Best Sutherland Institute Podcasts (2025)

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Can Washington’s shutdown revive federalism? | Jennifer Butler 40:08

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3h ago40:08

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 Policy Advisor for the Center for Practical Federalism at the State Policy Network, along with Sutherland’s Bill Duncan and Christine Cooke Fairbanks. They unpack what the shutd…

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Can Utah lead the way on education reform? | Molly Hart 55:45

4d ago55:45

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 to harnessing innovation in the classroom, they explore how Utah can lead the nation in rethinking public education and empower parents, teachers, and students to thrive. Sh…

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Can states solve America's benefit cliffs crisis? | Keith Barnes 44:37

2d ago44:37

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 of the Beyond the Cliff Coalition to discuss how government policies can unintentionally punish work — and how states can innovate for smarter, family-centered reforms to …

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Inside the federal government shutdown | Matt Weidinger 46:03

22d 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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The public good of private faith | Bill Duncan and Sam Abrams 44:58

24d 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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Beyond the rivalry: Presidents of BYU & Utah on building a better state 44:51

25d 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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Rethinking welfare, upward mobility, and human dignity | Charles Murray 48:27

2M ago48:27

48:27

By Sutherland Institute

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

2M 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 redistricting battle: What does the constitution say? | Bill Duncan 46:06

2M 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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What’s next for America in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination? 6:06

2M 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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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

3M 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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Absent fathers are America's hidden crisis | Ian Rowe 48:18

3M 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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Why young men are struggling and how to restore their purpose | Sam Abrams 44:42

3M 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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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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Have we forgotten how to self-govern? | Sabrina L. Shaeffer 44:24

4M 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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Should we reorient higher ed toward a skills-based economy? 51:50

4M 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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Rethinking charity to provide dignity over dependency | James Whitford 45:24

4M 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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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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Are men turning away from college? | Mike Kofoed and Melinda Brock 46:52

5M 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

5M 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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Can AI make education more human? | Caleb Hicks 48:19

5M 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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Episode 100: Ramesh Ponnuru on the future of conservatism 48:50

6M 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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The (AI) doctor will see you now? Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in healthcare 45:49

6M 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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Trump’s tariffs: path to working-class prosperity, or protectionist misstep? 55:23

6M 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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Men without work, with Nick Eberstadt 51:02

6M 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…

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Will AI take your job — or make you better at it? 55:58

6M ago55:58

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 more innovative or disruptive? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn is joined by AEI Senior Fellow Brent Orrell. Brent offers an optimistic yet grounded vision o…

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Parental rights on trial: what’s at stake in education 47:23

7M ago47:23

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 future of parental rights in education: one challenging a state-level school choice program, and another currently before the U.S. Supreme Court that could restrict a parent’…

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Why Rep. Mike Kennedy says welfare needs stronger work requirements 50:53

7M ago50:53

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 hear his personal story of growing up in poverty, how it shaped his views on the power of work, and why he believes the Let’s Get to Work Act can help more families achieve …

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Are ‘empowerment accounts’ the answer to poverty and self-sufficiency? With Vance Ginn 47:01

7M ago47:01

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 effective way to improve the prospects of families trying to escape poverty that would save taxpayer dollars? On this episode, Nic Dunn talks with Vance Ginn, President of Gi…

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How to empower local school board members to lead education reform 47:27

7M ago47:27

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 reform is much closer to home — yet gets ignored far too often? On this episode, Sutherland’s Nic Dunn and Christine Cooke Fairbanks talk with David Hoyt, executive director…

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Rethinking poverty: Beyond material hardship to upward mobility, with Kevin Corinth 54:41

8M ago54:41

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 wrong? On this episode, Nic Dunn welcomes AEI Senior Fellow Kevin Corinth, who also serves as deputy director of AEI’s Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility. They disc…

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Yuval Levin on how the Constitution is the solution to America’s broken politics 45:51

8M ago45:51

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 Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn sits down with AEI scholar Yuval Levin, author of American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation — and Could Again. Levin argues tha…

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Richard Reeves on why we need to address the challenges boys and men are facing today 55:41

8M ago55:41

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 joined by AEI Senior Fellow and Defending Ideas Feature Contributor Beth Akers to sit down with Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men and author…

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Utah Attorney General Derek Brown on defending the rule of law and constitutional structure 39:42

8M ago39:42

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 Dunn sits down with Utah Attorney General Derek Brown to discuss his vision for the office, defending the rule of law and restoring America's constitutional order. Joined …

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More than just rights: What Americans get wrong about the Constitution 1:00:41

9M ago1:00:41

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 Gov. Spencer Cox, author and American Enterprise Institute scholar Yuval Levin, and former federal judge Thomas Griffith. Join host Nic Dunn and guest Bill Duncan as they exp…

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A Deeper Look at Utah Voter Priorities 49:30

9M ago49:30

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, chief growth officer for Sutherland Institute. We break down issue priorities by demographic and voting profiles and analyze the diverse perspectives within the state's ele…

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Could a smaller federal safety net save money while elevating work? 48:24

9M ago48:24

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 federally funded social safety net? Alliance for Opportunity Senior Fellow Les Ford joins host Nic Dunn to give an overview of some of the proposals in Congress through the lens of…

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Empowering Parents Through Open Enrollment 44:19

9M ago44:19

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 Faulkner, Senior Legislative Drafter with yes. every kid., and Christine Cooke Fairbanks, Education Policy Fellow with Sutherland Institute, discuss the benefits and chall…

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Should Utah change its vote-by-mail system? 1:00:51

9M ago1:00:51

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 Governance Jonathan Madison, and Sutherland Institute Chief Growth Officer Derek Monson, to discuss whether these changes would boost or diminish public confidence in elect…

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Special episode: Is a constitutional amendment the answer to money’s influence in politics? 45:22

10M ago45:22

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 has been the source of much debate. This week on Defending Ideas, we’re releasing a special episode to ask: Can a constitutional amendment truly address the issue of money…

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The case for app store age verification to protect kids online 39:34

10M ago39:34

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 Defending Ideas explores the proposed App Store Accountability Act and whether government intervention to give parents more control over their kids' app downloads is warrante…

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How states can improve transparency to rein in federal agencies and restore federalism 49:13

10M ago49:13

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 influence what state agencies do in ways that elected officials may not even know about? On this episode, Nic Dunn welcomes a small roundtable of experts to discuss a new bill …

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What's next for Utah's effort to return federal public lands to state control? 30:43

10M ago30:43

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 borders? On this episode, Nic Dunn is joined by Sutherland Constitutional Law and Religious Freedom Fellow Bill Duncan to give an update on the status of the public lands dispu…

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Why Utah Gov. Spencer Cox focused on social capital in his second inaugural 43:23

10M ago43:23

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 take for a state to be successful, and what is Utah's secret? On this episode, Nic Dunn sits down with Aimee Winder Newton, senior advisor to Cox and director of the Utah Offi…

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Work Disincentives and the Safety Net: Insights from the Atlanta Fed's Alex Ruder 45:01

11M ago45:01

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 down with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Alex Ruder. Alex serves as Community and Economic Development Director and Principal Adviser for the Atlanta Fed, where he focu…

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What 2024 means for the nation's political future, with Jason Perry and Maura Carabello 47:53

11M ago47:53

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 tumultuous election year and offer a roadmap for a more productive and solutions-focused 2025. Nic Dunn is joined by Jason Perry, vice president for government relations and the d…

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Why the Supreme Court should take up Utah's public lands case 46:52

12M ago46:52

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 Utah's new lawsuit asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on important constitutional questions around federal vs. state management of land. Nic Dunn sits down with Pacific Le…

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Should the U.S. Department of Education be abolished? 56:37

12M ago56:37

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 does this mean for a broader education policy agenda for the next four years? On this episode, Nic Dunn interviews AEI Senior Fellow Max Eden about the latest national dev…