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
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…