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.
The Two-Parent Privilege, with Melissa Kearney
Most policy debates about upward mobility often ignore the most important variable that impacts outcomes for the next generation: family.
The case for curriculum transparency in public schools
Do parents have the right to know what their children are learning in school?
Is there consensus on solving poverty?
On this episode we profile seven common ground solutions to poverty that should reshape debate about the health of the American Dream.
What good does religion actually do for society?
On this episode, we explore new research that catalogs how far-reaching the positive impacts of religion are for individuals, families and communities.
What the college protesters get wrong
College campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas continue to make headlines. Do these protests stand in opposition to American principles?
Why we need to fix Social Security within 10 years
On this episode we sit down with an expert to dispel some of the myths about the state of retirement today and offer a framework for how to fix Social Security before it’s too late.
Defending education choice the right way
Education choice has exploded in popularity across the nation in recent years. So why does it remain a contentious point of debate in some parts of the country?
What you need to know about election integrity
It should be easy to vote and hard to cheat. This oft-quoted phrase has been articulated as a guiding principle by many elected officials wading into voting and election policy debates in recent years. So why has this issue been so contentious, and what’s the solution?
Is California’s minimum wage hike a mistake?
Is raising the minimum wage a good tool to help low-income workers achieve upward mobility? That’s the key question at the heart of the debate over California’s new $20 an hour minimum wage law for fast food workers.
America’s missing anchors: Why 1 in 3 men are struggling | Beth Akers
There’s a growing national discussion about how men are doing and the unique challenges they face related to purpose, connection, and opportunity in American life.
Why apprenticeships matter more than ever | Zach Boren
Expanding work-based training can open new doors to upward mobility, especially for men and boys who are struggling to find solid footing in today’s economy.
The map that changed Utah | Taylor Morgan
Utah’s redistricting battle has reached a breaking point, and the stakes go far beyond political outcomes. We unpack how one judicially selected congressional map reshaped Utah’s political landscape.
