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
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.
46 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.
11 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.
64 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 52min
Jonathan Haidt: Why Did Our Kids Starts To Go Crazy in 2012?
In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and bestselling author, delves into the impacts of overprotective parenting and social media on Gen Z. He reveals how a culture of safety is stunting their growth and resilience. Haidt argues that excessive scheduling and screen time replace vital play, leading to increased anxiety and diminished independence. He highlights the dangers of 'safetyism' and discusses the importance of teaching children antifragility, encouraging them to embrace challenges rather than avoid them.
Oct 30, 2025 • 2h 22min
How the Government Hijacked the Internet - Mike Benz
In this discussion, Mike Benz, a former State Department official and founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online, dives into the dark side of surveillance and censorship. He reveals how child protection tech can morph into government censorship tools. Mike explains the CIA's integration within the tech industry and outlines the risks of digital IDs that threaten personal freedoms. He sheds light on powerful private entities like Oracle and warns against the implications of centralized data control on civil liberties. It's a compelling look at the invisible forces shaping our online lives.
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
Join Robert Glazer, an author and leadership expert, as he explores the intersection of parenting and business. He discusses how defining personal values can simplify life's dilemmas for both individuals and families. Glazer critiques the outdated two-week notice culture and proposes a more cooperative approach to job transitions. He emphasizes the importance of teaching resilience to children and having honest conversations about AI's impact on careers. Tune in for valuable insights on leadership, parenting, and personal growth!
