Connecting Rural and Urban: Technology, Stories, and Sensible Gun Control
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Hot Dish, comfort food for middle America. We've curated a rich and thoughtful discussion to explore key issues impacting rural and urban communities alike.
In this episode, Joel has a fascinating conversation with Dee Davis, the founder of the Center for Rural Strategies. Dee discusses the foundational importance of human connections and shared experiences to bridge the gaps between rural and urban areas. He also highlights The Daily Yonder, the Center's publication dedicated to amplifying rural voices.
Joel also dives deep into the complexities of gun policy with Joe Mason and T.D. Hill, co-founders of Pro Gun Democrats. They bring a nuanced perspective on finding a middle ground in the gun control debate, advocating for common-sense measures like a three-day waiting period and banning binary triggers and bump stocks.
Joe Mason sheds light on the resistance to change from organizations like the NRA and stresses the importance of one-on-one discussions to foster understanding and common ground. T.D. Hill shares insights on the challenge of shifting deeply ingrained talking points but finds hope in individual conversations leading to agreement on sensible measures.
Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.
To learn more, visit https://onecountryproject.org
Center for Rural Strategies: https://www.ruralstrategies.org/
The Pro Gun Democrat: https://theprogundemocrat.com/
Center for Rural Strategies: https://www.ruralstrategies.org/
The Pro Gun Democrat: https://theprogundemocrat.com/
Join the One Country Project for the fourth annual Rural Progress Summit, July 8–10. The keynote will feature a virtual fireside chat between Sec. Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp.
The Rural Progress Summit is a virtual event that brings together voices from across the country to explore ideas and solutions that address the real needs of rural America.
Go to OneCountryProject.org to learn more or https://pdcst.news/RPS2025 to register for the Rural Progress Summit.
Creators and Guests

Host
Heidi Heitkamp
U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp served as the first female senator elected from North Dakota from 2013 – 2019. he is the founder and Chair of the One Country Project, an organization focused on addressing the needs and concerns of rural America. Heidi was recently named the Director of the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago, a university she has long been committed to and a place where she enjoys engaging with students over civic discussions while encouraging them to seek opportunities in public service to our country. Heidi also serves as a contributor to both CNBC and ABC News.

Host
Joel Heitkamp
He is an multi-award winning talk show host both regionally and nationally. Before radio, he served in the North Dakota Senate from 1995-2008.
