Podcast Summary: Kennedy Saves the World

Episode Title: If You Can't Beat 'Em, Sue 'Em
Host: Kennedy
Guest: Amanda Reynolds
Release Date: January 7, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Kennedy Saves the World dives into the legal battles of Amanda Reynolds, a lawyer and formidable advocate taking on major institutions for what she sees as injustices—both whimsical and serious. With her characteristic quick wit, Kennedy explores two of Amanda’s headline-making lawsuits: one suing the IRS to declare dogs as tax dependents, and another challenging the U.S. Navy over age discrimination. The conversation teems with candid personal stories, humor, thoughtful debate, and memorable asides about modern American culture, pets, and military service.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Canines and the IRS: Should Dogs Be Tax Dependents?

• Pet Expenses and Unfair Taxation

  • Kennedy and Amanda discuss the high costs of pet ownership, with Kennedy noting, “They are furry money pits. They are very expensive, just like children. However, the IRS says when you have a human baby...you can claim that baby as a dependent and ease your tax burden. That is not so with pets.” (00:10)

• Amanda’s Lawsuit Against the IRS

  • Amanda outlines her lawsuit arguing that pets—dog Finnegan Mary Reynolds in particular—deserve to be counted as dependents for tax purposes.
  • She points out inconsistencies: service animals can sometimes be claimed, but the criteria are arbitrary and outdated.
  • “There's really no reason why pets should not be considered dependents. They completely are dependents.” (04:11, Amanda)

• Legal and Social Arguments

  • Amanda explains human dependency is limited by law to those with Social Security numbers, but pushes back: “It's not really our problem to solve that IRS problem...it would be their burden to figure out how to codify dogs and to categorize them as dependents, not ours.” (04:37, Amanda)
  • Kennedy suggests practical workarounds (e.g., AKC numbers or microchipping), noting concerns about fraud but emphasizing the government’s responsibility to vet claims.
  • Both highlight the deep emotional role pets play in families—sometimes greater than that of some relatives.

• Societal Impact of Pet Ownership

  • Kennedy argues, “A society that values dogs is a better society. It is a kinder society.” (00:10)
  • Amanda rebuts common criticisms: “Pets are [not] luxury...homeless people have dogs. It’s one of the many heartwarming things that we see on the street...they might be a luxury. But we are not luxuries to them.” (07:25, Amanda)

Notable Quote

"You will find dogs, you will find animals in every class, every section of society...at least where people have empathy. And last I checked, that is cross cultural."
— Kennedy (08:05)

2. Suing the U.S. Navy: Age Discrimination in Special Forces Entry

• Background of the Lawsuit

  • Amanda was denied entry to Officer Candidate School to become a Navy SEAL due to being over the age threshold—a result, she claims, of paperwork delays not her own faults.
  • She describes being “medically cleared,” meeting requirements, and relying on Navy representations. “I sued the Navy...because I was precluded from serving the military for no other reason other than an alleged age out when I had actually reached and met all the requirements.” (11:33, Amanda)

• Status and Frustration

  • The Assistant U.S. Attorney repeatedly requests extensions, further delaying the process: “This is his third extension...I am only getting older as I’m waiting for him to, to file any motion.” (12:19, Amanda)
  • Amanda voices disappointment the Navy won’t negotiate. “They just kept delaying and pushing the paperwork back.” (16:26, Amanda)
  • Kennedy, with humor, comments: “Well, I am sleeping with an Army Ranger, and he would say that the Navy is just one big, giant disappointment.” (16:57)

• On Standards and Gender

  • Kennedy is adamant that standards in elite military units cannot be lowered for gender: “I am all for women in Special Forces, but they have to be able to do what all the guys can do...none of that, you have to be able to do everything the guys can do.” (13:35)
  • Amanda affirms, “Yes, I can. And I have done all of that. I've been training...” (14:03)

Notable Quote

“I would like to see some grizzled, like older millennials and Gen Xers, like, get back into the service, because, you know, frankly, they have a better work ethic than a lot of people who are already in.”
— Kennedy (15:56)

3. Other Legal Battles: Defending Her High School

• Amanda Suing an Investment Company

  • Amanda shares her legal action to try and reclaim her alma mater, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, from an investment company alleged to be buying, shutting down, and profiting from Catholic schools nationwide. (18:04)

• Wider Implications

  • Kennedy and Amanda lament such takeovers and express hope for activism and legal resistance.

Notable Quote

"I hope at some point you become a Navy Seal. And I really hope that I get to claim Lemmy as a dependent this fall."
— Kennedy (19:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:10] – Introduction, the cost of pets, and the IRS’s refusal to allow pet dependents
• [02:10] – Amanda joins, explains her inspiration and background
• [04:11] – Legal arguments for pets as dependents
• [07:25] – Discussion on pets as “luxuries” or true family members
• [11:10] – Transition to the lawsuit against the U.S. Navy
• [14:03] – Amanda on her ability to meet Navy SEAL physical standards
• [15:56] – Broader discussion of age and experience in military service
• [18:04] – Amanda’s lawsuit to save her Catholic high school
• [19:35] – Episode wrap-up and best wishes

Memorable Moments & Tone

The episode is marked by witty asides (“You get hit with [that tax bill] right up the honeyhole every April or October.” — Kennedy, 00:10), empathy for both pet owners and aspiring service members, and a through-line commitment to fairness and challenging bureaucracy. Kennedy’s humor, Amanda’s legal acumen, and their open sarcasm about government ineptitude keep the tone lively and accessible.

Conclusion

This episode of Kennedy Saves the World offers a humorous yet probing look at the logic and emotion behind current legal fights—whether about our furriest family members or breaking barriers in the U.S. military. Amanda’s lawsuits challenge listeners to re-examine what counts as “dependence” and “fairness” in both private and public life, while Kennedy keeps the train rolling with sharp commentary and personal anecdotes. It’s a must-listen for anyone invested in pets, civil rights, or shaking up the status quo.