Dad, Did We Just Break America?

As the NBA Finals captivate the country and the New York Knicks find themselves at the center of the sports world, one thing has become clear: people are hungry for a shared victory.In this episode, Skylar and Corey explore why the Knicks' playoff run has become about more than basketball. As New Yorkers rally behind their team, the city is experiencing something increasingly rare: a moment of collective excitement, hope, and unity. For a few hours, politics, culture wars, and everyday frustrations take a back seat to something everyone can celebrate together.We discuss why sports continue to hold such a unique place in society, serving as one of the last spaces where people from different backgrounds can cheer for the same outcome. We also break down the staggering odds of becoming a professional athlete and what makes these players some of the rarest talents in the world.Most importantly, we examine why moments like these matter. A single game can reconnect us to childhood memories, create a sense of belonging, and remind us that beneath our differences, we often want many of the same things: connection, purpose, community, and hope.Join Skylar and Corey for a conversation about sports, society, and the power of collective joy. Because sometimes a city; and perhaps a country, needs more than a win. It needs a shared sense of hope, a shared sense of purpose, and above all, a shared victory. Especially New Yorkers.

What happened to owning things?From Netflix and Amazon Prime to cloud storage, software, and even household products, we're living in a world built on subscriptions. What started as convenience has quietly become a system where we're paying more every month while owning less than ever before.In this episode, Skylar and Corey explore the rise of the subscription economy, why companies want everything on a monthly payment plan, and what happens when ownership disappears. From forgotten memberships and recurring charges to the psychology behind renting versus owning, they examine how subscriptions are reshaping the way we live, spend, and think about value.Are subscriptions making life easier... or are we being conditioned to rent everything forever?

Everyone talks about free healthcare, free college, and equality — but nobody talks about the cost.This week, Skylar & Corey break down the truth about democratic socialism, political hypocrisy, media narratives, and why so many Americans are buying into ideas that sound good on paper but fail in reality.#podcast #politics #democraticsocialism #socialism #capitalism #news #culture #media #america 

Why does getting basic healthcare in America feel impossible? In this episode, Skylar and Corey unpack the frustration millions experience navigating insurance denials, delayed care, prescription problems, and a system that often feels designed to wear patients down.Through personal stories and blunt conversation, they explore how hospitals, insurance companies, and bureaucracy have transformed healthcare into a maze—while patients are left waiting, overpaying, and unheard. They also dive into bigger questions about medical costs, doctor-patient communication, concierge medicine, and whether AI could help create a faster, smarter, more humane system.Part personal experience, part larger conversation about the future of medicine, this episode looks at why healthcare feels so broken—and what it might take to fix it.

Skylar and Corey examine the growing wave of demonstrations targeting Jewish neighborhoods in NYC, the escalation of antisemitic incidents, and the increasing normalization of hostility and violence against Jews in public spaces.The episode breaks down how political rhetoric, social media narratives, and global conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war are intensifying tensions on the ground, while broader societal failures leave communities feeling increasingly unsafe and divided.They also explore how history, ideology, media framing, and modern online culture intersect — creating an environment where fear, polarization, and dehumanization spread faster than facts.As geopolitical conflict spills into everyday life, this conversation asks a deeper question: what happens to a society when outrage replaces nuance, and entire communities begin feeling targeted in their own city?

In this episode, Skylar and Corey explore what happens when people can’t even agree on what actually happened.After being in NYC as a pro-Palestine protest was forming, Skylar shares her firsthand experience on the ground — including police presence, conversations with officers, and how quickly the same moment turned into completely different narratives online.From there, the conversation opens into how social media, news coverage, and political language shape perception in real time. A single event can become multiple “truths,” depending on framing, identity, and platform.We also discuss claims of “international law violations,” how political language is used in public discourse, and why complex events often get reduced into emotionally charged narratives online.More broadly, this episode explores how misinformation spreads, how algorithms amplify outrage, and why it feels harder than ever to know what’s real.At its core, this isn’t about telling you what to think — it’s about understanding how shared reality itself is breaking down in the digital age.

Something about this moment feels different... and not in a good way. Skylar and Corey break down a disturbing incident in Washington, at The White House Correspondence Dinner, and follow the thread outward.From security failures to media reactions, from late-night comedy to a culture that seems increasingly comfortable with extremes... At what point did this start to feel normal? And how do people convince themselves they’re on the right side of something dangerous? Got it—you want hashtags that feel more intentional and aligned with the actual themes, not generic filler.Here’s a stronger set:Revised hashtags:#generationaldebate #culturewar #mediaanalysis #politicsandculture #publicdiscourse #dehumanization #politicalviolence #breakingpoint

Are we slowly losing our humanity to artificial intelligence?Skylar and Corey dive into the real-world impact of AI’s rapid rise, and why it’s starting to feel impossible to ignore. From healthcare systems using AI in critical decisions, to job automation changing entire industries, to social media algorithms shaping how we think and feel, the future is already here.They also explore one of the most unsettling new trends: AI companion apps, where people are forming relationships with chatbots designed to simulate friendship, love, and connection. Is this innovation… or something deeper and more concerning?This conversation cuts through the hype and the fear to ask a simple question: what are we gaining from AI, and what are we quietly giving up?Skylar and Corey bring humor, skepticism, and real talk to one of the biggest questions of our time; what it means to stay human in an AI-driven world.#ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalAge #SocialMediaAlgorithms #HumanConnection #GenerationalDebateShow #MentalHealth #TechTalk

This week on the podcast, we break down what can only be described as “Resignation Week.” A cascade of scandals, controversies, and eyebrow-raising behavior has put Congress under a microscope… and the picture isn’t pretty.From allegations of sexual misconduct to moments that feel more like political theater than public service, we unpack the stories dominating headlines and the deeper patterns they reveal. Is this just another chaotic news cycle, or are we witnessing a real turning point for accountability in Washington?More importantly: how many scandals does it actually take before something changes?This episode cuts through the noise to examine what’s really happening behind closed doors—and why the truth about Congress might be stranger than fiction.#Congress #PoliticalScandal #Accountability #Generationaldebate #politicaldiscussionshow

Most people (including us) often feel that America is broken, but this past week proves otherwise. Corey and Skylar discuss recent stories of heroism, hope, and unity that remind us why we still believe in a better future. The remarkable rescue of downed aviators in Iran and the historic Artemis moon mission highlight humanity’s resilience and collective potential, reshaping our perspective on society, pride, and purpose.We break down: the US military’s meticulous rescue operation that saved two soldiers at great risk; the profound symbolism of astronauts circling the moon, the emotional power of space exploration; and how these moments of undeniable heroism serve as an antidote to societal division.Corey and Skylar explore how unity, care, and hope are still alive in America — if we choose to see it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos around you, this episode is a much-needed reminder that hope and human goodness are alive and well.#generationaldebate #americanpoliticaldebate #changingamerica #politicaldiscussionshow #HopeisAlive #Heroism #Unity #Storiesthatmatter

In this powerful episode, Skylar and Corey explore the true meaning of Passover, unravel its historical and spiritual roots, and confront the uncomfortable truths many prefer to forget. They discuss the disturbing rise in denial and distortion, revealing statistics showing that a shocking 20% of young adults now believe the Holocaust is a myth — a stark reminder of how education and memory can fade when we stop teaching our children about the past.We break down:The origins of Passover and the significance of the blood that "passed over" Egyptian homes, and why this story remains so relevant todayHow social media manipulates perceptions of truth and the danger of misinformation in shaping public opinionThe alarming statistics about Holocaust denial among younger generations and what it means for future generationsThe importance of preserving the realities of history through museums, education, and personal storytellingThe role each of us can play in combating anti-Semitism, denial, and societal amnesiaWhy does this episode matter? Because forgetting history makes us vulnerable. The rise of ignorance and distortion threatens to repeat the darkest chapters of our past. But the knowledge of our history, especially the horrors of the Holocaust and the resilience of those who survived, is our greatest weapon against the forces of denial and hatred.Skylar’s perspective and voice, as a member of a generation that has seemingly embraced antisemitism, intersecting with Corey’s cynical but heartfelt reflections make this a conversation that’s urgent, heartfelt, and unflinchingly honest.

The conversation delves into the funding issues within the Department of Homeland Security, the impact of these issues on TSA and air traffic control, the implications of DEI policies on air traffic control, safety concerns in aviation, the potential role of AI, and the impact of political gridlock on public safety.TakeawaysFunding issues in the Department of Homeland SecurityImpact of funding issues on TSA and air traffic controlDEI policies and their impact on air traffic controlSafety concerns and the role of AI in aviationPolitical gridlock and its impact on public safetyChapters00:00 Funding Issues in Homeland Security10:03 DEI Policies and Air Traffic Control23:07 Safety Concerns and the Role of AI30:49 Political Gridlock and Public Safety

Join us, as we unpack some of the mainstream media's craziest headlines, as we try to figure out, what the news media and journalism actually is anymore....

Join us, as we dive into several of the most heated stories dominating the headlines right now. We discuss the latest updates in the war and what they could mean going forward, as well as the attempted terrorist attack in New York City and the broader conversation around radical Islamist ideology. We also unpack the 'firing' of Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary and respond to Tucker Carlson's recent attacks on Chabad.

The United States and Israel acted first, and Iran escalated deliberately. We break down the IRGC threat, the global stakes, and why those decisions were the right call.

Tucker v. Mike. Olympic highlights. And a former prince in handcuffs. This week we try to make sense of it all....

Where is Nancy Guthrie? This week we break down what's known, what's rumored, and why people are asking.

From award shows to global sporting events, in this episode we explore why culture has become a political arena

A conversation between a father and daughter on Holocaust memory, Institutional betrayal, and the Normalization of Antisemitism. An unflinching look at silence, indifference, and what the last two years have revealed about being Jewish.

In this episode, Skylar and Corey unpack the growing discontent within the Republican Party and what it reveals about a party unsure of its direction. Using JD Vance as a lens, we talk through internal contradictions, the stakes of the midterms, and what it means when political identity hardens without a clear path forward. A candid conversation about frustration, power, and a party that’s lost its center

The Iranian people are rising up, risking everything for freedom, and the world is largely looking away.In this episode, we break down the ongoing uprising in Iran, the brave people on the front lines, and the silence of Western media and political powers.We confront the hypocrisy of selective outrage and ask why some struggles make headlines while others are ignored.From women’s courage to global moral failures, this conversation exposes what staying quiet costs…right now.Courage is universal; why isn’t our response?

In this episode, we break down the Minnesota fraud scandal, one of the most explosive allegations of welfare, childcare, Medicaid, and social services fraud in U.S. history, that was quietly happening in front of our faces, until independent Youtube Journalist, Nick Shirley made it a national story. Corey and Skylar lay out what happened, who’s involved, and why it matters to taxpayers and voters. Tune in for a shockingly absurd must see episode.00:00 : Welcome to 2026: A New Year of Challenges01:33 : The Democrats' Struggles: Defending the Indefensible03:13 : Uncovering Fraud: The Case of Nick Shirley05:26 : Daycare Fraud: A Deep Dive into the Scandal07:20 : Minnesota's Paid Leave Program: A Recipe for Abuse09:29 : The Interconnected Web of Fraud: Feeding Our Futures10:13 : Government Oversight: Where Are the Checks?11:34 : The Role of Community in Fraud: A Closer Look13:34 : The Bigger Picture: National Implications of Local Fraud15:42 : The Autism Center Scandal: A Disturbing Reality24:52 : Uncovering Autism Center Fraud27:10 : The Scale of Medicaid Fraud29:04 : The Ethical Implications of Fraud31:18 : Political Accountability and Military Service37:44 : The Role of Law Enforcement in Community Safety40:58 : The Fractured State of American Politics

Shabbos Kestenbaum joins the podcast to discuss anti-semitism at Harvard, his personal and political journey through elite academia, and the rise of grievance culture and anti-Western ideology on campus and beyond. A Harvard graduate, Kestenbaum reflects on the breakdown of liberal values at elite universities, the normalization of antisemitism in progressive spaces, and how these academic trends connect to broader crises in American politics and Western civilization. Topics include anti-semitism at Harvard and other elite universities, campus activism, identity politics, grievance culture, anti-Westernism, free speech, and the cultural consequences of institutional failure.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Dad, Did We Just Break America?", Skylar and Corey Ribotsky delve into the unsettling rise of political violence and its implications on society. As they navigate through the complexities of "assassination culture," they question the erosion of civil discourse and the media's role in shaping public perception. Join them as they explore the fine line between passionate belief and dangerous extremism, and ponder whether America is truly living up to its democratic ideals.

In our first episode, we explore the impacts of the New York City Mayoral election. The discussion delves into political and social dynamics, offering insights into the current state of affairs, combined with generational differences, which in our inaugural episode highlights what New York means to so many different people, and ultimately how New York City elected a Socialist for mayor.