Solving America's Problems

Higher education is undergoing a transformation. Jerremy and Dave examine how student debt, administrative inflation, and evolving classroom models are reshaping the college experience. They break down the profit motive in education , the debate over student loan forgiveness , and the impact of AI on future jobs . This segment outlines critical insights and practical advice for anyone questioning...

Is college still worth it? Jerremy and Dave revisit this fundamental question, reflecting on key insights from previous discussions about the shifting landscape of higher education . With rising tuition costs and evolving career pathways, they challenge long-standing assumptions about the necessity of a degree . From the bias against non-degree holders to the value of trade schools , this segment...

As artificial intelligence reshapes the job market , is a college degree still the best investment ? In this episode, Jerremy Newsome and Dave Conley dive into the future of work , the rise of non-traditional education , and whether universal basic income could replace the need for higher education. Can AI actually make humanities and creativity more valuable ? This conversation challenges everyth...

With college tuition skyrocketing and student debt climbing past $1.7 trillion , is traditional education still worth the cost? In this episode, Jerremy Newsome and Dave Conley examine the real cost of college , the future of humanities and arts , and the biggest barriers to educational reform . How can we make learning more affordable, innovative, and accessible ? Tune in as experts reveal the hi...

Is traditional college still the best path to success, or is it failing to keep up with a rapidly changing world? In this episode, Jerremy Newsome and Dave Conley explore the shifting landscape of education with Kyle Gray , author of The College Entrepreneur , and Karen Elliott , chair of Finance and FinTech at the University of Birmingham. They discuss the impact of AI on education , the true val...

Employers say they want skilled workers —but are college degrees actually holding people back? Anya Kamenetz explains why degree requirements act as lazy filters , keeping talented people out of jobs . This episode dives into the real problem with hiring , how companies can rethink credentials , and why some of the biggest employers are ditching degrees entirely . Plus, radical education reform id...

What if you could build a successful career—without college and without debt? Anya Kamenetz explores the game-changing education models redefining learning: trade schools, hybrid degrees , online universities , and debt-free skill-building programs . Who is most affected by the student debt crisis? And what’s the boldest solution for fixing the system? Get ready for a no-BS conversation about what...

Tuition is skyrocketing. Student debt is crushing a generation. Is college still the best path to success—or is it time for a radical reinvention? Anya Kamenetz , award-winning journalist and author of Generation Debt and The Stolen Year , exposes the failures of higher education , how COVID-19 accelerated its downfall, and the systemic flaws fueling a $1.6 trillion crisis . Can universities adapt...

Is student debt a necessary burden or a broken system ? In this episode, Jerremy Newsome and guests debate the ethics of student loan forgiveness , the true impact of debt on financial futures , and whether education costs should be restructured entirely . With millions struggling under crippling debt , is loan forgiveness the right answer , or does financial literacy hold the key to solving the c...

Is America’s education system outdated ? As the workforce evolves, many argue that traditional schooling no longer prepares students for real-world careers . In this conversation, Jeremy Hritz and Robert Wallace break down the stigma around trade schools , the value of hands-on skills , and why teachers deserve more recognition . Can we reform education to better align with modern economic demands...

For decades, a college degree was considered essential for success . But with skyrocketing tuition , crippling student debt , and a rapidly changing job market , many are questioning if it’s still the best path. In this episode of Solving America’s Problems , hosts Jerremy Newsome and Dave Conley sit down with Rob Wallace and Jeremy Ritz to examine the real value of a degree , the rise of alternat...

The future of America’s finances isn’t just up to Washington —it’s up to you . In this empowering conversation , Tom Adjutant, Rhett Powers, and Alex Peikoff reveal how small financial changes at the personal level can ripple into national reform . From household budgeting to entrepreneurial growth , they lay out real steps that every American can take to build a stronger financial future . Can we...

Summary: What if America could reset its entire financial system with three simple rules ? Tom Adjutant lays out his no-nonsense strategy for a sustainable economy , where government spending is capped , debt is controlled , and personal responsibility is prioritized . This episode explores the core values driving our financial health , the flaws in our political system , and how we can escape the...

If you had to cut $1 trillion from the U.S. budget , where would you start? In this explosive debate , Tom Adjutant and leading financial minds break down America’s biggest expenses , from Medicare to education , and challenge what’s truly essential . With runaway spending pushing the country deeper into debt, they debate whether our entire budget system is broken —or if there’s still time to fix...

America’s national debt is skyrocketing , increasing by $12.5 billion per hour —but is there a way to stop it? In this high-stakes discussion , Preston Brown, Alex Peikoff, Rhett Powers, Paul Kazanofski, and Tom Adjutant dive into the root causes of our financial crisis and lay out bold, practical solutions . From government waste to financial education , they challenge the political failures driv...

A single moment of tragedy sparked a nationwide movement. In this final review episode, Jerremy and Dave revisit Lori Alhadeff’s powerful story —how the loss of her daughter, Alyssa, in the Parkland school shooting led to a relentless push for Alyssa’s Law , a groundbreaking safety initiative now shaping schools across the country.  (00:00) Introduction: Why This Episode Matters  (00:14)...

America’s schools are in crisis—but the biggest struggles often go unseen . In this eye-opening review, Jerremy and Dave revisit the systemic failures and personal stories that shaped our deep dive into education funding, overwhelmed teachers, and the unintended consequences of school policies .  (00:00) Voices from the Classroom: What Educators Want You to Know  (01:07) Where’s the Mone...

In this special review episode, Jerremy and Dave revisit the powerful conversations from the first installment of our School Safety Series . From cutting-edge technology to human-centered solutions, we re-examine the most game-changing insights, toughest debates, and lasting impact of these discussions.  (00:00) Introduction: Why This Series Still Matters Today  (00:38) The Hard Truths:...

Is physical security enough to stop school shootings? Lori Alhadeff reveals why mental health support and community involvement are essential for creating safer schools. From empowering students through Make Our Schools Safe Clubs to combining emotional well-being with practical safety reforms, Lori shares the holistic approach needed to protect our children—and why focusing solely on security mis...

What happens when grief fuels a national movement? After losing her daughter in the Parkland shooting, Lori Alhadeff transformed heartbreak into hope with Alyssa’s Law . In this episode, she reveals the school safety reforms saving lives—and the urgent changes still needed to protect our children. Learn more about Lori’s work at MakeOurSchoolsSafe.org and follow her on Facebook (@makeourschoolssaf...

Could better lunches prevent school violence? Research suggests poor nutrition impacts behavior and learning more than security measures do. In this episode of Solving America’s Problems , Jerremy and educators uncover the hidden role of student health in school safety. From junk food’s impact on aggression to wellness programs that reduce violence , this discussion explores real solutions beyond...

America spends over $800 billion on defense but struggles to fund school safety —are we prioritizing the right things? In this episode of Solving America’s Problems , Jerremy and expert guests reveal how financial decisions impact student security, mental health programs, and teacher support. Are we investing in prevention—or just reacting to fear? Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: The fina...

Are we making schools safer—or just making students afraid? In this episode of Solving America's Problems , our guests debate whether armed security, surveillance, and high-security environments truly protect kids. They explore alternative safety strategies that focus on prevention rather than fear, offering real-world insights into what actually works. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Security in schoo...

Lockdowns, armed teachers, and security drills—are they making schools safer or just more fearful? In this episode of Solving America's Problems , educators share real stories on how security measures impact students. Eric Stenlake , a youth psychology expert, explains how fear-based policies shape behavior. Jennifer Weathers , a middle school teacher, argues that family and communication matter m...

In this final segment of Solving America’s Problems , Dave and Jerremy tackle the financial, moral, and systemic challenges of school safety. With expert insights from Alonzo Alexander and Robert Davies, the discussion explores how schools allocate security funding, who should be held accountable after a tragedy, and how communities can heal. Key Topics Discussed: Budgeting for School Safety – How...