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.

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:

1. Free Speech Still Reigns Supreme
2. History Shapes Today’s Legal Landscape
3. America’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.

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.

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