Common Sense Ohio

Plug in for a whirlwind tour of law, politics, personal liberty, and everything in between—right from the heart of Ohio. Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, "Keep Your Weed on ICE," hosts Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and Brett Johnson dive into some of the hottest current issues affecting Ohio and beyond. The table is full as the trio kicks things off with a wild ride through histor...

We talk about the latest headlines and everyday issues affecting Ohio—and beyond. Kicking things off with the high price (and surprising theft!) of local pumpkins and apples, the duo explores how tough times are hitting both farmers and consumers this season. From there, the conversation takes a serious turn as we break down the ongoing government shutdown, who it really hurts, and what it says ab...

The show opens with a heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s recent assassination, exploring the dangers of divisive language, the legacy of free speech icons, and the importance of patience and fairness during high-profile criminal investigations. From there, Brett and Norm shift gears to analyze escalating tensions between Russia and NATO—including the d...

A Nation in Mourning Steve and Norm opened the episode by expressing condolences and prayers for Charlie Kirk's family, acknowledging the horror and shock felt across the country. In their words, it’s hard to recall a public event as devastating in recent memory. Whether you followed Kirk closely or not, his tragic death is a moment for national reflection. Charlie Kirk: Beyond the Headlines The c...

We are joined by special guest and sponsor Glenn Harper of Harper CPA Plus Accounting to dive into the realities of taxes for Ohioans—especially small business owners. Here are 10 key takeaways: Taxes Are Unavoidable—But Strategies Matter: Taxes are an inevitable part of business, but working with an advisor (like Glenn Harper from HarperCPAPlus Accounting) can make a big difference in how much yo...

Hey everyone, quick recap from today’s Common Sense Ohio! We dove into the U.S. Navy’s strike on a narco-boat in the Caribbean, the never-ending war on drugs and how cartels are flooding in deadly fentanyl. We also broke down Trump’s stance on fighting cartels and wrestled with executive power, immigration, and law enforcement challenges—plus the ongoing debates about parenting, boundaries, and th...

Steve and Norm sit down with Master Sergeant Stephen Walter (retired), a Columbus native, Marine Corps Reserve veteran, and local historian. Together, they discuss the tragic events of Abbey Gate at Kabul Airport on August 26, 2021—the day a suicide bomber took the lives of 13 U.S. service members and wounded many more, including Ohio's own Corporal Kelsey Lainhart. This episode is a sobering remi...

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! In today’s lively roundtable, hosts Steve Palmer, Brett Johnson, and Norm Murdock dive deep into the news shaping the Buckeye State—and beyond. Kicking things off with some “this day in history,” the guys reflect on the founding of the NFL in Canton, Ohio, and the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, before pivoting to one of this week's hottest gl...

Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock jump into the whirlwind of national and local events shaping our world and our state. From the chaos swirling around Washington, D.C. and Trump’s bold “DC takeover”—is it legal, political theater, or both?—to a nostalgic look at how pop culture icons like Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped define a decade, they leave no stone unturned. They break down the historical...

As we roll into August, hosts Norm Murdock and Brett Johnson talk about the hot-button issues shaping our state and beyond. This week, the conversation opens with a historical reflection on the origins of federal income tax, before shifting to the heart of current events—rising concerns over crime and community unrest in Cincinnati. The hosts discuss the fallout from recent riots, the evolving pol...

Cincinnati’s Jazz Festival Turns Chaotic What should’ve been a night filled with sweet jazz rhythms downtown turned into a scene straight out of a wrestling ring. After the festival and a Reds game, racial tensions escalated to violence, leaving five people charged (so far). Brett and Norm dissect what happened, why accountability matters—no matter your background—and the risks of letting “mob men...

Kicking things off, the guys take a look back at pivotal moments in history—the anniversary of the first atomic bomb test (Trinity, 1945) and the publication of "The Catcher in the Rye." Using these milestones as a springboard, they dive into complex conversations around historical context, the ethics of censorship, and the importance of critical thought, especially when it comes to education and...

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio ! This week, Brett and Norm dive into a jam-packed agenda, tackling the confusion and controversy swirling around the “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) and its sweeping impact on everything from Medicaid work requirements to overtime tax exemptions and Social Security changes. The hosts pull back the curtain on how massive budget bills often bury major...

This episode hits on everything from Supreme Court smackdowns to Ohio’s latest budget wrangling. Some fascinating historical context, legal insight, and yes, even a bit of humor about how our government actually works. Here are 3 key takeaways that resonated with me: Judicial Power & Nationwide Injunctions : The Supreme Court’s recent decision hammered home a crucial point—allowing a single di...

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio, where "right from the middle" means no topic is too hot to handle—especially when it comes to F bombs and bunker bombs. In this episode, co-host Brett returns from a month-long hiatus to join Norm as they tackle a packed agenda covering both global and local headlines. Get ready for an unfiltered dive into international diplomacy as the hosts unpack recent U.S. m...

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock tackle some of the hottest issues making headlines—both at home and abroad. The conversation kicks off with a dive into history, reflecting on America’s ongoing struggle to balance free speech and government power, from the Alien and Sedition Acts of the 18th century to present-day campus protests and debates over ce...

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio, where hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock cut through the noise to talk about the hottest issues affecting Ohio—and the nation at large. In this June 11, 2025 episode, the guys dive headfirst into the recent wave of riots spreading across cities like a contagion, unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes, and debate the government’s respo...

Welcome back to another episode of Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s show, recorded on May 28, 2025, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock deliver their no-nonsense take on everything from historical scandals to hot topics right here in the Buckeye State. They kick things off with a look back at the infamous Watergate break-in—unpacking the enduring legacy of political coverups—and quickly draw para...

We jump straight into the headlines and controversies shaping both Ohio and the nation. The conversation opens with breaking news about President Biden’s cancer diagnosis, sparking a candid discussion on transparency, leadership health, and the responsibilities of both elected officials and political parties. Digging deeper, we draw thought-provoking parallels between historical crimes, moral phil...

From debating the roots and realities of American immigration history and the evolving complexities of cultural assimilation, to unpacking the impact of the 1965 Immigration Act and discussing whether our system is truly as "systemically racist" as some claim, the conversation pulls no punches. We examine everything from the shifting demographics of immigration and the recent arrival of South Afri...

This story may be one of the unknowns to Ohioans, but we look into the hidden world of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), broken healthcare incentives, and the collapse of community pharmacies. We welcome Marty Schladen from Ohio Capital Journal back to the podcast. AND we took a detour through Ohio’s energy controversy and—yes—why Alcatraz is back in the headlines. 3 Key Takeaways: PBMs & Hidd...

The team kicks things off with historical reflections on George Washington's inauguration and the Louisiana Purchase before steering into current events, like the recent suspensions of judges in New Mexico and Wisconsin for shocking courtroom misconduct. You'll hear the hosts’ candid takes on the responsibilities that come with upholding the law, as they dissect what happens when those in power br...

We dive into some of the hottest issues facing Ohio and the nation. We kick things off with a lively discussion about the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent “playing hooky” and what that means for Trump and parental rights in education—touching on a controversial Maryland case involving DEI-related curriculum opt-outs. We look at Ohio-specific stories, including Governor DeWine’s latest mental health ini...

We hope you're well and enjoying the spring sunshine! Here's a quick rundown of what Norm and Brett covered this week: Letitia James Fraud Allegations : The tables have turned as New York's Attorney General Letitia James finds herself under scrutiny. After prosecuting Trump, she's now facing accusations from the Federal Home Loan Administration regarding her own mortgage irregularities. Is it a ca...

Exciting updates from the latest episode of Common Sense Ohio! Dive into the complexities of Ohio's budget bill, intriguing sports funding policies, and significant changes in education laws. Here's what you missed: Budget & Economy : The volatility in the stock market reflects the broader economic landscape, highlighting the impact of U.S.-China trade relations and how only a small percentage...