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.
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?
Understanding the border crisis
After a wave of national news coverage profiling recent significant increases in border crossings, questions remain about the legal conflict between state and federal authorities over who is actually in charge of border security.
Should Utah keep ranked choice voting for city elections? With Josh Daniels
On this episode we explore how this form of voting works and discuss new Sutherland survey data showing that most likely voters in Utah support keeping the option.
Work Disincentives and the Safety Net: Insights from the Atlanta Fed’s Alex Ruder
If you work harder and earn more, your family should be better off. But for some on the government safety net, that may not always be the case.
What 2024 means for the nation’s political future, with Jason Perry and Maura Carabello
As 2024 winds down, what do the results of this election year mean for the future of politics and policy debates for the United States?
Why the Supreme Court should take up Utah’s public lands case
The federal government controls nearly 70% of the land in Utah, and has for a long time. Is this a problem?
