The Culture War Over Our Kids, How School Privatization Wins and How to Fight Back

A no-fluff strategy conversation on education, messaging, and what it actually takes to move parents and voters. We dig into why the right keeps “owning” the narrative, even when they are not delivering results, and how candidates can flip the script with child-centered, story-based messaging.

Mary Noone is joined by:

• Devon Wellington, Indiana House candidate (District 29)

• Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus on Children

• Josh Cowen, author of Privateers

In this episode, we cover:

• The real origins and funding behind modern school privatization pushes

• How culture war messaging fills the vacuum when we stop talking about what kids need

• Why “organized abandonment” leaves parents isolated and exhausted

• How to make education messaging land, even if you are not a parent (use local stories, real-life impact)

If you’re a first-time candidate, organizer, or nonprofit builder trying to win with limited money and staff, this one’s for you. Kids can’t wait.