Podcast Episodes
Back to Search
How to keep politics civil at Thanksgiving
Season 1 Episode 124
As families gather for Thanksgiving, disagreements about politics and culture can feel unavoidable. In this episode, Nic Dunn explains why the best w…
9 months, 3 weeks ago
Can Washington’s shutdown revive federalism? | Jennifer Butler
Season 1 Episode 123
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 …
9 months, 4 weeks ago
Can Utah lead the way on education reform? | Molly Hart
Season 1 Episode 122
Utah’s new state superintendent, Dr. Molly Hart, joins Nic Dunn alongside Christine Cooke Fairbanks to discuss the future of education in Utah. From …
10 months ago
Can states solve America's benefit cliffs crisis? | Keith Barnes
Season 1 Episode 121
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…
10 months, 1 week ago
Inside the federal government shutdown | Matt Weidinger
Season 1 Episode 120
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 Defendi…
10 months, 2 weeks ago
The public good of private faith | Bill Duncan and Sam Abrams
Season 1 Episode 119
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 assumpti…
10 months, 3 weeks ago
Beyond the rivalry: Presidents of BYU & Utah on building a better state
Season 1 Episode 118
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…
11 months ago
Rethinking welfare, upward mobility, and human dignity | Charles Murray
Season 1 Episode 117
Most debates on poverty focus on small reforms to America’s welfare system. But what if the system itself is the problem?
On this episode, Nic Dunn si…
11 months, 1 week ago
Free speech, civility, and civic courage | Rep. Celeste Maloy
Season 1 Episode 116
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 b…
11 months, 2 weeks ago
The redistricting battle: What does the constitution say? | Bill Duncan
Season 1 Episode 115
As redistricting debates make headlines in Utah and across the nation, a deeper issue is being overlooked: Who really has the constitutional authorit…
11 months, 3 weeks ago