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Three Rural White Guys

Three Rural White Guys

By Three Rural White Guys

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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Currently playing episode

A Seat at the Table

Three Rural White GuysMay 30, 2021

00:00
01:11:39
Lessons in Civics

Lessons in Civics

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.

Feb 09, 202447:05
Democracy is not a spectator sport.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.

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?

Apr 20, 202359:45
Citation Needed

Citation Needed

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.  

Mar 27, 202301:11:20
The "F" Word

The "F" Word

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."

Mar 23, 202301:00:34
Fan Mail

Fan Mail

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

Nov 04, 202229:22
Our Best Episode Ever

Our Best Episode Ever

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. 

Nov 02, 202251:58
Rural Democrat

Rural Democrat

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

Sep 13, 202252:07
Off The Rails

Off The Rails

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.  

Sep 01, 202201:04:17
Republican Playbook 2022

Republican Playbook 2022

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.

Aug 14, 202252:01
Live from Central Park!

Live from Central Park!

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 Representatives.

Aug 07, 202201:18:48
Religious Dispensation

Religious Dispensation

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.  

Jul 24, 202252:47
Frankly, it is Time to Cut the Grass

Frankly, it is Time to Cut the Grass

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.  

Jun 05, 202244:11
Roe v. Wade Special

Roe v. Wade Special

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


May 09, 202248:20
True Colors

True Colors

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.  

Mar 07, 202256:55
Country Pride

Country Pride

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.  

Feb 27, 202245:58
Dirt Road Democrat

Dirt Road Democrat

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


Feb 19, 202251:34
Legislating Via Meme

Legislating Via Meme

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.  

Feb 12, 202245:23
Re-Air: For Pete’s Sake

Re-Air: For Pete’s Sake

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.
Feb 08, 202239:18
To The Core

To The Core

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.  

Feb 05, 202252:52
This Party is Lame

This Party is Lame

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.
Jan 30, 202241:10
Putting In The Work

Putting In The Work

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.
Dec 14, 202135:18
Capital Appreciation

Capital Appreciation

In this special Thanksgiving episode, the guys work to everything out of their systems before Thanksgiving family gatherings.
Nov 25, 202147:31
Mr. Smith Goes to Mount Pleasant

Mr. Smith Goes to Mount Pleasant

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.
Nov 20, 202151:10
Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat

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!”
Nov 04, 202137:44
Mapping Out the Way Forward

Mapping Out the Way Forward

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.
Oct 26, 202137:52
On Wisconsin

On Wisconsin

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.

Jun 27, 202132:10
Daddy Issues

Daddy Issues

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.
Jun 18, 202101:09:11
Paid In Full

Paid In Full

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.
Jun 14, 202142:14
The Party of “Law and Order”

The Party of “Law and Order”

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.
Jun 05, 202101:08:60
A Seat at the Table

A Seat at the Table

“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).
May 30, 202101:11:39
For Pete’s Sake

For Pete’s Sake

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.
May 15, 202101:10:47
The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

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.
May 11, 202101:00:08
The Devil is in the Details

The Devil is in the Details

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.
May 01, 202101:12:16
Painting a New Future

Painting a New Future

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.
Apr 24, 202101:10:40
3RWG Unfiltered: Time to Add the Explicit Tag

3RWG Unfiltered: Time to Add the Explicit Tag

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.
Apr 18, 202148:01
Ranking Politicians

Ranking Politicians

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.
Apr 12, 202133:10
Not Just Another Brick in the Wall

Not Just Another Brick in the Wall

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.
Apr 02, 202152:04
The Rural State of the Unions

The Rural State of the Unions

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.
Mar 28, 202101:01:59
A Podcast By Any Other Name

A Podcast By Any Other Name

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.
Feb 20, 202111:14
An Ice Breaker to Get to Know Each Other: Immigration

An Ice Breaker to Get to Know Each Other: Immigration

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.
Feb 12, 202137:18
Operating with Heart: Rural Healthcare

Operating with Heart: Rural Healthcare

Doctor Sarah Ledger steps up to the microphone with Jacob, Kellen and Mike to discuss the changing landscape of rural health care.
Feb 05, 202147:30
Gavel Road Maintenance

Gavel Road Maintenance

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.
Jan 28, 202144:19
Sun Is Coming Up, Let’s Get to Work

Sun Is Coming Up, Let’s Get to Work

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.
Jan 21, 202140:30
The Tractor Has Broken Down

The Tractor Has Broken Down

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.
Jan 15, 202143:27