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 parallels to the modern controversies swirling around today’s leaders. From the ongoing questions about accountability in the White House to new revelations about COVID-19 policies and vaccine recommendations, no stone is left unturned.

The hosts then pivot to free speech, comparing American First Amendment protections to the increasing crackdowns across Europe and the UK, where people are being arrested for social media posts and even silent prayer. If you’ve ever wondered what separates American liberties from those abroad, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Closer to home, Steve and Norm get fired up about everything from controversial school bathroom policies in Upper Arlington, the changing safety climate in Columbus’ Short North, to whether schools do enough to honor new military recruits. There’s also spirited banter about the NBA’s “doctors,” LeBron James’ newly minted honorary degree, celebrity activism, and a heartfelt farewell to Ohio musician Rick Derringer.

Rounding out the episode, the guys tackle Chinese-owned businesses in Ohio, local government cyberattacks, the fallout from the Jussie Smollett case, and, as always, their picks for outrage and triumph of the week—including chipmunks wreaking havoc, and a tribute to the legacy of Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson.

Grab your coffee and settle in for a fast-paced, sharp-witted discussion that covers the headlines, the history, and everything in between—from the heartland’s common sense perspective.

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00:00 Nixon's Watergate Cover-Up Attempt

05:55 "Current Scandals and Historical Parallels"

09:14 "Imagining U.S. Without First Amendment"

11:43 "Hyde Park Soapbox Origins"

16:21 London Police Chief's Online Speech Warning

17:36 Liverpool Parade Incident

23:18 Short North Seeks Tax Authority

25:15 "What Went Wrong?"

27:40 NBA Legend's 1980s Dominance

32:25 Ohio House Bill Targets Foreign Ownership

36:43 Deputy Killed by Recidivist Shooter

39:48 Columbus Data Breach Lawsuits

42:19 Jussie Smollett Case Closure

46:44 "Impact of Faked Race Crimes"

50:09 Upper Arlington Graduation Highlights

51:52 Memorial Day: Honoring Fallen Heroes

56:19 Chipmunk Conquest Costs Friendships

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.

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 philosophy, and the shifts in America’s foundational values—referencing everything from Crime and Punishment to Nietzsche, the role of religion, and what happens when societies lose their moral compass.

Turning to the legal front, we tackle Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship and immigration, unpacking the implications of recent rulings, the intent behind the 14th Amendment, and the complicated realities for children of undocumented immigrants.

Ohio issues get the spotlight as well, with lively debate on property taxes, the challenge of keeping taxes fair, and the possible ripple effects of abolishing the property tax altogether.

Of course, no episode would be complete without a look at the latest from the national political circus—Trump’s business deals in the Gulf, the scrutiny over accepting international gifts, and honest takes on the ongoing Trump/Biden saga, media narratives, and party loyalty.

From philosophical deep-dives to the hard realities of law, politics, and policy, this episode is packed with the lively, unfiltered Common Sense Ohio perspective you know and love.

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.

Key Moments

00:00 Crime, Guilt, Redemption in "Crime and Punishment"

05:01 "The Dangers of Authoritarianism"

07:16 Atheism as Religious Belief

11:55 SCOTUS Decision Sparks Controversy

13:23 Injunction Lifted: Deportations Proceed

16:36 "Supreme Court and Birthright Citizenship"

19:56 Trump Secures Gulf States Investments

25:12 "Appearance vs. Actual Impropriety"

26:37 "Biden's Prostate Cancer Timing Discussed"

29:46 Cancer Confusion in 2022 Speech

32:14 "Voting, Friendship, and Democracy"

35:16 Who's Running the Country?

40:53 Misinterpreted Intent and Influence

44:08 Ohio Considers Property Tax Elimination

46:10 "End of Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty"

48:25 Seat Belt Paradox Explained

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

Copyright 2025 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.

Mentioned in this...

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 African Afrikaner refugees, to the persistent media narratives around race and discrimination.

But that's not all—this episode covers a wide range of topics including Pete Rose’s complicated case for entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the shifting landscape of drug pricing and Trump’s latest moves on pharmacy benefit managers (BPM), and the ongoing debates over healthcare and government involvement.

We also touch on local stories like Columbus’ approach to renter representation and a shocking crime wave, as well as national and cultural phenomena, such as the rise of AI girlfriends and shifting attitudes in younger generations.

Packed with insightful debate, historical perspective, and plenty of unfiltered opinions, this episode of Common Sense Ohio is your front-row seat to fact-based, common sense talk on today’s most complex issues—served up with the wit and candor you’ve come to expect from the team. Buckle up and join the conversation!

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Common Sense Moments

00:00 Immigration and Assimilation History

07:41 Immigration Policy Shift in 1965

13:34 Desmond Tutu's Forgiveness Mission

18:53 Explaining Crime & Remorse

25:17 "Trump's Drug Pricing Reform"

28:49 Discussion on Free Market and Antitrust

36:11 "No EV Subsidies in Bill"

40:52 Son's Conservative Shift in Ohio

47:21 Alleged Abuse and Legal Controversy

48:54 Missing Evidence Raises Retrial Concerns

54:56 "Ohio Serial Killer Arrested"

01:03:00 American Apathy: Human Rights Concerns Ignored

01:06:47 "Madman Theory in Politics"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

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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 & Hidden Healthcare Costs: The lack of transparency with pharmacy benefit managers drives up prices for everyone, even leading to $250M in excess costs in Ohio Medicaid alone. It’s a tangle of rebates, “safe harbors,” and backdoor deals that rarely save money for actual patients.
• Pharmacy Deserts Are Real: Ohio’s local, independent pharmacies are closing at an alarming rate, threatening access to care in underserved areas. When a pharmacy shuts down, it’s not just a business lost—it’s often the only healthcare touchpoint for miles.
• Bi-Partisan Reform is Gaining Steam: From Ohio’s Attorney General to 39 state AGs teaming up, there’s momentum to fix the system—by enforcing transparency, capping “middleman” profits, and ending conflicts of interest (like PBMs owning retail pharmacies).

Special thanks to Marty for the clarity and to all listeners who care about a fairer, healthier future for Ohio.

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Key Moments

00:00 Ohio's PBM Safe Harbor History

08:23 Pharmacy Pricing Investigation in Ohio

14:15 Cancer Clinics Frustrated by PBMs

20:02 Locked-In Government Revenue Politics

21:03 Ohio Medicaid Reform Saves $333M

31:06 Unregulated Drug Compounding Issues

36:19 Jim Jordan's FTC Reallocation Proposal

39:41 EV Rebate Removed, Elon Affected

46:49 Discussion on House Bill 15

49:06 House Bill 15: Environmental Concerns

55:07 "3 Mile Island vs. Chernobyl"

01:03:11 Ohio's Health vs. Corporate Welfare

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Harper CPA Plus

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 break or bend the rules for their own moral reasons. The conversation doesn’t stop there: they also dive into the economics of electric trucks, dissect why Toledo was recently ranked the #1 market in America, and debate the fairness and effectiveness of big tax incentive packages for businesses in Ohio.

From judicial ethics to the cost of brand new pickups, and the ongoing debate over DEI policies and free speech on campuses, nothing is off limits at this roundtable. If you’re ready for lively, informed, and unfiltered talk about the issues affecting Ohio and beyond, this episode has got you covered.

3 Key Takeaways:

Judicial Accountability Matters: We explored recent stories where judges overstepped legal bounds—including a Wisconsin judge who facilitated a defendant’s escape—highlighting why trust in the judiciary relies on their impartial compliance with the law.

Ohio Real Estate Surprises: Toledo took the top spot in the Wall Street Journal’s ranking of affordable and desirable real estate markets, but as the discussion revealed, economics and regional trends don’t always make perfect sense on paper.

Government, Business & Equity: From billion-dollar tax credits to state-level DEI reforms, this episode dug into how government intervention can shape (and sometimes complicate) the playing field for businesses and individuals in Ohio.

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We have our moments

00:00 Judges Involved in Criminal Scandals

05:29 Judge Aids Defendant's Escape

11:09 Wisconsin's Policy on ICE Coordination

20:38 Jeff Bezos-Backed Slate Trucks

25:06 Toledo: Top City for Homebuyers

31:18 Ohio Tech Job Investment

32:52 Grant Bias and Taxpayer Impact

42:19 DEI Concerns on Liberal Campuses

47:14 Freedom of Speech and Discrimination Debate

50:31 Client Notification and Ethical Concerns

55:32 Executive Orders: A Shift in Perspective?

59:03 "Trump's Immigration Policies Praised"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Mentioned in this episode:

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 initiative for youth, and the ongoing debate: Who really calls the shots in Ohio—the governor, or the parents and communities? The duo reflects on personal values, parenting challenges, and how government intervention is shaping today’s family life.

To round things out, we shine a spotlight on the heated politics of immigration and parolees, exploring how current legal battles and executive actions could have major implications for Ohioans and the country at large. As always, expect sharp common sense, a dash of humor, and plenty of passionate takes on what matters most to Ohio.

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info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Common Sense Moments

00:00 Pope's Providential Passing

08:50 Parents' Opt-Out Rights Case

10:48 Parents Challenge School's Sexual Content

19:52 "Debate on Normalizing Gay Marriage"

25:36 Ohio Expands Youth Mobile Response

26:22 Youth Support Service Concerns

35:57 "Biden's Mass Parole Controversy"

36:59 Deportation Hearings Debate

45:01 "The Perils of Undermining Law"

47:37 "Nation's Response to Unlawful Immigration"

56:38 Federal Worker Double-Dipping Bill

59:42 "Criminal Justice System Flaws"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

Copyright 2025 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.

We hope you're well and enjoying the spring sunshine! Here's a quick rundown of what Norm and Brett covered this week:

1. 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 case of "turnabout is fair play"? Dive into the details as Norm and Brett unpack this unfolding story.
2. Chillicothe Paper Mill Closure: It's a tough time for the folks in Chillicothe as the historic paper mill announces its closure, affecting 800 jobs. Norm voices his concerns about the state’s response and the implications for local communities. What should Ohio's leaders be doing to save these essential jobs?
3. Yost in Pharma War: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost takes a bold stance against Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), joining forces with other state AGs to advocate for legislative changes. Could this lead to more affordable pharmaceuticals for Ohioans? Norm and Brett explore this complex issue.
4. Market Madness: The unpredictable nature of Wall Street traders has our hosts questioning the professionals at play. With markets recently taking a rollercoaster ride, Brett and Norm discuss what this means for everyday investors and the economy.
5. Spotlight on Local and National Headlines: The episode also dives into other intriguing topics like road rage incidents, outrageous legal stories, and the latest economic news that's affecting us all.

As always, a huge thank you Harper CPA Plus for sponsoring this insightful episode. They are the go-to experts for simplifying taxes and empowering entrepreneurs.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

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

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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 of Americans directly engage with stock investments.

Sports Funding Revolution: Innovative legislation suggests tying public funding for sports stadiums to team performance, potentially changing the game for taxpayer-funded ventures.

Education Dynamics: The expansion of school choice vouchers in Ohio signifies a shift in educational funding, with more support for diverse schooling options outside the traditional public system.

Harper CPA Plus

00:00 Stock Market vs. Global Economy

09:49 Ohio Budget: Real Estate Tax Concerns

15:32 Fraud Uncovered in Cabinet Meeting

18:38 Congress Urged for NIL Regulation

25:57 Procter & Gamble's Inventory Tax Challenge

27:21 Ohio Eliminates Inventory Tax Due to Kentucky

34:36 Cleveland Bond & Stadium Costs

39:46 "Ohio Budget Boosts School Vouchers"

45:22 Ohio's Off-Campus Education Law Challenge

53:03 Equal Opportunity for All Careers

55:19 Parental Consent and School Disclosure

01:02:24 Principal Blocks Police Response to Bomb Threat

01:04:36 Pro-Tariff Stance on China

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.

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/