Chapter 2: This Dangerous Venture of Yours
Summary
This episode of Our Town investigates the rise of Christian nationalist developer Ridge Runner in Gainesboro, Tennessee, and its controversial "Highland Rim" project. Reporter Maribyn Knight follows local residents Barry and Diana Knaff as they uncover the venture's ties to influential figures like Tucker Carlson, podcaster Andrew Isker, and venture capitalist Nate Fisher. The story details the community's grassroots resistance, including billboards and fact sheets, against a well-funded movement aiming to build a conservative "charter community" in the small town.
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: ChatGPT, Boomi, and MasterCard
Previously on Our Town and the Ridge Runner mystery
Tucker Carlson promotes the new town project
Local reactions and the 'fascist theocracy' debate
Investigating the Ridge Runner land purchases
Meet Barry and Diana and their 115-acre property
Diana's background and her efforts to revive Gainsborough
The threat to their peace and the 'Dad' chalkboard message
Diana's research into the 'aligned community' movement
Profile of Josh Abattoi, CEO of Ridge Runner
Abattoi's vision for a Christian 'city on a hill'
The Highland Rim Project: Agrihoods and the church plan
Sponsorships and Bloomberg Market Minute
The open house and the 4th of July celebration
Local resistance: Fact sheets, banners, and fugitives
Ridge Runner's counter-billboards and the scale of the project
Sponsorships and Market Minute update
New Founding and Nate Fisher's dominion theology
Fisher's business empire and the collapse of institutions
The wealthy backers: DeVos, Heritage, and crypto investors
Diana's media campaign and the fight for the coffee shop
Teaser for Chapter 3 and podcast credits
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