Defending Ideas: All Episodes
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.
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America has a community problem. Here’s why it matters | Michael Tanner
Read More: America has a community problem. Here’s why it matters | Michael TannerOn this episode of Defending Ideas, Michael Tanner, Senior Fellow at FREOPP, joins host Nic Dunn to explain why civil society is so important and why its decline should concern…
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Can states lead the next welfare reform movement? | Daniel Erspamer
Read More: Can states lead the next welfare reform movement? | Daniel ErspamerOn this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn talks with Daniel J. Erspamer, CEO of the Pelican Institute, about Louisiana’s effort to create a “One Door to Work” model,…
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Can the states fix what Washington can’t? | Sen. John Curtis
Read More: Can the states fix what Washington can’t? | Sen. John CurtisCould 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 host Nic Dunn…
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The Next Welfare Reform: Paul Ryan on Work, Technology, and RISE Pilots
Read More: The Next Welfare Reform: Paul Ryan on Work, Technology, and RISE PilotsSpeaker Ryan and host Nic Dunn examine RISE pilots, a state-led approach that tests whether combining multiple welfare benefits into a single, trackable monthly payment can simplify the social safety…
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The hidden problem with America’s safety net | Erine Gray
Read More: The hidden problem with America’s safety net | Erine GrayErine Gray shares the personal experiences that led him to build Findhelp, what he learned working inside Texas’ public-benefits system during the financial crisis, and why he believes AI, better…
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Why America needs a principled center-right | Todd Weiler
Read More: Why America needs a principled center-right | Todd WeilerThey discuss the future of the conservative movement, the importance of principled and evidence-based policymaking, and why states may be better positioned than Washington, D.C., to tackle some of America’s…
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Why our children need more education choices | Shaka Mitchell & Christine Cooke Fairbanks
Read More: Why our children need more education choices | Shaka Mitchell & Christine Cooke FairbanksThey discuss how parents have driven recent reforms, the legal and political challenges facing education choice programs, the new federal education freedom tax credit, and how policymakers can build an…
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Should county clerks be nonpartisan? | Kevin Johnson & Brian McKenzie
Read More: Should county clerks be nonpartisan? | Kevin Johnson & Brian McKenzieThey explore the unique role of election administrators, the political pressures they can face, and whether removing party labels could strengthen public confidence in elections.
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How the federal government keeps expanding its power | Kevin Williamson & Bill Duncan
Read More: How the federal government keeps expanding its power | Kevin Williamson & Bill DuncanThey discuss regulatory “dark matter,” the decline of congressional responsibility, practical examples of federal agencies pressuring states, and how federalism, transparency, and a renewed commitment to separation of powers could…
