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…

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…

In the agency world, your ability to drive success for a brand is make or break. The best in the business have sifted through various options to land on the perfect formula for a winning brand strategy. One of those pros is Amanda Mount, Director of Affiliate Marketing at Monks. In this episode, Todd Crawford is on a mission to learn how Amanda doe…

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…

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’…

Pack your bags, we’re heading across the pond! In this episode, Todd Crawford sits down with Graeme Boase, Account Director at Growth HQ, to explore how to build an affiliate A-team and the key differences between affiliate marketing in the U.S. and the U.K. To start, they break down how the maturity of each market is shaping the role, influencing …

Nick Huber built his business empire not by chasing revolutionary ideas, but by mastering the art of executing simple things exceptionally well. In his new book, The Sweaty Startup: How to Get Rich Doing Boring Things, Nick shares a refreshingly practical blueprint for entrepreneurial success. In this episode, Nick breaks down why boring businesses…

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 …

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…

When it comes to trust, it can take years to build and seconds to break. While this might feel like common sense when it comes to consumer-brand relationships, it's possible to overlook how crucial trust is in the brand-creator relationship. With a passion for this topic backed by a deep understanding, Brianna Doe, founder of Verbatim, joins Dave t…

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…

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…

Ariel David credits Upward News's success to one powerful strategy: building an engaged, loyal email list. As the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Upward News, Ariel has grown the platform to over 400,000 readers across social media, providing must-know U.S. news and insights. In This Episode We Cover: ((00:00) The Power of an Owned Audience (06:37) …

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…

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…

Need to transform your performance partnerships channel, or more dauntingly, build it from the ground up? A certainly big task, but one Natasha Scholnick, Director of Global Partnerships & Influencers at VistaPrint knows incredibly well. In this episode, Todd sits down with Natasha, to explore how the brand has evolved its influencer marketing stra…

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 …

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…

A one-dimensional partnership program won’t cut it anymore. In this episode, Todd sits down with Stephanie Harris, CEO of PartnerCentric, to explore how brands can build a stronger, more diverse partnership strategy by integrating affiliates, creators, and customer advocates. They discuss the opportunities of converging creators with affiliates, th…

Gui Costin is the Founder & CEO of Dakota, an expert in fundraising, and a trusted coach for investment firms. Dakota specializes in helping boutique investment managers raise capital and grow their businesses, providing services and software that have contributed to raising over $30 billion since 2006. In This Episode We Cover: (00:00) Why Sales i…

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…

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…

Seamlessly integrating a service into the customer journey is the ultimate goal for most businesses, but finding the right way to do it is key. The best way to reach your audience might be through a partner already in their path, creating a win-win for both brands and the customer. In this episode, Dave sits down with Peter Orlowsky, Senior VP of S…

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…

Dickie Bush is the Co-Founder of Ship 30 for 30, Premium Ghostwriting Academy (PGA), and Write With AI, where he helps freelance writers, ghostwriters, and entrepreneurs scale their writing businesses with cutting-edge strategies and tools. At PGA, Dickie equips writers to become premium ghostwriters, land high-value clients, and build thriving gho…

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…

It’s time to kick off Season 6! In this episode, Dave and Todd sit down together for the first time ever to rewind and reflect on the standout themes from Season 5, after speaking with nine highly accomplished industry titans. Get ready to hear their biggest takeaways from Season 5 and dive into all the essential learnings from an action-packed sea…

Avi Mayer is the former Editor-in-Chief of The Jerusalem Post, where he oversaw the most-read English-language news outlet in Israel and the Jewish world during one of the most pivotal periods in Israel's history. Leading a dynamic team through turbulent times, Avi managed a daily print newspaper and a 24/7 news website, guiding news coverage that …

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…

Brian Ondrako is the host of the Just Get Started Podcast, a platform that brings together brilliant minds and free thinkers to share tactical insights and inspirational stories for those facing pivotal moments in life. As a Sales Mentor to B2B founders, a blogger who posts three times a week, and the author of two children’s books (with a third on…

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…

Avi Patel is the Founder & CEO of Nitrility, the world’s first IP marketplace, working with over $1 billion in assets from 34,000 rightsholders. He is also the visionary behind Origin Mind, a company building the infrastructure for the next generation of intellectual property. Having raised millions for his startup, Avi has revolutionized the music…

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 …

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…

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…

Trying to win the internet is a gloriously inefficient way to build a business. Learn how to earn more and compete less in John's much-needed approach to success in a crowded marketplace. Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center ($35M+ rev) and host of the popular Obvious Choice podcast, a top podcast for coaches, …

Manny Reyes is the Founder and CEO of Boletin Growth, where he excels in scaling newsletters through paid acquisition. In this interview, Manny shares his best practices for growing a newsletter with paid ads. We discuss the power of incentives in lead generation, how to keep subscribers engaged, and strategies to avoid newsletter fatigue. Manny al…

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…

Grant Hushek is the Founder of GrantBot Process Consulting (GPC), where he specializes in automating B2B operations using no-code tools to streamline processes such as CRM management, client onboarding, project management, and invoicing. As the first employee at Hampton, a private community for founders generating at least $1M in annual revenue, Gr…

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…

Cody Schneider is the Co-founder of Swell AI, where he leads the development of AI-powered tools that repurpose audio and video content into multiple formats, simplifying and enhancing marketing efforts. Cody also co-founded Drafthorse AI, an AI-driven SEO engine that produces SEO-optimized articles in minutes. As the President of Acclaim Podcast A…

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…

Leila Adnani is the Founder of PS Creative, a results-driven creative agency. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, she specializes in creating impactful brand narratives and optimizing online presence for tech-focused companies. In this video, Leila explains the powerful network-expanding effects of content creation. By sharing co…

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…

This episode of Defending Ideas is a special holiday message. Host Nic Dunn draws from themes of past episodes to offer a framework for navigating political disagreement with loved ones during the holidays. Defending Ideas is a weekly show produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense con…

America is the land of opportunity. So how should we respond when new evidence shows that some families actually feel discouraged from working harder for the American Dream? On this episode, Nic Dunn sits down with Randy Hicks, president and CEO of the Georgia Center for Opportunity. They discuss new evidence of how families on the social safety ne…

Andrew Pierno is a Co-Founder at XO Capital. XO Capital buys and operate B2B SaaS companies. In this video, Andrew discusses using content to get customers for his portfolio companies, how his personal newsletter made it much easier to start fundraising, strategies for finding product-market fit, and what he's learned from his failed acquisitions. …

The election is over, and we now know the results. So, what’s next for public discourse, election trust, and political polarization? On this episode we continue our special Election Day coverage with part two of a mini-roundtable discussion with Sutherland executives. Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland’s Derek Monson and Stan Rasmussen to evaluate …

Election Day is here, and it’s understandable to feel stressed or worried about the outcome. But what if there is something that has a bigger impact on America’s future than who wins? On this special Election Day edition of Defending Ideas, Nic Dunn sits down with Sutherland Institute President and CEO Rick Larsen and Sutherland Chief Development O…

The cost of housing is a major issue here in Utah and across the nation, and there are many different proposals to address it. But what is the approach that policymakers should take? On this episode, we sit down with a national housing expert who has a plan that he says would increase Utah’s housing supply significantly without needing any governme…