

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

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

14 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.

158 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 2h 48min
James Lindsay on Marx, Education, and the History of “Woke”
In this conversation, James Lindsay, an author and cultural critic focused on wokeness, dives deep into how Marxist ideology has permeated education and society. He discusses his eye-opening experience with the 'Grievance Studies' hoax and how it revealed the troubling state of academia. Lindsay also explores the transformation of Marxism into intersectionality, critiques progressive education, and emphasizes the implications of these ideologies on democracy and personal freedoms. Moreover, he reflects on the role of fatherhood in combating these challenges.

Jul 31, 2025 • 2h 13min
Only Elites Can Afford Luxury Beliefs. The Rest of Us Get Left Behind. - Rob Henderson
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 years. We also discuss Gen Z’s widening gender divide along political lines and what it could mean for the future of family formation._____________________________________Rob’s article on sex differences: https://www.city-journal.org/article/men-women-political-divideFollow Rob on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/robkhendersonRead Rob’s work on Substack: https://www.robkhenderson.com/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Why does over-schooling end in communism?[17:22] Elites talk progressive but live conservative[28:10] Family instability is much worse than poverty[43:10] The male-female political split[59:33] Did the country lose its mind in 2013?[1:08:11] Are relationships and marriages doomed?[1:27:40] America is suffering from wealth disease[1:40:48] When is therapy useful and when is it the problem?[1:47:55] Why more young men should consider the military[1:54:36] Podcasts are good, but books are better[1:58:48] Don’t stifle yourself, but don’t have pointless arguments[2:02:26] Masculinity, rites of passage, and adulthood_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/izcLJ6fIE1AMake 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


