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