Common Sense Ohio

Welcome back! After our brief break, we’re diving right back into thought-provoking topics and practical life takeaways — always with our signature approach: conversational, critical, and rooted in common sense. Here's a look at what stood out this week. On This Day in History: Lessons from Lewis & Clark Did you know that on September 23, 1806, the Lewis & Clark expedition returned to St....

We turn our attention to the midterm political landscape and the contested policy proposals shaping public debate. We summarize the Republican convention in Dallas, the fissures within both parties, and the polarizing proposals from prominent figures. We critique the Vance–Trump child care reallocation idea, interrogating its assumptions about incentives, family formation, and fiscal impact. We we...

Welcome back to another week of Common Sense Ohio, where we try to cut through the noise and get to the bedrock of what's really going on in America. This episode came out of the gates on a topic that’s far too often dismissed these days, how foundational checks and balances are to our system, and what happens when we lose sight of that. One concept discussed was how politicians and activists are...

Steve and Norm open with that familiar, slightly surreal feeling of realizing just how much time has passed since the IBM Personal Computer first showed up in 1981. From there, they use that moment as a jumping-off point to talk about how dramatically technology has changed everyday life. What started in the era of giant mainframes eventually became personal computing, and with that shift, technol...

We look at the timeless themes of power, human nature, and society’s recurring storylines, whether in literature, politics, or daily life. From debates about taxation and economic policy to reflections on mythology, history, and modern conspiracy theories, this episode is packed with thought-provoking content. Key Episode Takeaways The Enduring Power of Myths and Stories - One concept we discuss i...

How does living without a clear external adversary impact social cohesion and patriotism? Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! It’s July 15, 2026, and Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock are diving into a whirlwind of topics shaping our world and community. This week, they kick things off with a reflection on the historical events of July 15th—ranging from the fall of Jerusalem in the F...

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...

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 h...

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...

We’re back with a fresh episode packed with real Ohio news, sharp perspectives, and—of course—the common sense you count on. Here’s your quick rundown of what Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock brought to the table this week: On the Show This Week Smart Money Moves & A Dose of Realism Steve Palmer opened with lessons in good accounting: don’t settle for a “transactional” tax preparer—get a pro who...

250 Years of the Declaration Norm Murdock and Steve Palmer led off this week, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with a timely reminder about where Americans’ rights derive. As Norm Murdock noted at 02:04: “A lot of people think the US really began with our Constitution. It did not. The 250th anniversary of the United States is keyed off the Declaration of Inde...

This Day in Ohio History Did you know the first-ever U.S. train robbery happened right here in North Bend, Ohio, on May 5, 1865? Steve digs into the story: 15-20 former Civil War bandits reportedly used an ax and gunpowder to rob passengers and safes, kicking off a Wild West tradition in the Buckeye state. 01:16 News & Culture: What’s Going On? White House Correspondents Dinner Incident: Norm...

1. Introduction and Operation Eagle Claw Reference to current events and news Discussion of "Operation Eagle Claw" (Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt) 00:27 Context: Iran hostage crisis, failed Carter rescue, and related mishaps (planes blowing up, helicopters crashing) 00:55 Mention of Delta Force's first use 01:14 2. Historical Context of Iran U.S. relationship with Iran since the 1979 revolution 01:3...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 Murdoc...

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...

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...

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...

Whether it’s Kid Rock vs. Bad Bunny, legal victories, or the ongoing mess in New York City, this episode is packed with sharp insight, humor, and the grounded perspective you’ve come to expect from Common Sense Ohio. Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! This week, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock are joined by guest Troy Henriksen for a lively and thought-provoking conversation...

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s episode, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock kick things off with a sobering look back at the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters, drawing lessons about complacency, risk, and governmental pressure. The discussion quickly heats up as Norm Murdock tackles the rampant misuse of words like “Nazi” in modern political discourse, calling for...

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this lively episode, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock ring in the new year on a fresh set, diving headfirst into a mix of history, law, and local affairs. They kick things off with a look back at the Treaty of Paris and the complexities that shaped America’s early days, drawing fascinating parallels between historical events and today’s debates. From there, the c...

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and Troy Henriksen kick off the new year with their signature blend of straight talk, history lessons, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. The guys start out admitting—yep, Steve Palmer called that Ohio State would win, and, well, that didn’t happen. From there, they waste no time jumping into a whirlwind of topics: quick t...

Welcome to a special year-end episode of "Common Sense Ohio"! In this lively conversation, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock are joined by Matt Palmer, who brings a fresh, firsthand perspective as a recent Army recruit home on leave. Together, the trio reflects on the transition from high school to military service, the value of having a plan, and how discipline and responsibility can shape a yo...