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Common Sense Ohio

Common Sense Ohio

By: Common Sense Ohio
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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.Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio Political Science Politics & Government World
Episodes
  • Stock Market Whiplash, Supreme Court Rulings, and the Rise of Democratic Socialists

    Stock Market Whiplash, Supreme Court Rulings, and the Rise of Democratic Socialists
    Jul 8 2026
    The conversation focuses on a bunch of big-picture topics, blending what’s happening now with some serious (and sometimes funny) common-sense talk.The episode kicks off with a brief history lesson, dives into current global tensions, plows through America’s economic struggles, wades into political divides, and wraps it all up with thoughts on citizenship, scandals, and a look at some recent legal drama—all with a pretty relatable, down-to-earth vibe.Kicking It Off with the FoundersOne concept discussed was how the language of the Declaration of Independence got tweaked by Ben Franklin, moving from “sacred and undeniable” to “self-evident”—basically, to make things more inclusive and less about religion and more about “hey, obviously we all have rights” 01:14. The chat wandered into early American philosophy and how those ideas still sort of shape debates today, like whether morals need to be rooted in religion and what happens if you take God out of the equation 04:01.Trump, NATO, and Iran: Playing with FireA key theme that emerged was the hot mess brewing overseas. Trump at the NATO summit, saber-rattling with Iran, missiles flying, the market tanking—basically, it feels like we’re always on the edge of some new crisis 07:11. There was some real talk about whether Trump is doing his dealmaking thing or if we’re all just waiting for things to get way worse. If it comes to it, we argued, better to just get it over with than drag things out forever like Korea or Vietnam 10:24. Plus, with oil prices through the roof, everyone’s wallets are feeling it.Money, Markets, and Messy GovernmentThe discussion explored how wild our economy feels these days, especially how much more the government seems to be involved—good luck finding a market (whether it’s cars, oil, or even legal work) where regulation doesn’t mess with prices 17:04. Several points were raised, including the way subsidies and regulations mess up the market. The example about electric vehicles made the point: if people really want to buy something, they will; you don’t have to throw a bunch of government money at it 22:23. And when the government tries to fix too much, things get weird fast.Red vs. Blue: Parties All Over the PlacePolitics is a rollercoaster right now. The Republican side, the episode noted, is sweating over how war jitters could tank their progress in the midterms. Over on the left, there’s a surge of democratic socialist candidates making noise, just as the old-school Democrats and newcomers sort out what the party even stands for anymore 24:11. One concept discussed was how people seem to forget the total meltdown socialist and communist countries have had in the past—and what a mess those “utopias” turned into 27:04.Immigration, Citizenship, and Big Court DramaA big part of the episode was about immigration and the recent Supreme Court calls. The discussion explored the idea that the current interpretation of the 14th Amendment gives U.S. citizenship to any baby born on American soil—even if the parents are just here on a quick visit 38:17. The group wasn’t buying the logic, worrying this could mess with voting and open the country to outside influence. There was also a debate about jobs, with some pushback against the “who will do the work?” excuse for unchecked immigration 48:48.Who Can You Even Trust? (Victims, Media & Legal Stuff)A key theme that emerged was how messy things have gotten when it comes to trusting media and high-profile accusations. Accusations get politicized, real victims get doubted, and big cases (like the current one involving Robinson) get picked apart by everyone, with conspiracy theories swirling. The discussion explored how these preliminary hearings work and what defense attorneys might be up to when they push back on every little thing 54:03.The Good, the Bad, and Gene SimmonsAt the end, they swapped picks for “winners and losers.” On the loser side, there was a truly awful child abuse case in Ohio 01:01:01. On the winner side, points went to the Acting Attorney General for fighting for gun rights, and, in a more light-hearted shoutout, Gene Simmons—yes, the guy from KISS—was praised for his “love it or leave it” attitude towards America 01:04:06.Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.info@commonsenseohioshow.comCopyright 2026 Common Sense OhioStephen 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...
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • From Death Penalty to Data Centers: Ohio’s Evolving Policies and Perspectives

    From Death Penalty to Data Centers: Ohio’s Evolving Policies and Perspectives
    Jun 24 2026

    Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio, where we bring reason, debate, and real-world perspectives to the pressing issues facing Ohioans and the nation at large.

    In this episode, the conversation focused on the two-year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, examining its impact on abortion access and the complexities surrounding constitutional rights versus state governance. The discussion explored the historical lessons of the Berlin Blockade, the symbolism of walls in free versus unfree societies, and the everyday freedoms many Americans might take for granted.

    A key theme that emerged was the evolution of revolutionary ideals in America, contrasting the independence and opportunity sought by early patriots with the contemporary push for social programs and government intervention. Several points were raised, including the consequences of collectivism, the sustainability of social benefits, and the responsibilities tied to individual freedom.

    The episode also tackled current legal debates, such as religious expression in the workplace, the intersection of marijuana laws and gun rights, and the ongoing challenges posed by federal versus state inconsistencies. On a local front, the hosts offered a deep dive into Ohio’s handling of data centers, economic incentives, government transparency, and land use, all while addressing concerns over special interests and environmental impacts.

    Finally, listeners can expect thoughtful takes on the future of the death penalty in Ohio, Supreme Court term limits, and recent news stories that underscore the importance of personal responsibility and national unity—even when passions run high. All this and more, delivered with a blend of historical perspective, legal acumen, and, of course, a dose of common sense.

    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.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Ohio’s Data Center Debate: Tax Breaks, AI, and Community Concerns

    Ohio’s Data Center Debate: Tax Breaks, AI, and Community Concerns
    Jun 3 2026

    We open with reflections on D-Day, the hidden costs of war, and how history is portrayed on screen, before connecting those lessons to today’s cultural and political divides.

    The conversation winds through America’s founding ideals, examining patriotism’s place in our divided culture, and why the principles of the Declaration of Independence still matter. We tackle hot-button topics, including the role of government in housing and business, rising frustration with policy interventions, and the push for election integrity in Ohio. The show spotlights local and national politics, California’s shifting landscape, controversial legislation, and the ongoing effects of major social movements.

    We also explore the intersection of faith, morality, and public life, tying it back to the founding of the country and the ongoing challenges of leadership, forgiveness, and redemption in politics—all while sharing some pop culture recommendations and real-world stories. It’s a thought-provoking episode packed with history, sharp opinions, and a dose of common sense you won’t want to miss.

    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.

    Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio
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    1 hr and 7 mins
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