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.
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Sep 29, 2026 · 42:00
Is AI really on track to destroy humanity, or are we confusing small risks with science fiction? On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Chris Koopman, CEO of…
Sep 22, 2026 · 46:23
Head Start is at the center of a heated public debate over federal regulations and how best to support families. But what exactly should the federal government do, and what…
Sep 15, 2026 · 41:15
What would America look like without strong families, churches, civic organizations and local communities? We're starting to find out and the picture is...not good. But there is…
Sep 8, 2026 · 45:56
America’s social safety net is supposed to help families through difficult times, ultimately moving people toward work and independence. But navigating a maze of disconnected…
Sep 1, 2026 · 46:02
Could giving states more freedom to experiment help America find better answers to our toughest challenges? On this episode of Defending Ideas , Sen. John Curtis of Utah joins…
Aug 25, 2026 · 41:49
Thirty years after the landmark welfare reform law, what should the next generation of social safety-net reform look like? Former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan joins Defending…
Aug 18, 2026 · 41:57
America spends a ton of money on our social safety net, yet many people still feel trapped. That means maybe the biggest problem isn't how much we spend. On this episode of…
Aug 11, 2026 · 38:40
What can Utah teach America about the future of conservatism? On this episode of Defending Ideas , Nic Dunn sits down with Todd Weiler, the new president and CEO of Sutherland…
Aug 4, 2026 · 43:05
No two children learn exactly the same way. So why should families be expected to rely on a one-size-fits-all education system? In this episode of Defending Ideas , Nic Dunn…
Jul 28, 2026 · 39:40
We want referees to enforce the rules, not play for one team. Should the same principle apply to county clerks and elections officials? In this episode of Defending Ideas, host…
Jul 21, 2026 · 42:22
Why does the federal government keep expanding into every corner of our lives? It's not always by passing new laws. Guidance documents, letters, handbooks, and informal…
Jul 14, 2026 · 38:30
The Supreme Court has spoken. And the internet has some...interesting opinions. On this episode of Defending Ideas , Utah Valley University's Senior Director of the Center for…
Jul 7, 2026 · 39:55
Is artificial intelligence something to fear—or a tool to help us thrive? In this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn talks with Shoshana Weissmann, Digital Director and…
Jun 30, 2026 · 50:47
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…
Jun 23, 2026 · 44:22
Congress is considering a major anti-poverty reform: giving states more flexibility to redesign welfare and social safety net programs. In this episode, AEI Senior Fellow Angela…
Jun 16, 2026 · 47:39
Election integrity is back in the headlines. But beneath the political arguments lies a more important question: what actually builds trust in elections? On this episode of…
Jun 9, 2026 · 44:12
Debates over election integrity have dominated American politics for years. But beneath many of those disagreements lies a deeper constitutional question: who should be…
Jun 2, 2026 · 53:32
As America marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, an important question remains: what do the nation’s founding principles have to say about the…
May 26, 2026 · 56:17
What if one of the biggest solutions to America’s political dysfunction isn’t electing better people, but restoring the principles of federalism? In this episode of Defending…
May 19, 2026 · 57:06
As lawmakers debate how to protect children online, a major legal and constitutional question is emerging: should app stores be required to verify users’ ages and involve parents…
May 12, 2026 · 43:26
Many conversations about artificial intelligence focus on fear, risk, and worst-case scenarios. But what if we’re asking the wrong questions? Host Nic Dunn is joined by Bennett…
May 5, 2026 · 43:11
The U.S. Supreme Court is often portrayed as just another political battleground. But that is a fundamental misunderstanding of its role. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic…
Apr 28, 2026 · 11:31
America’s safety net wasn’t designed all at once. It was built piece by piece over decades, and that may be part of the problem. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn asks…
Apr 21, 2026 · 54:49
America’s safety net is designed to help people in times of need. But what happens after that initial help is provided? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn is…
Apr 14, 2026 · 31:07
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, many political debates feel increasingly focused on personalities, parties, and division rather than principles. On this episode of…
Apr 7, 2026 · 49:33
Political debates today often feel more like battles than conversations. But what if the deeper problem in our disagreements is that we have forgotten how persuasion actually…
Mar 31, 2026 · 44:07
Conservatism is facing a defining moment. As debates over government power, political personalities, federalism, and first principles move to the center of public life, a…
Mar 24, 2026 · 46:11
Family policy debates often focus on affordability, housing, or cultural change. But a deeper question is emerging: do young people still believe family life is even possible? On…
Mar 17, 2026 · 53:08
Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, but who should shape how it develops? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn speaks with Medlir Mema , director of the AI…
Mar 10, 2026 · 38:06
America’s safety net is meant to help families get back on their feet. But too often, it does the opposite by discouraging work and earnings due to benefit cliffs. On this…
Mar 3, 2026 · 37:01
Open enrollment is one of the most overlooked forms of school choice in America. While debates often focus on private school vouchers or charter expansion, families in many…
Feb 24, 2026 · 50:40
According to some estimates, America spends nearly $1.5 trillion each year across 114 federal programs designed to fight poverty and support vulnerable families. So why do so…
Feb 17, 2026 · 1:02:07
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…
Feb 10, 2026 · 49:28
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…
Feb 3, 2026 · 42:22
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…
Jan 27, 2026 · 41:53
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…
Jan 20, 2026 · 35:50
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…
Jan 13, 2026 · 44:45
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…
Jan 6, 2026 · 41:01
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…
Dec 16, 2025 · 46:01
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,…
Dec 9, 2025 · 51:08
College is often treated as the default path to success — but there are other successful paths that are underused. In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with…
Dec 2, 2025 · 45:07
Utah’s redistricting battle has reached a breaking point, and the stakes go far beyond political outcomes. In this episode, Nic Dunn sits down with public affairs expert Taylor…
Nov 25, 2025 · 8:26
As families gather for Thanksgiving, disagreements about politics and culture can feel unavoidable. In this episode, Nic Dunn explains why the best way to lower the temperature…
Nov 18, 2025 · 40:08
A 43-day federal shutdown exposed how fragile state programs become when Washington can’t keep the lights on. In this episode, Nic Dunn is joined by Jennifer Butler , Senior…
Nov 11, 2025 · 55:45
Utah’s new state superintendent, Dr. Molly Hart , joins Nic Dunn alongside Christine Cooke Fairbanks to discuss the future of education in Utah. From strengthening local control…
Nov 4, 2025 · 44:37
What parent would take a raise if it meant their family would be worse off? That’s the reality for many families facing the “benefits cliff.” Nic Dunn sits down with Keith Barnes…
Oct 28, 2025 · 46:03
The federal government shutdown isn’t just a budget story, it’s a reflection of deeper challenges in how Congress governs. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn talks with…
Oct 21, 2025 · 44:58
In today’s cultural climate, religion is often treated as a purely private matter — something best kept out of public life. But what if that assumption is missing the bigger…
Oct 14, 2025 · 44:51
It’s rivalry week in Utah, but before the battle on the gridiron, the presidents of Brigham Young University and the University of Utah join the show to discuss collaboration.…
Oct 7, 2025 · 48:27
Most debates on poverty focus on small reforms to America’s welfare system. But what if the system itself is the problem? On this episode, Nic Dunn sits down with author and AEI…
Sep 30, 2025 · 39:39
Do you ever self-censor your political views because you’re worried about how others might react, or even fear backlash for sharing what you really believe? You’re not alone. And…
Sep 23, 2025 · 46:06
As redistricting debates make headlines in Utah and across the nation, a deeper issue is being overlooked: Who really has the constitutional authority to draw electoral maps? In…
Sep 16, 2025 · 6:06
Following the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, host Nic Dunn offers a special message on how Americans should respond to political violence,…
Sep 9, 2025 · 34:46
Artificial intelligence is fueling a new kind of arms race, one that isn’t just about technology, but about the clash of values between free republics and authoritarian regimes.…
Sep 2, 2025 · 56:28
Men make up nearly 80% of suicide deaths, yet too often their struggles go unseen. In this episode, host Nic Dunn and contributor Beth Akers are joined by Joe Tuia'ana who shares…
Aug 26, 2025 · 48:18
Why are so many boys and young men struggling in America today? The answer may lie in a crisis few are talking about: absent fathers. Host Nic Dunn and contributor Beth Akers sit…
Aug 19, 2025 · 44:42
Amid the ongoing discussions about challenges men and boys face in work, school, and other aspects of life, there’s a deeper question behind the statistics: what actually anchors…
Aug 12, 2025 · 49:16
Multiple states have received requests from the U.S. Department of Justice for state voter roll information. The DOJ says it’s enforcing federal election laws. Critics call it a…
Aug 5, 2025 · 44:24
What if the root cause of America’s polarization isn’t just anger or partisanship — but the loss of a skill we’ve stopped practicing? On this episode, Nic Dunn speaks with R…
Jul 29, 2025 · 51:50
One of the biggest challenges facing the economy in recent years, at both the national and state levels, is persistent workforce shortages across different industries. With more…
Jul 22, 2025 · 45:24
America is a compassionate country. But what if the way we’ve been “helping” those in poverty actually makes things worse? On this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with James…
Jul 15, 2025 · 6:09
A couple of weeks have passed since the July 4th celebrations, and after the fireworks fade and the flags are stored away, does our feeling of patriotism linger? What does…
Jul 8, 2025 · 46:52
College has long been seen as a gateway to opportunity and upward mobility. But today, fewer young men are pursuing higher education, accounting for just two out of every five…
Jul 1, 2025 · 39:22
Is our higher‑education system doing enough to meet the real needs of today’s job market? With a serious shortage of skilled workers across key industries, many are asking…
Jun 24, 2025 · 48:19
Teachers are stretched thin, but artificial intelligence could help. On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn talks with Caleb Hicks, CEO of SchoolAI, about how AI tools…
Jun 17, 2025 · 37:30
Should Medicaid include work requirements? Utah thinks so. On this episode, host Nic Dunn talks with Nate Checketts , deputy director of the Utah Department of Health & Human…
Jun 10, 2025 · 48:50
This week marks the 100th episode of Defending Ideas —and to celebrate, we’re joined by one of the nation’s leading conservative thinkers. Ramesh Ponnuru is editor of National…
Jun 3, 2025 · 45:49
Imagine getting access to potentially life-saving medical care or screenings in the same place you buy shampoo. Thanks to artificial intelligence — coupled with advances in…
May 27, 2025 · 55:23
President Trump’s tariffs have reignited a national debate: Are they a path to restoring working-class prosperity, or a protectionist misstep that ultimately hurts American…
May 20, 2025 · 51:02
Work is essential for upward mobility, stability, and overall well-being. Yet for millions of men across the United States, work is increasingly absent from daily life. What’s…
May 13, 2025 · 55:58
New technology can profoundly change our lives, and artificial intelligence is no exception. But as AI becomes more ubiquitous, especially in the workplace, will its impact be…
May 6, 2025 · 47:23
Should parents have a meaningful say in what their children learn — and how they learn it? On this episode of Defending Ideas , we examine two pivotal legal battles shaping the…
Apr 29, 2025 · 50:53
Should federal welfare programs do more to promote work? Congressman Mike Kennedy of Utah’s 3rd District says yes. On this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with Rep. Kennedy to…
Apr 22, 2025 · 47:01
There’s a lot of debate in Washington, D.C., and across the country right now about how to reform federal programs like Medicaid and Food Stamps. But what if there were a more…
Apr 15, 2025 · 47:27
It’s common to see news reports about education policy debates at the federal level and in state legislatures. But what if one of the most important policy levers for education…
Apr 8, 2025 · 54:41
Alleviating poverty has been a goal of the United States since the launch of the War on Poverty in the 1960s. But what if the way we think about – and talk about – poverty is all…
Apr 1, 2025 · 45:51
If you’re frustrated by the dysfunction in American politics, you’re not alone. But what if the solution already exists within the very framework for our nation? This week on…
Mar 25, 2025 · 55:41
There’s a growing body of evidence that boys and men are struggling in today’s society, from mental health and education to work and family life. On this episode, Nic Dunn is…
Mar 18, 2025 · 39:42
These days, many political disagreements hinge on misunderstandings of the constitutional structure of state and federal government. How can we address this? On this episode, Nic…
Mar 11, 2025 · 1:00:41
Have Americans forgotten the actual purpose of the Constitution? This week on Defending Ideas, we delve into key themes from a recent Sutherland Institute event featuring Utah…
Mar 4, 2025 · 49:30
What really matters to Utah voters? This week on Defending Ideas, we analyze a new voter priority survey with Jade Burt , director of research for Y2 Analytics, and Derek Monson…
Feb 25, 2025 · 48:24
There’s a ferocious debate in Washington, D.C., right now over possible cuts to a variety of different programs in the federal government. So what does this mean for the…
Feb 18, 2025 · 44:19
This episode of Defending Ideas explores how open enrollment policies empower parents to make educational choices for their children within the public school system. Guests Halli…
Feb 11, 2025 · 1:00:51
The Utah legislature is considering changes to the state's vote-by-mail system. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with R Street Institute Resident Fellow in…
Feb 6, 2025 · 45:22
From super PACs, to “dark money,” to the increasingly eye-catching dollar amounts campaigns raise each year, the role of money in political campaigns raises serious questions and…
Feb 4, 2025 · 39:34
How much control do parents really have over the online content their children have access to? Is there an appropriate role for government policy in this area? This episode of…
Jan 28, 2025 · 49:13
State government agencies are supposed to be accountable to that state’s voters through their elected representatives. But what happens when federal agencies try to directly…
Jan 21, 2025 · 30:43
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Utah’s public lands lawsuit. So what does this mean for the states' prospects for having stronger management of land within their own…
Jan 14, 2025 · 43:23
Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox, who was recently inaugurated for a second term, laid out a vision for the next for years for Utah in his inauguration speech. So what does it really…
Jan 7, 2025 · 45:01
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. On this episode, Nic Dunn sits…
Dec 17, 2024 · 47:53
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? On this episode, we look back on a…
Dec 10, 2024 · 46:52
The federal government controls nearly 70% of the land in Utah, and has for a long time. Is this a problem? And if so, what should be done about it? On this episode, we discuss…
Dec 3, 2024 · 56:37
Should the U.S. Department of Education be abolished? That’s one of the questions that the new presidential administration and the new Congress may grapple with in 2025. But what…
Nov 26, 2024 · 5:54
This episode of Defending Ideas is a special holiday message. Host Nic Dunn draws from themes of past episodes to offer a framework for navigating political disagreement with…
Nov 19, 2024 · 47:34
America is the land of opportunity. So how should we respond when new evidence shows that some families actually feel discouraged from working harder for the American Dream? On…
Nov 12, 2024 · 50:01
The election is over, and we now know the results. So, what’s next for public discourse, election trust, and political polarization? On this episode we continue our special…
Nov 5, 2024 · 56:32
Election Day is here, and it’s understandable to feel stressed or worried about the outcome. But what if there is something that has a bigger impact on America’s future than who…
Oct 29, 2024 · 51:27
The cost of housing is a major issue here in Utah and across the nation, and there are many different proposals to address it. But what is the approach that policymakers should…
Oct 22, 2024 · 44:10
The 2024 election is the first time artificial intelligence has begun to play a noticeable role during campaign season. What does that mean for the way we conduct elections in…
Oct 15, 2024 · 42:46
We’ve all seen the controversy in recent years in the news and online over the issue of election security. So, what is actually going on, and is your vote secure? On this…
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