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.
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.
Denial of Catholic foster couple is a loss for kids & religious freedom
A Massachusetts couple's application to become foster parents was denied by the state. The reason? Their Catholic faith.
How programs to help the poor can harm upward mobility
Imagine you're offered a raise that, if you accepted, would actually make your family worse off. This is the experience of some families in poverty when they hit something called the benefits cliff.
Want to Improve Education? Stop Looking to Congress
It's common for voters to complain that Congress doesn't do enough on a number of different issues, citing gridlock and political dysfunction. But what about areas where it would actually be better if Congress did less?
Best Defense of Capitalism Acknowledges its Imperfections
These days it’s popular in some circles to be very critical of capitalism and free enterprise. In fact, some polling data shows a decline in American voters' support for capitalism.
Why America needs a new welfare reform movement
A coalition of state-level policy think tanks called the Alliance for Opportunity is working to bring 1 million Americans out of poverty in ten years.
Supreme Court 2024: How to better understand – and defend – the court’s constitutional role
Between now and June 2024, the court will review various cases touching on free speech, separation of powers, property rights, and more that could be added throughout the term.
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.
