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 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.
Restoring “The Soul of Civility” in America, with Alexandra Hudson
Most people would agree that civility seems to be in short supply in our current political environment. But in recent years, a growing chorus of voices across the political spectrum has been calling for a return to principles of civility in politics, as well as all areas of public life.
Can “Freedom Conservatism” save a movement? With John Hood
Do we need to reinvigorate the conservative movement, and is "Freedom Conservatism" the answer?
Is America more “Family Unfriendly” today? With Tim Carney
Is it harder to raise kids today than it was in years or decades past? For many current or prospective parents, this question may often be top of mind as they navigate decisions about marriage and family.
Utah’s pricey housing market – and how to fix it
Beth Akers sits down with local and national housing experts to help listeners understand the housing problem, and what state leaders in Utah are doing about it.
Legislative wins for religious freedom, family policy and more in the 2024 session
With Utah's 2024 legislative session now in the rearview mirror, what actually passed, and will it benefit Utahns?
Can a conservative vision save education? With Rick Hess
The debates over what should be taught to students, and even the overall purpose of education, prompt an important question: What is the right vision for education in America?
Rep. Burgess Owens on the role of parents in education
We often talk about the vital role parents play in directing the education of their children. But is this principle of parental engagement top of mind for policymakers in Washington, D.C.?
A parent’s perspective on access to what’s happening in the classroom
Parental engagement has huge benefits for students. But how easy is it for a parent to actually be involved in what his or her children are learning in school?
Is zoning reform the answer to high housing costs? With Nolan Gray
It’s easy for housing affordability to feel like an intractable issue, but one national expert argues that we can solve this policy challenge by reforming local zoning policies.