

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 25, 2024 • 1h 26min
Spike Cohen: Your Government Is Sponsoring Human Trafficking
I sat down with Spike Cohen, Libertarian activist and 2020 vice presidential nominee, to discuss why he rejects the Republican-Democrat duopoly and embraces alternative paths to make an impact. As a staunch advocate for individual freedom and former political candidate, Spike has been deeply involved in the Libertarian Party, but electoral politics isn’t the only way he’s working to put his beliefs into action. His organization, “You Are the Power”, informs and organizes individual Americans to successfully lobby politicians and bureaucrats to reverse unjust policies and enforcement practices. Rather than viewing elections as the only solution to deep institutional corruption, Spike focuses on the power of person-to-person communication. His approach has proven highly effective in opening the eyes of government officials to the harms they cause, putting them on notice that the public is watching, and successfully pressuring them to change their ways._____________________________________Follow Spike on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/RealSpikeCohenLearn more about “You Are the Power”: https://www.youarethepower.net/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Why run for the Libertarian Party?[6:31] Identitarianism, collectivism, and communism[14:33] Didn’t we try libertarian economics already?[19:52] The good-faith case for and agains progressives[25:11] Is it possible to decentralize power?[32:23] How Spike fights the government[35:57] The government is trafficking children[46:31] Government incentives are worse than perverse[50:39] Programs “fighting” homelessness are no better[57:56] We need to learn lessons from left-wing activists[1:04:27] Being right isn’t enough, so get to work[1:09:44] Human respect is the norm, unless it’s the government[1:15:23] Profit, power, and self-interest[1:23:37] Be grateful and treat others well_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cWTJDd9F3H0Make 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 18, 2024 • 1h 59min
The Impossible Choice: When a Crime Leads to Pregnancy
I sat down with former U.S. Senate candidate Kathy Barnette, whose personal story challenges the mainstream narrative of American society and politics. Born under circumstances often cited as the textbook argument for pro-choice advocates, she shares how her upbringing shaped her unwavering belief in the sanctity of life. Kathy reflects on the unraveling of America's moral foundation, turning once-common truths into political battlegrounds, and how the ongoing failures of Democratic leadership and policies are undermining the previously steadfast support among black Americans. As a black woman running for the Republican Party, she struggled to gain the attention of groups like BLM and the NAACP, which have monopolized the conversation around racial issues. However, by relentlessly reaching out to new audiences, she has seen the tides begin to turn against the past 60 years of Democratic Party dominance.This interview contains adult themes and may not be suitable for younger listeners._____________________________________Follow Kathy on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/Kathy4TruthCheck out Kathy’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@kathy4truth?si=MUWwDmpXiATvEPC3_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] It’s time to talk about abortion[3:44] Kathy’s conception and upbringing[10:15] Choosing life under the hardest circumstances[18:24] American liberty requires a moral foundation[23:17] Her story disproves the pro-choice narrative[31:48] The cultural value of boundaries and shame[37:50] Kathy’s experience running for office[44:37] Grabbing the mic at a BLM event[54:16] Why have race relations collapsed?[1:01:28] Admit the results of Democrat policies[1:09:37] Black Americans are shifting to the right[1:18:34] We’re electing a president, not a pastor[1:29:57] Election irregularities in 2020[1:43:03] Our division isn’t Democrat vs Republican[1:49:14] Is this really a make-or-break election?_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2IlDP8wzSgUMake 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 10, 2024 • 46min
Robert Kiyosaki on Financial Literacy, Wealth Building, and the Failure of Education
In this engaging conversation, Robert Kiyosaki, author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad,' shares his insights on financial literacy and wealth building. He critiques traditional education for misleading Americans about economic opportunities. Kiyosaki discusses leveraging debt to create cash-generating assets, contrasting the wealthy's strategies with the middle class's struggles. He warns of impending financial challenges for Baby Boomers and highlights the urgent need for better financial education in a rapidly shifting economy.

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 45min
Katherine Mangu-Ward: Virtue Requires Freedom and Freedom Requires Virtue
I sat down with Katherine Mangu-Ward, editor-in-chief of Reason, to discuss why we’ve both come to embrace libertarianism, even while we have entirely different ways of understanding the world. As a Catholic, my belief in universal morality and equal human dignity has led me to the conclusion that we should aim to maximize individual freedom. Katherine, on the other hand, doesn’t come at this from a religious perspective but instead embraces an optimistic utilitarian view of individual human potential for its own sake. She offers a refreshing take on why, if you’re worried about the state of the world, you should forget about voting and focus on raising independent and capable kids._____________________________________Follow Katherine on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/kmanguwardCheck out Katherine’s work at Reason: https://reason.com/people/katherine-mangu-ward/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Why shouldn’t you vote?[8:08] Modern parallels to the 60s and 70s[16:37] Individualism, consent, and coercion[24:07] Can we be virtuous without freedom?[27:55] Can we be free without traditional virtue?[32:19] Utilitarianism vs. universal morality[41:51] Have we killed God, and if so, what now?[50:33] Is ‘capitalism’ the right term for free markets?[55:16] Why are we playing with communism again?[58:28] The end of “the end of history”[1:08:13] What’s wrong with our media landscape?[1:16:33] Julian Assange and WikiLeaks[1:22:42] Elites, populists, and the party shift[1:28:57] Raise kids for healthy independence[1:37:52] Why people struggle with optimism[1:41:11] If you want to change the world, have kids_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_LAWIIeOWgMMake 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

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 13min
Sharyl Attkisson Followed the Science and the Government Followed Her
Sharyl Attkisson, an investigative journalist and author, dives deep into the alarming ties between Big Pharma, government regulators, and scientific journals. She shares insights from her book, revealing systemic corruption and the dangers of vaccine propaganda. Sharyl discusses her journey toward medical skepticism, emphasizing the erosion of public trust in health institutions. The conversation highlights the challenges of censorship in media and the urgent need for reform in public health messaging. Her candid reflections on navigating these complex issues make for a compelling listen.

Sep 19, 2024 • 1h 31min
Christina Hoff Sommers: Schools Are Hostile to Boys' Instincts
Christina Hoff Sommers, a feminist philosopher and author of "The War Against Boys," discusses the troubling landscape for boys in today’s educational systems. She argues that schools often overlook boys' natural instincts, favoring a structure that aligns with traditionally feminine styles of learning. Christina delves into how this bias leads to boys falling behind academically and emotionally, while examining the implications of radical feminist ideologies in education. She advocates for a reevaluation of gender dynamics in schools to foster a healthier environment for all children.

23 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 2h 9min
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya on COVID Lies, Vaccine Truth, and the Breakdown of Science
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and public health expert, discusses the failures of the COVID response and critiques heavy-handed policies like lockdowns. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to protecting the vulnerable while allowing society to function. Bhattacharya also delves into the complexities of government oversight, advocating for decentralized health structures to restore trust. He highlights issues surrounding vaccine safety and the challenges in healthcare reform, calling for accountability and informed decision-making in public health.

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 36min
Maj Toure Explains the Racist History of Gun Control
I sat down with Maj Toure, founder of Black Guns Matter, to discuss his perspectives on systemic racism, the history of gun control, and why all Americans should value the Second Amendment. He explains how early gun control policies were purposely designed to disarm black Americans and argues that modern gun laws continue this legacy. Although the voters who support gun control don’t generally harbor racist intent, the fact remains that the burden of legal punishment falls most heavily on the black community. Maj believes that this has been a long-running experiment to acclimate Americans to gun control, while concealing its harms by focusing enforcement on marginalized communities, whose struggles are largely misunderstood or ignored by both conservatives and liberals. He also shares his experience educating urban communities about safe gun ownership, conflict resolution, and how to navigate the obstacles created by gun control._____________________________________Follow Maj on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/MajToure999Watch Maj on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajToure_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Why ‘Black Guns Matter’?[4:47] How is gun control racist?[19:01] What about school shootings?[33:16] Growing up in North Philadelphia[43:37] Why are race relations getting worse?[53:53] Atonement, reparations, and justice[1:03:09] Diversity of thought or just clickbait?[1:09:09] American conservatives are liberal[1:13:10] How to teach about gun rights[1:25:31] Teach kids that they are capable[1:31:12] Practical advocacy for gun ownership_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D4AXdJJd8NUMake 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
Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 58min
Michael Shellenberger: How Our Leaders Lost All Credibility
In this episode, Michael Shellenberger, a journalist and author known for his critical insights on climate and societal issues, discusses the erosion of trust in elite institutions and its repercussions on American cities, particularly California. He addresses the disconnect between populism and political elites, emphasizing how leadership fails to connect with the public. The conversation also explores the importance of free speech in media, challenges of audience engagement, and parenting approaches, culminating in a reflection on cultural trust and the future of political discourse.

Aug 22, 2024 • 1h 58min
Corey DeAngelis on How Corrupt Teachers Unions Have Broken Our Public Schools
The school choice revolution has begun, providing parents with the power and resources to choose the best educational path for their children. Corey DeAngelis, a leading advocate for school choice and author of “The Parent Revolution,” explains why this movement is gaining unstoppable momentum. The disastrous school closures of 2020 changed the minds of millions of parents from default supporters of public education to vehement opponents, and now, twelve states have implemented universal school choice. Corey is a firm believer that tax dollars intended for education should be in the hands of parents and students, not broken school systems. It’s not just about offering alternatives—it's about breaking up the government monopoly that has long restricted educational opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged communities._____________________________________Follow Corey on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/DeAngelisCoreyPurchase a copy of “The Parent Revolution”: https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Revolution-Rescuing-Radicals-Ruining/dp/1546006869_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] The Parent Revolution[3:51] Public schools aren’t really “public”[8:33] Was has education become political?[24:14] Our schools are still segregated[39:12] Why doesn’t Texas have school choice yet?[50:00] “Remote learning” exposed the truth[57:49] Progressives have overplayed their hand[1:05:36] What about banning CRT and DEI?[1:13:34] Corruption in school board elections[1:20:13] Public sector unions shouldn’t exist[1:29:38] The school choice gold standard[1:33:16] Does school choice defund public schools?[1:40:33] Why does the government run schools at all?[1:47:32] How does the future of American education look?_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xnT4ly4dujwMake 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