Best Common Sense Conservatism Podcasts (2025)

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Inside the federal government shutdown | Matt Weidinger 46:03

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2d ago46:03

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 Matt Weidinger of the American Enterprise Institute about what led to the latest shutdown, how it’s affecting key programs like SNAP and Medicaid, and what it says about t…

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Common Sense Reasons Why the Moon Landing Was Not a Hoax 34:05

4d ago34:05

34:05

In this episode, Billy Dees takes a rational look at one of the most persistent conspiracy theories — that the Apollo moon landings were a hoax. While this podcast won’t convince the true believers, it offers a clear, fact-based perspective for those who are weary of misinformation and want to understand the evidence with common sense. Billy explor…

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The public good of private faith | Bill Duncan and Sam Abrams 44:58

9d ago44:58

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 picture? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn sits down with two leading experts to review new research showing that religious participation offers powerful public…

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From a Marketing Perspective - How the Browns Damaged Their Brand 43:36

11d ago43:36

43:36

A professional sports franchise is more than just a team—it’s a brand. For decades, the Cleveland Browns embodied a legacy of grit and loyalty, earning a national following despite never reaching a Super Bowl. Their underdog spirit defined them, and fans held onto hope for that one fairytale season. But in recent years, that identity has faded. Con…

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Beyond the rivalry: Presidents of BYU & Utah on building a better state 44:51

16d ago44:51

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. Host Nic Dunn sits down with BYU President Shane Reese and UofU President Taylor Randall for a joint interview. Together, they discuss how these two major universities are pa…

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Gaza, More Kimmel Remarks, and Letitia James 37:43

19d ago37:43

37:43

Episode Description: In this episode, Billy Dees takes a deep dive into three major stories making headlines — the fragile peace agreement in Gaza, Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial claim that Antifa “does not exist,” and the latest developments in the Letitia James case. A consistent theme in Billy’s commentary is the importance of evaluating issues ba…

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Rethinking welfare, upward mobility, and human dignity | Charles Murray 48:27

24d ago48:27

48:27

By Sutherland Institute

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Josh Lewis - A Conversation About Classical Conservatism and What It Means in 2025 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

In this episode, we welcome Josh Lewis, a CPA from Tulsa and former candidate for City Auditor. With more than a decade of experience auditing governments, Josh brings a practical, grounded perspective to politics and public life. A graduate of College of the Ozarks—famously known as “Hard Work U”—Josh majored in accounting with a minor in Speech C…

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Free speech, civility, and civic courage | Rep. Celeste Maloy 39:39

1M ago39:39

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 it's a sign that we’ve forgotten how to disagree constructively in American public life. On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn sits down with Rep. Celeste Malo…

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The Week That Was with Jimmy Kimmel in the Media 35:18

1M ago35:18

35:18

In this episode, Billy Dees offers his unfiltered commentary on the unfolding Jimmy Kimmel controversy. Billy digs into the multiple layers of the debate—broadcast standards, FCC regulations, and the often-misunderstood boundaries of free speech. The episode also takes a serious look at the disturbing online reactions surrounding the Charlie Kirk t…

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The redistricting battle: What does the constitution say? | Bill Duncan 46:06

1M ago46:06

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 this episode, host Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland Institute Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow Bill Duncan to unpack the legal and civic principles at the …

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Jimmy Kimmel and the Free Speech Debate - Live Discussion 44:49

1M ago44:49

44:49

Recorded live on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM EST, hosts Billy Dees and Cynthia Elliott dive into the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s dismissal from ABC. From there, the conversation expands into a deeper examination of free speech—both on the broadcast airwaves and in the broader public forum. The airwaves are public property, lea…

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What’s next for America in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination? 6:06

1M ago6:06

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, polarization, and contempt. Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense cons…

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Terry Whalin - 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

Our guest on this episode is Terry Whalin—a true insider in the publishing world who knows both sides of the editorial desk. As an editor and writer, Terry has worn many hats, shaping stories and guiding authors to success. His work has appeared in more than 50 publications, and he’s penned over 60 books spanning everything from children’s titles t…

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Charlie Kirk 1993-2025 Special EP 43:45

2M ago43:45

43:45

The nation is reeling after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, conservative political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, who was killed after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University. His passing has sent shockwaves far beyond political lines, drawing an outpouring of grief and condemnation from leaders across the aisle. President…

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Kay A. Oliver - Dynamic Storyteller and Champion of Women's Voices 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Our guest this episode is Kay A. Oliver — a dynamic storyteller with decades of experience in Hollywood as a producer, writer, and director. With degrees in Radio/TV/Film and an MBA in Business, Kay built a successful career in entertainment before taking the leap into writing novels. She’s known for creating strong, imperfect, and relatable women …

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Republic vs. regime: Who wins the AI arms race? | Sarah Hunt 34:46

2M ago34:46

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. In this episode, Sutherland Chief Growth Officer Derek Monson sits in for Nic Dunn, and is joined by Sarah Hunt, president and founder of the Joseph Rainey Center for Publi…

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I Love You, Bro: Combating male suicide | Joe Tuia'ana 56:28

2M ago56:28

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 the story behind the I Love You, Bro Project, a grassroots movement creating safe, judgment-free spaces where men can open up, connect, and find purpose. From barbershops …

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Dan Schaefer - Democrat Running in State of Missouri 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

Our guest this episode is Dan Schaefer—a progressive political leader, engineer, and former candidate for the Missouri House of Representatives (District 97). His grassroots campaign focused on restoring reproductive rights, defending public education, and protecting the voice of working people. Looking ahead to 2026, Dan plans to run again—either …

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Absent fathers are America's hidden crisis | Ian Rowe 48:18

2M ago48:18

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 down with Ian Rowe, author of Agency and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They dive into why strong families and involved fathers are key to helping the…

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New AI Technologies that are Good, Bad, and Absolutely Mind Blowing 54:13

2M ago54:13

54:13

This conversation explores emerging technologies that blur the line between human experience and artificial intelligence. On one hand, there’s excitement about innovations like Google’s emotional AI, smart skin, and AR memory glasses, which could transform healthcare, education, therapy, and even human connection. Similarly, advances such as Samsun…

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Tales from A.L. Katz 1:07:50

2M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Alan Katz has lived the wild ride of Hollywood—writing and producing films and shows like HBO’s legendary Tales From The Crypt. His career has taken him to the highest highs and darkest lows of showbiz, and he’s ready to spill every twisted story along the way. Entertainment Weekly named the debut season of his How NOT To Make A Movie Podcast the “…

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Why young men are struggling and how to restore their purpose | Sam Abrams 44:42

2M ago44:42

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 young men and helps form their character? On this episode, host Nic Dunn and contributor Beth Akers sit down with Sam Abrams to discuss the formative role of families, fai…

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J.F. Monroe - Advocate for the Magic of Storytelling 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

When reality wasn’t enough, J.F. Monroe built her own universe. In her Legacy of the Four trilogy, ancient powers walk among us, destinies shift, and courage rewrites fate. Drawing inspiration from The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and even Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending plots, Monroe blends epic adventure with deeply persona…

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Is Trump's DOJ pushing for a dangerous overreach? | Matt Germer and Derek Monson 49:16

3M ago49:16

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 dangerous overreach that could erode privacy, weaken security, and blur constitutional boundaries between Washington and the states. This week on Defending Ideas, host Nic …

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Zafra Lerman - Human Rights and Peace - A Personal Odyssey 42:09

3M ago42:09

42:09

Zafra Lerman has spent her life proving that science—infused with compassion and creativity—can bridge even the deepest divides. From her childhood in Israel to advising U.S. leaders at the White House, and from classrooms to conflict zones, she has brought together scientists from opposing nations, pioneered teaching chemistry through the arts, an…

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Have we forgotten how to self-govern? | Sabrina L. Shaeffer 44:24

3M ago44:24

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 Street Institute VP of Public Affairs Sabrina Schaeffer to explore how the lost arts of debate, discourse, and civic engagement are essential to a thriving constitutional repub…

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BREAKING NEWS- Sydney Sweeney is Probably White - Also Media and More! (Live) 47:14

3M ago47:14

47:14

Buckle up, because this episode goes completely off the rails—in the best way possible. First up, we dive into the media’s favorite pastime: wildly speculating about suspects while the situation is still unfolding. (What could possibly go wrong?) Then, things get tight—literally—as we unpack the bizarre internet uproar over Sydney Sweeney’s jeans. …

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Should we reorient higher ed toward a skills-based economy? 51:50

3M ago51:50

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 jobs than qualified workers, leaders in states like Utah are confronting the gap between education and training institutions and the needs of employers. On this episode of …

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AI, More Epstein Stuff, and Media LIVE 46:41

3M ago46:41

46:41

🎙️ AI, Epstein, Colbert... and Hunter Biden?! LIVE with Billy Dees Hold onto your neural networks—this episode is a wild ride. Billy Dees goes live to break down the latest chatter about artificial intelligence and whether the robots are planning our downfall or just trying to take our jobs one spreadsheet at a time. We also check back in on the Ep…

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Rethinking charity to provide dignity over dependency | James Whitford 45:24

3M ago45:24

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 Whitford, founder and executive director of True Charity and Watered Gardens Ministries, and author of “The Crisis of Dependency: How Our Efforts to Solve Poverty Are Trapping…

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Trump, Epstein, Colbert, and NPR - Commentary with Billy Dees LIVE! 45:38

3M ago45:38

45:38

Hot Takes and Heated Topics! In this lively episode, we dive into some of the most buzz-worthy stories in the media world. First up: a mysterious birthday letter allegedly from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein resurfaces—just in time to stir up controversy. Is it coincidence, or calculated distraction? Next, we react to the surprise cancellation of …

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Bill Thompson - Bridging Classic Radio and Modern Tech 33:04

4M ago33:04

33:04

If you're a fan of old-school radio, you'll find Bill Thompson’s story especially compelling. A true veteran of the airwaves, Bill spent over 30 years behind the mic, interviewing some of the most fascinating figures of our time—leaders, inventors, entertainers, athletes, astronauts, and more. By the time he retired from radio in 2018, he'd recorde…

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What does patriotism require today? 6:09

4M ago6:09

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 patriotism mean today? In this special solo episode, host Nic Dunn reflects on the enduring responsibility of American citizens — not just to celebrate freedom, but to live it ou…

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Sweet Inspiration - A True Story of Finding Your Voice 31:46

4M ago31:46

31:46

From Author Kristy Mickelsen A Short Read Memoir – “Sweet Inspiration” “But later, when my high from the dope I had snorted early that morning wore off, I cried again for most of the night but not out of anger. This time it was out of fear. Fear of what was happening to me. Fear of what I had become. Fear of what was going to happen to my marriage,…

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Unfolding Controversies and Global Tragedies 49:32

4M ago49:32

49:32

In this episode, we explore three major stories making headlines. We begin with the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein client list, focusing on Pam Bondi. As speculation and internal divisions surface, criticism has intensified regarding Bondi's role and the broader lack of transparency about the list. Next, we examine the devastating floo…

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Are men turning away from college? | Mike Kofoed and Melinda Brock 46:52

4M ago46:52

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 degrees in the U.S. — a reversal of trends seen a generation ago. On this episode, Host Nic Dunn is joined once again by Defending Ideas Feature Contributor and AEI Senior Fe…

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Does government spend too much money on higher ed? | Josh Bandoch 39:22

4M ago39:22

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 whether we’ve overinvested in traditional academia and underinvested in skill‑based training. On this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Illinois Policy Institut…

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Hey Scum, Who's Your Daddy? 36:03

4M ago36:03

36:03

🎙️ In this fast-paced and entertaining episode, Billy Dees and Cynthia Elliott dive into the complex — and often absurd — world of politics and media spin. 🔹 First up: the tangled relationship between Donald Trump and the media. Was the Iran strike truly a success? Or are we just hearing what we're meant to hear? 🔹 Then, things get cheeky with a pl…

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Can AI make education more human? | Caleb Hicks 48:19

4M ago48:19

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 are enhancing personalized learning, supporting one-on-one instruction, and improving classroom outcomes. Also joining is Sutherland Institute’s Christine Cooke Fairbanks,…

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Utah’s Medicaid work reform explained | Nate Checketts 37:30

5M ago37:30

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 Services, about Utah’s push for a Medicaid work requirement. They discuss: Utah's federal waiver request Benefits cliffs and incentives How to build a pro-work safety net What …

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Drama and Stunts in L.A. and Washington 51:33

5M ago51:33

51:33

Billy Dees Live! June 13, 2025 8:00pm EST Global Tensions, Media Narratives, and Political Theater Episode Description: In this episode, we dive into a range of pressing headlines making waves around the world. From the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran to the tragic plane crash in India, we break down the facts and explore the broader im…

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Stacy Rogers - Candidate for Governor of Kansas 57:35

5M ago57:35

57:35

Interview Description: In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Rogers — a lifelong Kansan, small business owner, advocate for constitutional freedoms, and Republican candidate for Governor of Kansas. If elected, Rogers would make history as the first female Republican Governor in the state's history. Rogers shares her vision for Kansas, rooted in s…

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Episode 100: Ramesh Ponnuru on the future of conservatism 48:50

5M ago48:50

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 Review, a columnist for The Washington Post, and a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. In this milestone conversation, Ramesh and host Nic Dunn exp…

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Are Elon and Trump Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together? 48:16

5M ago48:16

48:16

This episode was produced while LIVE on X Friday June 6, 2025, at 8:00pm EST. Dive into the Chaos: Elon, Trump, and the Future of AI 🚀 Curious about the whirlwind that is Elon Musk's connection with Donald Trump? This week we’re unraveling the intricate dance between two of the most controversial figures of our time in our latest episode, "Are Elon…

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The (AI) doctor will see you now? Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare 45:49

5M ago45:49

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 telehealth — this is already happening. The impact of AI on healthcare certainly raises important questions, such as whether AI will ultimately replace your doctor or simply hel…

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Everything is Normal with the Jeffrey Epstein Case! & More Opinion 51:36

5M ago51:36

51:36

This sarcastically titled episode was produced while streaming LIVE on X Friday May 30, 2025, at 8:00pm EST. Hosts Billy Dees and Cynthia Elliott discuss various topics, including conspiracy theories surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death and the implications of upcoming Epstein-related files. They express skepticism about the potential fallout from t…

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Trump’s tariffs: path to working-class prosperity, or protectionist misstep? 55:23

5M ago55:23

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 consumers? Defenders of tariffs often argue that the measures will restore manufacturing jobs, which they claim have suffered and negatively impacted the economic prospects of m…

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C'mon Jake, Give Me a Break - Also My Personal Connection to Memorial Day 41:57

5M ago41:57

41:57

This episode was produced while streaming LIVE on X Friday May 23, 2025, at 8:00pm EST. On this episode Billy discusses various topics surrounding Memorial Day Weekend, including reflections on the holiday and political commentary. Billy highlightes Jake Tapper's new book, "Original Sin," which critiques the democrats and the media's handling of Pr…

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Men without work, with Nick Eberstadt 51:02

5M ago51:02

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 behind this trend, and how does it impact society? On this episode, Defending Ideas contributor and AEI Senior Fellow Beth Akers joins host Nic Dunn for a conversation with N…