Republican closeted officials, disinformation, and authoritarian rule with Sarah and James.

Republican closeted officials, disinformation, and authoritarian rule with Sarah and James.

In this episode of Project Next, Sarah Blessing sits down with her friend James Coogle, a chef and candidate for Harrison County Council, for an honest conversation about some of the issues affecting our communities today. They talk about the pressure many people feel to fit in, especially in politics and small towns, and why it can be hard for people to be themselves. Sarah and James also discuss the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and why some politicians seem especially focused on issues involving Pride, books, and sexuality. They explore whether social pressure, fear of being different, and the expectation to conform—especially in conservative rural communities—can influence how people talk about and respond to LGBTQ+ issues. The conversation looks at why some of the strongest opposition to the LGBTQ+ community may sometimes come from people who feel pressure to hide parts of themselves or fit a certain public image. Sarah and James also talk about misinformation and disinformation in local communities, how false information spreads, and what we can do to encourage better conversations and stronger communities. The conversation explores sexism in politics, including whether gender bias played a role in Kamala Harris’s loss to Donald Trump, and some of the challenges women still face when running for office and serving in leadership roles. They also discuss why it is important to protect democracy, hold leaders accountable, and build communities where people work together instead of being divided by politics. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about community, politics, identity, and how we can create a better future together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com [https://www.projectnextindiana.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Sarah talks with a disappointed Trump Supporter about division in America

In this powerful episode of Project Next, Sarah talks with her former neighbor Phil for a deep and honest conversation about politics, division, and the growing disconnect in America. Phil shares why he once supported Donald Trump, what he still agrees with, and what now deeply concerns him. Together, they discuss: • Immigration and ICE • Fear and division in politics • Trans issues and cultural conflict • Rising gas, housing, and drug prices • The housing market and cost of living • Media influence and fear-mongering • Dark money and power in politics • Why Americans are struggling while the wealthy keep profiting Sarah and Phil disagree on several major issues — but instead of shutting each other out, they choose dialogue. At a time when people are increasingly blocking, unfriending, and avoiding those who think differently, this conversation asks an important question: What if listening to each other is part of the solution? Join the conversation in the comments. We want to hear your perspective. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com [https://www.projectnextindiana.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Multiple former LifeWise employees charged with unrelated sex crimes against minors

Multiple former LifeWise employees were recently charged with unrelated sex crimes against minors. Sarah sits down with Molly Gaines and Zach Parrish from Secular Education Association to find out exactly what happened. More stories of abuse will most likely continue to come out as long as LifeWise Academy continues its very lax vetting process of adults being allowed to take our school kids off of the property onto an unsecure location. LifeWise already has thousands of classes happening during the public school day with many here in Indiana. Find out what parents and adults can do to protect not just their own kids but the children of our community on this very important episode. Sarah would like to thank Zach and Molly for the work they do in exposing the truth behind this group. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com [https://www.projectnextindiana.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why Kelly Left Maga and Christian Nationalism

The latest episode of Project Next Mental Fitness features Sarah interviewing her friend Kelly, who shares one of the most honest and powerful stories we’ve had on the show yet. In our new series, “Leaving MAGA: Why My Friends Left,” Kelly opens up about her deeply personal journey into — and eventually out of — Trumpism and Christian nationalism. Kelly talks about how she became a Trump supporter through churches, ministry culture, and the Christian adoption process after she and her husband struggled to have children. Over time, she became a one-issue voter focused on abortion, surrounded by messaging that blended faith, politics, fear, and identity. She was immersed in that world for nearly two decades and almost attended Trump’s 2016 inauguration. But eventually, she began questioning the propaganda, the division, and the way politics was being used inside churches and communities. In this episode, she bravely shares how she broke away, what opened her eyes, and why empathy and honest conversations matter so much right now. What made this conversation especially powerful was how much Kelly’s story mirrored Sarah’s own experiences. They are similar in age, grew up in the same area, and even attended the same church for a time. Listening to Kelly’s story felt deeply personal and familiar. This is not about attacking people. It’s about understanding how good people can get pulled into fear and political identity — and how we begin finding our way back to truth, compassion, critical thinking, and community. Watch now on Project Next. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com [https://www.projectnextindiana.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Lynne got out of MAGA. Hear her story and learn why this division hurts us all.

Watch now on Project Next: Sarah Blessing sits down with Lynne Taylor of North Carolina, who made the difficult decision to leave MAGA and step away from the toxic “team politics” that is tearing apart families, friendships, and communities across America. This isn’t a show about Democrats vs. Republicans. It’s about people. In this honest and powerful conversation, we talk about: • The pressure to “pick a side” like politics is a sport • Online bullying and public shaming from BOTH sides • How political parties profit from keeping us divided • Why extreme primaries often silence everyday people • The fear of speaking up in your own town or social circle • And how we rebuild communities that actually listen to the people living in them Lynne shares what it was like to walk away from the Republican Party in her community — even knowing she might face criticism and isolation for it. And together, we discuss why more Americans are exhausted by the division and ready for something better. Real democracy was never supposed to be blind loyalty to a political party. It was supposed to be neighbors working together to solve problems and build stronger communities. If we want better schools, safer communities, functioning hospitals, affordable healthcare, and leaders who actually represent us, then we have to stop treating each other like enemies and start treating each other like human beings again. This conversation is thoughtful, emotional, real, and incredibly important. Watch now, share your thoughts, and help us build something better together. ❤️ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com [https://www.projectnextindiana.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]