Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy.
Defending Enterprise with Beth Akers: How to approach 2024 campaign rhetoric on the economy
Beth joins Nic Dunn to provide listeners with a guide to what candidates for office in 2024 might say about the economy – and how voters can stay focused on policy proposals that support and defend our free enterprise system.
The death of discourse? TV news veteran Glen Mills reflects on the press and public debate
Is there a link between diminishing trust in the press and the dying art of public discourse? On this week's episode, 20-year TV news veteran Glen Mills joins Nic Dunn for a status check on the health of public debate, and the state of one of the most important and impactful institutions of civil society: the news media.
Aimee Winder Newton on elevating families as a crucial part of success
We often hear that the best way to prepare the next generation for a successful life is through a quality education. But what about another institution of civil society that might actually play a bigger role in upward mobility and human flourishing?
A firsthand account of overcoming ‘benefits cliffs’ to escape poverty
Trying to get out of chronic poverty is challenging. Sometimes, government programs designed to help can actually make upward mobility feel harder to achieve.
A better way to frame the child care debate
Child care is frequently at the center of family policy debates in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals across the country.
Eboo Patel on how religious differences are actually necessary for healthy democracy
Religious differences can actually lead to bridges of cooperation to solve some of our biggest challenges, and that faith has an important role in public life.
Rep. John Curtis on the conservative approach to climate change
Debates about climate change, energy policy and the environment can feel very polarizing. These discussions often pit right and left against one another, while also suggesting fossil fuels and free enterprise are at odds with environmental stewardship.
Rep. Blake Moore on urgency of reining in federal spending
Rep. Blake Moore of Utah's 1st Congressional District joins the show to discuss runaway federal spending and how to shift away from America's "debt culture."
Rep. Burgess Owens on education, family and infrastructure
Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah's 4th Congressional District joins the show to discuss upward mobility, with a special focus on the importance of options in both K-12 and post-secondary education.
What’s next now that election season is over?
The election is over, and we now know the results. So, what’s next for public discourse, election trust, and political polarization?
The most important election?
On this special election day edition of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland Institute President and CEO Rick Larsen, and Sutherland Chief Development Officer Peter Reichard.
How to fix Utah’s housing crisis without government subsidy, with Ed Pinto
On this episode, we sit down with a national housing expert who has a plan that he argues would increase Utah’s housing supply significantly without needing any government subsidies.
