
A Podcast Connecting the Dots Between Policy & Rural Everything
Hear from the problem solvers, advocates, storytellers, and policy pros, who I'll ask to help sort out the complexity of critically important issues and dial into the details that listeners will appreciate learning and understanding. On each episode, we'll share resources that help inform our discussions and encourage our listeners to keep the conversations going, and ultimately, inspire movements toward rural equity and prosperity.
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Why Rural Impact?
736,000,000, the number of results returned when searching "Rural America" on Google.
From the Census to housing, poverty, and prosperity, from transportation to food, water, energy, education, elections, employment, and of course, healthcare -- the policies involved with each of these impact rural populations differently than non-rural ones.
But no matter your zip code, what happens in rural impacts you. On this podcast, we're connecting the dots between policy and rural everything.
A Host with a Long History of Rural World Knowledge
I'm Michelle Rathman. I've been working in rural health for over 25 years and served as the host of another rural-focused podcast for three years. In other words, I've facilitated a lot of candid conversations!
On my new podcast, The Rural Impact, we're bringing you fascinating discussions about policies and how they affect rural communities and people - directly and indirectly.
Joining me, you'll hear from the problem solvers, advocates, storytellers, and policy pros, who I'll ask to help sort out the complexity of critically important issues and dial into the details that listeners will appreciate learning and understanding. On each episode, we'll share resources that help inform our discussions and encourage our listeners to keep the conversations going, and ultimately, inspire movements toward rural equity and prosperity.
However, or whatever your connection to Rural. I invite you to listen to the Rural Impact! Coming to you wherever you like, tune out the noise and tune in to the topics relevant to rural vitality.

If you’re going to solve a mystery, you’ve got to connect the dots.
The Rural Impact looks at important topics from several angles. In each series, we’ll begin by presenting a hot topic. Next, over a few episodes, we’ll talk to experts, authors, thought leaders and policy makers who offer informed insights, data, and details that help us understand what’s important, why it matters, and the policies driving decisions and outcomes.
All EpisodesTopics on Tap
In each series, episodes cover big issues in small bites.

SERIES THREE
Do the Math - Calculating the Future of Rural Education

SERIES FOUR
Stalled: Solutions to Solving Rural Immobility

SERIES FIVE
Alternative Narrative - Shifting America's Understanding About Rural Life and Reality
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When the conversations reference a study, stats, books, and other relevant resources, we’ll share them here because, we know you don’t always have a pen handy!
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