Common Sense Ohio

• Shut 'em Up and Shut'em Down

  We get into the drama of a government shutdown now stretching past 35 days, the finger-pointing between Democrats and Republicans, and the shifting landscape of American protest culture. The guys kick things off with a bit of history—recalling the infamy of bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd and the legacy of Depression-era antiheroes—which sets the stage for a bigger discussion about the lure of socialism, misguided economic policies, and why some political promises, like free bus rides and government-run groceries, sound a little too good to be true.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. They also tackle a heated controversy out of the courts: Should gender identity be considered in sentencing? The conversation gets lively as the crew debates judicial overreach, the role of Congress, and whether impeachment is the right remedy when judges make questionable calls. Plus, they take a hard look at gerrymandering, voting rights, and even the right for non-citizens—and out-of-town property owners—to vote in local [email protected] Tensions over protest rhetoric, violent political speech, and recent high-profile crimes spark a serious conversation about how words escalate to action in today’s America. And to round things out, there’s everything from local interest stories about Columbus to reflections on the importance of craft and hard work in an uncertain economy.They bring clarity, debate, and a healthy dose of skepticism to the headlines, making waves across the Buckeye State and beyond.Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. 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. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio Mentioned in this episode:Harper CPA Plus

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• Please Get Me Out Of Jury Duty!

  So whether you dread your next jury summons or just want a fresh, thoughtful take on the week's news, settle in—Common Sense Ohio is ready to break it all down.Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, hosts Steve Palmer and Brett Johnson dive deep into America’s enduring tradition of jury duty—sparked by the absence of their co-host Norm, who’s been called to serve. Steve shares his experiences as a defense lawyer and reflects on what makes the jury system unique, tracing its origins from the Magna Carta to the Constitution, and explaining why it remains a fundamental check against concentrated power and confirmation bias.You’ll hear practical stories from the courtroom, a lively discussion on the challenges of critical thinking in modern society, and how media and politics intersect with our legal system—from grand juries to those headline-grabbing indictments.The hosts also don’t shy away from the latest hot topics: selective and vindictive prosecution, the ongoing federal government shutdown, and political gridlock in DC. They ask tough questions about fairness, transparency, and whether our leaders are held to the same standards as the rest of us.Plus, the episode features plenty of Ohio flavor, with shoutouts to local traditions like the Circleville Pumpkin Show and updates on Ohio State’s football dominance. As always, Steve and Brett tackle the good, the bad, and the ugly—keeping it conversational and grounded, with plenty of common [email protected] Moments00:00 Juries: Revered and Criticized05:07 Small County Power Dynamics09:16 "Jury as Check on Prosecution"12:16 Wrongful Prosecution and Confirmation Bias14:55 "Blind Conviction and Evidence"18:14 Special Needs Funding Concerns23:20 Prosecution Fairness and Accountability26:52 "Public Trust and Sentencing Severity"27:52 "Public Trust Demands Higher Standard"31:27 Fairness and Truth in Courtrooms36:19 Republicans Avoid Shutdown Debate39:33 "Healthcare Debate and Media Standoff"42:29 "Republicans, Shutdown, and Health"45:41 "Simple Language Matters"47:33 "Critiquing Academic Nonsense"50:18 "Clarity Over Complexity"56:23 "Pumpkin Show & Road Updates"58:19 "Ohio State's Uncertain Journey"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. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio Mentioned in this episode:Harper CPA Plus

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• Keep Your Weed on ICE

  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 history — from the infamous O’Leary cow that sparked the Great Chicago Fire, to the resilience that comes from adversity, and how disasters can sometimes lead to unexpected growth and progress.The discussion quickly shifts to today’s most pressing headlines: ICE and the Oklahoma State Police cracking down on illegal truck drivers, the complexities of commercial driver’s licenses, and the alarming trend of unqualified drivers behind the wheel of big rigs. The guys also address the rising rates of domestic violence and what might be fueling this troubling [email protected] Marijuana legalization and its impact on impaired driving take center stage as the team examines new statistics and the ongoing debate about weed, personal responsibility, and public safety. Additionally, the episode explores the intersection of government surveillance, media censorship, FCC regulations, and the delicate balance between free speech, fair enforcement, and political retribution.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. Of course, no episode would be complete without the Common Sense crew’s signature back-and-forth—complete with witty banter, sports updates, pop culture gripes, and thoughtful reflections on society’s need for boundaries, accountability, and good old-fashioned common sense.Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. 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. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

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• Another Paid Vacation for Federal Workers

  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 about how budget battles have become the new normal in Washington. They discuss the history and possible fixes, including bipartisan solutions and the elusive search for reform.Harper CPA Plus There’s also big news in healthcare, as the show covers Pfizer’s new price agreement with the federal government, what it means for consumers and drug companies, and if this shift really will help Americans afford life-saving prescriptions.On the lighter side, the hosts reflect on an unusual gathering of military brass, Pete Hegseth’s hard-hitting speech on standards, and the drive for fitness in the armed forces. The crew also takes a close look at property tax reform in Ohio—a hot-button topic that’s stirring up strange alliances and dire warnings from grassroots groups.As always, we close with their takes on what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s just common sense in the news this week—from sports updates and powerlifting grannies to driving blunders and seasonal pumpkin spice. It’s a lively, insightful, and sometimes unexpected look at issues both big and small. Plug in and join the 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.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. Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio Mentioned in this episode:Harper CPA Plus

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• Entertainment Tax, Truancy Crisis, and the Power of Forgiveness

  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 dangerous provocations at Eastern European borders and the real risk these actions pose to global stability. The hosts reflect on the cost, consequences, and possible internal solutions to Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine, pondering whether true change must come from within Russia itself.Back at home, they turn their sights to Columbus and Ohio’s own hot-button issues: the controversial new “entertainment tax” in the Short North, the seemingly never-ending proposals for passenger rail expansion, and staggering school truancy rates. The hosts also spotlight stories with a very human touch, including the tragic local case of gun safety, the shutdown of the Hot Chicken Takeover restaurant chain that hired the recently incarcerated, and a moving tribute to forgiveness from Charlie Kirk’s widow.Add in a spirited debate about free speech, government overreach, and the role of comedy in political discourse, and you’ve got an episode packed with clear-eyed analysis, passionate opinions, and plenty of common sense.00:00 Power of Free Speech and Legacies06:12 Legacy and Impact of Martyrdom11:26 "Right to Vigorous Legal Defense"17:54 Putin's Aggressive Actions Post-Summit23:55 Yeltsin's Defiance in Red Square27:04 Partisan Comedy Critique32:52 Free Speech Double Standards42:45 Columbus Implements Extra Tax Zone44:21 Downtown Dining Tax Concerns54:34 Ohio Transit Projects Proposal55:48 Ohio Railway Project Skepticism01:05:56 Child Safety and Gun Storage01:07:26 Franchise Offers Second Chances01:12:29 Journey of ForgivenessStephen 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. Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH. [email protected] Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio Mentioned in this episode:Harper CPA Plus

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