterms? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:13
This episode dives into the power of storytelling, community engagement, and strategic outreach across rural and Latino communities. Joel discusses the One Country Project Book Club with Megan DesCamps before diving into…
What the Tariff Ruling Means for Farmers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:56
In this episode, Heidi Heitkamp hosts a lively discussion with Rachel Prevost, Executive Director of the Montana Farmers Union, and Matt Perdue, President of the North Dakota Farmers Union. They explore critical topics i…
Rural Resistance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:04
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…
Homeland Insecurity with Janet Napolitano [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:34
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 Za…
Winning in Minneapolis, Winning in North Carolina [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:27
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, t…
On the Ground in Minneapolis with the ACLU [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:47
Joel's flying solo in this episode. He speaks with Paul Sullivan of the ACLU of Minnesota about the current climate in Minneapolis and St. Paul amid rising tensions and a federal law enforcement presence. Sullivan descri…
Who's In Charge? Gen. Mark Hertling Wants to Know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:19
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, foreig…