Defending Ideas

Sutherland Institute
  • 5.0 (8)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, by equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.

  1. 4D AGO

    Can we fix Utah's literacy crisis? | Andrea Brandley, Carolyn Sharette, and Leland Anderson

    Utah’s literacy rates have become a statewide priority — and for good reason. In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn and Sutherland's education expert Christine Cooke Fairbanks sit down with Andrea Brandley, senior education analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, Carolyn Sharette, president of American Preparatory Schools, and Leland Anderson, principal of American Heritage School’s Salt Lake City campus.  Together, they examine new research showing that only half of Utah's third graders read on grade level, discuss why literacy is foundational to long-term opportunity and self-government, and explore the reforms lawmakers are considering this legislative session. They also highlight bright spots across Utah’s education landscape and consider how education choice — public, charter, private, and home-based learning — can help drive the innovation and individualized support students need to read well, early, and with confidence. Show notes: The Future Is Watching: Understanding Utah’s Early Literacy LandscapeWe need to improve literacy. Is education choice part of the solution? Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    1h 2m

  2. FEB 10

    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. This week, Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland Institute's Derek Monson to discuss why the Constitution clearly states that election policy is primarily a state matter, and how that actually makes voting more secure. They also explore multiple bills the Utah State Legislature is considering that could reform voting and election policy in the state.  Show notes: Trump urges Republicans to 'take over' and 'nationalize' votingSutherland election policy issue page Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    49 min

  3. FEB 3

    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. In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Archbridge Institute Chief Economist Justin Callais to unpack what upward mobility really looks like, why states play a decisive role, and what policymakers can learn from the states that are getting it right. Show Notes: Social Mobility in the 50 States: 2025 EditionTo restore hope for families in poverty, let states lead on welfare reformLet states fix the welfare system that Washington broke Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    42 min

  4. JAN 27

    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.  In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn is joined by Sutherland's constitutional law and religious freedom fellow, Bill Duncan, to preview the key bills driving these debates. Their conversation explores how courts impact public policy, where legislative authority begins and ends, and how federalism can protect pluralism in a diverse society. Along the way, they examine what these proposals mean for religious liberty, democratic accountability, and self-government in Utah. Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    42 min

  5. JAN 20

    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.  In this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn is joined by Sutherland's Christine Cooke Fairbanks to break down the biggest education debates lawmakers are preparing to take on, from classroom technology and literacy policy to school choice, accountability, and the evolving role of state leadership in education.  The conversation offers a clear look at what’s driving these proposals, where tensions are emerging, and what the outcomes could mean for students, parents, and educators across Utah as the session approaches. Show notes: Banning phones and boosting literacy: Utah’s 2026 education legislative priorities Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    36 min

  6. JAN 13

    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. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn talks with AEI Senior Fellow and Sutherland Institute Visiting Scholar Sam Abrams, Sutherland's Bill Duncan, and Dee Allsop from Heart+Mind Strategies to explore groundbreaking new survey data on America's "religious nones."  The findings challenge common assumptions: when people are exposed to clear, factual information about religion's civic contributions, attitudes shift — sometimes dramatically. What does this mean for religious freedom, persuasion, and the future role of faith in public life? And how should leaders talk about religion in a secular age?  This conversation offers a hopeful roadmap for principled persuasion in a polarized world. Show notes: Talking about Religion in a Secular Age: How Religious "Nones" Perceive the Value of Religion Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    45 min

  7. JAN 6

    Is Washington, D.C. failing the safety net? | Tony Woodlief

    Is the federal government equipped to manage America’s safety net? In this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn sits down with Tony Woodlief, senior executive vice president for State Policy Network and senior fellow for the Center for Practical Federalism. They examine whether Washington, D.C. is failing low-income families — and whether states are better positioned to deliver effective, accountable support. The conversation focuses on the design and performance of major safety-net programs like SNAP, the tradeoffs between centralized control and state flexibility, and how federalism could lead to better outcomes for the people these programs are meant to serve. Along the way, they discuss incentives, work, accountability, and what meaningful safety-net reform could look like in practice. Show Notes: What states can expect with the new SNAP match: Options to reduce state error ratesWork & Opportunity Initiative Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    41 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    America's missing anchors: Why 1 in 3 men are struggling | Beth Akers

    There's a growing national discussion about how men are doing — economically, socially, and emotionally — and whether they face unique challenges related to purpose, connection, and opportunity in American life. In this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with contributor Beth Akers to discuss new Sutherland/Y2 Analytics survey findings on the well‑being of men in America. While most men report satisfaction with health, work, family, and faith, the data reveals that a sizable subset struggle across each of these domains. They explore what the findings suggest about mental health, stigma, isolation, and the “anchors” that help men thrive — work, family, faith, and community — and what leaders and communities can do next. Show notes: Missing Anchors: How some men drift from health, vocation, and purpose Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, by equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.

Information

  • Creator
    Sutherland Institute
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sutherland Institute
  • Show Website
    Defending Ideas