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.
Why centralizing elections could weaken election integrity | Derek Monson
Pres. Donald Trump’s recent call to nationalize elections has reignited debates about election security, federal power, and the proper role of states.
Utah, Upward Mobility, and the Future of the American Dream | Justin Callais
A new national report ranks all 50 states on upward mobility — and Utah comes out on top.
Religious freedom, courts, and federalism in Utah | Bill Duncan
With Utah’s legislative session underway, lawmakers are weighing major questions about religious freedom, judicial authority, and the proper balance of power between states and the federal government.
The big education debates facing Utah in 2026 | Christine Cooke Fairbanks
Utah’s 2026 legislative session is shaping up to be one of the most consequential for education in recent years.
Can people still change their minds about religion? | Dee Allsop
Nearly one in three Americans now say they have no religious affiliation — but that doesn’t mean they’ve rejected religion outright.
Is Washington, D.C. failing the safety net? | Tony Woodlief
Is the federal government equipped to manage America’s safety net?
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.
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.
