Saving the Dream

Michael O'Sullivan
  • 3.4 (5)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 03/23/2024

    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 don't really listen and think, then this one isn't for you. But if you like honest exchanges about things that affect everyday life, then tune in here for a new episode each week. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew.

    1h 21m

  2. 03/16/2024

    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 subsidies from the perspective of a fourth-generation farmer from Nebraska. The conversation covers the history, evolution, and impact of farm subsidies, as well as personal anecdotes and insights into farming practices, government policies, and the economic implications of subsidies on the agricultural sector. Farm subsidies were introduced in the 1930s to address oversupply and economic downturns, evolving through various policies and farm bills. A significant portion of federal spending goes towards agriculture, with farm subsidies amounting to around 30 billion dollars. The 1996 farm bill aimed to phase out subsidies, but falling prices in the early 2000s led to a resurgence of subsidies and disaster relief bills. Subsidies can distort decision-making and resource allocation, emphasizing the importance of market forces in the agricultural sector. There is a steady supply of individuals interested in farming, challenging the notion that farmers are a dwindling population in need of subsidies. Farming attracts individuals due to the autonomy of being one's own boss, despite the hard work and low financial returns. Government subsidies impact farmers by influencing risk-taking behavior and decision-making, with lobbying efforts by stakeholders like bankers. Subsidy programs are complex, with payments calculated based on factors like crop yields and market prices. Farm subsidies significantly affect the financial margins of agricultural operations, with variability in payments based on past production and current market prices. Most farmers want to eliminate direct payments as they aren't tied to current performance, affecting land prices and profitability. Government funding increases land prices, affecting local government funding through property taxes and indirectly funding local services. Government support can impact farmers' access to capital differently from banks, potentially enabling less skilled farmers and affecting industry efficiency. The free market dynamics drive efficient land use in farming, where skilled farmers can outcompete less skilled ones without government intervention. The Conservation Reserve Program promotes wildlife conservation by paying farmers to maintain environmentally sensitive acres in natural habitats. Regulations around wetlands and farm subsidies restrict farmers' ability to make environmentally beneficial changes on their land. Legal issues surrounding accidental cross-pollination with patented seeds highlight the complexity of seed patent disputes and the need for careful consideration of both sides of the story.

    1h 9m

  3. 03/08/2024

    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 comprehensive discussion on various economic topics including minimum wage, tipping culture, sub-minimum wage, and Universal Basic Income (UBI). The speakers share personal experiences and delve into the complexities of labor laws, government intervention, and the evolving nature of work and compensation.HIGHLIGHTS- The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009, sparking debates over living versus starvation wages, with some states like Texas setting higher minimum wages.- Personal anecdotes highlight experiences with minimum wage jobs and tipping, underscoring the varied impacts of these economic practices on workers.- Discussion on the effectiveness of raising minimum wage includes potential business loopholes and the specific impact on fast food jobs in places like California and DC.- The conversation explores the concept of tipping, its cultural differences, and its significance for service workers, alongside the role of restaurant owners in tip distribution.- Universal Basic Income (UBI) is discussed with skepticism regarding its feasibility and implications, referencing historical and contemporary examples.- The dialogue touches on the balance between providing a safety net through welfare or UBI and encouraging personal growth and development.- Automation's impact on the job market and the potential role of UBI in addressing job loss due to technological advancements are debated.- The importance of personal responsibility and societal support in addressing economic challenges is emphasized, alongside a discussion on performance-based compensation.- Performance-based compensation and the idea of meritocracy in the workplace are explored, including the implementation of bonus structures and potential salary deductions for underperformance.- Generational differences in attitudes towards compensation are noted, with a shift towards valuing meaningful work over financial advancement. -- 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 don't really listen and think, then this one isn't for you. But if you like honest exchanges about things that affect everyday life, then tune in here for a new episode each week. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew.

    1h 36m

  4. 03/06/2024

    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 or Forget?' from the channel Saving the Dream features a discussion on the historical and cultural significance of the Alamo. It explores the perspectives presented in the book 'Forget the Alamo' by Christalmonson, the romanticization of the battle, and the broader implications of how history is remembered and taught. The conversation also touches on the influence of Mexican culture on the American West and the complexities of historical interpretation. Key Takeaways 💡 - The Alamo is often romanticized in American culture, notably through John Wayne's portrayal in his film, which was not shot at the actual Alamo. - The defenders of the Alamo, including Travis, Bowie, and Crockett, were motivated by manifest destiny and a desire for adventure, despite differing opinions on the strategic importance of the Alamo. - Santa Anna's centralized control over Mexico and his decision to engage at the Alamo were pivotal in the Texas Revolution, with the battle resulting in significant losses for his forces. - Critics argue that the Alamo narrative perpetuates mistreatment of Mexican Americans, yet the video presents personal experiences and historical nuances that challenge this assertion. - The influence of Mexican culture, particularly through charros, on the development of Western American culture and the cowboy lifestyle is highlighted. - The video questions the need to hold onto past grievances regarding the Alamo and suggests a more symbolic interpretation of the event. - The conquest of the West is likened to a conquest of nature, emphasizing the challenges faced by settlers and the pioneering spirit of Americans. - The importance of understanding historical events and figures within their respective time periods and values is stressed, arguing against imposing contemporary values on past events. - The video concludes with a reflection on the moral complexities of storytelling and the significance of Hollywood's portrayal of history. -- 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 don't really listen and think, then this one isn't for you. But if you like honest exchanges about things that affect everyday life, then tune in here for a new episode each week. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew.

    1h 2m

  5. 03/06/2024

    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 differences between national and state citizenship, the interpretation of the 14th amendment, and the historical context of the Civil War. The speakers delve into the importance of understanding legal definitions, jurisdiction, and the powers of the federal government as outlined in the Constitution. They emphasize the need for thorough research and reliance on verified sources in legal matters. Of note ... - Understanding the difference between common language definitions and legal definitions is crucial for accurately interpreting the Constitution. - The federal government has no inherent jurisdiction within state boundaries unless explicitly granted by the state. - The Constitution outlines the federal government's powers in 18 points, emphasizing a limited scope of authority. - State and federal laws operate separately, with the federal government handling cases involving states or international matters. - The term 'United States' can refer to different entities depending on the context, affecting the interpretation of jurisdiction and citizenship. - Judicial processes must stay within the jurisdiction of the court or judge issuing them; enforcement beyond those boundaries is unlawful. - The complexity and specific definitions within the tax code suggest an intention to adhere to the Constitution while potentially misleading citizens. - The deliberate complexity of legal language in documents like the tax code may obscure the true meaning and implications of laws. - The federal government's authority to tax is constitutionally limited, with the tax code's wording crafted to exploit public ignorance. - Research and verification of information are emphasized as critical steps in understanding legal matters and constitutional rights. -- Find us on ... Rumble: https://rumble.com/savingthedream YouTube: https://youtube.com/@savingthedream Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yWeWpM Apple: https://apple.co/3ZarpRw RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/dd16375c/podcast/rss Web: https://savingthedream.net -- 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. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew.

    1h 23m

  6. 02/10/2024

    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 get married and have a family? Chapters 00:00 Assorted Openers 03:00 The Decline of Traditional Values 11:00 The Changing Perception of Marriage 20:00 The Importance of Commitment and Accountability 30:00 The Shift towards Individualism 40:00 The Role of Religion and Responsibility 50:00 The Misconception of Freedom and Fulfillment 50:46 The Modern Pursuit of Pleasure 52:14 The Importance of the Family Unit 53:30 The Impact of Divorce and Single Parenthood 57:03 The Commitment and Sacrifice of Marriage 01:00:00 The Transition to Adulthood 01:01:21 Declining Birth Rates and Societal Consequences 01:04:38 The Concept of the Right Person 01:06:59 The Work and Fulfillment of a Successful Marriage 01:07:45 The Unawareness of Elites and Their Impact 01:09:18 The Importance of Faith, Family, and Freedom 01:09:48 Lessons from the Fall of the Roman Empire The conversation explores the decline of traditional values and the changing perception of marriage in modern society. It highlights the importance of commitment, accountability, and the role of religion in maintaining strong family units. The shift towards individualism and the misconception of freedom and fulfillment are also discussed. The influence of China and the need for a stronger focus on family and marriage are emphasized throughout the conversation. The conversation explores various themes related to relationships, marriage, and societal changes. It discusses the pursuit of pleasure in modern society and the negative consequences of prioritizing physical pleasures. The importance of the family unit is emphasized, highlighting its role in society and individual success. The impact of divorce and single parenthood on individuals and society is also examined. The commitment and sacrifice required in a successful marriage are discussed, along with the transition to adulthood and the changing definition of adulthood. The declining birth rates and their societal consequences are explored, as well as the concept of finding the right person in a relationship. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the unawareness of elites and their impact, and the importance of faith, family, and freedom in society. Lessons from the fall of the Roman Empire are also touched upon. -- Find us on ... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saving_the_dream/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/savingthedream YouTube: https://youtube.com/@savingthedream Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yWeWpM Apple: https://apple.co/3ZarpRw RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/dd16375c/podcast/rss Web: https://savingthedream.net -- 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. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew. Filmed at the BrainPub Network studio.

    1h 11m

  7. 01/31/2024

    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: Self-centered 11:22 Trait: Emotional 18:56 Trait: Bad Example 26:18 Trait: Controlling 47:52 Discussion on Controlling Parents 48:49 Clark's Control Over Christmas 49:39 Perception of Clark's Control by His Children 50:05 Comparison of Clark and Home Alone Mom 50:32 Comparison of Christmas Story Dad and Home Alone Dad 50:59 Evaluation of Christmas Story Dad 51:22 Ranking of Parenting Skills 52:11 Ranking of Individual Parents 52:35 Evaluation of Christmas Story Parents 53:00 Evaluation of Laura's Parenting 53:59 Evaluation of Christmas Story Mom 54:11Worst Hairstyle 56:06 Kids' Futures Summary The hosts discuss various Christmas movie parents and evaluate their traits and behaviors. They analyze the characters from popular Christmas movies such as A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and The Santa Clause. The hosts discuss traits such as being disconnected, self-centered, emotional, setting a bad example, and being controlling. They provide insights into each parent's behavior and discuss whether they are good or bad examples for their children. The conversation delves into the theme of controlling parents, with a focus on Clark from 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation'. The hosts discuss Clark's control over Christmas and how it affects his family. They compare Clark to other parents, such as the Home Alone mom and the dad from 'A Christmas Story'. The evaluation of individual parents leads to the conclusion that the Christmas Story parents are the best. The conversation also touches on the hairstyles of the moms in the movies and the future prospects of each kid. -- Find us on ... YouTube: https://youtube.com/@savingthedream Rumble: https://rumble.com/savingthedream Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yWeWpM Apple: https://apple.co/3ZarpRw RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/dd16375c/podcast/rss Web: https://savingthedream.net -- 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. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew. Filmed in the BrainPub Network studio. #savingthedream #americandream #lifeinamerica

    58 min

  8. 01/26/2024

    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 04:24 The Evolution of the United States 06:46 The Role of the Federal Government 07:43 The Enormity of the Federal Budget 12:22 Analyzing the Federal Budget 13:45 Criteria for Evaluating Government Spending 16:39 Education and Student Aid 17:38 Agriculture and Farm Subsidies 18:39 Forest and Conservation 20:01 Employment and Training 23:51 Housing Programs and Community Planning 31:56 State vs Federal Government 42:11 The Inefficiency of Government Bureaucracy 48:07 The Role of State and Local Government 52:20 Comparing Government Services 54:10 Efficiency and Service in Dealing with the State 55:08 Texans' Defense of Republican Leaders 56:07 Size and Influence of Texas 57:37 Republicans and Small Government 58:34 The Benefits of Smaller Scale 59:01 To Secede or Not to Secede 59:31 Monarchy as an Alternative 01:00:00 Costs of Monarchy Summary In this conversation, the hosts discuss the size and role of the federal government, specifically focusing on the federal budget and areas where spending could be reduced. They analyze various departments and programs, such as agriculture, education, housing, and employment and training, and debate whether these functions should be handled at the federal or state level. The hosts also express their frustrations with government bureaucracy and question the effectiveness of both federal and state governments. Overall, they emphasize the need for smaller, more efficient government and the importance of individual states in governing their own affairs. The conversation covers various topics related to government and governance in Texas. It explores the efficiency and service provided by the state, Texans' defense of Republican leaders, the size and influence of Texas, the perception of Republicans and small government, the benefits of smaller scale, the idea of secession, and the concept of monarchy as an alternative. Find us on … YouTube: https://youtube.com/@savingthedream Rumble: https://rumble.com/savingthedream Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yWeWpM Apple: https://apple.co/3ZarpRw RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/dd16375c/podcast/rss 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. With Michael O'Sullivan and a varying slice of the Saving the Dream crew.

    1h 1m
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3.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

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, 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael O'Sullivan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Michael O'Sullivan
  • Show Website
    Saving the Dream