Common Sense Ohio

Common Sense Ohio

We're taking a common sense approach to the news events in Ohio. And why Ohio? Well, because it's right from the middle. It's the heart of it all. It's the place where you can test almost all Americanized theories. It's a jumping-off point to having greater discussions about politics and news. And what's going on not only in the state of Ohio, but the country --and maybe even the rest of the world. Your Common Sense hosts are: Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. Brett Johnson is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio.

  1. 22H AGO

    Ohio Property Taxes, Failed Raids, and Political Corruption

    1. Introduction and Operation Eagle Claw Reference to current events and newsDiscussion of "Operation Eagle Claw" (Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt) 00:27Context: Iran hostage crisis, failed Carter rescue, and related mishaps (planes blowing up, helicopters crashing) 00:55Mention of Delta Force's first use 01:14 2. Historical Context of Iran U.S. relationship with Iran since the 1979 revolution 01:39Changes in Iranian society post-revolution (role of women, implementation of Sharia law) 01:57Recent human rights abuses (executions, rape of female protesters) 02:19Critique of lack of response from Western women's groups and liberals 03:24 3. Western Values and Moral Concepts Moral foundation of Western society: Ten Commandments 04:19Comparison of Western criminal law and its protections (due process, executions) 04:38Explanation of "malum in se" vs. "malum prohibitum" crimes 05:13The universality of certain moral taboos (rape, murder) 06:08 4. Revolutionary War Reflections: George Washington’s Leadership Historical struggles of the American revolutionaries 06:21Washington's strategic retreats during the war 07:57Washington’s early military experience and later presidency 08:17Analysis of Washington's humility and ego (refusal to seize or retain power) 09:46Importance of command decisions and the ability to retreat 10:16Baron von Steuben’s impact at Valley Forge 10:29 5. Delta Force, Special Forces, and Military Training Discussion of Delta Force origins and movie pop-culture portrayals 11:33Recruitment and training of Special Forces (Green Berets, Rangers) 12:23Language training, regional assignments for Special Forces 12:46Specifics of Ranger school, Rasp, and misconceptions from Hollywood movies 13:14 6. Hangar 18 and Recent Legal/Political Controversies Mention of Hangar 18 (not deeply explored) and move to politics 15:18Southern Poverty Law Center accused of funding hate groups to stoke racial tensions during Charlottesville riots 15:34Issues of donor disclosure and possible fraud 17:08Historic context of anti-racism and criticisms of "inventing" racial hatred for fundraising 19:52Description of the self-preserving nature of advocacy organizations and government agencies 22:20 7. Philosophical Underpinnings: Hobbes vs. Locke Human self-interest as foundational to Western economic and political thought 23:11Hobbes’ and Locke’s perspectives on government and human nature 23:37Locke’s influence on American government as opposed to Hobbes’ authoritarianism 24:49 8. Ilhan Omar’s Financial Disclosures and Media Bias Discrepancies in Rep. Ilhan Omar’s financial filings ($30M to $100k) 25:09Observations about media reluctance to investigate "protected" politicians 26:01Comparison with average Americans’ tax errors 26:41 9. Government Involvement in Private Business Trump’s proposal to bail out Spirit Airlines, government ownership 27:53Biden’s earlier block of Spirit-Southwest merger 29:02Debate on government’s role in private market interventions (Honda incentives, Tesla/government subsidies) 31:26 10. Ohio Supreme Court: Submetering Decision Submetering of utilities in apartment buildings and Public Utilities Commission’s regulatory powers 34:03Implications for tenants/landlords and discussion of accountability in utilities consumption 36:07 11. Ohio Property Tax Abolishment Effort Axe Ohio Tax group’s petition and property tax ballot initiative 38:19Anticipated impacts on schools, police, fire departments, and budgetary shifts 39:18Comparisons with Florida’s tax structure 40:08Personal experiences with property tax assessment disputes 41:09 12. Ohio Gubernatorial Election Ballot Issue Unique Ohio law: loss of candidacy if the running mate leaves ticket 42:11Example: Heather Hill’s votes disqualified due to running mate’s resignation 43:00 13. Virginia Redistricting Controversy Redistricting process, court challenge, partisan implications 44:15Potential for the Supreme Court to reverse and impacts on congressional representation 46:05Commentary on political hypocrisy in redistricting stance 48:03 14. Winners and Losers of the Week "Loser": Army soldier arrested for illegal betting using inside info 49:05"Winner": Trump’s Most Favored Nation policy lowering U.S. drug prices 50:23Anecdotes about prescription drug tourism 51:52"Winner": Podcast contributor Troy passes law school and MPRE 53:05Recognition of human redemption through expungement work 54:06Difficulties of professional license restoration after convictions 55:09 15. Concerns about Marxism and Political Extremism Critique of social media influencers promoting Marxism and radical ideas 56:51Warnings about the direction of the Democratic Party and rise of extreme left-wing thought 57:51Analogies to historic extremists and the dangers of legitimizing radical voices 58:22 Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ info@commonsenseohioshow.com Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

    59 min

  2. APR 16

    High Stakes in Ohio: Property Taxes, Data Centers, and War Debates

    Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio, where we bring clarity to the chaos and a dose of grounded perspective straight from the Buckeye State. On this April 16, 2026 episode, Steve Palmer kicks things off with a look back at Ohio’s unique place in history—from the Cleveland Indians’ game-changing decision to add numbers to their jerseys in 1929, to a poetic lament about tax season set to the tune of the Beatles' "Taxman." Today, the conversation winds through the historic and the current, tackling everything from the global oil market’s shifting sands amid Middle East blockades to the Supreme Court’s wrestling match with birthright citizenship and the finer points of the 14th Amendment. Steve Palmer and the team take on the tangled relationships between religion and government, the perennial struggles over property taxes, and Ohio’s battle over data centers and legislative responsibility. It's not all policy and punditry, though—stay tuned for sharp takes on government-run grocery stores, reflections on the legacy of abuse scandals at Ohio State, and even a nod to AC/DC’s upcoming tour stop in Columbus. The team wraps with their weekly “winners and losers,” sharing everything from space travel pride to pop culture facepalms. It’s a fast-paced ride through history, headlines, and heartland values—let’s get started. Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors. Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

    1h 3m

  3. APR 1

    Kings, Crowns, and Free Speech

    Welcome to Common Sense Ohio, where rivers run backwards, day is night, and the unexpected is just part of the landscape. It's April Fool's, after all! Hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock, joined by guest Troy, dive into a whirlwind of current events, hard-hitting legal analysis, and local Ohio news, all with their signature common-sense edge. This episode explores the history and quirks of April Fools' Day, then transitions to a breakdown of significant Supreme Court cases, including challenges to birthright citizenship and a major free speech decision from Colorado. Our hosts debate constitutional intent, explore the evolution of common law, and probe the shifting stance of organizations like the ACLU. They also examine Ohio's new legislation banning intoxicating hemp products, discuss federal-local law enforcement partnerships, and highlight the role of protests and democracy in our society. Wrapping up with winners and losers of the week, reflections on faith, and a glimpse into Ohio’s sports scene, this episode is a lively, thought-provoking mix of the absurd, the serious, and the surprisingly uplifting. Harper CPA Plus Key Takeaways: Free Speech Still Reigns SupremeHistory Shapes Today’s Legal LandscapeAmerica’s Role in Innovation and Security Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors. Brett Johnson, My Podcast Guy®, is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio. He is passionate about helping small businesses tell their story through podcasts, and he believes podcasting is a great opportunity for different voices to speak and be heard.

    1h 11m

  4. MAR 25

    Secret NDAs and JobsOhio Controversy

    Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock get into a wide range of hot-button issues shaping Ohio and the nation. From a fascinating look at Dave Thomas’ legacy as an adoption advocate and the roots of Wendy’s in Columbus, to a deep discussion about the recent chaos at airports and the politics behind funding TSA and Homeland Security, the conversation is as timely as it is insightful. The hosts also explore the country’s Judeo-Christian foundations through Revolutionary War history, dig into the heated debate over the SAVE Act and voter identification, and break down the controversy surrounding secret NDAs and massive tax incentives fueling the data center boom in Ohio. Plus, they cover big news in tech law with a $375 million verdict against Meta for child endangerment, take on the latest in the Iran conflict, and spotlight the Columbus Blue Jackets’ surprising playoff surge. Harper CPA Plus Moments 00:00 "Dave Thomas: Adoption Advocate" 05:00 Biblical Roots of U.S. Founding 08:16 Defunding DHS: A Divisive Debate 11:52 Democrats' Minneapolis Win Uncertain 14:31 "Short-Term vs Long-Term Strategy" 18:14 Free Citizen ID for Voting 19:41 "Unregistered Births on Reservations" 24:25 "Iranian Conflict: No End Ahead" 27:01 Meta Faces Landmark Liability Case 32:03 "JobsOhio's Secretive Funding Explained" 36:14 Land Buyouts Reshape New Albany 39:05 "Local Betrayal Over Intel Deal" 40:29 Supreme Court Debate on Ballots 45:15 "Brave Pilots in Collision" 49:44 "Protester Deaths, J6 & Impact" 50:43 "Weekly Common Sense Recap" Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. info@commonsenseohioshow.com Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors. Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

    51 min

  5. MAR 20

    Voting Rights, Government Power, and Afro Man’s Court Win

    On this episode of Common Sense Ohio, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock take listeners on a lively ride through both history and hot-button issues facing Ohio and the nation. The show kicks off with some fascinating "this day in history" moments, from Elvis Presley's $1,000 down payment on Graceland to George Washington’s strategic triumph over the British in Boston. Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock reflect on simpler times, the complexity of historic figures, and draw surprising connections to today's world. The conversation shifts to the rapidly changing international climate, with in-depth analysis of current tensions in the Middle East, debates over national defense funding, and the political fallout from controversial decisions in Congress. The hosts don’t shy away from tough questions—whether it’s the justification behind conflict with Iran, national security concerns at the border, or the demands placed on the Department of Homeland Security. Closer to home, the episode covers the political quagmire around voter ID laws and election reform, pulls back the curtain on Ohio’s JobsOhio controversy, and celebrates a small-town legal victory where civil liberties prevailed in a comedic case involving rapper Afro Man. Throughout, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock bring a sharp mix of historical perspective, constitutional insight, and relatable local stories—reminding us all why common sense still matters most in the Buckeye State. Harper CPA Plus Moments 00:00 Washington Forces British From Boston 08:24 Straits of Hormuz Tensions 13:44 "Joe Kent's Resignation Fallout" 16:23 "Iran's Hostility Toward America" 26:15 ID Rules and Constitutional Debate 30:03 EPA Climate Rollback Sparks Lawsuit 35:09 "Iran: War, Oppression, and Resistance" 39:48 "Afro Man's Lemon Pound Cake Lawsuit" 46:19 "Probable Cause and Search Warrants" 52:58 "Good Intentions Sustain Governance" 54:14 "Controversy Over JobsOhio Corporation" 59:06 Contract Secrecy Sparks Ohio Backlash 01:05:07 "Tyranny of Moral Busybodies" Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. info@commonsenseohioshow.com Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

    1h 6m

  6. MAR 11

    War Powers, History Lessons, and Ohio's Data Center Dilemma

    Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock dive into the whirlwind of current events, offering their signature blend of historical perspective, common sense, and candid conversation. Kicking things off with reflections on March 11th in history, they discuss the legacy of the Lend-Lease Act and how America’s reluctant involvement in global affairs resonates in today’s headlines. From there, the conversation pivots to the complexities of presidential war powers, the ongoing tensions with Iran, and the challenging realities of nuclear proliferation. Norm Murdock brings in deep dives on military history, while Steve Palmer unpacks what happens when American leadership faces tough choices on the world stage. Harper CPA Plus on website Back on the home front, the hosts don’t hold back as they critique Ohio’s political landscape, including Governor DeWine’s recent State of the State address, the implications of new data centers, and the everyday frustrations of Ohio commuters. As always, they close with a look at the good and the bad in the week—mixing national security, leadership, sacrifice, and a dash of pop culture. So, whether you’re looking for thoughtful analysis, a dash of history, or just a little honest talk about what’s going on in the Buckeye State and beyond, you’re in the right place. Hit play and get your weekly dose of Common Sense Ohio! 00:00 Passenger Ships as War Targets 06:30 Washington's Commander Guard Origins 14:35 War Powers and Constitutional Debate 20:52 "Questioning Government Power Levers" 21:46 "Elections Shape Power Dynamics" 27:43 Middle East Conflict and Tensions 33:46 Sacrifice and Lost Patriotism 39:05 "Cluelessness and Global Threats" 45:23 "Construction Work and Moral Responsibility" 51:44 Deeper Meaning of Ten Commandments 56:55 Government Overreach and Parenting Critique 01:01:11 "Saluting Modern-Day Heroes" Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. info@commonsenseohioshow.com https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors. A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes. Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

    1h 2m

  7. FEB 25

    From State Taxes to State of the Union

    Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s episode, Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and the crew jump right into the thick of things—discussing the State of the Union (yes, Trump gave quite the speech), the ongoing drama within the Ohio Republican Party, and, of course, the Olympics making headlines for all kinds of reasons. The conversation kicks off with a bit of history—think Muhammad Ali’s upset victory and the origins of income tax—before spiraling into today’s hot topics. You’ll hear some pretty candid (and funny) rants on everything from government spending to why letting kids fail might actually make us all stronger. The guys dig into why it’s so hard for folks on either side of the aisle to just admit when the other side does something good, and how that stubbornness is playing out everywhere—from Congress to local politics. Plus, as always, there’s talk of big Ohio issues (looking at you, data centers), thoughts on partisan hypocrisy, a little legal advice about fighting parking tickets, and even a shout-out to the American hockey team and what makes this country so unique. Whether you’re here for the politics, the history, or just to get a few laughs, this episode has a bit of everything. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and join us for another round of unfiltered, common sense conversation! Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. info@commonsenseohioshow.com Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes. Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

    1h 5m

  8. FEB 11

    SAVE Act Stumbles While Ohio Argues About Everything—As Usual

    Election Integrity, Ohio News, and Super Bowl Culture: Highlights from the Latest Common Sense Ohio On the latest episode of Common Sense Ohio, Steve and Norm look into timely topics shaping both the Buckeye state and the nation. From voter ID debate to Super Bowl halftime controversy, and even local law enforcement updates, there’s plenty for thought leaders and Ohio enthusiasts to chew on. Here are three key takeaways from the discussion: The SAVE Act & Election Integrity: The push for a federal voter ID law is heating up. While Ohio already requires ID at the polls, the proposed SAVE Act would apply voter ID nationally, sparking constitutional debates about the balance of federal vs. state authority in running elections. Both Republican and Democrat voters reportedly support voter ID in high numbers—pointing to bipartisan concerns about election security. Economic & Regulatory Impact: From new EPA rulemakings impacting auto and trucking prices, to the boom in Ohio data centers driving up local taxes and impacting rural life, legislation and regulatory action continue to have big ripple effects. The debate around balancing economic growth, environmental policy, and protecting local communities is front and center. Culture & Division in Public Spaces: Whether it’s reactions to the Super Bowl halftime show or stories of political confrontation in everyday settings, Steve and Norm explore how identity politics and culture wars are spilling into spaces meant for shared celebration. Their call? Let’s bring back more unity—and healthy debate—into these communal moments. They also touch on school choice battles, the importance of government fraud enforcement, and personal stories from Ohio history, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in policy, culture, or just a dose of common sense. Catch the episode for more insights, and if you’re passionate about these issues, chime in with your perspective—let’s keep the conversation going! Moments 00:00 "Eerie Parallels to Reagan Era" 05:16 Georgia's Role in American Revolution 12:47 "State vs. Federal Voting Control" 17:33 "Election Integrity and Population Shifts" 25:15 EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule Challenge 26:33 "Critique of Government Overreach" 33:47 Cartels, Missiles, and Border Tensions 39:44 Ohio School Choice Legal Challenge 44:10 Miranda Rights and Custody Explained 49:36 Pulled Over in New Mexico 57:06 "Breezy's Comeback Triumph" 01:02:51 Super Bowl Halftime Backlash 01:05:05 "Weekly Common Sense Updates" Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. info@commonsenseohioshow.com Harper CPA Plus on website Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/ Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

    1h 5m
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About

We're taking a common sense approach to the news events in Ohio. And why Ohio? Well, because it's right from the middle. It's the heart of it all. It's the place where you can test almost all Americanized theories. It's a jumping-off point to having greater discussions about politics and news. And what's going on not only in the state of Ohio, but the country --and maybe even the rest of the world. Your Common Sense hosts are: Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. Brett Johnson is an award-winning podcast consultant and small business owner for nearly 10 years, leaving a long career in radio.

Information

  • Creator
    Common Sense Ohio
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    176
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio
  • Show Website
    Common Sense Ohio

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