Project Next Media

NEW PROJECT NEXT EPISODESarah Blessing sits down with Rachel, a former LifeWise teacher, and Zach Parrish from the Secular Education Association for an eye-opening conversation about Rachel’s firsthand experience working for LifeWise.Rachel explains:    •    Why she wanted to become a LifeWise teacher.    •    What she hoped to accomplish.    •    The concerns that caused her to question the organization.    •    Her claim that a supervisor instructed her not to accurately report all of the hours she worked.    •    Why she ultimately chose to leave.    •    Why she believes it’s important to speak publicly about her experience.The conversation also explores how local LifeWise programs are funded. Rachel shares her perspective that communities—not LifeWise itself—must raise significant amounts of money to keep these programs operating.Whether you support LifeWise, oppose it, or are still making up your mind, this episode offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone who worked inside the organization. Rachel’s story provides an important perspective for parents, educators, taxpayers, and anyone interested in understanding how LifeWise operates.A sincere thank you to Rachel for having the courage to share her story, and to Zach Parrish for joining this thoughtful discussion.Watch the episode and join the conversation. As always, Project Next encourages respectful dialogue, thoughtful questions, and a willingness to listen to different perspectives. 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

For this episode of Project Next, Sarah sits down with her friend Adam Schneider to talk about Corydon’s Fourth Annual Pride Festival and the Netflix documentary Will & Harper.But this conversation is about much more than a festival or a movie.It’s about friendship, authenticity, and what happens when we choose compassion over judgment.Adam is one of the kindest, most empathetic people Sarah has ever known. Over the years, his friendship has helped shape her into a better person. His ability to forgive, accept people where they are, and see the humanity in everyone has challenged her to do the same.They talk about Adam’s experience growing up and living as a gay man in rural Southern Indiana, helping start Corydon Pride, and why creating spaces where people can be themselves matters.They also discuss Will & Harper, the powerful documentary that follows Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele on a cross-country road trip after Harper comes out as transgender. The film reminds us that behind every label is a human being with hopes, fears, struggles, and a desire to belong.At its heart, this episode is about a simple idea: when people are free to be their authentic selves, there is less fear, less hate, and more understanding. The more we get to know one another as people, the harder it becomes to judge and the easier it becomes to love.Join us for an honest conversation about friendship, acceptance, and the courage it takes to be yourself. 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

Sarah interviews her friend Coumba Kebe who is running for Indiana State Treasurer. Coumba is just 31 years old, but she has already built an impressive record of leadership, public service, and financial expertise. We’ll talk about her background, what inspired her to step into public service, and why she believes she’s the right person to serve as Indiana’s next State Treasurer.We’ll also discuss how she was recruited by the Indiana Democratic Party to run for this important statewide office, what it’s been like campaigning across Indiana, and some of the behind-the-scenes moments from the Indiana Democratic Convention.Most importantly, we’ll talk about her vision for Indiana, government accountability, and what she hopes to accomplish if elected.Join us for this fun, informative, and hopeful episode of Project Next. Whether you’re deeply involved in politics or just getting to know the people running for office, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 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

Project Next: A Conversation with Brad MeyerAfter a long and demanding election season, Dr. Tim Peck returns to Project Next for the first time since the Democratic primary for Indiana’s 9th Congressional District. Joining Tim and Sarah Blessing is Brad Meyer, the candidate who won that primary and is now preparing to take on incumbent Congresswoman Erin Houchin in November.What makes this conversation special is not politics—it’s perspective.Tim and Brad spent months competing for the same seat, but this episode shows what can happen when people put competition aside and focus on a shared purpose. Together, Sarah, Tim, and Brad discuss the challenges facing Indiana and our country, the growing divisions in our communities, and how we can move forward without losing our humanity.The conversation explores why so many families are struggling, what leaders can do to help, and how we build a future where more people feel heard, valued, and supported. Brad shares his vision for Indiana’s 9th District, while Tim reflects on lessons learned from the campaign trail and the importance of staying engaged even after an election ends.Most importantly, this episode is about unity. It’s about three people who may have taken different paths but share a common belief: that public service should be about helping others, solving problems, and bringing people together rather than tearing them apart.Whether you’re interested in politics or simply care about the future of our communities, this is a thoughtful and respectful conversation about leadership, service, and finding common ground in difficult times.Watch, listen, and join the conversation. The future of Indiana—and our country—depends on people willing to listen, learn, and work 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

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

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 profitingSarah 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

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

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

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 themLynne 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

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

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

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

Hoosiers...the day is finally here! Vote TODAY until 6:00 pm. Stay in line after 6. It's the law that you get to vote. Bring your Indiana ID. Call your clerk's office in your county with any voting questions. Why are you voting today? Tell us in the comments. Let's do this!!!! 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

Christie Knavely invited Sarah to the 3rd Annual Southern Indiana Problem Solving Court Breakfast on Friday, May 1. Sarah saw hundreds of people who have stepped up to serve their community in the most beautful way. Hear why Christie and others are a part of this program and how it makes real Hoosier’s lives better.From Otto Schalk who is Harrison County’s prosecutor and running for county judge: “Great news! Harrison County has had Veterans Court for over a decade with so many success stories. I’m looking forward to adding our new Substance Abuse Court in the very near future.” 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

Tim Peck and Sarah Blessing discuss the new terrible Supreme Court decision which took away the last tiny bit of gerrymandering protections this country had. What does this mean for our future? How can grassroots organizing fix this massive problem? Also, how will AI such as Chat GPT help voters find the secrets our elected officials and candidates do NOT want you to know about? You can take your phones with you to vote and use this to quickly see which candidate is better. Tim uses Chat GPT to look up how his campaign is financed and Erin Houchin's. Spoiler...they were pretty different. (Let's just say Tim isn't taking money from Duke Energy. ) 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