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.
Antisemitism in America: Rabbi Chaim Zippel on the aftermath of the Hamas attack in Israel
Rabbi Chaim Zippel was in Israel with his wife and infant son on the day of the Hamas terrorist attack. He recounts his experience.
Should government promote marriage?
Marriage is often viewed as a personal matter that isn't usually included in public policy discussions. But a growing body of evidence shows that strong families, anchored by healthy marriages, are among the biggest drivers of upward mobility and long-term success for the next generation.
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.
The death of discourse? TV news veteran Glen Mills reflects on the press and public debate
Is there a link between diminishing trust in the press and the dying art of public discourse? On this week's episode, 20-year TV news veteran Glen Mills joins Nic Dunn for a status check on the health of public debate, and the state of one of the most important and impactful institutions of civil society: the news media.
Aimee Winder Newton on elevating families as a crucial part of success
We often hear that the best way to prepare the next generation for a successful life is through a quality education. But what about another institution of civil society that might actually play a bigger role in upward mobility and human flourishing?
A firsthand account of overcoming ‘benefits cliffs’ to escape poverty
Trying to get out of chronic poverty is challenging. Sometimes, government programs designed to help can actually make upward mobility feel harder to achieve.
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.
Primary election reforms that can build public trust
On this episode we survey different approaches to the primary election process, with a focus on how to improve the voter experience and increase public trust.
Why the lawsuit challenging Utah’s education choice program is on weak footing
On this episode, we examine the constitutional claims of the Utah Education Association's new lawsuit against the Utah Fits All scholarship program.
The Two-Parent Privilege, with Melissa Kearney
Most policy debates about upward mobility often ignore the most important variable that impacts outcomes for the next generation: family.
