Podcast Episodes

Is the Supreme Court as political as we think? | Sarah Isgur

Season 1 Episode 145

The U.S. Supreme Court is often portrayed as just another political battleground. But that is a fundamental misunderstanding of its role. On this epi…

14 hours ago

America’s safety net needs an aspirational vision

Season 1 Episode 144

America’s safety net wasn’t designed all at once. It was built piece by piece over decades, and that may be part of the problem. On this episode of D…

1 week ago

How states can redesign the safety net | Aly Rau Brodsky

America’s safety net is designed to help people in times of need. But what happens after that initial help is provided?

On this episode of Defending I…

2 weeks ago

Returning to principles in American politics | Josh Lewis

Season 1 Episode 142

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, many political debates feel increasingly focused on personalities, parties, and division rather than pri…

3 weeks ago

Can we fix America’s toxic political culture? | Josh Bandoch

Season 1 Episode 141

Political debates today often feel more like battles than conversations. But what if the deeper problem in our disagreements is that we have forgotte…

4 weeks ago

The future of conservatism and a return to first principles | Donald Bryson

Season 1 Episode 140

Conservatism is facing a defining moment. As debates over government power, political personalities, federalism, and first principles move to the cen…

1 month ago

Is family life still doable today? | Francesco Di Lillo

Family policy debates often focus on affordability, housing, or cultural change. But a deeper question is emerging: do young people still believe fam…

1 month, 1 week ago

Shaping AI for human flourishing | Medlir Mema

Season 1 Episode 138

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, but who should shape how it develops? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn speaks with Med…

1 month, 2 weeks ago

The Upward Mobility Act | Sen. Husted & Rep. Moore

Season 1 Episode 137

America’s safety net is meant to help families get back on their feet. But too often, it does the opposite by discouraging work and earnings due to b…

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Putting parents in the driver’s seat of public education | Jude Schwalbach

Season 1 Episode 136

Open enrollment is one of the most overlooked forms of school choice in America. While debates often focus on private school vouchers or charter expa…

2 months ago