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Three Rural White Guys

50 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 58 ratings

Three Rural White Guys is a political podcast from the perspective of a potentially endangered species, progressive white men in rural America. Jacob Dodds, Kellen Gracey and Mike Heaton discuss national, state and local politics. Guests provide perspectives on diversity, privilege and life in rural America in the post Trump era.

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Episodes

Forty-Seven

July 13, 2024 20:29 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MB

The guys are ready to move forward. Based on the requests of listeners, they discuss the most legitimate path forward with a new top of the ticket for the Democratic Party.

Gaslit

July 08, 2024 14:54 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MB

The guys discuss the blowback they received from the left for suggesting an honest discussion about Biden's capacity and do a deep dive into what the next four month could look like for the Democrats.

Lucidity

June 28, 2024 22:35 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MB

The latest Presidential "Debate" was a potentially historical moment for the United States for all the wrong reasons. The guys discuss the blatant lying of our former President and convicted felon as well as the mental state of our current President. Neither candidate seemed lucid enough to be President, but the guys wonder if anyone from either party is lucid enough to do anything about it.

The Greed New Deal

June 18, 2024 20:36 - 1 hour - 95.8 MB

The guys explore the consequences of allowing corporate greed to influence the United States political system.

Politics is Local

June 11, 2024 22:32 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MB

While both Republicans and Democrats seem caught up court cases, expensive campaigns and macro-level politics, the guys discuss how local and state politics have a much larger impact on our daily lives.

Convicted Felon

May 31, 2024 16:43 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MB

The guys reconvene for a special episode to discuss the felony convictions of Donald Trump.

Lessons in Civics

February 09, 2024 01:30 - 47 minutes - 89.3 MB

The Three Rural White Guys are back in the garage for Season 5. Jacob, Kellen and Mike discuss the modern GOP's clear lack of understanding of civil liberties, civil rights and civil society as Iowa Republicans openly try to remove the civil rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

April 20, 2023 19:27 - 59 minutes - 68.4 MB

Democracy is NOT a spectator sport! The guys dive into the violent affect the MAGA Culture War is having on society while Boomers get angry at beer cans and weaponize participation trophies. And who is this Bernie guy. Will he save us all?

Citation Needed

March 27, 2023 01:02 - 1 hour - 81.6 MB

The guys speak out against strategic campaigns by right wing media and the GOP treating rural Americans like we are stupid.  They bring the receipts.  

The "F" Word

March 23, 2023 00:57 - 1 hour - 69.3 MB

Jacob, Kellen and Mike are back behind the microphones to discuss the changing political landscape in Iowa and across the country. The word of the day, "Fascism."

Fan Mail

November 04, 2022 04:38 - 29 minutes - 33.6 MB

The guys respond to a super toxic campaign ad that blatantly misrepresents the show. 

Our Best Episode Ever

November 02, 2022 02:32 - 51 minutes - 59.5 MB

This is our best episode ever.  All it took was for the Three Rural White Guys to shut up and hand over the microphones.   Iowa's candidate for Governor, Diedre DeJear, shows us the way forward. 

Rural Democrat

September 13, 2022 02:09 - 52 minutes - 59.6 MB

The guys describe what it means to be a Rural Democrat and discuss the possibility of treason charges against the former President.  

Off The Rails

September 01, 2022 21:06 - 1 hour - 73.6 MB

The guys record on-site at the campgrounds of Midwest Old Threshers.  They discus Dark Brandon's masterclass in politics and the waining support of Republicans for Donald Trump.  

Republican Playbook 2022

August 14, 2022 03:31 - 52 minutes - 59.5 MB

The guys dive into the playbook for the modern Republican Party: Gain power by any means, victimize followers, create villains and double down on the lies.

Live from Central Park!

August 07, 2022 23:34 - 1 hour - 90.2 MB

The Three Rural White Guys recorded live in Central Park!…..Central Park in downtown Mount Pleasant, IA. MCing the Henry County Democrat’s Summer Ice Cream Social, the guys were joined by: Christina Bohannan, candidate for U.S. Congress for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District; Eric Van Lanker, Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor; Mindy Fitzgibbon, Henry County Recorder Jacob and Kellen even put Mike in the hot seat as the Democratic candidate for District 87 of the Iowa House of ...

Religious Dispensation

July 24, 2022 03:03 - 52 minutes - 60.4 MB

In this kickoff to Season 4 of the TRWG's Podcast, Jacob, Kellen and Mike discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming battle with democracy, the growing influence of religion on the U.S. Government and the January 6th hearings.  

Frankly, it is Time to Cut the Grass

June 05, 2022 01:35 - 44 minutes - 50.6 MB

In a special 2022 Primaries episode, Admiral Mike Franken joins the show to discuss the big June 7 primary election that will decide who will lead the charge to dethrone Chuck Grassley this fall.  

Roe v. Wade Special

May 09, 2022 04:06 - 48 minutes - 55.3 MB

Mike, Jacob and Kellen return to the studio for a special "between seasons" episode to discuss recent news about Roe vs. Wade. 

True Colors

March 07, 2022 17:55 - 56 minutes - 108 MB

The guys discuss Biden's State of the Union speech and Reynold's GOP rebuttal, the growing evidence of GOP/Russia ties and the overly patriotic tactics used by politicians to distract from bad legislation and leadership.  

Country Pride

February 27, 2022 06:41 - 45 minutes - 78.5 MB

The Three Rural White Guys interview country music's Chris Housman. They discuss the origins of his hit song, "Blueneck," They also touch on country music's slow journey toward being a more inclusive industry and how to deal with anti-LGBTQ+ legislators. The guys also set the stage for a future episode that will dig into Russia's influence on the modern GOP and right wing media.  

Dirt Road Democrat

February 19, 2022 10:00 - 51 minutes - 97.7 MB

Jessica Piper, the Dirt Road Democrat, joins the guys to discuss how her campaign is turning rural politics on its head.  They discuss her focus on the issues that impact rural communities like public education, agriculture and more. The guys also touch on the most recent manufactured outrage about Hillary Clinton, Kellen's recent stint in Facebook jail and how people can get their very own Dirt Road Democrat shirts at https://jessicapiperformissouri.com

Legislating Via Meme

February 12, 2022 22:20 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MB

What is an "Expert" in 2022? The Three Rural White Guys discuss the proliferation of elected officials drafting legislation based on social media trends. They also discuss how rural Democrats can engage our communities to begin the long process of turning things around.  

Re-Air: For Pete’s Sake

February 08, 2022 23:55 - 39 minutes - 65.9 MB

Following the 2022 caucus, the Three Rural White Guys decided to re-air an interview with Lisa Fleishman, author of “Boots on the Ground.”. Lisa shares about her successful experience organizing in rural Iowa on behalf of the Pete Buttigieg campaign during his 2020 Presidential run.

To The Core

February 05, 2022 17:53 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MB

The guys discuss the relentless Republican attacks on the core of our rural communities, our public schools.  They also address constructive criticism from progressives and have more than a few choice words for how some urban progressives label their rural neighbors.  

This Party is Lame

January 30, 2022 01:00 - 41 minutes - 73.7 MB

Jacob, Kellen and Mike are back for 2022 with a bristling assessment of the now openly authoritarian minded GOP. They even have a few harsh words for the bumbling Democrats.

Putting In The Work

December 14, 2021 03:36 - 35 minutes - 61.4 MB

Gubernatorial candidate Deidre DeJear joins the guys to discuss the work that needs to be done to find common ground and move the state of Iowa forward.

Capital Appreciation

November 25, 2021 06:33 - 47 minutes - 85 MB

In this special Thanksgiving episode, the guys work to everything out of their systems before Thanksgiving family gatherings.

Mr. Smith Goes to Mount Pleasant

November 20, 2021 02:33 - 51 minutes - 90.7 MB

Gubernatorial candidate Ras Smith joins Kellen and Mike in front of a live audience at the Theatre Museum in Mount Pleasant to discuss education, John Deere, hunting and much more.

Trick or Treat

November 04, 2021 04:04 - 37 minutes - 67.4 MB

Jacob, Kellen and Mike talk Iowa City, Halloween candy, and Facebook’s role in promoting misinformation and hate. The guys also debut a new segment called, “You Got This!”

Mapping Out the Way Forward

October 26, 2021 03:44 - 37 minutes - 67.7 MB

The Season 3 premier finds the Three Rural White Guys discussing the proposed Iowa legislative district maps, a new regional focus and the increasing opportunity for both parties to support labor and workers rights.

On Wisconsin

June 27, 2021 23:58 - 32 minutes - 56.7 MB

The Three Rural White Guys welcome Wisconsin State Treasurer and U.S. Senate Candidate Sarah Godlewski to the show.  The guys ask her about her journey saving the State Treasurer's Office, winning statewide office and supporting rural towns. And beer, because....Wisconsin.

Daddy Issues

June 18, 2021 20:54 - 1 hour - 124 MB

The Three World Guys celebrate Father’s Day with friend of the show, Luis Aranda. They discuss raising progressive families in a rural community, recent reporting on tax avoidance schemes by the super wealthy, and Grandpa Joe’s summit showdown with Putin.

Paid In Full

June 14, 2021 04:40 - 42 minutes - 76.1 MB

The guys phone it in this week from the road as they discuss the reemergence of Donald Trump on the political scene and the consequences of Republicans continuing to hold him up as a voice of the party.

The Party of “Law and Order”

June 05, 2021 15:51 - 1 hour - 124 MB

Attorney and friend of the podcost, Caitlin Slessor, returns to the show to discuss the ways the Republican party is stacking elections and the courts to retain power. She also provides background on the grand jury investigation into the Trump organization.

A Seat at the Table

May 30, 2021 13:11 - 1 hour - 122 MB

“When you don’t have a seat at the table, you are probably on the menu.” Congressional candidate Lourin Hubbard of the Central Valley in California joins the guys for an online beer to discuss issues impacting rural communities in California and across the country. Kellen goes to Florida to see one of his favorite people and the guys discuss how they choose paint colors for interior painting. (Spoiler: they don’t).

For Pete’s Sake

May 15, 2021 04:40 - 1 hour - 124 MB

The Three Rural White Guys meet with Lisa Fleishman, author of “Boots on the Ground.” They discuss how to create a sense of belonging within the Democratic Party for moderate Republicans and Independents. The guys also touch on the recent cult like actions of the Republican caucus in Congress as well as the need for more relevant messaging by Democrats in rural communities.

The Giving Tree

May 11, 2021 04:42 - 1 hour - 108 MB

Guest Host and friend of the podcast Luis Aranda stops by the studio to join the discussion on holiday & cultural appropriation, the GOP’s relentless attack on trans persons, and early childhood education. The guys also tackle Canada’s crime of the century.

The Devil is in the Details

May 01, 2021 19:22 - 1 hour - 128 MB

Joe Henderson, Co-Show Runner and Executive Producer of the hit TV series, “Lucifer,” joins the Three Rural White Guys to discuss political agenda setting. In Jacob’s sunburned return from the Caribbean, the guys discuss anti-vaxers and D.C./Puerto Rico Statehood.

Painting a New Future

April 24, 2021 17:24 - 1 hour - 125 MB

Kellen and Mike meet with entrepreneur and author Charisse Conanan Johnson, www.charissesays.com, to discuss building entrepreneurial rural communities. The guys also discuss former U.S. President George W. Bush’s paintings and the George Floyd murder trial.

3RWG Unfiltered: Time to Add the Explicit Tag

April 18, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 86.4 MB

The Three Rural White Guys decide that authenticity and a few targeted cuss words are more important than avoiding conflict, especially in the face of open white supremacy. They also talk vaccinations and the Supreme Court.

Ranking Politicians

April 12, 2021 03:32 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

The Three Rural White guys switch it up a bit as Jacob and Mike interview in-house expert Kellen Gracey about Rank Choice Voting. The guys also discuss the expanding partisan divide and whether Republicans have lost any remaining claim to the moral high ground.

Not Just Another Brick in the Wall

April 02, 2021 19:20 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MB

Former First Lady of Iowa Christie Vilsack joins the podcast to discuss the importance of education globally and domestically. The guys also discuss the White House’s infrastructure plan and have some questions for their listeners in Idaho.

The Rural State of the Unions

March 28, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MB

The Three Rural White Guys are back for a 2nd Season! In the season premier, the guys discuss how Republican culture wars are hurting rural states and highlight topics of Season 2 episodes. Their special guest is Iowa State Representative Ras Smith, an advocate for workers rights, entrepreneurship and public policy that represents people.

A Podcast By Any Other Name

February 20, 2021 03:10 - 11 minutes - 20.3 MB

In the pilot season finale, the Three Rural White Guys discuss why they chose the name of the podcast and look forward to the upcoming 2nd season.

An Ice Breaker to Get to Know Each Other: Immigration

February 12, 2021 00:33 - 37 minutes - 60.7 MB

Three Rural White Guys explores the importance that advocacy organizations have on rural communities. The guys discuss immigration with advocate Tammy Shull, founder of IowaWINS, a small nonprofit that is setting the standard for how to build an inclusive and hospitable rural community.

Operating with Heart: Rural Healthcare

February 05, 2021 03:34 - 47 minutes - 85.2 MB

Doctor Sarah Ledger steps up to the microphone with Jacob, Kellen and Mike to discuss the changing landscape of rural health care.

Gavel Road Maintenance

January 28, 2021 21:07 - 44 minutes - 79.2 MB

Attorney Caitlin Slessor joins the Three Rural White Guys crew to discuss executive orders, school choice legislation and solutions to America’s rural lawyer shortage.

Sun Is Coming Up, Let’s Get to Work

January 21, 2021 16:16 - 40 minutes - 72.8 MB

Inauguration Day is a bittersweet moment for rural progressives. Kellen, Jacob and Mike take in the moment of hope and new beginnings while also acknowledging the overwhelming work ahead for rural America.

The Tractor Has Broken Down

January 15, 2021 13:24 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MB

The inaugural episode of Three Rural White Guys! Meet Jacob, Kellen and Mike as they explore the rural progressive reaction to the attack on the nation’s Capitol Building. This episode also marks the beginning of their efforts to get involved in local government as they discuss attending their first city council meeting.