What AI Means for the Future of Family, Cities, and Freedom - Joel Kotkin

Video Description

I sat down with Joel Kotkin, author of “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism,” to examine how America’s middle class is being erased and what that means for the future of civilization. Joel argues that we’re entering a new feudal order, where tech oligarchs and ideological elites control wealth, culture, and opportunity while ordinary families lose the ability to own homes, raise children, and build stable communities. We explore the roots of this transformation in collapsing birth rates, failing cities, and the dominance of a secular clerisy pushing increasingly extreme ideas—first among them the likely next mayor of NYC, Zohran Mamdani. Subscribe and ring the notification bell so you don’t miss a single video! Follow Joel on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/joelkotkin Learn more about Joel’s work: https://joelkotkin.com/ _____________________________________ Purchase a T-shirt, hoodie, and more over on our merch store: https://shop.dadsavesamerica.com/ Another great way to support our work is by visiting our curated Amazon shop featuring our guests’ books and dad stuff I actually use. This channel earns a commission on qualifying purchases. Please visit & bookmark: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dadsavesamerica Visit Dad Saves America on Substack: https://www.dadsavesamerica.com/ Make a tax-deductible donation to Dad Saves America: https://secure.anedot.com/emergent-order-foundation/dad-website? _____________________________________ Outline: [0:00] AI will change everything [9:53] The overeducated, underpaid class [19:37] AI destroys entry-level work [30:07] America is splitting in two [43:55] People are opting out of woke [58:42] Local government matters most [1:07:26] Class matters, but race doesn’t [1:18:51] Why can’t moderates win cities anymore? [1:30:45] The rise of the populist right [1:40:44] What happened to the left? [2:03:44] Why tech oligarchs are so weird [2:20:07] Social media pros and cons [2:25:57] The British deserve credit [2:36:52] Antisemitism and political violence [2:41:46] Confirmation bias, climate, and population [2:57:30] How to build a fulfilling life Dad Saves America explores the philosophies and practical steps we need to raise capable, curious, independent adults ready to thrive in a virtuous free society... and want to keep it that way. We’ve had all sorts of experts in the studio, including Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Drew, Michael Shellenberger, Bret Weinstein, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Adam Carolla. #techoligarchs #middleclass #mamdani