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 Next Welfare Reform: Paul Ryan on Work, Technology, and RISE Pilots
Speaker Ryan and host Nic Dunn examine RISE pilots, a state-led approach that tests whether combining multiple welfare benefits into a single, trackable monthly payment can simplify the social safety net, improve work incentives, and help families move out of poverty.
The hidden problem with America’s safety net | Erine Gray
Erine Gray shares the personal experiences that led him to build Findhelp, what he learned working inside Texas’ public-benefits system during the financial crisis, and why he believes AI, better data, and greater coordination could make the safety net more effective, without adding more programs or spending.
Why America needs a principled center-right | Todd Weiler
They discuss the future of the conservative movement, the importance of principled and evidence-based policymaking, and why states may be better positioned than Washington, D.C., to tackle some of America’s biggest challenges by bringing policymaking closer to the people it affects.
Why our children need more education choices | Shaka Mitchell & Christine Cooke Fairbanks
They discuss how parents have driven recent reforms, the legal and political challenges facing education choice programs, the new federal education freedom tax credit, and how policymakers can build an education system that serves children rather than forcing every kid into the same model.
Should county clerks be nonpartisan? | Kevin Johnson & Brian McKenzie
They explore the unique role of election administrators, the political pressures they can face, and whether removing party labels could strengthen public confidence in elections.
How the federal government keeps expanding its power | Kevin Williamson & Bill Duncan
They discuss regulatory “dark matter,” the decline of congressional responsibility, practical examples of federal agencies pressuring states, and how federalism, transparency, and a renewed commitment to separation of powers could help rein in Washington’s influence.
Understanding the Supreme Court’s biggest decisions in 2026 | Dr. Matthew Brogdon & Bill Duncan
Brogdon and Duncan explain why many popular interpretations you see online often fall short, and how we should be thinking about these cases instead.
The human benefits of AI | Shoshana Weissmann
Nic Dunn and Shoshana Weissmann discuss the principles that should guide smart AI policy so everyone can benefit from this technology.
The Future of Conservatism: Principles, Populism, and the American Founding | Tim Chapman
Conservatism is at a crossroads. Does it stick with Trump-style populism, or embrace the principles of limited, effective government that led to some of the movement’s biggest victories?
Do religious institutions deserve constitutional protection? | William J. Haun & Bill Duncan
Are religious institutions afforded special rights under the Constitution? And what does that mean for religious liberty, the rule of law, and the role of government?
Will AI kill us in 10 years? | Chris Koopman & Ford Copple
Is AI really on track to destroy humanity, or are we confusing small risks with science fiction? On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Chris Koopman, CEO of Abundance Institute, and Ford Copple, tech policy analyst at Sutherland Institute, to discuss the growing debate over AI safety, regulation, data centers, and technological innovation.
Rethinking Head Start | Assistant Secretary Alex J. Adams
On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn speaks with Alex Adams, Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), about his efforts to reduce ineffective federal regulations and give states more room to innovate.
