

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

Aug 15, 2024 • 1h 42min
Socialism Is Gaining Popularity. What Would Jesus Do?
Was Jesus a socialist? Lawrence Reed, President Emeritus of the Foundation for Economic Education, tackles this question in his 2020 book titled just that. Some socialists like to claim Jesus among their ranks, but the Bible says otherwise. In Lawrence’s view, the teachings of Christ emphasized personal responsibility, voluntary charity, and the ethical foundations of freedom. We explore key biblical passages that both directly and indirectly comment on the structure of society and the proper relationship between personal values and government force. While it would be unreasonable to expect direct biblical instruction on the minutiae of contemporary policy issues, the Bible does contain plenty of guiding principles that light the way for us._____________________________________Purchase a copy of “Was Jesus a Socialist?”: https://www.amazon.com/Was-Jesus-Socialist-Question-Answer/dp/1610171608_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Was Jesus a socialist?[2:25] Socialism isn’t charity[9:01] What’s the Biblical evidence?[17:06] Are we forcing economics into the Bible?[20:48] The Golden Rule, pacifism, and fairness[28:27] Surrendering to your faith[33:55] Greed, wealth, and competition[44:44] Why Lawrence believes in free markets[52:10] Faith, freedom, and the Founding Fathers[1:00:46] Freedom requires virtue[1:11:46] The role of suffering in a life well-lived[1:14:39] Is the American Empire the new Rome?[1:22:44] Politics makes it hard to be good or happy[1:27:46] What do kids need to know about money?[1:35:35] Books that everyone should read[1:39:03] His dad taught him to tip generously_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BczAv4-lha8Make 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

Aug 8, 2024 • 1h 21min
Rob Schneider: Free Speech Is Dangerous, But Shutting Up Isn’t an Option
Comedian and actor Rob Schneider shares his perspective on the cultural and political shifts that have shaped his journey from a traditional liberal to a vocal critic of the progressive mainstream. Starting with his growing skepticism of vaccine safety around 2012, Rob noticed a stubbornness, and often outright hostility, in the public conversation toward questioning the “expert” managerial class. As a father, his commitment to his children drives his passion for defending the future of America against cultural trends that undermine our freedoms. Rob’s upcoming book, "You Can Do It!: Speak Your Mind, America," currently available for preorder, draws on his personal experiences in Hollywood and his firm belief in free speech._____________________________________Follow Rob on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/RobSchneiderPreorder Rob’s book: https://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Do-Speak-America/dp/1546007865/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EP052M9Q75EI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vslXvnGWOQ1xM_xwmay8fgyQTtrS4SDqt7vSb-skD0P5VDV7mmPWz4cKmGjlObRJkB-ZkxEqPMqmvTFu0JcMmKezzoDY8OWdGLUrWdH4EYPgVKYtqNnXOTCi7q9-F7YP7zoqsF2Zu5uit0EnnuU_5X8tclpz2m4BOjechthuAn9r0CdkVRvGms4QxxIyVj8RI5pzrNtuSvyvupZEsLjh610yInLERUkVvWTeDF_1Xow.LZsT4KRX8U93sP8HZ3-2HBrKdTlfHY8yzdqSDkIytLk&dib_tag=se&keywords=rob+schneider+book&qid=1722970737&sprefix=Rob+Schneider%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-139:43:Watch “Rob Schneider: Woke Up in America”: https://nation.foxnews.com/watch/33f9379d3469f8f1d4834503f1d84515/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Liberal conservatism and authoritarian progressivism[5:58] Why Rob became skeptical of vaccines[15:41] How did vaccines become political?[19:13] Will Americans comply with another lockdown?[24:10] The modern Hollywood blacklist[31:09] Comedy is alive and well[39:23] Woke culture is bad for storytelling[46:28] The politics of transgressive comedy[55:15] Catholicism, marriage, and family[1:06:26] The good, bad, and ugly of immigration[1:12:48] America is the best, but it could be better[1:18:22] Change the world by raising good kids_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lEx1ZXYnMpQMake 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

62 snips
Aug 2, 2024 • 2h 6min
Andrew Doyle: The Gay Rights Movement Has Been Hijacked
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Doyle, a playwright, journalist, and the mind behind the Twitter persona Titania McGrath, critiques modern culture wars and their effect on free speech. He humorously addresses the intolerance for differing views within the LGBTQ community, arguing that current activism misrepresents the average gay person's beliefs. Doyle also questions the corporatization of Pride events and reflects on the implications of contemporary LGBTQ+ dialogues, advocating for a return to rational discourse amidst growing extremism.

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 16min
Robby Soave on the Biden Media Coverup and Why Corporate Media Is Broken
I sat down with senior editor at Reason and host of The Hill’s “Rising” Robby Soave to explore the shifting landscape of media and politics in America. Robby provides a sharp critique of how the media has changed its tune on President Biden’s cognitive state, rapidly pivoting from denial to feigned shock and distress following the debate. He discusses how, although audience capture can corrupt both corporate legacy media and independent social media, the latter is far more resistant to the top-down engineering of public perception. Looking back fondly at the ‘good old days’ of Walter Cronkite may be comforting to some, but in reality, the only difference was the style of presentation. Centralized media institutions have never been, and will never be, unbiased purveyors of truth. With the technology most of us carry in our pockets every day, we have a better opportunity than ever before to make the most of our First Amendment rights._____________________________________Follow Robby on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/robbysoaveCheck out Robby’s work at Reason: https://reason.com/people/robby-soave/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] The media is responsible for the coverup[5:39] What election outcome benefits the media?[7:43] How audience capture works[14:46] Why Robby didn’t think Biden would step down[22:05] Political chaos throughout the West[27:30] Why Democrats are worried about Project 2025[36:10] The rural-urban divide in America[40:18] The good, bad, and ugly of the social media era[48:58] Exposing the “Covington kids” story[57:14] The future of cancel culture in the AI era[1:00:13] How to stay sane in the 21st century[1:09:00] What happened to classical liberalism?[1:12:26] Make the most of your 1st Amendment rights_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k4Hbo4YpU2oMake 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

Jul 18, 2024 • 1h 27min
Tom Woods on the Trump Attack, American History, and Our Constitutional Crisis
I sat down with author, historian, and libertarian commentator Tom Woods about 90 minutes after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Reeling from the shock of this historic moment, we attempt to wade through its profound implications for the American Republic. Drawing on his wealth of historical knowledge, Tom analyzes how political tribalism, media echo chambers, and “state of emergency” governance are eroding our constitutional framework. He presents chapters from American history that outline our past and present pitfalls and model an optimistic path forward for Americans._____________________________________Follow Tom on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ThomasEWoodsCheck out Tom’s podcast and books: https://tomwoods.com/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Reacting to the Trump assassination attempt[7:43] Does history repeat, rhyme, or neither?[11:46] How technological revolutions drive politics[15:08] Will Trump embrace this opportunity for leadership?[18:29] The Trump prosecution exposed our “justice” system[22:30] Revolutions can be fast or slow[28:34] Can the ‘Dobbs’ Supreme Court case fix our problems?[35:16] Does the Constitution actually constrain the government?[39:32] The United States is a collection of societies[51:25] Is civil war now on our national bingo card?[57:34] “Fox-to-CNN” isn’t the true range of legitimate opinion[1:05:44] How Christianity built our civilization[1:20:24] The Tom Woods School of Life_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mOGhkUIUzRUMake 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

26 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 2h 13min
How Public Schools Crush Creativity and Critical Thinking
Hannah Frankman, founder of Renegade Educator and a passionate advocate for alternative education, dives deep into the flaws of traditional public schooling. She shares her experience as a homeschooled child, arguing that it nurtures creativity better than conventional methods. Hannah critiques the reliance on standardized testing and the lack of curiosity fostered in students. The discussion highlights innovative models like Montessori, micro-schools, and the importance of self-directed learning in preparing children for future challenges.

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 35min
Warren Smith Went Viral for Teaching Critical Thinking, So His School Fired Him
High school teacher Warren Smith, known for his viral critical thinking video, discusses effective teaching methods and the importance of honest dialogue. He shares insights on classroom challenges, his firing, and plans for content creation. Topics include teaching by asking 'why,' challenges of classroom teaching, and turning 5 minutes of fame into a career.

8 snips
Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 11min
Psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary: I Want to Disrupt the Medicalization of Mental Health
I sat down with psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary to explore her perspective on anxiety, resilience, and mental health. Tracy argues that anxiety has played a crucial role in driving human innovation and should be embraced rather than avoided. She delves into the challenges faced by Gen Z, emphasizing that their struggles often stem from avoidance and a lack of coping skills rather than anxiety itself. Tracy points out that while social media exacerbates mental health struggles, it isn’t the all-powerful corrupting force it’s often made out to be in public discourse. She also discusses her innovative work in “digital therapeutics,” designing mobile games with the potential to revolutionize mental health care._____________________________________Follow Dr. Dennis-Tiwary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tracyphd/Purchase a copy of “Future Tense: Why Anxiety Is Good for You”: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Tense-Anxiety-Though-Feels/dp/0063062100Learn more about Arcade Therapeutics: https://arcadetherapeutics.com/_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] How a conservatory musician became a psychologist[5:55] What is neuroscience?[8:48] Evolutionary psychology and “Thinking Fast and Slow”[13:48] What is anxiety?[19:31] Anxiety and stress during a 7-hour spacewalk[26:50] Gen Z struggles with avoidance, not anxiety[32:36] Social media is a negativity amplifier[38:17] What’s the best approach to screen-time for kids?[41:32] Using mobile games as a mental health treatment[47:59] Meaning, purpose, and happiness[52:36] Raise your kids to be anti-fragile[58:25] Anxiety is the secret to human innovation[1:04:48] Should parents intervene with bullying?[1:09:35] Mental health isn’t just about mental illness_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LTCzqQW-w_IMake 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

Jun 14, 2024 • 1h 59min
Legal Expert Ilya Shapiro on Trump Conviction, Our Constitution, and Collapsing Public Trust
I sat down with legal expert Ilya Shapiro to learn more about today’s threats to the rule of law in America. He shares his perspective on why the Trump conviction sets a dangerous precedent that undermines our system of justice. Ilya offers a thorough explanation of why legal rulings from courts are often in tension with the political choices of voters. His upcoming book, "Lawless," outlines how our elite institutions have miseducated the de facto ruling class in America, producing “leaders” who are illiberal and ignorant, or even contemptuous, of our constitutional system. We discuss why colleges, universities, and law schools lost their way, his experience being canceled at Georgetown, and the values that form the foundation of our legal system._____________________________________Follow Ilya on X (Twitter): https://x.com/ishapiroRead Ilya’s work on Substack: https://ilyashapiro.substack.com/Pre-order a copy of “Lawless”: https://a.co/d/96p6AkR_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] The Trump conviction is a travesty of justice[8:21] Our societal trust and understanding is broken[13:23] Soviet-style “justice” or rule of law?[20:29] Which questions should be left to voters?[25:43] How Trump could appeal his conviction[28:58] What is the “rule of law”?[38:22] The U.S. is not a democracy[45:08] American elites have been miseducated[57:03] Bureaucracy and ideology are ruining education[1:05:52] The “consumerization” of higher education[1:11:16] The New Deal broke the Constitution[1:16:36] The revolutionary politics of the Founding Fathers[1:20:03] Originalism, the spirit of the law, and legal precedent[1:29:33] Georgetown hired Ilya, then cancelled him[1:40:20] Intent and impact in the law[1:46:08] Antisemitism, free speech, and campus policies[1:51:08] Why should we have hope for the future?_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wO4A_7rVnqgMake 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

Jun 6, 2024 • 30min
Vivek Ramaswamy: We’ve Sacrificed True Diversity in the Name of Diversity
Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy sits down to discuss the importance of engaging with opposing views, the state of American political discourse, and the impact of identity politics. Growing up as the “odd man out” in most rooms he entered, he quickly learned the value of having your views challenged. Vivek shares stories from his upbringing, his perspective on how true diversity drives productive debate, and how his role as a father inspires his public life._____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Being the odd man out makes you more capable[2:34] The state of American political discourse[4:19] Why has victimhood culture overtaken patriotism?[6:34] The collapse of debate and the top-down education model[13:59] DEI sacrifices true diversity for the appearance of diversity[16:13] Vigorous debate and cultural unity can coexist[18:41] Why do presidential debates matter?[21:56] The best debates are at the dinner table[26:12] Free speech, fatherhood, and the American Dream_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZnKqHX53MdsMake 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