Hold onto your hats, folks! Today's episode features political heavyweight Andrew Egger, joining the Heitkamps from The Bulwark, breaking down the current state of Donald Trump’s influence, the midterms’ future, and the perils lurking behind all that grievance for Heidi and Joel. If you thought Trump was invincible, think again. Andrew’s got the scoop that might just make you question everything.

In this episode:

• Andrew's take on whether Trump has worn out his welcome in American politics
• How Trump's coalition is changing and why midterm races might be brighter for Democrats
• The impact of Trump's foreign policy blunders and economic missteps on his base
• Insights into Iowa's surprising blue shift and rural America's economic pain points
• The peculiar pattern of Trump firing women in his cabinet—and what that says about his character
• The shifting power dynamics in Congress and why even insiders are starting to talk differently about him
• The global repercussions of Trump's economic policies and diplomatic missteps

Whether you're an annoyed voter, a political junkie, or just here for the laughs, this chat lays out the stakes in a way that's as sharp as Andrew's take on the Trump saga. Plus, a deep dive into the bizarre lawsuits, foreign policy flops, and the deepening schism in the GOP. It's like watching a slow-motion car crash—fascinating, inevitable, and possibly the end of an era.

Resources & Links:

• The Bulwark
• Andrew Egger’s Morning Shots Newsletter
• Echelon Insights polling in Iowa

And remember: If Trump is a cat, he’s probably on his eighth life. But this episode highlights the cracks in the armor, so buckle up. Things might just get interesting.

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 the Hot Dish Podcast
• (00:57) - Trump's Political Standing and Challenges
• (05:56) - The Impact of Trump's Actions on His Base
• (11:56) - Congressional Dynamics and Trump's Influence
• (18:46) - Public Perception and Trump's Leadership
• (19:53) - Economic Concerns and Political Implications
• (22:03) - Tax Refunds and Economic Reality
• (23:58) - Midterm Elections and Shifting Political Landscape
• (27:09) - Rural Economy Challenges and Farmer Perspectives
• (31:56) - Manufacturing and Economic Policy in Rural America
• (38:30) - Democratic Strategies for Rural America
• (39:52) - Trump's Economic Pitch and Its Consequences
• (41:48) - Gender Dynamics in Trump's Cabinet
• (44:30) - Closing Thoughts with Andrew Egger
• (45:59) - Understanding the Dispatch and Conservative Media
• (47:01) - Character and Leadership in Crisis
• (48:30) - Closing Thoughts with Heidi and Joel

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:

• The World’s Worst Bet: How the Globalization Gamble Went Wrong
• Washington Post – David Lynch

Connect with David J. Lynch:

• Bluesky

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

The Madness of Power and Prophecy: A Chat with Denver Riggleman

Buckle up, folks! Today’s episode is a wild ride through the chaos that’s unraveling in U.S. politics and global diplomacy, with the ever-brave Denver Riggleman—former Congressman, Air Force vet, NSA contractor, and fearless truth-teller. Prepare for some truth bombs about the insanity, the threats, and the grift that’s turning this country into a giant episode of “How Did We Get Here?”

Riggleman drops truth bombs, connecting the dots between prophecy, power, and national security, all while lamenting the state of American leadership; Joel asks the hard questions and teases out a path back to sanity—maybe, just maybe, saving the damn country.

Main Topics Covered:

• The bizarre and dangerous world of Christian nationalism and prophecy that is fueling political decisions
• The potential and peril of military actions against Iran
• The influence of greed, grift, and the military-industrial complex on U.S. foreign policy
• The decline of trust in American institutions and the urgent need for courageous leadership

Connect with Denver Riggleman:

• X / Twitter
• Substack
• The Breach Media (YouTube)

Hold onto your hats, folks. It’s a wild ride—truth, grift, and the fate of democracy all tangled up in one bold conversation. Would we dare to fix it? Denver says, “Full stop, fire everyone, and rebuild from zero.” Sounds about right. Tune in, laugh, cry, and maybe get inspired to demand real leadership again.

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 the Conversation
• (01:48) - The Insanity of Current Politics
• (06:02) - The State of the Republican Party
• (10:16) - Trump's Mental State and Threats
• (12:00) - Iran: An Imminent Threat?
• (14:41) - The Price of War and Accountability
• (17:53) - The Future of American Politics
• (21:41) - A Call for Leadership and Change