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Saving the Dream

by Michael O'Sullivan

Better, richer, happier. How it is. How it should be. SAVING THE DREAM is a fun unconventional podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about life in America. If you're enjoying life in the echo chamber where people don't really listen and think, then this one isn't for you. But if you like real, honest exchanges about things that effect everyday life, then tune in here for a new episode each week. Hosted by Michael O'Sullivan and filmed in the BrainPub Network studio.

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Episodes

  1. The Better or Worse Game: Personal Tech | Ep 54

    The "Better or Worse" score board returns with Michael, Reishin and Delfina arguing the ups and downs of our highly tech-enables society. -- SAVING THE DREAM is an unconventional podcast featuring real people talking about life in America. If you're enjoying life in the echo chamber where people...

  2. The Truth About Farm Subsidies (from a real farmer) | Ep 53

    Following our federal budget debate in Episode 47—Paul Anderson (fourth generation farmer from Nebraska) sets us straight on how farm subsidies actually work. Forget what you’ve heard. It’s even weirder. And now the AI summary courtesy of SnipCast ... This video features a discussion on farm...

  3. Who Wants More Money: Minimum Wage, Tipping and UBI | Ep 52

    Lots of talk these days about how we to make sure everyone has what they need. Michael, Scott (not Steve) and Delfina get into it about what's fair and whose problem is it to solve. --This video from Saving the Dream, titled 'Who Wants More Money: Minimum Wage, Tipping and UBI', features a...

  4. The Alamo Controversy: Should We Remember or Forget? | Ep 51

    John Wayne believed the Battle of the Alamo represented American values and patriotism. Some people today think it represents things we should forget. What's the real story? Michael and Tony break it down and consider what matters and why? -- The video 'The Alamo Controversy: Should We Remember…

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  5. POV: Are we Federal or State Citizens? | Ep 50

    On the heels of Episode 47 about Shrinking the Federal Budget—we got into this rather interesting bit with Glenn Hogan about what exactly it means to be a federal citizen or state citizen. Who knew? -- This video features a discussion on the nuances of citizenship, particularly focusing on the...

  6. Was it better when people just got married? | Ep 49

    The average age of first marriage is on the rise here in the good ol’ US of A. Meanwhile we have some “modern” ideas about adulthood, independence and happiness. While the pop psychologists try to crack the code, Michael, Cully and Russell shake it up with a radical new questions: Why not just…

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  7. Christmas Movie Parents—Who Deserves The Most Coal? | Ep 48

    Parents in some of the most popular Christmas movies are not the best examples of good parenting. But which ones are really the worst? Michael, Scott and Kayla size them up and dole out the coal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Christmas Movie Parents 05:01 Trait: Disconnected 06:04 Trait:...

  8. Shrink the Federal Budget? Watch us Smash $264 Billion in one Magic Move | Ep 47

    The founders never imagined a national government anything like as big as it is today. With another shutdown looming, let’s move some stuff to the states. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Government Compromise 01:03 The Size of the Federal Government 03:24 The Founders' Intentions and Federalism...

  9. U.S. Sports Culture: The Better or Worse Game | Saving the Dream | Ep 46

    Introducing the all new Better or Worse Scoreboard. Michael, Cully and Scott look at how things are different now and has it helped or hurt American society. -- Find us on ... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saving_the_dream/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/savingthedream YouTube:...

  10. Freedom and Abundance in our society | Ep 45

    Michael, Delfina and Dan try to answer this question from The ARC Forum: "How do we govern our corporate, social and political organizations so that we promote free exchange and abundance while protecting ourselves against the ever-present danger of cronyism and corruption?" Our conclusion? It's...

  11. Sports and the American Family: Are we doing it right? | Ep 44

    We asked ChatGPT for topic ideas and it gave us (among other things) "The role of sports in America." So here you go. Michael, Scott and Cully kick around questions like why are sports so important to us? How does it strengthen our society? Where do we maybe get it wrong? Also "The Willie Mays...

  12. Back Porch Conspiracy #2: Aliens! | Ep 43

    Our second Back Porch Conspiracy edition complete with scotch, cigars and impromptu musical numbers. Spoiler: Aliens are demons. They're in cahoots with world governments to globalize the world and unifiy the evils to create a portal to hell. Don't take us too seriously folks. It might be the...

  13. Dan's Reading List: Lonesome Dove, Atomic Bomb, 7 Sexes, Cat's Cradle | Saving the Dream | Ep 42

    A new quarterly feature on Saving the Dream — Dan Allford is quite the reader and he loves to talk about books. It's genre soup with Dan's own brand of quirky commentary. -- Lonesome Dove, Larry McMurtry, 1985 The Making of the Atomic Bomb, Richard Rhodes, 1986 The Seven Sexes, William Tenn, 1968...

  14. Will the Arc float? | Ep 41

    The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship has a remarkably optimistic vision for the future. But can we get there from here? Michael, Tony and Delfina bat this one around in their usual lively style. Find us on ... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saving_the_dream/ Rumble:...

  15. Hawks vs Doves – the tale of American interventionism | Ep 40

    It all started with the Truman Doctrine. Or did it? Three guys who grew up in the golden age of American hawkism consider why we're compelled to throw our weight around — and does it do any good. Saving the Dream crew with Michael O'Sullivan, Cully Templeton and Scott Senften. -- Find us on ......

  16. No sacrifice is too great! (or is it?) | Ep 39

    Michael and Kayla start with solar radiation management and consider why we are so obsessed with the future of humanity. Is it a moral obligation? Or is there another objective afoot? -- Find us on ... Rumble: https://rumble.com/savingthedream YouTube: https://youtube.com/@savingthedream Spotify:...

  17. The quagmire of immigration policy—is it fixable? | Ep 38

    How should a country like ours manage the staggering flow of people who want to come here? With our usual balanced view and intelligent flair, the Saving the Dream crew tackles immigration policy. Why is it so difficult? Why is it so polarizing? Can it be fixed? And whose problem is it really? --...

  18. We're back! | Ep 37

    After careful consideration we've decided to keep going. But as we say on the boat, we're taking a different tack ... setting sails and swabbing decks ... something about a three hour tour ... a parrot and a guy who can't talk. Okay it's not really about any of that. But it is about life in...

  19. If we had kids today what would we do? | Ep 36

    Three dads with grown kids talk about how they would parent if they had children in today's world. -- Web site: https://savingthedream.net Apple: https://apple.co/3ZarpRw Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yWeWpM RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/dd16375c/podcast/rss -- SAVING THE DREAM is a fun unconventional...

  20. I'll take societies in decline for $500 | Dan Allford | Ep 35

    Propped up by Dan's latest reading list, Michael and Dan evaluate the state of the union. -- Web site: https://savingthedream.net YouTube: https://youtube.com/@savingthedream Apple: https://apple.co/3ZarpRw Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yWeWpM RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/dd16375c/podcast/rss -- SAVING...

  21. Special July 4th edition: Some perspective on national origins | Ep 34

    Following previous ponderings on the American Dream, Michael gives you his thoughts on the beginning of our country and what it's built on — with some consideration for recent trends. -- Web site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://savingthedream.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube full episodes:...

  22. Is the American Dream real? | Ep 33

    We take a pause from the usual programming to ponder various viewpoints on the American Dream past and present. -- Web site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://savingthedream.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube full episodes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOObTmyogxYuDFkR3siJ6FF1VFVzseesu ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube clips:...

  23. What if nobody voted? | Cully Templeton | Episode 32

    Do we always agree with George Carlin? Not really. But you have to admit he had an interesting take on things. Michael brings back Cully Templeton to deconstruct Carlin's bit on why it doesn't matter if you vote. -- Web site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://savingthedream.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube full episodes:...

  24. Back Porch Conspiracy Edition | Saving the Dream | Ep 31

    In the spirit of back porch chats gone by, the Dream Team moves outside to contemplate the mother of all conspiracies — the New World Order. Don't be in a hurry y'all. This one is slow and steady. -- Web site: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://savingthedream.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube full episodes:...

  25. AI and the future of work—how do we adapt? | George Danner | Ep 30

    Will AI eliminate the need for humans to do work? Speculation and theories abound. Popular futurist, author and speaker George Danner was doing real work in AI and automation long before it was cool. His predictions are not so dystopian as some fear. Yes things will change but if you're counting…

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  26. A thing called Conscious Capitalism — does it work? | Devlin Liles | Ep 29

    Can a company prioritize doing good and still maximize profits? Devlin Liles yes without a doubt (his company is doing it). Michael is skeptical (but open-minded of course). If you're persuaded after watching this then go to https://www.consciouscapitalism.org. -- Web site:...

  27. Social balance through open dialogue and self assessment | Dr. Taj Clark | Ep 28

    Taj Clark is still getting used to being called "doctor" — but that doesn't hinder his love of people and thoughtful insights on life. Michael and Taj have an honest discussion about things like systematic injustice, individual responsibility, the need for open dialogue and that pesky notion of...

  28. Individualism vs. collectivism as seen by an American Entrepreneur | Saving the Dream | Ep 27

    Neal Murthy describes himself as someone who creates failed business — and sometimes he fails at that. But apart from his self-deprecating humor, Neal is a big brain with a lot of passion for making the world work better. This is a fun one as Michael and Neal work their way through historical...

  29. ChatGPT—should we love it or fear it? | Reishin Toolsi | Ep 26

    Big tech is all in but some people say it's the beginning of the end. Michael brings back old friend and AI enthusiast Reishin Toolsi to talk about the good and evil of rapidly expanding AI capabilities. -- Web site: https://savingthedream.net YouTube full episodes:...

  30. Best of Saving the Dream Jan to Mar 2023 | Ep 25

    Maybe you missed an episode. Maybe you just want to hear that really good part again. Maybe you don't care about full episodes and just want the highlights. Whatever, this one's for you. -- Here's the roster: Ep 11 – California dreaming and the city of Antioch with David Kippen Ep 12 – Fixing the...

  31. It's tax time! The IRS expert shares his perennial wisdom | Joe Mastriano | ep 24

    Ben Franklin famously wrote in his letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy "nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." This episode of Saving the Dream can help you with the second one. Joe Mastriano has spent forty years helping people reduce their tax burden and stay out of trouble with...

  32. What's happening with American youth culture | Jason Skaer | Ep 23

    Former pro basketball player Jason Skaer talks about his work with kids and why some people are trying to rescue their kids from today's youth culture. -- SAVING THE DREAM is a quirky podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about life in America. If you're enjoying life in the echo chamber…

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  33. Are we getting dumber? | Cully Templeton | Ep 22

    Sometimes it seems like—in spite of all our new technology—we're just not smart as we used to be. Is it just our imagination? or is something happening to our society? -- SAVING THE DREAM is a quirky podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about life in America. If you're enjoying life in the...

  34. What's the right amount of government | Wes Virdell | Ep 21

    VIDEO version here -- It's true that there's a lot more government in this country now than in times past. It's also true that many people would like to see the government get a lot smaller (as one recent meme put it, I want a government that's small enough to fit inside the constitution). But…

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  35. Endangering our way of life with a rush to new energy | Mark LaCour | Ep 20

    VIDEO version here -- Most Americans take for granted the supply of abundant affordable energy we’ve enjoyed for over a century. Without it our lifestyle changes in a big way. Mark LaCour of Oil and Gas This Week talks about the danger of rushing to renewables and the fact that we simply can’t…

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  36. Be the one who gets you where you want to go | Jordan Yates on Saving the Dream | EP 19

    VIDEO VERSION HERE An alternate view from the up-and-coming generation. Learn from failure. Take responsibility. Your life is a result of your choices and your habits. If you want things good then you have to put in the work. Don't complain without doing anything to change your situation. Jordan...

  37. We have the ability to create our own paths | Blain and Jason Lee | EP 18

    VIDEO Version Here -- American capitalism — do we take it for granted? People come to our country from all over the world and find ways to create things. But does it just work for a select few and the system is rigged against many others? Or is it really more about a person's environment and...

  38. The unrepentant global free market capitalist | Dan Allford | EP 17

    Video version here -- Michael brings back his BrainPub pal Dan Allford for a friendly debate on the good and bad of global free market capitalism. Open trade and economic efficiency versus the problem of scaling and complex dependencies. Dan keeps calling Michael a tarrif-loving protectionist but...

  39. Why Americans should put down their phones and travel more | Betsy Barry | EP 16

    Video version here -- Michael O'Sullivan talks with Betsy Barry, veteran high school teacher, world traveler and culture enthusiast. Betsy spends much of her life in the classroom with teenagers—but she also takes them on trips to experience other countries and cultures. So she has some great...

  40. The American way, individual rights and not screwing up our energy supply | Ben Powers | Ep 15

    VIDEO version here -- America is a foundation and a platform for how to be free humans. That's how it starts in this remarkable conversation with the enigmatic (and camera shy) Ben Powers. Individual responsibility. The myth of the social safety net. Transcendental wisdom of the Bill of Rights.…

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  41. When Chris Bentley crashed the Hang Pham episode | Ep 14

    VIDEO version here -- Unrepentant libertarian Chris Bentley jumps into the immigration talk and lays down his views on free stuff and what exactly is a human right. Hang counters with a broader view on helping people meet their basic needs. It gets pretty lively on this one. #lifeinamerica...

  42. Helping people who escape to America | Hang Pham | Ep 13

    VIDEO version here -- Nineteen seconds in a bunker, not knowing how it's going to end. Then she wrote a children's book. Former (but forever) Marine Hang Pham talks about fleeing to America after the fall of Saigon and the balance between immigrating legally and helping people who really need…

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  43. Fixing the system means fixing myself | Corey Vickers | Ep 12

    VIDEO version here -- The great thing is that we live in a country where people can make things better. Former USAF logistics officer and (true) native Texan Corey Vickers talks about fixing yourself, fixing the system, doing good for other people and what it really means to win. #americandream...

  44. California Dreaming and the city of Antioch | David Kippen | Ep 11

    VIDEO version here -- The story of the city of Antioch and how the California dream reflects the American dream. Also a bit about finding dignity in work, the stuff America is made of and boiling water in Houston. #lifeinamerica #californiadreaming #optimism -- Brought to you by BrainPub Network…

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  45. What happens when you turn yourself in to the FBI | Chris Bentley | Ep 10

    VIDEO version here -- Chris Bentley returns and talks about what happens when you turn yourself in to the FBI. Also assorted other observations on life in America. -- Brought to you by BrainPub Network — rescuing the world from mindlessness one conversation at a time. On the web at...

  46. American society is better than it was | Tony Manzur | Ep 9

    VIDEO version here -- A little American history and how things are better now. Also a bit on education, getting a job, and enjoying competition. A global view from a half-Mexican-half-Arab married to a white Cajun rural girl. -- Brought to you by BrainPub Network — rescuing the world from...

  47. Optimism in a time of despair | David Kippen | Ep 8

    VIDEO version here -- A conversational smorgasbord with David Kippen, the doctor of rhetoric — why do we do what we do, optimism in a time of despair, opportunity in the early 20th century, federalism vs. dēmos. It's all part of the American Experiment. -- Brought to you by BrainPub Network —...

  48. Virtues of the private sector and what makes America work | Jim Martin | Ep 7

    VIDEO version here -- A look at the role of government, virtues of the private sector and what makes America work from government insider and FOD (Friend of Dan) Jim Martin. -- Brought to you by BrainPub Network — rescuing the world from mindlessness one conversation at a time. On the web at...

  49. You have to want something and go after it | Cosme Torrez | Ep 6

    VIDEO version here --- Native Houstonian and wielder of sharp objects—Cosme Torrez talks about starting small and pursuing the American Dream little by little. And as you might guess, hard work and dedication is once again at the forefront. But you have to want something—and you have to go after...

  50. Convergence of new technologies and the next economic boom | Mark Mills | Ep 5

    The one and only Mark Mills and his noble crusade against rampant pessimism. A senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Mark is a well known author, commentator and policy advisor. Get the book — “The Cloud Revolution: How the convergenge of new technologies will unleash the next economic boom…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Better, richer, happier. How it is. How it should be. SAVING THE DREAM is a fun unconventional podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about life in America. If you're enjoying life in the echo chamber where people don't really listen and think, then this one isn't for you. But if you like real, honest exchanges about things that effect everyday life, then tune in here for a new episode each week. Hosted by Michael O'Sullivan and filmed in the BrainPub Network studio.

HOSTED BY

Michael O'Sullivan

CATEGORIES

society culture

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Saving the Dream have?

Saving the Dream currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Saving the Dream about?

Better, richer, happier. How it is. How it should be. SAVING THE DREAM is a fun unconventional podcast featuring unfiltered conversations about life in America. If you're enjoying life in the echo chamber where people don't really listen and think, then this one isn't for you. But if you like real,...

How often does Saving the Dream release new episodes?

Saving the Dream has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Saving the Dream?

You can listen to Saving the Dream on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Saving the Dream?

Saving the Dream is created and hosted by Michael O'Sullivan.
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