Common Sense Ohio

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 upset victory and the origins of income tax—before spiraling into today’s hot topics. You’ll hear some pretty candid (and funny) rants on everything from government spending to why letting kids fail might actually make us all stronger.
The guys dig into why it’s so hard for folks on either side of the aisle to just admit when the other side does something good, and how that stubbornness is playing out everywhere—from Congress to local politics.
Plus, as always, there’s talk of big Ohio issues (looking at you, data centers), thoughts on partisan hypocrisy, a little legal advice about fighting parking tickets, and even a shout-out to the American hockey team and what makes this country so unique.
Whether you’re here for the politics, the history, or just to get a few laughs, this episode has a bit of everything. Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and join us for another round of unfiltered, common sense conversation!
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
[email protected]
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.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.
Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

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 are three key takeaways from the discussion:
The SAVE Act & Election Integrity:
The push for a federal voter ID law is heating up. While Ohio already requires ID at the polls, the proposed SAVE Act would apply voter ID nationally, sparking constitutional debates about the balance of federal vs. state authority in running elections.
Both Republican and Democrat voters reportedly support voter ID in high numbers—pointing to bipartisan concerns about election security.
Economic & Regulatory Impact:
From new EPA rulemakings impacting auto and trucking prices, to the boom in Ohio data centers driving up local taxes and impacting rural life, legislation and regulatory action continue to have big ripple effects. The debate around balancing economic growth, environmental policy, and protecting local communities is front and center.
Culture & Division in Public Spaces:
Whether it’s reactions to the Super Bowl halftime show or stories of political confrontation in everyday settings, Steve and Norm explore how identity politics and culture wars are spilling into spaces meant for shared celebration. Their call? Let’s bring back more unity—and healthy debate—into these communal moments.
They also touch on school choice battles, the importance of government fraud enforcement, and personal stories from Ohio history, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in policy, culture, or just a dose of common sense.
Catch the episode for more insights, and if you’re passionate about these issues, chime in with your perspective—let’s keep the conversation going!
Moments
00:00 "Eerie Parallels to Reagan Era"
05:16 Georgia's Role in American Revolution
12:47 "State vs. Federal Voting Control"
17:33 "Election Integrity and Population Shifts"
25:15 EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule Challenge
26:33 "Critique of Government Overreach"
33:47 Cartels, Missiles, and Border Tensions
39:44 Ohio School Choice Legal Challenge
44:10 Miranda Rights and Custody Explained
49:36 Pulled Over in New Mexico
57:06 "Breezy's Comeback Triumph"
01:02:51 Super Bowl Halftime Backlash
01:05:05 "Weekly Common Sense Updates"
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
[email protected]
Harper CPA Plus on website
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.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

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 about the headlines and hot topics defining the Buckeye State—and the nation.
In this episode, the crew dives into history with a quick lesson on the Punic Wars and how "Carthago Delenda est" echoes through modern politics, before pivoting to the current state of lunar exploration and the Artemis missions. They break down the heated congressional hearing that saw Rep. Maxine Waters telling Treasury Secretary Scott Besant to "shut up," and unpack the broader problems with identity politics, including the conflation of policies and personal traits in elections.
The episode also tackles tariffs, blue-collar realignment, and the shifting political affiliations of labor unions, with Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock debating their effectiveness and political fallout. They take a closer look at the legal side of hot-button issues, discussing the recent lawsuits around gender-affirming surgeries and the critical role of trial lawyers in shaping medical and corporate behavior.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from tough subjects—from the practical challenges of immigration and birthright citizenship to the mounting controversy over the release of Jeffrey Epstein files and the danger of rumor-driven reporting. And in true Common Sense Ohio fashion, no pop culture stone is left unturned: the Super Bowl halftime show gets the spotlight, with a debate on whether politics belongs in football and who really wins the battle for America’s remote control.
Moments
00:00 "Carthago Delenda Est"
03:59 Corrections on Greenland and Deportations
09:51 "Tariffs and Global Diplomacy"
10:45 "Tariffs: Economic vs. Political Impact"
16:10 "Advocating Informed Vaccine Choices"
17:19 Freedom of Access Debate
22:47 Abortion Clinic Buffer Zone Debate
24:21 "Litigation Reflects Deeper Discontent"
28:54 Haitian TPS, Birthright Citizenship Debate
30:20 "Origins of Birthright Citizenship"
33:16 "Rudy, Koch, and Common Sense"
39:03 "Epstein Case Allegations and Fallout"
40:43 "Reflections on Evolving Debates"
45:58 "Grammys, Virtue Signaling, Stolen Land"
49:50 "Keep the Super Bowl Apolitical"
50:51 "Evolution of National Anthem Performances"
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
[email protected]
Harper CPA Plus
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

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 historical literacy and cooler heads in polarized times. The trio takes a hard look at recent protests and law enforcement encounters in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of wise governance and responsible rhetoric—while also leveling criticism at public officials and the media for fanning the flames of division.
You’ll also hear sharp analysis of Trump’s new “baby account” program, the state of Ohio’s spiking credit card debt, and an eyebrow-raising moment from the current AG race. From real estate on Lake Erie to digital kill switches in your car, the guys don’t shy away from tough ideas or controversial takes. Plus, as always, they wrap up with their good-and-bad-of-the-week in true Common Sense Ohio style.
Get ready for a lively—and sometimes provocative—hour, right from the heart of Ohio.
Moments
04:11 "What is a Nazi?"
06:41 "Critique of Immigration Enforcement Rhetoric"
12:20 "Policing, Protests, and Philosophy"
12:56 "First Amendment Restrictions Explained"
18:12 "Political Manipulation and Chaos"
19:08 "Obama's Impact on Police Relations"
23:06 Trump Urges Calm, Seeks Solutions
27:58 Stock Market Accounts for Children
30:45 "Ohio AG Candidate's Controversial Remarks"
34:07 "Resisting Self-Righteous Justifications"
37:53 Ohio's Rising Debt and Taxes
39:32 "Spending Less Without Credit Cards"
42:43 Governor DeWine Opposes Immigration Enforcement
46:20 "Honesty, Hiring, and Second Chances"
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
[email protected]
Harper CPA Plus
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
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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 conversation takes on the hot-button issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports, unpacking recent Supreme Court cases and the challenge of defining gender in law and society. Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock don’t shy away from examining the implications for equal protection, the perils of redefining words, and the importance of common sense when it comes to making and enforcing laws.

Shifting gears, they tackle the controversial ICE shooting in Minneapolis, connecting the dots between local politics, federal authority, and the practical impact on law enforcement and civilians. The hosts offer unfiltered thoughts on the responsibility of leaders, the risks of political messaging, and the lessons to be learned from recent tragedies.
Rounding things out, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock dig into Ohio news—including fraud investigations, immigration policy, and a high-profile double murder case in Columbus. As always, they wrap up with their “good and bad” picks of the week, highlighting national defense, political maneuvering, and the unpredictability of current events.
It’s an episode packed with sharp insights, historical context, and the straight talk you expect from Common Sense Ohio. Let’s jump in!
00:00 "Commodore Perry's Lake Erie Legacy"
10:15 Traditional Values Under Siege
13:37 Defining Terms in Rational Debate
21:40 "Personal Choice, No Public Funding"
Lawyer Talk panel discussion
27:00 "Legal Insights on Police Cases"
32:35 "Police Stand-Down and Consequences"
35:48 Neglected Duty in Minneapolis Riots
41:53 State Police Power and Minnesota's Failure
44:39 ICE Enforcement and Local Responsibility
59:48 "Possibility of Death Penalty"
01:05:02 "Military Reform and Accountability"
01:11:12 "Trump Heckled at Ford Factory"
01:12:21 "Common Sense Ohio 2026"
Harper CPA Plus
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.
Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.
Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio