

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

19 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 3h 5min
The Middle Class Built Our Greatest Cities. Now They’re All Gone. - Joel Kotkin
Joel Kotkin, a Roger Hobbs Presidential Fellow at Chapman University and author of 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism', discusses the erosion of America's middle class and the emergence of a new social order dominated by tech oligarchs. He highlights the challenges posed by AI, including job displacement and the decline of entry-level opportunities. Kotkin also examines geographic divides between urban elites and family-centered communities, while emphasizing the importance of local governance and the need for a renewed focus on family and community as antidotes to societal fragmentation.

Oct 16, 2025 • 2h 27min
How To Be a Great Parent and a Great Boss - Robert Glazer
I sat down with author, entrepreneur, and leadership expert Robert Glazer to talk about how defining your values creates effective individuals, families, and organizations. His new book, The Compass Within, is a modern parable about how to establish clarity and purpose in your career and personal life. Robert is also known for his criticism of the “two-week notice” corporate norm, instead advocating for a more thoughtful process that aligns the interests of employers and employees cooperatively, rather than making exits all about conflict. We discuss our shared experiences as parents and entrepreneurs, how AI will reshape the career landscape, and why defining your personal core values helps life make more sense and simplifies the dilemmas you will inevitably face._____________________________________Order a hardcover copy of The Compass Within and claim your free course: https://robertglazer.com/compass-dad-saves-america/Follow Robert on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/robert_glazer_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Writing a modern parable about finding your values[7:01] How should we think about capacity and potential?[15:34] Rules vs values for your kids[24:00] How wealth, geography, and culture impact parenting[29:17] Savior-complex parenting delays the inevitable[35:29] The problem with the “2-week notice”[50:31] How company culture changes with scale[55:41] Have the “AI talk” with your kids[1:02:27] You’re not “owed” a job[1:06:54] Have you considered a job in sales?[1:19:26] Your kids will learn from action, not talk[1:22:18] How do you bring values into a relationship?[1:29:04] What actually ARE values?[1:33:19] Tribalism, truth, and authenticity[1:42:13] Why “not taking it personal” is complicated[1:46:57] How to identify and define your values[2:10:36] Next, put your values into action[2:14:40] Inoculate your kids to the victim mindset[2:25:08] Build better leaders in your family_____________________________________Purchase a T-shirt, hoodie, and more over on our merch store: https://shop.dadsavesamerica.com/Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ycnnLzqVP4IMake a tax-deductible donation to Dad Saves America: https://secure.anedot.com/emergent-order-foundation/dad-website?Visit our website: https://www.dadsavesamerica.com/ Get full access to Dad Saves America at www.dadsavesamerica.com/subscribe

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 16min
Matt Kibbe on the Deep State, Fauci, and the COVID Coverup
In this engaging discussion, Matt Kibbe, a prominent libertarian activist and founder of Free the People, dives into the troubling aspects of the COVID response and the role of what he calls the 'Deep State.' He reflects on the bureaucratic failures epitomized by figures like Anthony Fauci and the danger of centralized 'expert' decision-making. Kibbe also highlights an emerging anti-authoritarian coalition that bridges left and right ideologies, emphasizing grassroots activism and the importance of decentralized oversight in today’s politically charged climate.

Oct 2, 2025 • 2h 60min
The Sexual Revolution Ruined Millennials. Will Gen Z Get It Right? - Aleks Svetski
I sat down with Aleks Svetski, author of “The UnCommunist Manifesto” and “The Bushido of Bitcoin,” to discuss why socialism fails, the fallout of the sexual revolution, and Bitcoin’s potential for our future. The Millennial generation was the test case for absolute gender equality—even to the point of ignoring biology—and now Gen Z is searching for different solutions, from full-blown communism to hard-core traditionalism. We dig into why socialists misunderstand the world, the need for values beyond economics, and I ask Aleks some questions I have about Bitcoin._____________________________________Follow Aleks on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/AleksSvetskiAleks on Substack: https://substack.com/@svetskiwrites”The UnCommunist Manifesto”: https://a.co/d/icDKFRI“The Bushido of Bitcoin”: https://a.co/d/fjBEd8G_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] “The UnCommunist Manifesto”[4:39] Will the Mamdani trend last?[14:24] How to talk someone out of socialism[25:52] Deploying capital effectively and efficiently[32:51] Learning the messy reality of business[46:44] Leftists care more about animals than family[54:32] Why do we romanticize the noble savage?[1:01:11] Economics doesn’t describe all of life[1:10:53] Masculinity, femininity, and reality[1:32:31] How conservatives lost the sexual revolution[1:42:39] Love, respect, and authority[1:53:19] Is AI revolutionary or overhyped?[2:00:11] Can we trust that Bitcoin will survive?[2:28:58] The morality of monetary systems[2:41:16] Equality, fairness, and justice[2:48:56] Dependence is dehumanizing[2:54:58] Parenting is about modeling_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eiEsteZojb8Make a tax-deductible donation to Dad Saves America: https://secure.anedot.com/emergent-order-foundation/dad-website?Visit our website: https://www.dadsavesamerica.com/ Get full access to Dad Saves America at www.dadsavesamerica.com/subscribe

19 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 53min
Peter Boghossian: Can We Still Find Common Ground in the Wake of Charlie Kirk?
Peter Boghossian, a philosopher known for his work on street epistemology and critiquing higher education, delves into America's growing political divide. He explores why people seem to cheer on political violence and discusses the indoctrination present in universities. Boghossian advocates for a radical reform of these institutions, suggesting they need to collapse under their own weight. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media algorithms, the importance of fostering civil discourse, and the need for personal responsibility in addressing societal issues.

Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 18min
Bret Weinstein on Genetic Tribalism and the Global Backlash Against Jews - Part 2
I sat down with evolutionary biologist Bret Weinstein to explore how evolution can help make sense of tribalism, religion, and the ongoing war in Gaza. He shares his experience commenting on the Israel-Palestine conflict and the simultaneous resurgence and weaponization of antisemitism, speaking both as a scientist and as an American Jew who doesn’t see his views reflected by either major camp. Bret warns against embracing our genetic programming for "lineage-against-lineage" displacement, rather than the collaborative spirit that built Western civilization._____________________________________Follow Bret on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/BretWeinsteinWatch the Darkhorse Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DarkHorsePod/featuredPurchase a copy of “A Hunter-Gather’s Guide to the 21st Century”: https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-Gatherers-Guide-21st-Century-Challenges/dp/0593086880_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Evolution of culture and religion[12:32] Antisemitism and conspiracy thinking[20:38] How Israeli policy impacts Jews globally[26:42] Nazi Twitter went mainstream[33:17] John’s take on Israel-Palestine[42:30] Bret’s evolutionary take on the Gaza War[52:26] How genes get into the future[1:01:08] Is Christianity evolutionarily adaptive?[1:10:26] We aren’t fit for the world we’ve built_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3avvi_qwdxkMake a tax-deductible donation to Dad Saves America: https://secure.anedot.com/emergent-order-foundation/dad-website?Visit our website: https://www.dadsavesamerica.com/ Get full access to Dad Saves America at www.dadsavesamerica.com/subscribe

11 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 28min
Bret Weinstein on Epstein, Globalization, and How Our Institutions Went Insane - Part 1
Bret Weinstein, an evolutionary biologist known for his insights into evolutionary theory and his controversial time at Evergreen State College, discusses the failures of modern institutions. He explores the hidden powers behind the Epstein scandal and critiques the misinformation prevalent in governance and media. The conversation also covers the disconnection between elites and everyday citizens, the implications of globalization on democracy, and the challenges posed by virtual communities that reshape social bonds in our society.

18 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 2h 5min
Paul Zak on Neuroscience, Trust, and Why Communism Sucks
In this engaging conversation, Paul Zak, a neuroeconomist and author, delves into the fascinating world of oxytocin, the 'moral molecule,' revealing its pivotal role in trust and social bonds. He addresses the emotional struggles of Gen Z and emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships for personal success. The discussion critiques modern technology's impact on connection and navigates the complexities of masculinity and political identity. Zak also explores the moral contrasts between capitalism and communism, urging critical thinking in evaluating economic systems.

13 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 2h 22min
Education Is About Forming Souls, Not Filling Brains – Fr. Daniel O'Mullane
Father Daniel O’Mullane, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, champions a classical education that prioritizes the intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of children. He challenges the conventional focus on college readiness, advocating for a curriculum rooted in the great works of Western civilization. Fr. O’Mullane emphasizes the importance of nurturing a child's sense of wonder and aligning education with deeper spiritual values. He also critiques the impact of standardized testing, calling for a more holistic approach to learning that fosters genuine human flourishing.

24 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 2h 6min
Why We Should Cut Legal Immigration In Half - Mark Krikorian
In this discussion, Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, dives into the contentious topic of reducing legal immigration. He challenges common perceptions, arguing that high immigration levels aren't always beneficial for the economy or societal cohesion. Mark emphasizes the importance of assimilation and critiques the H-1B visa system. They explore the complexities of cultural identity, the impact of workers on job markets, and the often-overlooked issues surrounding illegal immigration—all while proposing practical solutions.


