The Hot Dish

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

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.
Editor
Ismael Balderas-Wong
Head of Production at Voxtopica
Producer
Richard Fawal
Richard Fawal is founder and CEO of Voxtopica.

What is The Hot Dish?

Former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp and her brother, KFGO radio talk show host Joel Heitkamp, engage in animated discussions with newsmakers, elected leaders, and policymakers who are creating new opportunities for rural Americans and finding practical solutions to their challenges. Punctuated with entertaining conversations and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry, The Hot Dish, from the One Country Project, is informative, enlightening, and downright fun.