Proud papa, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and arm-chair philosopher John Papola explores the biggest issues facing our country through the lens of fatherhood, releasing exclusive interviews and deep dives every week. We need to make sure the next generation of Americans is raised to thrive in a free society and be champions of civilization.
Dad Saves America has hosted all sorts of experts in the studio, including Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Drew, Michael Shellenberger, Bret Weinstein, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Adam Carolla.
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
I sat down with Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, to discuss why he believes we should significantly reduce immigration levels. Often, the immigration debate is so focused on illegal immigration that equally important questions about legal immigration are entirely ignored. As Mark points out, even President Trump—smeared as an anti-immigrant radical—has generally supported high levels of legal immigration. Mark, on the other hand, is an unapologetic restri...
I sat down with James Lindsay to unpack how woke Marxist ideology infiltrated Western society, starting from Marx himself up through the political turmoil of the past decade. While working on the “Grievance Studies” hoax papers alongside Peter Boghossian and Helen Pluckrose, James began to realize that the ideological rot in academia was worse than he thought. Following that experience, he dedicated himself to researching the long intellectual history of wokeness, critical theory, and communism ...
I sat down with Rob Henderson, author of "Troubled: A Memoir of Family, Foster Care, and Social Class,” to discuss why elite progressives promote radical ideas that they would never tolerate in their own lives. Coining the term “luxury beliefs,” he’s incisively diagnosed how their obsession with virtue signaling sacrifices the well-being of the poor. Rob shares how growing up in foster care, enlisting in the Air Force at 17, and later attending Yale and Cambridge shaped his worldview over the ye...
I sat down with Catholic social scientist and author Catherine Pakaluk to explore why some highly educated women are still choosing to have large families. A mother of 14 children herself, Catherine made “#postcardsforMacron” go viral after the French president made dismissive remarks about educated women not wanting large families. She has since written the book Hannah’s Children , in which she profiles 55 college-educated women raising large families in spite of societal trends against motherh...
I sat down with Sara Higdon, a transwoman and libertarian content creator, to unpack the uncomfortable truths about modern gender ideology. Sara shares her personal story of transition and her concerns about the transgender social contagion impacting children. We discuss the historical context of gender dysphoria, the multi-billion dollar “gender medicine” industry, and the radical activists working to eliminate parental rights. _____________________________________ Follow Sara on X (formerly Tw...
I sat down with economist Antony Davies to discuss what’s right and wrong about our economy. Most Americans live materially wealthier lives than most other humans alive today, never mind in centuries past. However, young people are experiencing very real distress, with rising rates of serious mental illness. Is housing affordability the main problem? Are universities to blame? Antony shares his perspective on income inequality, the perverse incentives of government intervention, and how AI will ...
I sat down with Jeanne Lim, co-founder and CEO of beingAI, to explore the future of human-AI relationships. Jeanne traces her journey from launching Sophia the Robot at Hanson Robotics to creating AI beings designed to engage in deep, Socratic dialogue rather than simply serve as obedient productivity assistants. We discuss her beliefs about consciousness, free will, wisdom, and spirituality, and how these ideas will shape the development of AI. _____________________________________ Learn more a...
I sat down with author and journalist Adam Coleman to discuss his experience with America’s fatherlessness crisis, his recent return to Christianity, and how victimhood and identity politics have sabotaged many black Americans. In Adam’s new book, “The Children We Left Behind,” he shares his personal struggle with abandonment, offering a window into the intense emotional scars left by absent fathers and fractured communities. You may also know Adam as a regular contributing writer on our Substac...
John Papola talks with journalist and influencer Emily Austin about Gen Z culture. They discuss challenges like the "failure to launch" phenomenon, the impact of social media and figures like Andrew Tate on relationships, and the cultural shifts regarding gender and identity. Emily shares her unconventional career path, her views on celebrity influence, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the importance of speaking truth despite public pressure.
I sat down with Brazilian congressman Marcel Van Hattem to talk about the growing censorship crisis in Brazil, political persecution under the Lula regime, and how the United States might be playing a disturbing role behind the scenes. Marcel explains how social media censorship, mass arrests after Brazil’s January 8th riots, and judicial overreach are silencing political opposition and threatening democracy. He also shares the shocking case of Felipe Martins, an innocent man imprisoned based on...
I sat down with Daniel Di Martino, economist and founder of the Dissident Project, to talk about how socialism destroyed Venezuela—his home country—and what Americans need to understand before making the same mistake. He explains what life was really like under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, from brutal inflation and collapsing public utilities to the psychological toll of losing hope in your country. After arriving in the U.S. in 2016, Daniel studied economics with a focus on immigration and n...
I sat down with Glenn Jacobs—better known to millions as former pro wrestler Kane—to explore his transformation from WWE superstar to liberty-minded mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. Glenn explains how backstage politics in pro wrestling compare to the “kayfabe” of American politics, where performance often masks the real alliances and centers of power. We talk about his philosophical journey from political nomad to principled “conservatarian,” his belief in the necessity of masculinity, and his ...
I sat down with “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe to explore his philosophy of honest storytelling and hard work. In today’s social media-driven culture, reality TV and broadcast journalism cling to a pretense of truth that few actually believe in anymore, but Mike is committed to taking his own path. He reflects on the lessons he’s learned alongside tradespeople doing essential jobs that we take for granted. Mike digs deep into the meaning of masculinity, adulthood, and gratitude—and why these concep...
I sat down with Lenore Skenazy, founder of the ‘free-range kids’ movement, to explore how fear-based parenting is holding our children back. Once dubbed “The World’s Worst Mom” for letting her 9-year-old ride the New York City subway alone, Lenore has since become a powerful voice challenging the culture of overprotection and anxiety that dominates American parenting. She explains how safetyism, media sensationalism, and misguided laws have created a generation of kids who are less confident, le...
Heather Mac Donald joins to analyze how racial victimhood and identity politics are dismantling American meritocracy and Western standards. She critiques the concept of disparate impact, arguing that lowering standards and implementing racial preferences ultimately harms beneficiaries and society. The discussion explores the pervasiveness of woke ideology in institutions, historical context of race and slavery, gender differences, and the unique self-critical nature of the West, contrasting current trends with principles of excellence and assimilation.
I sat down with Father Robert Spitzer, a Jesuit priest and author known for his work on the intersection of faith and science, to explore how cutting-edge physics, historical evidence, and theology converge to support belief in Catholicism. He breaks down why the Big Bang and related cosmological discoveries have built a powerful case for a transcendent creator of the universe. Father Spitzer also explains the role of the pope in the Catholic Church, the historical basis for papal authority, and...
I sat down with philosopher and author Peter Boghossian to wrestle with one of the defining questions of modern American life: Can human rights, equality, and morality be justified without a belief in God? As a Catholic, I’ve come to see our 21st-century social breakdown as largely the result of secularization. Without a broadly Christian cultural foundation, the classical liberal approach to government might not work. Peter, who shares many of my classical liberal values, takes the opposite sta...
I sat down with Matt Fradd, host of “Pints With Aquinas,” to explore the enduring power of Christian faith, the cultural crisis facing the West, and the vital role of fathers in navigating these turbulent times. As a Catholic convert, Matt examines the perceived tension between reason and faith in our culture—and explains why that conflict is an illusion. We dive into the significance of Holy Week, the problem of evil, and the reality of spiritual warfare. Matt critiques a culture adrift and mak...
I sat down with Eustace Wolfington, executive producer of “Cabrini,” to explore his journey from car leasing innovator to filmmaker behind a movie that Hollywood wouldn’t touch. Eustace shares how discovering Mother Cabrini at 23 had a lifelong impact, eventually driving him to bring her story to the screen. Cabrini, an Italian immigrant nun, overcame institutional corruption and fierce opposition to serve the poor and build an empire of charity. Her message of dignity, perseverance, and service...
I sat down with Scott Lincicome, trade expert and Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute, to discuss why tariffs and protectionism are bad policy. Despite bipartisan support for trade restrictions in recent years—especially those targeting China—Scott argues that tariffs are fundamentally at odds with American prosperity, raising prices, killing jobs, and weakening U.S. manufacturing. He explains why fears over trade deficits are misplaced, how offshoring has actually boosted ...
I sat down with Oren Cass, founder of American Compass and former domestic policy advisor to Mitt Romney, to unpack why he believes America’s decades-long pursuit of free trade has backfired—and why tariffs might be the key to reversing the damage. Oren explains how globalization and an over-reliance on market orthodoxy divorced from national interest have hollowed out American industry, eroded national resilience, and disconnected Americans from purpose, family, and community. _________________...
I sat down with Robert Breedlove, host of the “What Is Money?” podcast, to unpack the fundamental truths about money, inflation, and Bitcoin. Robert explains why money isn’t just a medium of exchange, but also a form of time, energy, and information—and why fiat money distorts all three. We dig into the history of gold-backed currencies, how central banks consolidate power, and why Bitcoin presents a revolutionary alternative to the broken system. _____________________________________ Check out ...
I sat down with Dr. Marty Makary, Johns Hopkins surgeon and President Trump’s new FDA Commissioner, to discuss the urgent need for reform in American healthcare. Dr. Makary pulls back the curtain on the medical dogma that has infiltrated our system, explaining how outdated, unscientific beliefs and entrenched interests harm patients and stifle innovation. From the critical need for price transparency and competition to the failures of pandemic-era policies, he offers a bold vision for restoring ...
I sat down with psychoanalyst and author Erica Komisar to discuss how modern American culture has left teens and young adults struggling with identity, relationships, and mental health. From the rise of narcissism to the breakdown of family structures, Erica believes that our obsession with personal autonomy has left many people more isolated than ever. We dive into the challenges young men face in schools designed for girls, dating in the post-#MeToo world, and finding a therapist who actually ...
I sat down with comedian and political commentator Jimmy Dore to discuss the current state of American politics, the collapse of traditional left-right distinctions, and the influence of corporate power. Jimmy shares his journey of increasing disillusionment with the Democratic Party and how its alignment with Wall Street and big business has motivated toxic identity politics. We also dive into the overwhelming censorship and propaganda during COVID, how the military-industrial complex keeps us ...
I sat down with Ian Vásquez, Vice President for International Studies at the Cato Institute, to unpack the failures of foreign aid and the true purpose of USAID. For decades, the U.S. has funneled billions into foreign assistance programs, yet these efforts have done little to spur economic growth. Instead, they have trapped countries in a cycle of dependence by subsidizing dysfunctional and corrupt regimes. Using Argentina as a case study, we explore how Javier Milei’s radical free market appro...
I sat down with James Fishback, CEO of Azoria and founder of Incubate Debate, to discuss the merits of his “DOGE Dividend” proposal. Here’s the idea—take 20% of all DOGE savings and pay them out directly to American taxpayers. After sharing his idea on X (Twitter), Elon Musk brought it to the attention of President Trump, who quickly endorsed it. I have my reservations—namely, that we can’t spare a single penny that could otherwise pay down the national debt. However, James believes that by gett...
I sat down with Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, to discuss the political backlash against Project 2025, President Trump’s vision for America, and what it means for the modern conservative movement. Historically, the conservative movement has lacked a strategy for cultivating future generations of public officials. Progressives have had their recruitment and training institutions in place for decades—you might know them as colleges, universities, and NGOs. For all the suppose...
I sat down with journalist and documentary filmmaker Andrew Gold to discuss our susceptibility cultish thinking, the dangers of ideological capture, and the disturbing rise of woke Islamism. Andrew shares his personal journey from a respected BBC presenter to an outspoken critic of the mainstream media and politics. He also digs into his experiences over the years reporting on exorcism, Scientology, and his more recent focus on gender ideology and Britain’s immigration crisis. Drawing on his ext...
I moderated a ZeroHedge debate between PhD economists and commentators Noah Smith and Peter St Onge on President Trump’s proposal to replace income taxes with tariffs to fund the federal government. As they unpack the economic theories behind these two tax systems, they also analyze the political dynamics involved, the moral justifications for our current spending, and the nature of government itself. Noah is a former professor at Stony Brook University with a popular Substack, “Noahpinion”, and...
