Written by The Likely Voter
June 11, 2025
- Defending Ideas is a unique program in the political multimedia landscape, and is one of the few public policy podcasts geared toward a general audience.
- Defending Ideas has an active audience in all 50 states and D.C., has amassed more than two million views and listens, and can be found on every major social media and podcast platform.
This week, Sutherland’s Defending Ideas podcast aired its 100th episode, featuring special guest Ramesh Ponnuru, editor of National Review and fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. Ramesh and Nic Dunn, the show’s host, discussed the state of conservatism today and where it’s headed.
Over the course of 100 episodes, the show has striven to equip its viewers and listeners to be more effective – and constructive – champions of common sense conservative principles. By reframing current political debates through the lens of grounding principles with a long-term view, Defending Ideas is a unique program in the political multimedia landscape, and is one of the few public policy podcasts geared toward a general audience.
Approaching nearly two years since its launch, Defending Ideas has an active audience in all 50 states and D.C., has amassed more than two million views and listens, and can be found on every major social media and podcast platform.
More than 90 unique guests have joined the program, ranging from state legislators and members of Congress, to single moms trying to escape poverty, to nationally renowned thought leaders and experts.
The episodes that you’ve found most impactful all focused on one common theme: improving the daily lives of ordinary Americans.
Why the 2024 election should move Americans toward more support for federalism
Supreme Court's Chevron decision reins in federal bureaucracy in a win for the Constitution
The Two-Parent Privilege, with Melissa Kearney
The death of discourse? TV news veteran Glen Mills reflects on the press and public debate
As for quick-hits, you made it clear: You want the data. Our most viewed short clips all center around providing the viewer with important statistics and data they can use.
How Utah is a model for the nation on safety net reform #utpol
The border crisis by the numbers #utpol #bordercrisis
A Plan Cleaner Than The Green New Deal
As we celebrate 100 episodes of Defending Ideas, we look forward to having you join us for the next 100, as we work to strengthen and restore common sense conservatism one episode at a time.
In case you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to watch episode 100 below.
For the full episode list of Defending Ideas, click here.
Takeaways: the most important things voters need to know. For civically engaged citizens.

- Defending Ideas is a unique program in the political multimedia landscape, and is one of the few public policy podcasts geared toward a general audience.
- Defending Ideas has an active audience in all 50 states and D.C., has amassed more than two million views and listens, and can be found on every major social media and podcast platform.
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