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