Podcast Summary: The Victor Davis Hanson Show – "The Values of Our Youth: VDH Interviews Julie Banderas"

Release Date: June 4, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show, hosts Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler are joined by Julie Banderas, a prominent advocate for traditional values and author of the children's book "A Monumental Mistake." The conversation delves deep into the erosion of societal values among the youth, the role of parenting, media influence, and the current political climate. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key discussions and insights shared during the episode.

1. The Decline of Traditional Values in Youth

Jack Fowler initiates the discussion by addressing a growing concern: the lack of reverence among younger generations for the traditions and legacies left by previous generations.

"I went back and looked at a lot of things you've said. You're one person who's... concern that we deprecate people who came before us..." ([01:37])

Julie Banderas concurs, emphasizing the critical role parents play in instilling respect and positive historical lessons in children.

"I think the parents are dropping the ball. And I think it's time for the parents to teach positive lessons about history." ([02:06])

She highlights alarming trends of disrespect and hatred among youth, linking these behaviors to deficiencies in parental guidance.

"I have been seeing disrespect in this country since my kids were toddlers. But now more and more I think that it's gotten worse and it's time to take it back." ([02:45])

2. Parenting and Instilling Respect

The conversation shifts to practical measures parents can take to foster respectful behavior in children. Julie shares her personal approach to parenting, underscoring the importance of language and decorum.

"None of my children are allowed to even say the word hate in my house... they don't say any derogatory words." ([03:13])

Jack adds his observations about declining decorum in public settings, noting the prevalence of profanity and disrespect.

"...the F word... it tends to be more on the left, although there are people on the right." ([05:00])

Julie reinforces the necessity of teaching children polite disagreement and respect for differing opinions.

"It's not okay to dislike someone, to disagree politely, that's okay." ([04:25])

3. Media Influence and Political Divide

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around media bias and its impact on societal divisions. Julie critiques mainstream media for perpetuating a left-leaning agenda, which she believes exacerbates hatred and misinformation.

"The media is 100 to blame for it. They've been brainwashed. Our kids have been brainwashed by parents who are watching mainstream media." ([41:06])

She laments the lack of accountability in media, particularly highlighting instances where journalists have misled the public.

"That is irresponsible and any journalist should lose their jobs for that." ([16:10])

Jack echoes these sentiments, recounting his experiences with media figures like Jake Tapper and expressing frustration over the lack of responsibility taken by certain journalists.

"...you believe that if Fox News Channel tells it, then it must be fake news or a lie." ([40:17])

4. Education and Institutional Failures

The hosts and Julie delve into the failures of higher education institutions to uphold traditional values. Julie shares her skepticism about liberal universities and advocates for alternatives like Christian schools and Hillsdale College.

"I think our next generation is doomed... they see a worldview that's 90% of the faculty would be negative about the United States." ([44:34])

She criticizes the lack of enforced rules and the overemphasis on race and gender issues in academic settings.

"...if Hamas wants to set up a camp and damn Israel every day they would be given exemption laxative. Nobody would enforce it." ([52:35])

5. Julie Banderas’ Career and Advocacy

Julie Banderas provides an insightful look into her professional life and her commitment to promoting traditional values through media and literature.

a. Career in Journalism

Starting her career in local news, Julie discusses her transition to Fox News Channel in 2005, recognizing it as the only major network that aligned with her conservative views.

"I have been there ever since. And I've stopped looking for jobs... it's not a place that I would ever leave." ([30:07])

She shares her disdain for mainstream media outlets like CNN and MSNBC, critiquing their anchors' hostile demeanor.

"She is angry like nobody... I want to see someone who is pleasant and is not hateful toward the people that they're talking about." ([31:46])

b. Authorship and Children's Literature

Julie discusses her children's book, "A Monumental Mistake," aimed at teaching respect and traditional values to young readers. She elaborates on the collaborative process with Brave Books and the book’s reception.

"I think that these books are important because they do... go back to American traditional values." ([22:43])

She also hints at future projects, including an autobiography that will explore her personal and professional growth.

"Eventually I'm going to be writing an autobiography... to help them make smarter choices when they go into their careers." ([53:14])

6. Personal Anecdotes and Family Life

The episode takes a personal turn as Julie shares stories from her life, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of her motivations and values.

a. Balancing Career and Motherhood

Julie describes her demanding daily routine as a single mother working with Fox News, juggling early mornings, long commutes, and limited sleep.

"I get up at 5:30... I go to bed the second I get home. If I get four hours, I'm lucky because I got to get the older ones to bed." ([24:51]–[26:09])

b. Family Heritage and Name Change

She recounts the story behind her name change from Bidwell to Banderas, highlighting the pressures of appealing to a broader demographic in New York City.

"My mother was Colombian... I was asked to go with my mother's maiden name to appeal to the Hispanic demographic." ([44:33])

Julie explains her resistance to adopting a non-authentic name and the eventual compromise that led to her current professional identity.

"She said, how about Banderas? Antonio Banderas? You can keep your initials. And I said, done." ([46:00])

c. Mother's Influence and Upbringing

Julie shares heartfelt stories about her mother's strict upbringing and the cultural expectations that shaped her own values and approach to parenting.

"My mother was so innocent, like there was no goodnight kiss... that was my grandmother's way of enforcing discipline." ([47:11])

7. Future Endeavors and Closing Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, Julie expresses her aspirations to continue advocating for traditional values through her work and future publications.

"Bravebooks.com thank you so much. It was so lovely talking to you." ([54:20])

Jack and Victor encourage listeners to support her work and reflect on the importance of re-establishing foundational values in society.

Notable Quotes

• Julie Banderas ([02:06]): "I think the parents are dropping the ball. And I think it's time for the parents to teach positive lessons about history."

• Julie Banderas ([04:25]): "It's not okay to dislike someone, to disagree politely, that's okay."

• Julie Banderas ([16:10]): "That is irresponsible and any journalist should lose their jobs for that."

• Julie Banderas ([31:46]): "It's filled with venom. You know, I want to see someone who is pleasant and is not hateful toward the people that they're talking about."

• Julie Banderas ([41:06]): "The media is 100 to blame for it. They've been brainwashed. Our kids have been brainwashed by parents who are watching mainstream media."

Conclusion

This episode of The Victor Davis Hanson Show offers a compelling exploration of the challenges facing today's youth in maintaining traditional values. Through Julie Banderas' insightful commentary and personal experiences, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the interplay between parenting, media influence, and societal changes. The discussion underscores the urgent need for parents and educators to actively cultivate respect and responsibility in the next generation to counteract the prevailing trends of disrespect and division.