Defending Ideas

America has a community problem. Here’s why it matters | Michael Tanner

September 15, 2026·41 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

What would America look like without strong families, churches, civic organizations and local communities? We're starting to find out and the picture is...not good. But there is a better way to live.Michael Tanner, Senior Fellow at FREOPP, joins host Nic Dunn to explain why civil society is so important and why its decline should concern all Americans.Tanner and Dunn explore how good civil society can strengthen relationships, increase happiness, reduce political tribalism, and help Americans rediscover a sense of shared community. They discuss why Americans should put down their phones, ignore most national political battles, and spend more time investing in family, friends, and faith communities.Show notes:Civil Society Under Threat – https://freopp.org/whitepapers/civil-society-under-threat/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.

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