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Bloomberg Tech

Oct 4, 2026 · 51 min

Gainesboro residents confront a Christian community-building network

BONUS SERIES: Our Town Chapter 2 | This Dangerous Venture of Yours

The episode shows how a proposed development, its ideology, and its financial ties turn a small-town dispute into a contest over local identity and institutional control.

3 key takeaways
  1. 1Ridgerunner’s national exposure prompts Gainesboro residents to investigate its ideology, leadership, finances, and broader connections.
  2. 2Diana and Barry Knaff trace the Highland Rim vision to conservative Christian communities, expensive developments, and aligned institutions.
  3. 3Residents organize protests, publish research, and acquire a downtown building as New Founding’s network expands its influence.

Don't miss

Gainesboro residents respond to Ridgerunner’s open house with protest signs and information about Christian nationalism, turning local opposition into a public confrontation.

The brief

After Andrew Isker appears on Tucker Carlson’s show, Ridgerunner reaches a national audience—and Gainesboro residents begin investigating what the development represents.

Longtime residents Barry and Diana Knaff examine Ridgerunner’s leadership, ideology, and plans, seeing the project as part of a broader effort to build conservative Christian communities.

Diana traces the Highland Rim vision to Josh Abatoy’s proposed agrihood, a men-only sporting club, and a church led by Andrew Isker.

At Ridgerunner’s open house, residents distribute information about Christian nationalism and protest the project while trying to keep it from gaining influence downtown.

Following the money leads to New Founding and Nate Fisher, whose network envisions Christian communities emerging as existing institutions weaken.

Gainesboro residents feel outmatched by wealth and media reach, but respond with articles, billboards, organizing, and a downtown purchase to defend local identity.

Featuring

AEAndrew EggerSusan BerfieldSusan Berfield

Mentioned

RRidgerunnerNFNew FoundingNFNate FisherTucker McNear CarlsonTucker McNear Carlson

Books & mentions

This Town

This Town

A nonfiction account of how politics, money, journalism, and social networks shape institutional influence.

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Gainesboro residents confront a Christian community-building network | PodLume