#33 - The Sheep-Based, Rooted Economy

#33 - The Sheep-Based, Rooted Economy

WE'RE BACK. Apologies for the week's long interruption. Today I lay out a personal theory for rebuilding American life from the ground up: move from an extractive economy to a rooted economy built on land, family, and local makers. I argue that sheep and an authentic wool sweater supply chain can create real jobs, restore small towns, and give families purpose that lasts across generations. Key ideas I'll be sharing: • returning after a break and how routine keeps a large family steady  • the idea of extractive economies versus rooted economies  • why sheep are low-capital working-family livestock with multiple outputs  • how grazing rentals can turn nearby pasture into income  • the “sheep to sweater” pipeline and the trades it creates  • why an authentic local wool sweater could anchor small town industry  • apprenticeships, youth work, and the case for homeschooling support  • the spiritual dimension of land, tradition, and faith  • using technology and social platforms to scale rooted family enterprise  • a practical challenge to start with a small flock and rebuild locally

#32 - Rooted Weekend Reflections

We reflect on why leaving home suddenly feels hard, how a few chickens and a garden plan can root a family, and why we lean toward conservation over abstraction. We map out practical steps for land stewardship, local utility, and finding common ground with environmentalists. • schedule changes for the coming week and travel uncertainty • falling in love with home through small daily chores • chickens, eggs and the power of routine • hobby farm vs homestead and why words matter less than work • garden planning, seed choices and a push for potatoes • defining conservationism apart from partisan environmentalism • hunting, heritage skills and passing them to kids • regenerative grazing as land use and cultural preservation • local economic utility from small flocks and fields • bridging values with environmentalists through shared outcomes • momentum with interviews and building a parent-centered platform We will be going on a little family trip starting on Monday, so there will be no podcast that day. I’ll share the recent video interview's when they comes out.

#31 - 2026: The Year of The Sheep

Welcome back. We choose to plant our flag in New England and build the life we want through family, faith, and local work. Wool becomes the emblem and engine of that plan, linking sheep to jobs, towns, and a durable regional legacy. • deciding to stay and create change rather than move • finding a parish that welcomes families and anchors Sabbath • embracing community as the basis for courage and commitment • working around land limits with shared pasture agreements • why wool fits New England’s small farms and climate • the full chain from shearing to knitting as local jobs • subsidiarity and generational legacy guiding choices • launching 2026 as the Year of the Sheep Thanks for listening as always. Well, we'll be back tomorrow. Have a great day

#30 - Globalism Slayer

Welcome back to new week of The Dissident Dad Show! Today, I share how I secure the chicken run, mourn two losses, and fix winter gaps with hardware cloth and cinder blocks. Then I introduce Globalism Slayer, a curated X thread for family-run, local businesses, and map a path to rebuilding American manufacturing through a wool sweater startup grounded in faith and community. • weekend homestead progress and predator-proofing • temporary door solution and straw shortage • launch of Globalism Slayer on X for local sellers • criteria for rooted, family-run businesses • demand for American-made goods and mill town decline • plan for US-made wool sweaters and supply chain gaps • pricing, quality, and durable value • Origin USA as a proof-of-concept • mentor meeting and regional revival strategy • audio upgrades and commitment to listeners • faith as the core of family and enterprise • kinward mindset toward community and eternity If there’s feedback on the audio on this one, I am greatly sorry. I’m going to improve the setup with headphones and gear to make this more bearable and more highly produced if I’m going to keep going forward.

#29 - New England Unconquered

Welcome to todays show where I trace my journey from demographic despair to determined hope, moving from plans to leave New England to a decision to plant roots, build community, and strengthen a vibrant Catholic life at home. A living parish, backyard hospitality, and a clear vision for land and legacy reset the map. • falling birth rates and the blackpilled mindset • scouting the South and the pull to leave • finding a young, welcoming parish • choosing to stay and lead locally • vision for land, sheep, and craft • reviving industry and skills through community • hosting summer Sundays to weave ties • Contra Spem Spero as a rule of life If you are in the path of this new Nor’easter coming in through, brace yourself. There should be some more snow on their way.