

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

4 snips
Nov 7, 2024 • 1h 35min
Immigration Policy Researcher on Border Chaos, Failed Leadership, and the Migrant Surge
I sat down with Simon Hankinson, an immigration expert and Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, to tackle the pressing issues shaping America’s immigration landscape. We explored the impacts of the Biden administration’s immigration policies, how they compare to the Trump administration’s approach, and why the border crisis is an “unmitigated, man-made disaster.” The political and moral dilemmas involved in enforcing immigration law present serious challenges, but Simon lays out policy solutions that could finally bring order to the chaos._____________________________________Follow Simon on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/WatchfulWaiter1Check out Simon’s work with The Heritage Foundation: https://www.heritage.org/staff/simon-hankinson_____________________________________Outline:[0:00] Unmitigated, man-made immigration disaster[11:14] The role of child trafficking in the migrant wave[15:33] Is this really that different than the Ellis Island era?[26:12] What would good immigration policy actually look like?[30:28] Welfare and public services create perverse incentives[36:11] Doesn’t our economy rely on migrant labor?[38:42] Open borders, immigration enforcement, and the Reagan amnesty[51:17] Can supply and demand for immigrants reach equilibrium?[1:03:07] Population collapse, Social Security, and Ponzi schemes[1:10:58] Do immigrants or Gen Z radicals threaten our culture more?[1:18:18] What are ‘sanctuary cities’? Do migrants commit more crimes?[1:26:22] Most disagreement on immigration is about data, not values[1:31:37] Free speech and open debate make America great_____________________________________Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JCziABVqqGUMake 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 31, 2024 • 2h 10min
Rudyard Lynch on Dating Apps, Moral Decline, and the Risk of Civil War
In conversation with Rudyard Lynch, host of 'WhatIfAltHist' on YouTube, explore the brewing crisis for young men in America. Rudyard shares insights about a potential 'incel revolution' and warns of looming civil unrest, drawing parallels to historical conflicts. He discusses how societal pressures, like dating apps and economic challenges, alienate Gen Z men. The conversation also critiques modern relationships and the moral decline associated with contemporary ideologies, urging a deeper understanding of youth struggles and community connection.

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


