Defending Ideas

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 Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn is joined by Matthew Weil, Vice President of Governance and Bipartisanship at the Bipartisan Policy Center, along with Sutherland Institute Executive Director Derek Monson.They discuss California’s ballot counting process, why states should learn from one another, a new survey on voter confidence, and why transparency, evidence, and citizen engagement remain essential to maintaining trust in American elections.Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

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 Institute's Derek Monson to discuss why the Constitution clearly states that election policy is primarily a state matter, and how that actually makes voting more secure. They also explore multiple bills the Utah State Legislature is considering that could reform voting and election policy in the state. Show notes:Trump urges Republicans to 'take over' and 'nationalize' votingSutherland election policy issue pageDefending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

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. In this episode of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn is joined by Sutherland's constitutional law and religious freedom fellow, Bill Duncan, to preview the key bills driving these debates. Their conversation explores how courts impact public policy, where legislative authority begins and ends, and how federalism can protect pluralism in a diverse society. Along the way, they examine what these proposals mean for religious liberty, democratic accountability, and self-government in Utah.Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.

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 Fellow and Sutherland Institute Visiting Scholar Sam Abrams, Sutherland's Bill Duncan, and Dee Allsop from Heart+Mind Strategies to explore groundbreaking new survey data on America's "religious nones." The findings challenge common assumptions: when people are exposed to clear, factual information about religion's civic contributions, attitudes shift — sometimes dramatically. What does this mean for religious freedom, persuasion, and the future role of faith in public life? And how should leaders talk about religion in a secular age? This conversation offers a hopeful roadmap for principled persuasion in a polarized world.Show notes:Talking about Religion in a Secular Age: How Religious "Nones" Perceive the Value of ReligionDefending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.