

Dad Saves America
John Papola
Proud papa, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and arm-chair philosopher John Papola explores the biggest issues facing our country through the lens of fatherhood, releasing exclusive interviews and deep dives every week. We need to make sure the next generation of Americans is raised to thrive in a free society and be champions of civilization.
Dad Saves America has hosted all sorts of experts in the studio, including Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Drew, Michael Shellenberger, Bret Weinstein, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Adam Carolla. www.dadsavesamerica.com
Dad Saves America has hosted all sorts of experts in the studio, including Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Drew, Michael Shellenberger, Bret Weinstein, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Adam Carolla. www.dadsavesamerica.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 26, 2026 • 2h 50min
Lionel Shriver: The “Nation of Immigrants” Myth Makes America Weak
Lionel Shriver, novelist known for tackling controversial social issues and author of A Better Life. She questions the 'nation of immigrants' myth, argues for assimilation and selective immigration, raises concerns about large-scale Islamic migration, criticizes elite virtue signaling, and warns that immigration cannot fix demographic decline. Short, provocative, and combative conversation on culture, cohesion, and national self-interest.

Feb 20, 2026 • 2h 23min
The Old Left Understood Status. The Mamdani Left Weaponizes It. - Rob Henderson
Rob Henderson, author of Troubled and originator of the term "luxury beliefs," draws on foster-care roots and military service to explore status, class, and social mobility. He traces how elites signal status, why desire for more fuels envy, and how rituals, gratitude, and disciplined habits shape outcomes. Conversations touch on dating, military discipline, and turning a memoir into a film.

Feb 12, 2026 • 2h 59min
The Socialist Resurgence in Our Era of Broken Minds - Dr. Stephen Hicks
Dr. Stephen Hicks, philosopher and author who studies postmodernism and political ideas, traces how Western thought evolved from Greco‑Roman and Christian roots to modern ideologies. He discusses information overload, education’s role in adulthood and mental health, the rise of Rousseauian and Marxist currents, and why philosophy and cognitive hygiene matter today.

40 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 2h 21min
“I Was Wrong”: Why the Civil War Is Running Late - Rudyard Lynch (WhatIfAltHist) 2026 Update
Rudyard Lynch, creator of WhatIfAltHist and History102, is a commentator on historical cycles and cultural trends. He revisits his civil war forecast and explores psychological delay, the Mouse Utopia experiment, internet decay, nihilism, masculinity in leadership, Christianity versus socialism, and practical steps like unplugging from screens.

Jan 30, 2026 • 2h 21min
Mao Conquered China—Now He’s Taking America - Xi Van Fleet
Xi Van Fleet, an author who escaped Mao’s Cultural Revolution, shares vivid memories and warns about Marxist influence in American culture and politics. She recounts indoctrination, Red Guard violence, and how beauty and information broke the spell. She discusses multiculturalism, assimilation, and why teaching communist history matters today.

Jan 22, 2026 • 2h 44min
Why We Hate the Healthcare System: Obamacare, Lobbyists, and Fraud - Michael Cannon
Michael Cannon, a healthcare policy expert associated with the Cato Institute, dives into the frustrations of the U.S. healthcare system. He argues that government intervention, not free market forces, has led to rampant fraud and inflated costs. Cannon discusses how Obamacare subsidies inadvertently encouraged enrollment fraud, and he critiques the inefficiencies of Medicare and Medicaid. He also emphasizes the importance of price transparency and patient empowerment, suggesting that cash-based models might offer better outcomes for consumers.

14 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 2h 33min
Michael Shellenberger on ICE Protests, Censorship Threats, and His Radical Past in Venezuela
Michael Shellenberger, a journalist and author noted for his insights on energy and free speech, shares his fascinating journey from radicalism to advocacy. He discusses the psychology behind modern activism and critiques anti-ICE protests, emphasizing their lack of genuine problem-solving. Reflecting on his experiences in Venezuela, he highlights the corrupting nature of socialism. Shellenberger also addresses the dangers of censorship and the role of elites in controlling information, advocating for a strong defense of free speech in today’s polarized landscape.

6 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 2h 14min
AI Data Centers, Nuclear Power, and the Limits of Capitalism - Robert Bryce
Robert Bryce, an acclaimed author and energy journalist, delves into the fragility of the electric grid and its implications for Americans. He highlights how AI data centers are escalating electricity demand, revealing vulnerabilities in our energy infrastructure. Bryce advocates for a nuclear renaissance, discussing its potential benefits over renewables, while critiquing the misleading narrative of the 'clean energy transition.' He emphasizes the essential role of electricity in modern society and urges citizens to prioritize energy literacy for informed policy decisions.

Jan 1, 2026 • 1h 57min
We Broke Childhood. Here’s How to Fix It - Peter Gray
In this engaging talk, psychologist and author Peter Gray discusses the alarming rise of anxiety and depression among children, linking it to the decline of free, self-directed play. He emphasizes that true education comes from allowing children to take risks, solve problems, and enjoy genuine freedom. Gray warns how modern schooling stifles creativity and autonomy, training kids for compliance instead of resilience. With insights on parenting, he advocates for trustful approaches that nurture competence and emotional growth in children.

39 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 2h 15min
We Feminized Psychology, Parenting, and Society - Dr. Camilo Ortiz
Dr. Camilo Ortiz, a clinical psychologist famous for his work on independence therapy, shares his insights on modern parenting pitfalls. He discusses the detrimental effects of overparenting on kids’ mental health and why they need exposure to discomfort and risk. Ortiz critiques the feminization of psychology, emphasizing how it leads to overly cautious parenting advice. He introduces practical steps for fostering independence, arguing that mixed-age play and early work experiences can significantly enhance children’s resilience and social skills.


