Dad Saves America
John Papola
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
www.dadsavesamerica.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 2h 33min
Michael Shellenberger on ICE Protests, Censorship Threats, and His Radical Past in Venezuela
Michael Shellenberger, a journalist and author noted for his insights on energy and free speech, shares his fascinating journey from radicalism to advocacy. He discusses the psychology behind modern activism and critiques anti-ICE protests, emphasizing their lack of genuine problem-solving. Reflecting on his experiences in Venezuela, he highlights the corrupting nature of socialism. Shellenberger also addresses the dangers of censorship and the role of elites in controlling information, advocating for a strong defense of free speech in today’s polarized landscape.
15 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 2h 14min
AI Data Centers, Nuclear Power, and the Limits of Capitalism - Robert Bryce
Robert Bryce, an acclaimed author and energy journalist, delves into the fragility of the electric grid and its implications for Americans. He highlights how AI data centers are escalating electricity demand, revealing vulnerabilities in our energy infrastructure. Bryce advocates for a nuclear renaissance, discussing its potential benefits over renewables, while critiquing the misleading narrative of the 'clean energy transition.' He emphasizes the essential role of electricity in modern society and urges citizens to prioritize energy literacy for informed policy decisions.
28 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 57min
We Broke Childhood. Here’s How to Fix It - Peter Gray
In this engaging talk, psychologist and author Peter Gray discusses the alarming rise of anxiety and depression among children, linking it to the decline of free, self-directed play. He emphasizes that true education comes from allowing children to take risks, solve problems, and enjoy genuine freedom. Gray warns how modern schooling stifles creativity and autonomy, training kids for compliance instead of resilience. With insights on parenting, he advocates for trustful approaches that nurture competence and emotional growth in children.
55 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 2h 15min
We Feminized Psychology, Parenting, and Society - Dr. Camilo Ortiz
Dr. Camilo Ortiz, a clinical psychologist famous for his work on independence therapy, shares his insights on modern parenting pitfalls. He discusses the detrimental effects of overparenting on kids’ mental health and why they need exposure to discomfort and risk. Ortiz critiques the feminization of psychology, emphasizing how it leads to overly cautious parenting advice. He introduces practical steps for fostering independence, arguing that mixed-age play and early work experiences can significantly enhance children’s resilience and social skills.
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 54min
Build America Up—Don’t Burn It To the Ground - Doug DeVos
Doug DeVos, a businessman and philanthropist, discusses the importance of believing in America amidst cultural cynicism. He emphasizes that true prosperity stems from community leaders and entrepreneurs rather than slogans. DeVos critiques online polarization, noting that personal relationships build trust. He recounts Amway's founding values of belief in people and opportunity. Advocating for an optimistic view of the future, he highlights the vital roles of sales and civic engagement in reviving America's spirit, urging citizens to take responsibility for better governance.
Dec 11, 2025 • 2h 39min
Bridget Phetasy on Hookup Culture, Divorce, and Healing Our Culture
Bridget Phetasy, a comedian and writer known for her candid insights on culture and addiction recovery, delves into her personal journey through divorce and hookup culture. She critiques how modern feminism often falls short and reflects on how these experiences shaped her understanding of love and parenting. Bridget warns against the dangers of hookup culture, emphasizing its potential for regret. She also discusses the role of addiction in identity struggles and the importance of community and local leadership in today's fractured society.
51 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 37min
Dr. Drew on Narcissism, Childhood Trauma, and the Sexual Revolution
Dr. Drew Pinsky, a board-certified physician and media personality, dives deep into the cultural impact of narcissism. He discusses how collapsing family structures foster fragile adults obsessed with perfect images. The chaos of social media, he argues, rewards performative outrage and masks emotional distress. He also explores the lasting effects of childhood trauma and critiques the confusion around modern relationships. Plus, insights on mitigating mental health issues stemming from the pandemic and the critical need for stable caregiver connections.
79 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 3h 39min
The Neuroscience Behind the Culture War – Delia McCabe
Delia McCabe, a neuroscientist and medical PhD, discusses the intricate ties between nutrition and mental health. She reveals how ultra-processed foods can lead to cognitive decline and behavioral issues, even in smart children. Delia explores the biological differences between male and female brains, stressing the importance of understanding these variations in today's climate of gender confusion. With insights on decision-making and the impact of emotions on cognition, she advocates for a balanced view on neuroscience and societal issues.
Nov 21, 2025 • 2h 5min
Persuasion VS Manipulation: Why We Don’t Trust Slick-Talkers - Jay Heinrichs
Jay Heinrichs, best-selling author of Thank You for Arguing, delves into the lost art of rhetoric, discussing its importance in modern discourse. He explores how political figures use persuasion and highlights the need to revitalize civic debate. Jay shares tips on inoculating kids against manipulation and emphasizes listening as a key to winning arguments. He distinguishes between empathy and sympathy, stressing the role of emotions in persuasion. Additionally, he warns against common rhetorical fallacies that cloud judgment.
Nov 14, 2025 • 2h 42min
My Soviet Parents Saw Cancel Culture Coming Before Anyone Else - Katherine Brodsky
Katherine Brodsky, a writer and free-speech advocate, sheds light on the chilling effect of cancel culture and the struggles of honest dialogue. Drawing from her Soviet parents' experiences, she emphasizes the importance of free speech in America. The conversation tackles how social media algorithms distort discourse, the cost of standing up against cancel culture, and the need for more robust public discussions. Brodsky's insights challenge listeners to confront fears and promote a culture of curiosity and courageous conversation.
