Dad Saves America

Mar 06 2025 126 ep. 78 mins 145

Dad Saves America Podcast artwork

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

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USAID Isn’t About Helping People. It’s About Political Influence. - Ian Vásquez

Mar 06 2025 113 mins

I sat down with Ian Vásquez, Vice President for International Studies at the Cato Institute, to unpack the failures of foreign aid and the true purpose of USAID. For decades, the U.S. has funneled billions into foreign assistance programs, yet these efforts have done little to spur economic growth. Instead, they have trapped countries in a cycle of dependence by subsidizing dysfun

He Convinced Elon and Trump To Pursue a DOGE Dividend. Can He Convince Me?

Feb 27 2025 115 mins

I sat down with James Fishback, CEO of Azoria and founder of Incubate Debate, to discuss the merits of his “DOGE Dividend” proposal. Here’s the idea—take 20% of all DOGE savings and pay them out directly to American taxpayers. After sharing his idea on X (Twitter), Elon Musk brought it to the attention of President Trump, who quickly endorsed it. I have my reservations—na

Heritage Foundation President on Trump, Project 2025, and the Last Chance to Save America

Feb 20 2025 78 mins

I sat down with Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, to discuss the political backlash against Project 2025, President Trump’s vision for America, and what it means for the modern conservative movement. Historically, the conservative movement has lacked a strategy for cultivating future generations of public officials. Progressives have had their recruitment and t

’Heretics’ Host Andrew Gold: DEI Ruined the BBC. Independent Journalism Is the Future.

Feb 13 2025 141 mins

I sat down with journalist and documentary filmmaker Andrew Gold to discuss our susceptibility cultish thinking, the dangers of ideological capture, and the disturbing rise of woke Islamism. Andrew shares his personal journey from a respected BBC presenter to an outspoken critic of the mainstream media and politics. He also digs into his experiences over the years reporting on exor

ZeroHedge Debate: Should We Abolish Income Tax and Replace It With Tariffs?

Feb 06 2025 115 mins

I moderated a ZeroHedge debate between PhD economists and commentators Noah Smith and Peter St Onge on President Trump’s proposal to replace income taxes with tariffs to fund the federal government. As they unpack the economic theories behind these two tax systems, they also analyze the political dynamics involved, the moral justifications for our current spending, and the nature

Kennedy on Gen X, Embracing Religion, and the MTV Glory Days

Jan 30 2025 75 mins

I sat down with Kennedy, former MTV VJ and libertarian commentator, to explore the Gen X mindset, parenting, politics, and faith. She argues that the latchkey-kid upbringing, combined with the Cold War backdrop, instilled in our generation a deep skepticism toward authority—especially the government. Kennedy shares her journey from high school dropout to MTV and what that taught

Katharine Birbalsingh Is Leading the Charge Against Woke Schooling

Jan 23 2025 119 mins

I sat down with Katharine Birbalsingh, the controversial headmistress of Michaela Community School in London, to discuss why discipline, structure, and teaching “what to think” are essential for raising children into successful, independent adults. Clearly defined expectations empower students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to thrive both academically and p

Michael Shellenberger Exposes Who’s to Blame for the LA Fire Disaster

Jan 16 2025 101 mins

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Jan 09 2025 103 mins

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Economist George Selgin on Money, Inflation, and the Federal Reserve

Jan 02 2025 139 mins

I sat down with George Selgin, economist and Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, to explore the complex world of money, banking, and monetary policy. George explains how money evolved from primitive barter systems to the sophisticated financial networks we rely on today. He breaks down the historical role of gold, central banking, and the Federal Reserve’s influence on inflation