Project Next Media

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]

Ellen Morrison Kelley tracks Floyd County Government

Sarah sits down with Floyd County Commissioner candidate Ellen Kelley for an important conversation about transparency, accountability, and the future of Floyd County. Why are perfectly good and historic buildings being targeted for demolition? Why are expensive building purchases happening without the public fully understanding the plan? Why are recycling programs and community resources constantly on the chopping block? Why are local taxes rising? And why do so many residents feel shut out of local government decisions? Ellen Kelley has been paying attention to county government, asking questions, and pushing for answers. Learn about the issues facing Floyd County, what’s happening behind the scenes, and how leadership can become more open, honest, and community-focused. 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]

Local mom advocates for her young autistic child

Kristin Trowbridge is a local mom. She tirelessly advocates for her 4 year old son who has been diagnosed with level 2 autism. Kristin shares her story of noticing her son had special needs and the journey to get a diagnosis. Right now essential programs her son depends on are being cut from state and national funding. How do we advocate for our kids when the government seems to want us to give up? This episode is dedicated to all of the parents out there fighting for their kids. 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 is the food pantry closing at the Floyd County Public Library?

Sarah Blessing interviews Paul Snyder, the minister at Central Christian Church in New Albany, Indiana, about the closing of the food pantry at the Floyd Country Public Library. The library is stopping this because trustees and community leaders complained about homeless people using the library. There is a community conversation meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 6pm at Sanctuary of Central Christian Church on 1315 Spring St. in New Albany to discuss this devastating blow to those who need support in our local neighborhoods. Please spread the word and come if able. It's time we stick up for those who need our help. 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]