When Education Turns Into One-Sided Activism with Marissa Streit CEO of PragerU

We speak with  Marissa Streit, CEO of PragerU   about education, civics, and parenting in a time of cultural chaos. Marissa shares the moment that inspired her to "enlist" through education, explains why activism can show up even in math and literacy, and calls on parents to stop outsourcing values to institutions. Plus: practical ways to use PragerU at home in just 5–20 minutes a day. https://www.prageru.com Timestamps & Key Moments 00:04 — Intro: Who is Marissa Streit & what is PragerU Why parents must play an active role in teaching civics and history. 04:36 — Education as the root of today's cultural crisis Marissa argues education didn't just reflect the problem—it helped create it. 06:28 — A formative moment at Yad Vashem How a visit at age 13 shaped her belief in personal responsibility and moral courage. 08:55 — America under attack—through ideas, not force Why failing to teach civics leaves the country vulnerable. 17:59 — Division vs. unity in schools From "melting pot" to identity fragmentation. 22:32 — Activism in education How ideology shows up in teacher training and classrooms. 24:55 — The NEA agenda shock What disturbed Marissa most about the union's priorities. 29:45 — Bureaucracy, unions, and incentives A critique of the education system's structure and power dynamics. 38:32 — Civics collapse How can kids defend a country they don't understand? 40:53 — The parent solution Teaching values, debate, and civic responsibility at home—regardless of school quality. 45:20 — Young women, meaning, and modern feminism Marriage, family, and fulfillment in a confusing cultural moment. 54:43 — Europe as a warning What happens when a shared civic identity disappears. 57:02 — Cultural literacy Why "we all spoke American" matters. 59:23 — How parents can use PragerU A simple daily habit that works.   If you enjoy this podcast and topic, check out our conversations with America's favorite government teacher Sharon McMachon and Professor of Political Science Lindsey Cormack on How to Raise  a Citizen   One Semester of Civics: The Threat You didn't See Coming with Sharon McMahon Key Quotes "Education got us into this mess. Education is going to get us out of this mess." (≈ 04:36) "Most people rely on others to do the fighting for them… and they don't begin to fight until it's absolutely too late." (≈ 06:28) "America… is being taken down through ideas, through the erosion of what it is to be an American." (≈ 08:55) "Civics education is reduced to just activism… How do you defend a country that you don't understand and don't love?" (≈ 38:32) Please share this episode with a friend: Follow us on Instagram at @thecuriousmiddlepod Follow our Substack Emal us [email protected]