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 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.
How to keep politics civil at Thanksgiving
We explain how to lower the temperature, lead with deeply held principles, and how doing so strengthens relationships and our civic life.
Can Washington’s shutdown revive federalism? | Jennifer Butler
A 43-day federal shutdown exposed how fragile state programs become when Washington can’t keep the lights on.
Can Utah lead the way on education reform? | Molly Hart
Utah’s new state superintendent, Dr. Molly Hart, joins Nic Dunn and Christine Cooke Fairbanks to discuss the future of education in Utah.
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?
The U.S. needs a new safety net | Angela Rachidi
AEI Senior Fellow Angela Rachidi joins host Nic Dunn to discuss benefit cliffs, the Upward Mobility Act, and whether state-led innovation could help more families achieve self-reliance through things like empowerment accounts.
