
The welfare maze no one can navigate | Clarence H. Carter
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 many families remain stuc...
24 Helmi 50min

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 And...
17 Helmi 1h 2min

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 Ins...
10 Helmi 49min

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 Callai...
3 Helmi 42min

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....
27 Tammi 41min

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 C...
20 Tammi 35min

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 F...
13 Tammi 44min

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 Netw...
6 Tammi 41min



















