Intellectual Freedom Podcast
Intellectual freedom is not just a buzzword. It is a fundamental necessity for human civilization and your life's flourishing. It is the essence of the human spirit to question, explore, and seek answers to the most profound questions that confront us every day.
Without intellectual freedom, we are but slaves to the whims of those in power, unable to challenge authority, push boundaries, or pursue truth. In our post-modern world, ignorance and oppression weigh heavy on all of us, stifling creativity, innovation, and progress. The quest for knowledge is not a luxury. It is a basic human need. Only through intellectual freedom can we unlock the full potential of our collective intellect and build a brighter future for all.
This podcast explores topics in culture, philosophy, wisdom literature, and complex problems we all confront in life.
Intellectual Freedom Podcast
#130: Did We Get Scammed? 51% of Gen Z Say College Was a Waste
In this final episode of our six-part education series, Dr. David Hopkins—Humanities professor and reformed academic insider—dives deep into the gut-punch question haunting Gen Z: Is college still worth it?
With startling new data from a Newsweek/Indeed poll revealing that 51% of Gen Z grads believe their degree was a waste of money, we peel back the layers of rising debt, shrinking ROI, and the relentless march of AI into white-collar territory. From job mismatch to automated obsolescence, from tuition inflation to the prestige illusion—we’re not just asking “Is college worth it?” We’re asking for whom, when, and at what cost?
You’ll hear:
- 📊 What the latest research really says about college value in 2025
- 💸 How debt cripples opportunity (and what to do about it)
- 🤖 Why AI is making some degrees irrelevant before you even graduate
- 🎓 Which majors still matter—and which ones might not
- 🧠 Strategic pathways to a degree that doesn’t bury you in debt
Dr. Hopkins brings fire and nuance—blending real-world stats with Socratic insight, cultural commentary, and a touch of humor. It’s part sermon, part strategy session, and fully committed to intellectual freedom.
If you're a student, parent, educator, or just someone rethinking the college equation—this episode is for you.
Visit my website at davidhopkins.com.
