Dad Saves America

Latest Episodes:

Robby Soave on the Biden Media Coverup and Why Corporate Media Is Broken Jul 25, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Follow Robby on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/robbysoave

Check out Robby’s work at Reason: https://reason.com/people/robby-soave/

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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

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k4Hbo4YpU2o

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Tom Woods on the Trump Attack, American History, and Our Constitutional Crisis Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Follow Tom on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ThomasEWoods

Check out Tom’s podcast and books: https://tomwoods.com/

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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

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How Public Schools Crush Creativity and Critical Thinking Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Hannah Frankman, founder of Renegade Educator and an advocate for alternative education models, to explore her insights on the flaws in traditional public schooling and the innovative approaches that could shape the future of learning. Hannah shares her personal experience growing up as a homeschool kid, which she believes is a more natural and effective approach that reflects how humans have learned for almost all of history. We delve into various educational models, from Montessori and Waldorf to micro-schools and homeschooling, and how each can foster critical thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning in children. Hannah also highlights the role of technology in education and the potential of micro-schools to revolutionize how we think about learning environments.

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Check out Renegade Educator: https://renegadeeducator.com/

Follow Hannah on X (Twitter): https://x.com/HannahFrankman?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Watch the Hannah Frankman Podcast: https://youtube.com/@thehannahfrankmanpodcast?si=pjKIAHxrRpQmlyAC

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HiEuzszbcXk

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Warren Smith Went Viral for Teaching Critical Thinking, So His School Fired Him Jul 04, 2024

Show notes

I sat down with Warren Smith, the high school teacher whose video of an incredible classroom interaction went viral earlier this year. After a student asked a loaded question about JK Rowling, Warren responded with a refreshingly calm and thought-provoking Socratic discourse on the topic. His interaction with this student was a masterclass in teaching how to think, not what to think. In our conversation, Warren shared his insights on effective teaching, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, honest dialogue, and adapting to the ever-changing technological environment. He also opened up about the unexpected aftermath of his viral video, including the media frenzy, his subsequent firing, and his next steps as an educator and content creator.

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Follow Warren on X (Twitter): https://x.com/WTSmith17

Check out Warren’s YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@secretscholars?si=hDhAarlgF0MrVOvS

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Outline:

[0:00] The viral JK Rowling video

[8:11] Teach by asking “Why?”

[11:46] Why did Warren get fired?

[21:03] Warren’s journey as a teacher

[29:18] Start creating and don’t wait for permission

[33:05] The challenges of classroom teaching

[41:51] Filmmaking vs content creation

[49:52] Influencers are legitimate entrepreneurs

[54:39] Can 5 minutes of fame become a career?

[1:02:59] The adults are failing the teens

[1:13:25] Office politics vs cancellation

[1:22:24] Transparency is the best defense

[1:26:57] Warren’s plans for the future

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KtUwytOdfjw

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Psychologist Tracy Dennis-Tiwary: I Want to Disrupt the Medicalization of Mental Health Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

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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/0063062100

Learn more about Arcade Therapeutics: https://arcadetherapeutics.com/

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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

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LTCzqQW-w_I

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Legal Expert Ilya Shapiro on Trump Conviction, Our Constitution, and Collapsing Public Trust Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Follow Ilya on X (Twitter): https://x.com/ishapiro

Read Ilya’s work on Substack: https://ilyashapiro.substack.com/

Pre-order a copy of “Lawless”: https://a.co/d/96p6AkR

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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?

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wO4A_7rVnqg

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Vivek Ramaswamy: We’ve Sacrificed True Diversity in the Name of Diversity Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

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.

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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

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZnKqHX53Mds

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Former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio Talks Progressive Family Values and Political Discourse May 30, 2024

Show notes

Bill de Blasio served as the 109th Mayor of New York City from 2014 to 2021. He was raised with a deep pride in his Italian-American roots, with grandparents who immigrated from small towns in southern Italy. His parents were affected by McCarthyism, despite no ties to Communist organizations. Experiencing the fallout from those accusations deeply influenced his political outlook. In our conversation, Bill emphasizes his progressive approach to family values and his belief that government can protect and uplift working families. He also reflects on the importance of open dialogue and debate in democracy, stressing the need for understanding and addressing diverse perspectives.

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Outline:

[0:00] Who is Bill de Blasio?

[9:43] The Italian-American experience

[16:37] Family values, populism, and elitism

[23:41] Capitalism vs socialism

[30:52] Cuba, communism, and anti-colonialism

[42:51] Keeping kids in touch with their heritage

[47:14] Why he ended “stop-and-frisk”

[50:18] How debate can bring people together

[56:04] Cancel culture and free speech

[1:05:19] Race relations and reconciliation

[1:14:19] What happened to American pride?

[1:18:53] Being a dad is his greatest contribution

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BnA2b1LYi0o

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Wilfred Reilly Has the Real Data on Racism and Policing May 16, 2024

Show notes

Political scientist, author, and Kentucky State University professor Wilfred Reilly has dedicated years of research to debunking popular, but false, narratives around race, culture, police, and American history. His upcoming book, “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me,” tackles head-on the myths most commonly spread in American classrooms. As Wilfred has documented throughout his work, the underlying data and historical evidence rarely tell the same story as the dramatic retellings we hear today. However, while often less salacious than our modern mythology, the truth gives far more reason for optimism about the current state of America and our future.

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Follow Wilfred on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/wil_da_beast630

Pre-order a copy of “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me”: https://www.amazon.com/Lies-My-Liberal-Teacher-Told-ebook/dp/B0BDZMZJ4C

Read Wilfred’s work in National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/author/wilfred-reilly/

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Outline:

[0:00] Wilfred’s work at Kentucky State University

[2:32] The real impact of BLM on crime and policing

[11:44] Don’t start your reasoning from conclusions

[18:34] What the 1619 Project gets wrong

[28:01] “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me”

[32:34] How can we filter out the lies?

[39:41] Is crime getting worse?

[44:31] Why are racial beliefs so far off reality?

[52:16] Zero-sum thinking is primitive nonsense

[58:31] We’re great at finding things to criticize

[1:07:58] Teach your own family about reality

[1:14:54] How to avoid becoming reactionary

[1:24:55] Media twists good research into lies

[1:29:13] AI, truth, and the future of society

[1:39:05] Sensible 21st century immigration policy

[1:48:37] College, career, and purpose

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Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/e9NupFXqIlg

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Peter Boghossian on Critical Thinking, Failing Universities, and Why Debate Matters May 10, 2024

Show notes

What happens when ideology replaces critical thinking across academia? Philosopher, author, and former professor Peter Boghossian witnessed this firsthand at Portland State University, and his school was not an anomaly. Known for his role in the “Grievance Studies Affair”, exposing the low quality scholarship published in activist-oriented journals, Peter is worried about how this strange fringe of academia has come to dominate universities. He’s now working to revitalize and advocate for what should be the core of education - critical thinking, open debate, and the rigorous pursuit of truth.

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Follow Peter on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/peterboghossian

Peter on Substack: https://boghossian.substack.com/

Peter on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drpeterboghossian/featured

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Outline:

[0:00] Philosopher, author, and father

[2:06] How tenure corrupts academic journals

[13:50] Grievance studies and hoax papers

[21:18] Reasoning vs rationalizing

[29:56] Can ideology infect the hard sciences?

[36:50] What makes people vulnerable to dogma?