Surviving Trump: With Democracy On Life Support

Episode 04: "Faith, Schools and Power

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March 18, 2025 5:00am

26m

Today we continue our deep dive into the pillars of democracy—this time focusing on two major areas under attack: Separation of Church and State and Education.

Since Trump’s return to office, his administration has rapidly pushed policies that threaten core democratic values. One of the biggest dangers? The growing power of Christian nationalism, which aims to blur the lines between church and state. We’ll also explore Trump’s aggressive changes to education policy—shaping what children learn, who controls the curriculum, and how these shifts could erode democracy for generations to come.

If you care about the future of democracy, free thought, and civil rights, this episode is essential listening.

Quote from Kevin Roberts (Heritage Foundation):
"We are in the process of the second American Revolution, which will remain bloodless if the left allows it to be."

The long-term danger: A misinformed, manipulated electorate—easier to control and less likely to resist authoritarian shifts.

Blue Choir Panelists 

Sandy:
"If curriculum is controlled, we end up with Stepford children—and eventually Stepford adults."

Dianne:
"Education is the foundation of a strong country. We need to do better than mediocrity."

Next Episodes 

  • Episode 5
    • With sweeping executive orders, Trump’s administration is dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, reversing decades of civil rights protections, and reshaping the justice system to serve political interests. These moves threaten equal opportunity, limit access to education, and push law enforcement toward authoritarian control.
  • Episode 6
    • With Project 2025, Trump’s administration is executing one of the most radical immigration crackdowns in American history. The plan includes mass deportations, the militarization of the border, and efforts to dismantle key protections for vulnerable populations. At the same time, Trump’s second term is defined by state-sponsored disinformation—a calculated effort to blur the lines between fact and fiction. From purging government transparency measures to manipulating social media and weaponizing conspiracy theories, Trump is flooding the zone with falsehoods to

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Host: Bella Goode

Bella is a former Republican turned democracy advocate raised by middle class parents in Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Syracuse University and the University of Pennsylvania with a masters of business administration from Wharton and a Masters Degree in Positive Psychology.

Career wise, Bella spent 20 years with American Express in New York and 20 years as an entrepreneur. She started and sold a fitness business that grew to 180 locations worldwide.

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