Dirt Road Democrat

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Jess Piper is the lightning rod, the shield, and the sword for those who simply need the know that their voice is not alone, but part of a broad and growing network of folks who see the same thing. Decades of failed "Red State" policies leaving generations behind as schools, jobs, and healthcare abandon poor areas. Born in rural Arkansas, Jess's own experience shape her politics. After an upbringing in a check to check household with the Church at the center, Jess made her way through college eventually becoming an english teacher. Now, Jess, a mother and grandmother, makes her home on a small farm in one of the most rural areas of northern Missouri. After more than 16 years in the classroom, Jess jumped into politics feet first with a run for office in a heavily tilted district where Jess's candidacy was the first by a Democrat in a generation. Jess has deep roots in the dirt roads of America and her politics, the creation of her experiences, serve now as a megaphone for the disaffected many who feel like they stand alone in a sea of disparate and extreme policies. Join Jess as she travels the dirt roads of American politics and helps us find the connection of the urban/rural existence of food deserts, attacks on public education, and policies that impact those with the least - regardless of their zip codes.

The Heartland Collective


    • Feb 22, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 32 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Dirt Road Democrat podcast is an incredibly informative and engaging show that delves into the issues facing Missouri and the nation as a whole. As someone who lives in the suburbs of St. Louis, I may not be directly affected by living on a "dirt road," but I have found immense value in learning more about the challenges faced by rural communities and what we can do to address them. Jess, the host of the podcast, is not only knowledgeable about Missouri-specific issues but also provides insights that are relevant across the nation. Her dedication to restoring power to those who need it most is commendable, and her leadership during these trying times is greatly appreciated.

    One of the best aspects of The Dirt Road Democrat podcast is its ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of Missouri politics and beyond. Jess uses her platform to shed light on various issues, ranging from healthcare and education to environmental concerns and social justice. Her explanations are clear, concise, and well-informed, making it easy for listeners to grasp complex topics. Furthermore, Jess has a knack for deconstructing GOP games in Missouri politics, exposing their tactics and offering alternative perspectives. Her expertise in this area is truly impressive.

    While The Dirt Road Democrat podcast offers incredible insights into Missouri politics, one potential downside is that it may not appeal to those outside of the state or those who aren't particularly interested in politics. However, even if you're not from Missouri or heavily involved in politics, there's still plenty to gain from listening to this podcast. Jess's passion for creating positive change is contagious and inspiring.

    In conclusion, The Dirt Road Democrat podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding Missouri politics or seeking insight into national issues from a grassroots perspective. Jess's ability to break down complex topics and provide actionable solutions makes this show highly educational and impactful. Whether you're already familiar with her work or just discovering her now, you won't be disappointed by what The Dirt Road Democrat podcast has to offer.



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    Latest episodes from Dirt Road Democrat

    Terrible Hate In A Beautiful Town: Dirt Road Democrat On The Road In Idaho

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 18:27


    Jess Piper traveled to remote Idaho to meet with and speak for a county Democratic club and tells the story of a group of local Democrats who have found their voice and are standing up to the horrible hate that has been allowed to fester and even thrive in their community. Jess Piper is @piper4missouri @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads https://heartlandpod.com/ JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK! “Change The Conversation”

    Missouri Equity Education Partnership with Heather Flemming and Amber Benge

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 50:35


    The MO Equity Education Partnership's mission is to advocate and mobilize for inclusion, diversity, equity, academic integrity, and accessibility for all individuals in all aspects of community life. We believe we are all stronger when we #LetThemLearn. MOEEP Website: https://www.missouriequity.com/ Twitter: @EquityMissouri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOEquityEducationPartnershipJess Piper is @piper4missouri @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads https://heartlandpod.com/ JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK! “Change The Conversation”

    It's My State Too, Stand With Me

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2024 21:36


    Jess Piper dives into the conundrum of staying in a state like Missouri as a parent, a woman, and a progressive and helps us all remember that the answer is our own collective action. Jess Piper is @piper4missouri @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads https://heartlandpod.com/ JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK! “Change The Conversation”

    Weekly Rundown of Missouri Politics Jan. 29 - February 2, 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2024 19:22


    Jess PIper brings a review of this week in Missouri politics, with the rural progressive voice she is known for. Jess Piper is @piper4missouri @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads https://heartlandpod.com/ JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK! “Change The Conversation”

    A New Kind Of Union w/ lawyer, union negotiator, and author Joe Burns

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2024 38:45


    Joe Burns writing: https://jacobin.com/author/joe-burns Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    The Founding Myth with attorney and author Andrew Seidel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2024 41:49


    Andrew's website: https://andrewlseidel.com/  Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Jesse James Mullen, a newspaper man and candidate for Montana SOS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2024 30:41


    A business owner and entrepreneur, Jesse built Mullen Newspaper Company from two newspapers in Granite and Powell counties to 21 newspapers in six states – nine in Montana alone – over the last six years. Jesse and his wife Sasha also own Browsing Bison Bookstores. Twitter: @jmullen2 Website: https://jessejamesmullen.com/Jess Piper is @piper4missouri @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads https://heartlandpod.com/ JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK! “Change The Conversation”

    Rural Organizing with Rep. Aftyn Behn of Tennessee's State House

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 35:37


    Bio: Representative Aftyn Behn is the newest member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, serving House District 51, where she is the first female representative in over 50 years. She is the youngest serving woman in the Tennessee House and the only woman representing Nashville. She's currently the Campaign Director for RuralOrganizing.org, overseeing the organization's electoral strategy and execution and shaping the political and policy landscape impacting small towns and rural communities. Previously, she worked at the Indivisible Project as the Distributed Organizing Manager, building out national programs, including Indivisible's national rural program, one of the largest in the country. She also supported Indivisible's distributed network in long-term power building as the former senior regional organizer for Kentucky and Tennessee. Before Indivisible, she organized with the Tennessee Justice Center in 2017 during the national Medicaid and Affordable Care Act congressional fights. In 2016, she consulted with Switzerland's United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), developing community-based protection policies for special-interest refugee groups. Aftyn is from East Tennessee and received her MSW from the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work, specializing in public policy. Twitter:@aftynbehn Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Katherine Stewart 12/21/23 | The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 43:49


    https://katherinestewart.me/ Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Becoming A Better Advocate with Erin Reed

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 36:01


    Erin Reed's info: Site: https://www.erinreedwrites.com/Twitter: @erininthemornSubstack: https://www.erininthemorning.com/ Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    The Rural New Deal w/ Anthony Flaccavento

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 45:31


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouri @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads https://theheartlandcollective.com/ JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK! “Change The Conversation” Anthony Flaccavento, Executive Director of the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative and lead author of the Rural New Deal Article: https://centerforneweconomics.org/people/anthony-flaccavento/ Twitter: @afor9th Anthony Flaccavento, Executive Director of the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative and lead author of the Rural New Deal Article: https://centerforneweconomics.org/people/anthony-flaccavento/ Twitter: @afor9th

    The Push To Theocracy: Seven Mountains, Dominion Theology, and Fundamentalist Trauma w/ Rob Rogers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 35:09


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Rob Rogers Website: https://linqapp.com/electrobrogers?fbclid=IwAR3zYJjb2Kk72vMkEi1g5h1_ynHEjJaUeT2QlWbLnVjPZ8q6nBRGGV5f4TcBio: Rob is a native Arkansan and Air Force veteran. He ran for the State House in Colorado in 2022. Although he lost that race, he continues his activism in all things Christian nationalism. Twitter: @electrobrogers

    Jared Yates Sexton 11/16/23 | This Show (Pisses Off) Fascists

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 48:24


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouriCorey Deangelis Curated Bio As A Lobbyist@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Gust: Jared Yates Sexton - Hoosier, Political Analyst, Muckrake Podcast, Author THE MIDNIGHT KINGDOM: A HISTORY OF POWER, PARANOIA, AND THE COMING CRISISWebsite:https://www.jysexton.com/ Substack: https://jaredyatessexton.substack.com/Twitter: @JYSexton Jess Piper Substack: https://jesspiper.substack.com/

    Carol C. Burris, Education Policy Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 54:05


    Carol's Blog: https://roundtheinkwell.com/Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation” Network for Public EducationCarol Corbett Burris became Executive Director of the Network for Public Education Foundation in August 2015, after serving as principal of South Side High School in the Rockville Centre School District in NY since 2000.  Prior to becoming a principal, she was a teacher at both the middle and high school level.  She received her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, and her dissertation, which studied her district's detracking reform in math, received the 2003 National Association of Secondary Schools' Principals Middle Level Dissertation of the Year Award.  In 2010, she was named Educator of the Year by the School Administrators Association of New York State, and in 2013, she was named SAANYS New York State High School Principal of the Year.  Dr. Burris co-authored Detracking for Excellence and Equity (2008) and Opening the Common Core: How to Bring ALL Students to College and Career Readiness (2012), and authored On the Same Track: How Schools Can Join the 21st Century Struggle against Re-segregation (2014). Her articles have appeared in Educational Leadership, Kappan, American Educational Research Journal, Teachers College Record, Theory into Practice, School Administrator, American School Board Journal and Education Week. She regularly expresses her concerns about the misuse and unintended consequences of high-stakes testing in the Washington Post, The Answer Sheet blog.E-mail Carol Burris at: burriscarol@gmail.com

    Who Is Corey DeAngelis? The billionaire funded, pro-discrimination, anti-public education lobbyist pushing privatization for schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 16:49


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouriCorey Deangelis Curated Bio As A Lobbyist@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”   

    Leslie Jones for Missouri State House: An Advocate For Public Schools and Public Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2023 49:29


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouriLeslie Jones Website@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Rev. Karla Talks About Deconstruction And Finding A Brighter Path

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2023 51:07


    Rev. Karla website Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”From Rev. Karla siteTikTok and Instagram became the primary platforms for [my] online ministry, and to date over 640,000 followers have joined me on this fascinating and healing journey to remove God from the box and instead seek to understand→ how others experience God→ how others define God→ what other names describe God→ and for some—what it means to question the existence of God

    Red State "Democracy"

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2023 23:48


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Run Randi Run, Part 2: Randi McCallian (Democrat candidate for Congress, MO-08) is back to talk with Jess Piper about how things are going in SE Missouri, home district of Jason "Not An Expert" Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2023 45:25


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouriRandi McCallian is @RandiMcCallian@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Education For All? Not If Big Money Can Help It...

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 28, 2023 20:47


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    The Courage & Conviction To Continue with David Pepper

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2023 51:53


    David Pepper:  https://davidpepper.comDavid on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidPepperJess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Jess Piper is joined by friend of the show and fellow "Red State" fighter David Pepper, author and actiivist, to talk about how we can all continue to push back against the creep of extreme policy and politics.  

    Some Kind Of Blue - Meet Michele Hornish, Founder Of Blue Missouri

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 49:37


    Blue Mo Info: https://bluemissouri.org/about/Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Jess Piper is joined by Michele Hornish with Blue Missouri. Michele is a lawyer, highly sought-after communications consultant, and the Executive Director of It Starts Today. She founded Small Deeds Done, a political action site featured in the New York Times bestseller Good And Mad: The Revolutionary Power of Women's Anger. Since 2017 she has focused on It Starts Today‘s state-based projects, culminating in the development of Blue Ohio.

    Prejudice Revealed - The Story of Brian Kirk & Removal From A Library Board, in St. Joseph, Missouri

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 34:33


    Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation” Letter referenced in intro: https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-08-21/in-st-joseph-local-gop-pressured-lawmakers-to-block-approval-of-gay-library-board-memberLocal article on controversy: https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-07-03/a-conservative-pastor-is-trying-to-unseat-a-gay-library-board-member-in-st-josephFCC, St Joseph website: https://fccstjo.org/

    Olivia Julianna - GenZ Activist, From Matt Gaetz Twitter To Bloomberg Top 50, To The State of The Union

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2023 43:05


    Olivia Julianna - Twitter and other social: @0liviajulianna"20- Fourth Generation Texan focused on bringing a brighter future to the Lone Star State."https://genzforchange.org/Jess Piper is @piper4missouri@TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threadshttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation” ----------------------------------Produced by Mid Map Media, LLCProducer: Adam Sommer

    Joyce Elliott with "Get Loud Arkansas"

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 51:15


    @TheHeartlandPOD on Twitter and Threads@Piper4Missourihttps://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Outro Song: “The World Is On Fire” by American Aquarium http://www.americanaquarium.com/Joyce Elliot--Get Loud Arkansas: https://getloudarkansas.org/Joyce Elliot Bio: https://senate.arkansas.gov/media/2872/senator-elliott-senate-bio.pdfTwitter: xjelliotFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/electjoyce/

    Dirt Road Democrat | Erik Richardson For Congress, 2024 Starts Now

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 17, 2023 43:27


    Host: Jess Piper @Piper4MissouriGuest: Erik Richardson  -- @Richardson_MO6 on Twitter (X)Help Eric Run!Gloria On Twitter: https://twitter.com/VoteGloriaJHeartland POD on Twitter - @TheHeartlandPOD https://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Dirt Road Democrat | Gloria Johnson, On The Tennessee Three, Gun Violence, and The Voucher Schemes Aimed At Defunding Education

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2023 44:53


    Host: Jess Piper @Piper4MissouriGuest: Gloria Johnson http://www.votegloriajohnson.com/Gloria On Twitter: https://twitter.com/VoteGloriaJHeartland POD on Twitter - @TheHeartlandPOD https://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Dirt Road Democrat | Crystal Quade For Governor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 38:17


    Host: Jess Piper @Piper4MissouriHeartland POD on Twitter - @TheHeartlandPOD https://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Quade Socials: FB: https://www.facebook.com/QuadeForMissouriTwitter: @crystal_quade Website: https://crystalquade.com/ Bio: Rep. Crystal Quade, a Democrat, represents part of Greene County (District 132) in the Missouri House of Representatives. She was elected to her first term in office in November 2016. She was first elected by her caucus to serve as the House Minority Floor Leader for the 100th General Assembly and re-elected for the 101st General Assembly.Quade earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Missouri State University and is the former director of chapter services at Care to Learn, a nonprofit organization that addresses the health, hunger and hygiene needs of economically disadvantaged children in several school districts across Missouri. She previously worked for Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, Organizing for America, and as a U.S. Senate constituent services representative.Quade currently serves as a Board Member for Better Life in Recovery and is a member of the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri. She also works with the Springfield, MO Community Focus Report, Civic Engagement Team. In 2017, Quade was named one of Springfield Business Journal's 12 People You Need to Know, in 2018 was awarded SBJ's 40 under 40, and was honored as one of Springfield's Most Influential Women.Quade and her family live in Springfield, Missouri.

    Observations From A GOP Super Majority State

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 23:23


    Host: Jess Piper @Piper4MissouriHeartland POD on Twitter - @TheHeartlandPOD https://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”Jess Piper Commentary: https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article277182673.htmlSTL Editorial: https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/editorial/editorial-missouri-fumbles-42m-again-showing-it-s-among-the-worst-run-states-in-america/article_dbe35378-258c-11ee-8f6e-abc4a872c511.html#tncms-source=loginCNBC Ranking: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/14/these-are-americas-10-worst-states-to-live-and-work-in.htmlBlue Missouri: https://bluemissouri.org/

    "Must Be Somethin' In The Water..." The Truth About Water In The Heartland with Dr. Chris Jones, chemist, author, and expert.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2023 38:41


    Chris Jones' Book, The Swine Republic: https://icecubepress.com/2023/04/10/the-swine-republic-2/Jones' CV: https://cjones.iihr.uiowa.edu/curriculum-vitaeJones" Substack: riverraccoon.substack.comJones' Twitter: @RiverRaccoon Host: Jess Piper @Piper4MissouriHeartland POD on Twitter - @TheHeartlandPOD https://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    Dirt Road Democrat | Bethany Mann For Congress (Mo 3rd) Stops By To Talk With Jess About The Everyday Environmental Risks Facing Missourians Daily

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 37:27


     Guest:  Bethany Mann WebsiteHost: Jess Piper @Piper4MissouriHeartland POD on Twitter - @TheHeartlandPOD https://heartlandpod.com/JOIN PATREON FOR MORE - AND JOIN OUR SOCIAL NETWORK!“Change The Conversation”

    DRD Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2023 2:27


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