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.
Can a return to federalism fix our politics? | Rep. Ken Ivory & Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost
In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn speaks with two Utah representatives, Rep. Jennifer Dailey-Provost and Rep. Ken Ivory, about polarization, congressional dysfunction, the role of states as laboratories of democracy, and why shifting more decisions to local communities could improve both governance and civic trust.
Who should protect kids online? | Joel Thayer & Chris Marchese
As lawmakers debate how to protect children online, a major legal and constitutional question is emerging: should app stores be required to verify users’ ages and involve parents before minors download apps?
Are we thinking about AI the wrong way? | Bennett Borden
Many conversations about artificial intelligence focus on fear, risk, and worst-case scenarios. But what if we’re asking the wrong questions?
Is the Supreme Court as political as we think? | Sarah Isgur
The U.S. Supreme Court is often portrayed as just another political battleground. But that is a fundamental misunderstanding of its role.
America’s safety net needs an aspirational vision
America’s safety net wasn’t designed all at once. It was built piece by piece over decades, and that may be part of the problem.
How states can redesign the safety net | Aly Rau Brodsky
America’s safety net is designed to help people in times of need. But what happens after that initial help is provided?
Returning to principles in American politics | Josh Lewis
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, many political debates feel increasingly focused on personalities, parties, and division rather than principles.
Can we fix America’s toxic political culture? | Josh Bandoch
Political debates today often feel more like battles than conversations. But what if the deeper problem in our disagreements is that we have forgotten how persuasion actually works?
The future of conservatism and a return to first principles | Donald Bryson
Conservatism is facing a defining moment. As debates over government power, political personalities, federalism, and first principles move to the center of public life, a fundamental question is emerging: what exactly should conservatism be trying to conserve?
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.
