About this episode
What if “empathy” is actually making the homelessness crisis worse? At AmFest, Sarah Stock joins the show to break down why letting people rot on the street isn’t compassion — it’s abandonment. They talk about mental illness, addiction, public safety, and why “anti-homeless architecture” debates miss the real issue: treatment + accountability. Then it gets even bigger: the insane social pressure around weddings, the viral ring discourse, propaganda trips, free speech double standards, mass migration, and why many young Americans feel like there’s no “plan B” for their future. This is one of those conversations that bounces from culture → policy → reality… fast. What’s the real line between compassion and enabling? What you’ll learn 👇 ✅ 🧠 Why “letting them live outside” isn’t actually empathy ✅ 🚨 The real danger behind today’s homelessness: addiction + mental illness ✅ 💍 Why modern marriage feels like a “high barrier to entry” ✅ 🌍 How propaganda tours shape opinions (without direct payments) ✅ 🗣️ Why free speech standards change depending on the country ✅ 🧩 Why younger Americans feel like they’re losing a shared identity Chapters 0:00 – “Is it empathy to let people die on the street?” 0:48 – AmFest intro + meeting Sarah Stock 1:18 – The wedding in 2 weeks + the viral ring drama 2:30 – The “3-month salary ring” expectation problem 4:00 – Conservative infighting + “bigger battles than ring size” 5:47 – Foreign influence: trips, speakers, and soft propaganda 8:06 – The journalist arrest story + free speech double standards 9:27 – Canada/Toronto: quality of life, cost, and homelessness 13:05 – “Walking Dead” cities: safety, drugs, and public disorder 16:08 – Mass migration, moratoriums, and losing a shared country 🎙️ APPLY OR CONNECT 👉 Apply to be on the podcast: https://www.digitalsocialhour.com/application 📩 Business inquiries / sponsors: sean@digitalsocialhour.com 💼 SPONSORS The Light Systems: https://www.thelightsystems.com/ Discount Code: SEAN 🥗 Fuel your health with Viome: https://buy.viome.com/SEAN Use code “Sean” at checkout for a discount! 🎧 LISTEN ON 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-social-hour/id1676846015 🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXarRlI8Hc0GtTn759 📸 Sean Kelly Instagram: @seanmikekelly ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by guests on Digital Social Hour are solely those of the individuals appearing on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, Sean Kelly, or the Digital Social Hour team. While we encourage open and honest discussions, Sean Kelly is not legally responsible for any statements, claims, or opinions made by guests during the show. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and seek professional advice where appropriate. The content shared is for entertainment and informational purposes only — it should not be taken as legal, medical, financial, or professional advice. We strive to present accurate and reliable information; however, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or accuracy. The views expressed are solely those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent those of the producers or affiliates of this program. 🔥 Stay tuned for more episodes featuring top creators, founders, and innovators shaping the digital world! Keywords: sarah stock, homelessness crisis, mental health, addiction, institutionalization, empathy vs enabling, anti homeless architecture, public safety, wedding ring debate, conservative movement, propaganda tours, israel trips, free speech, toronto, mass migration, immigration moratorium, american identity, culture war, investigative journalism Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.