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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 banning controversial books.
The episode quickly turns to Ohio’s current headlines—Governor DeWine’s massive veto override showdown, the debate over eliminating property taxes, and what flat taxes or major spending cuts could mean for Buckeye State residents. Tempers flare over government spending and what it would really take to balance Ohio’s budget: Should taxpayers brace for higher sales taxes, or is it finally time to cut government excess?
On the national front, the hosts break down a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the president’s authority to hire and fire executive branch workers, and what that means for government accountability. Plus, they call out the double standards when government vs. private sector jobs are on the line and reflect on the massive challenges of getting meaningful spending cuts through Congress.
Finally, they sound the alarm on the rise of deepfake videos and AI-generated content, sharing why this technology poses a real threat to public discourse and personal reputations. With stories that range from viral Clint Eastwood hoaxes to the long shadow cast by social media, the guys urge listeners to sharpen their critical thinking and not fall for every meme or emotionally charged headline.
00:00 WWII Atrocities and Espionage
10:07 Banning Fuels Unhealthy Fascination
14:28 Southern Racial Ideology Pre-Civil War
18:45 Medicaid Expansion Controversy in Ohio
24:13 Ohio's Legislative Power Shift
29:38 Ohio Property Tax Reform Debate
32:51 Managing Personal Finances
39:25 "Public Funding for Biased Media?"
45:55 "Debating Trump Derangement Syndrome"
50:30 Deepfake Concerns Rise
58:19 Fatal Police Shooting: Pregnant Woman Killed
01:01:45 "Minivan Driver Causes Highway Pileup"
01:04:15 Salute to Military Families
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
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.
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.
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