Dad Saves America - podcast cover

Dad Saves America

Proud papa, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and arm-chair philosopher John Papola explores the biggest issues facing our kids, our communities, and our country through the lens of fatherhood. We produce powerful stories, exclusive interviews, mini-documentaries, and deep dives on a weekly basis. Our goal is to build a movement of dads and could-be dads who embrace our heroic calling to raise a new generation ready to thrive in a free society and be champions of civilization. We’ve had all sorts of experts in the studio, including Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Drew, Michael Shellenberger, Bret Weinstein, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Adam Carolla.

www.dadsavesamerica.com

Episodes

Maj Toure Explains the Racist History of Gun Control

I sat down with Maj Toure, founder of Black Guns Matter, to discuss his perspectives on systemic racism, the history of gun control, and why all Americans should value the Second Amendment. He explains how early gun control policies were purposely designed to disarm black Americans and argues that modern gun laws continue this legacy. Although the voters who support gun control don’t generally harbor racist intent, the fact remains that the burden of legal punishment falls most heavily on the bl...

Sep 05, 20242 hr 36 min

Michael Shellenberger: How Our Leaders Lost All Credibility

I sat down with Michael Shellenberger, journalist and author of “Apocalypse Never,” “San Fransicko,” and the upcoming “Pathocracy,” to discuss the collapse of trust in elite institutions and its implications for civilization. Michael explains how the erosion of common sense has left the greatest American cities in chaos, especially in his home state of California. Democratic elites, both within the party and among its media proxies, have become fully insulated from the consequences of their poli...

Aug 29, 20242 hr 58 min

Corey DeAngelis on How Corrupt Teachers Unions Have Broken Our Public Schools

The school choice revolution has begun, providing parents with the power and resources to choose the best educational path for their children. Corey DeAngelis, a leading advocate for school choice and author of “The Parent Revolution,” explains why this movement is gaining unstoppable momentum. The disastrous school closures of 2020 changed the minds of millions of parents from default supporters of public education to vehement opponents, and now, twelve states have implemented universal school ...

Aug 22, 20242 hr 58 min

Socialism Is Gaining Popularity. What Would Jesus Do?

Was Jesus a socialist? Lawrence Reed, President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, tackles this question in his 2020 book titled just that. Some socialists like to claim Jesus among their ranks, but the Bible says otherwise. In Lawrence’s view, the teachings of Christ emphasized personal responsibility, voluntary charity, and the ethical foundations of freedom. We explore key biblical passages that both directly and indirectly comment on the structure of society and the proper re...

Aug 15, 20242 hr 42 min

Rob Schneider: Free Speech Is Dangerous, But Shutting Up Isn’t an Option

Comedian and actor Rob Schneider shares his perspective on the cultural and political shifts that have shaped his journey from a traditional liberal to a vocal critic of the progressive mainstream. Starting with his growing skepticism of vaccine safety around 2012, Rob noticed a stubbornness, and often outright hostility, in the public conversation toward questioning the “expert” managerial class. As a father, his commitment to his children drives his passion for defending the future of America ...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 21 min

Andrew Doyle: The Gay Rights Movement Has Been Hijacked

Playwright, journalist, and comedian Andrew Doyle sheds light on the growing pressures of today’s culture wars and their impact on free speech and public discourse. As the creator of Titania McGrath, his Twitter parody persona, Andrew is an expert at satirizing the worst and most absurd excesses of woke activism. He highlights the intolerance toward internal disagreements within the LGBTQ community and how this has created a false impression of the average gay person’s worldview. Andrew is an im...

Aug 02, 20242 hr 6 min

Robby Soave on the Biden Media Coverup and Why Corporate Media Is Broken

I sat down with senior editor at Reason and host of The Hill’s “Rising” Robby Soave to explore the shifting landscape of media and politics in America. Robby provides a sharp critique of how the media has changed its tune on President Biden’s cognitive state, rapidly pivoting from denial to feigned shock and distress following the debate. He discusses how, although audience capture can corrupt both corporate legacy media and independent social media, the latter is far more resistant to the top-d...

Jul 25, 20241 hr 16 min

Tom Woods on the Trump Attack, American History, and Our Constitutional Crisis

I sat down with author, historian, and libertarian commentator Tom Woods about 90 minutes after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Reeling from the shock of this historic moment, we attempt to wade through its profound implications for the American Republic. Drawing on his wealth of historical knowledge, Tom analyzes how political tribalism, media echo chambers, and “state of emergency” governance are eroding our constitutional framework. He presents chapters from American history that...

Jul 18, 20241 hr 27 min

How Public Schools Crush Creativity and Critical Thinking

I sat down with Hannah Frankman, founder of Renegade Educator and an advocate for alternative education models, to explore her insights on the flaws in traditional public schooling and the innovative approaches that could shape the future of learning. Hannah shares her personal experience growing up as a homeschool kid, which she believes is a more natural and effective approach that reflects how humans have learned for almost all of history. We delve into various educational models, from Montes...

Jul 12, 20242 hr 13 min

Warren Smith Went Viral for Teaching Critical Thinking, So His School Fired Him

I sat down with Warren Smith, the high school teacher whose video of an incredible classroom interaction went viral earlier this year. After a student asked a loaded question about JK Rowling, Warren responded with a refreshingly calm and thought-provoking Socratic discourse on the topic. His interaction with this student was a masterclass in teaching how to think, not what to think. In our conversation, Warren shared his insights on effective teaching, emphasizing the importance of critical thi...

Jul 04, 20242 hr 35 min

Psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary: I Want to Disrupt the Medicalization of Mental Health

I sat down with psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary to explore her perspective on anxiety, resilience, and mental health. Tracy argues that anxiety has played a crucial role in driving human innovation and should be embraced rather than avoided. She delves into the challenges faced by Gen Z, emphasizing that their struggles often stem from avoidance and a lack of coping skills rather than anxiety itself. Tracy points out that while social media exacerbates mental health struggles, it isn’t the all-...

Jun 21, 20241 hr 11 min

Legal Expert Ilya Shapiro on Trump Conviction, Our Constitution, and Collapsing Public Trust

I sat down with legal expert Ilya Shapiro to learn more about today’s threats to the rule of law in America. He shares his perspective on why the Trump conviction sets a dangerous precedent that undermines our system of justice. Ilya offers a thorough explanation of why legal rulings from courts are often in tension with the political choices of voters. His upcoming book, "Lawless," outlines how our elite institutions have miseducated the de facto ruling class in America, producing “leaders” who...

Jun 14, 20242 hr 59 min

Vivek Ramaswamy: We’ve Sacrificed True Diversity in the Name of Diversity

Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy sits down to discuss the importance of engaging with opposing views, the state of American political discourse, and the impact of identity politics. Growing up as the “odd man out” in most rooms he entered, he quickly learned the value of having your views challenged. Vivek shares stories from his upbringing, his perspective on how true diversity drives productive debate, and how his role as a father inspires his public life. ________________________...

Jun 06, 202430 min

Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Talks Progressive Family Values and Political Discourse

Bill de Blasio served as the 109th Mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021. He was raised with a deep pride in his Italian-American roots, with grandparents who immigrated from small towns in southern Italy. His parents were affected by McCarthyism, despite no ties to Communist organizations. Experiencing the fallout from those accusations deeply influenced his political outlook. In our conversation, Bill emphasizes his progressive approach to family values and his belief that government can pr...

May 30, 20241 hr 23 min

Wilfred Reilly Has the Real Data on Racism and Policing

Political scientist, author, and Kentucky State University professor Wilfred Reilly has dedicated years of research to debunking popular, but false, narratives around race, culture, police, and American history. His upcoming book, “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me,” tackles head-on the myths most commonly spread in American classrooms. As Wilfred has documented throughout his work, the underlying data and historical evidence rarely tell the same story as the dramatic retellings we hear today. How...

May 16, 20242 hr 56 min

Peter Boghossian on Critical Thinking, Failing Universities, and Why Debate Matters

What happens when ideology replaces critical thinking across academia? Philosopher, author, and former professor Peter Boghossian witnessed this firsthand at Portland State University, and his school was not an anomaly. Known for his role in the “Grievance Studies Affair”, exposing the low quality scholarship published in activist-oriented journals, Peter is worried about how this strange fringe of academia has come to dominate universities. He’s now working to revitalize and advocate for what s...

May 10, 20242 hr 58 min

Life in Israel: How 10/7 Brought National Identity Into Focus

Russ Roberts, an American economist and author who now lives in Israel, reflects on the transformative impact of the 10/7 Hamas attack and how it’s reshaped his perspective on Israeli society. Since 10/7, Russ has been motivated to further his understanding of the wide range of opinions about Israel’s complex history with Palestinians, questions of national identity, and the broader geopolitical landscape. As the president of Shalem College in Jerusalem, he believes that open discourse is the he...

Apr 25, 20242 hr 46 min

Google, Surveillance, and Data Brokers: How Americans Lost Their Privacy Rights

Technology journalist and data privacy expert Naomi Brockwell explains the complexities of online privacy and the ever-expanding reach of both government and corporate surveillance. The “if you've got nothing to hide, you've got nothing to fear” mindset accepted by much of the American public is, best-case scenario, a sign a great privilege and comfort and, worst-case scenario, full-blown head-in-the-sand denial of reality. Almost every device, app, and wifi network you use sends out an unimagin...

Apr 18, 20242 hr 53 min

Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying on Sex, Gender, and Preparing Kids for Adulthood

In part two of my conversation with evolutionary biologists Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying, we discuss what evolutionary biology can teach us about sex, gender, adulthood, and religion. With the recent explosion in transgender identification across American society, along with the censorious condemnation of any criticism within polite circles, we must reexamine the nature of human individuality and our fundamental understanding of male and female. Bret and Heather give a thorough explanation of...

Apr 11, 20242 hr 42 min

Texas School Falsely Accused Child of Blackface. Now They Won’t Apologize.

How could a 5th-grader end up being accused of accidental blackface? And how could the school recklessly throwing around that accusation refuse to apologize? Today’s guests are currently on a crusade to answer those questions. This incident touches on crucial issues our society currently faces, especially in our schools. When adults fail to be more mature and measured than the children in their care, inflating honest mistakes into serious accusations of bigotry, they elevate their sensitivities ...

Mar 28, 20242 hr 51 min

Want To Save the Planet? Have Kids.

Have kids. Get married and have kids. Yes, in that order. But do it now, or at least sooner than you probably think you should, especially if you’re ambitious and on the move. Embrace the chaos. Embrace your nature. Embrace the future. Make it the rock-solid re-bar reinforced concrete foundation of your identity. You might just discover the biggest secret of our age: that having kids is the ultimate act of liberation. Having kids is an act of rebellion against a culture consumed by corruption an...

Mar 24, 202454 min

Bret Weinstein & Heather Heying on Evolution, Innovation, and Western Civilization

Evolutionary biologists Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying dive into the complexities of human evolution, the downside of rapid technological advancement, and the interplay between cultural software and biological hardware. Bret and Heather discuss the obstacles that stand in the way of ‘good governance,’ how institutions positively and negatively affect the relationship between innovation and human flourishing, and the importance of understanding our evolutionary past to navigate our future. The...

Mar 14, 20242 hr 33 min

Actor Josh Segarra on How Fatherhood Fueled His Career

Actor and father-of-three Josh Segarra, best known for his roles in “Sirens,” "Arrow,” and the upcoming second season of “The Big Door Prize,” embodies infectious optimism and true dedication to his responsibilities as a dad and husband. His parents provided an upbringing and ongoing encouragement that laid the foundation for him to pursue both his personal and professional goals without succumbing to the fear of failure. Whether sharing tales from his childhood, insights into fatherhood, o...

Mar 07, 20241 hr

Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy the Antidote for Anxiety?

As a follow-up to last week’s episode on psychoanalysis, today’s guest is Dr. Camilo Ortiz, an expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Dr. Ortiz is a Professor of Psychology at Long Island University and a practicing clinical psychologist who is at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for child anxiety. Modern parenting styles tend to accommodate or even encourage avoidant behavior, resulting in children who never have the opportunity to build confidence and competence out in ...

Feb 29, 20242 hr 36 min

Childhood Isn’t Supposed To Be Stressful. Here’s How Parents Can Help.

Psychoanalyst and licensed clinical social worker Erica Komisar explains how psychoanalysis really works and how it can help parents better understand and support their children. Contrary to popular belief, psychoanalysis goes far beyond the Freudian theories you may have heard of. The field offers insight into the emotional intricacies of anxiety, attachment issues, and the pivotal role parents play in their child's development and mental health. Understanding how a child’s needs evolve as ...

Feb 23, 20241 hr 9 min

Andrew Tate, Pearl Davis, and the Case for Marriage

Brad Wilcox wants you to get married. In modern American society, cultural trends across the political spectrum discourage and devalue marriage as an institution, and economic incentives have only exacerbated this predicament. Some argue that marriage is a bad deal for women and others argue that it’s a bad deal for men, and Brad agrees that there are plenty of valid complaints to be made and addressed. However, he’s done his research and the data is clear. Marriage, including many traditional n...

Feb 16, 20242 hr 15 min

Comic Book Creator Eric July On Empty Wokeness, Real Diversity & Anarcho-Capitalism

Eric July, an anarcho-capitalist commentator with BlazeTV and the creative force behind Rippaverse Comics, offers a fresh perspective on diversity in media and shares invaluable insights for young creatives on hustling and ethics in the modern landscape of entrepreneurship. As both a lifelong comic fan and now an industry player in his own right, he believes in taking storytelling seriously and wants to offer an alternative to the the convoluted state of mainstream superhero universes. Eric also...

Feb 08, 20242 hr 4 min

Trump vs. Biden: Debunking the Myth of American Democracy

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, only 22% of 8th graders were proficient in civics, and only 13% in US history. If we want our kids to understand our political system, and how it actually works in reality, we’re going to need to role up our sleeves as parents and do it ourselves. But fear not, dear friends. Dad is here to help. Starting with this video, and throughout the year, I’m going to be breaking down the basics of how our political system was designed, how it ...

Feb 02, 202436 min

Porn, Video Games, and Cyberbullying: How To Guide Your Child Through the Digital Wasteland

Protecting children from online hazards is an essential part of parenting in the digital age. Dr. Lisa Strohman, a psychologist specializing in the mental health impacts of technology, breaks down the issues surrounding online pornography, video game addiction, and cyberbullying. She shares how parents can navigate the internet minefield, communicate about these topics with their children, and recognize signs that their children are struggling. Dr. Strohman is also the founder of Digital Citizen...

Jan 18, 20241 hr 13 min

Dr. Eithan Haim Exposed Texas Children’s Hospital for Secret Transgender Program

Last spring, former Texas Children’s Hospital surgeon and current whistleblower Dr. Eithan Haim exposed, in his words, that the hospital was lying to the public about the existence of their transgender program. Despite promises to cease such procedures, the hospital continued practicing transgender medicine on kids as young as 11. Texas legislators responded to the information revealed by Haim with the bi-partisan Senate Bill 14, outlawing transgender medical interventions on minors statewide. T...

Jan 13, 20242 hr 49 min