We kick off by addressing the ongoing California wildfires—exploring the devastating impact on communities and questioning public officials' management strategies. We don’t shy away from controversial opinions, criticizing the stringent rebuilding regulations and the financial burden this disaster places on taxpayers nationwide.

Then, we look into the intricate legal landscape surrounding Donald Trump’s sentencing. Steve offers an in-depth look at legal concepts like "intervention in lieu of conviction" and the complexities of mandatory minimum sentencing. Norm brings a political lens, questioning the motives and implications of Trump's potential conviction.

Switching gears, the conversation also examines evolving social media dynamics, Dana White's corporate influence, and Mark Zuckerberg’s transformation—probing the sincerity behind these high-profile changes. Plus, we explore a major legal case concerning TikTok and discuss the broader implications of government intervention in tech.

From regulatory mishaps to the economics of disaster management, we debate free speech, government roles, and market freedoms—all while tackling contemporary issues like congestion pricing in urban New York and its ripple effects.

Common Sense Moments

00:00 Trump's delay request denied by Supreme Court.

10:30 Final appealable order required for federal review.

11:07 Supreme Court denies Trump's sentence delay request.

18:43 State cannot prosecute Trump based on precedent.

23:54 Trump delays sentence, plans to appeal soon.

29:03 Understanding context is vital for historical education.

33:32 Budget cut prioritized diversity over competence concerns.

41:52 Authorities complicate rebuilding California coastal mansions.

45:53 TikTok resists U.S. ownership; Supreme Court intervention.

50:23 Admits to government pressure, promises policy change.

56:52 Entry fees for vehicles entering central New York.

01:01:59 Concerns about Joe Biden issuing future pardons.

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

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.

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

Join us as we tackle the pressing issues of national security and civil liberties amidst rising terrorism concerns.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Balancing Security and Freedom: We discuss how to effectively grant government authority to prevent terrorism while ensuring personal freedoms aren't compromised. This balance is critical to maintaining our democracy.
• Cultural Self-Reflection: There's a deep dive into why some Americans harbor negative feelings towards their country and how this impacts societal cohesion. Addressing these undercurrents is essential for national unity.
• Technological and Political Influences: We explore the intersection of technology, like the support for Trump from figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, and the nuanced debates within the MAGA movement regarding immigration policies. Understanding these influences offers a clearer picture of current political maneuverings.

Common Sense Moments

00:00 Indulgences required donations for sins' forgiveness.

05:17 Good priests emphasize not worshiping church or individuals.

13:31 Republicans removed debt ceiling increase; closed loophole.

17:28 Youthful uncertainty and lack of financial expectations.

21:51 Trial court injunction stayed, 5th Circuit reversed.

28:36 Balancing laws to address human imperfections.

35:21 Soldiers' actions discussed, historical context mentioned.

41:27 Ramaswami and Musk prefer hiring H1B workers.

45:50 Teacher won case; policy violated free speech.

47:32 Employment suit alleging First Amendment rights violations.

53:31 Ohio bills presented to DeWine; body cam charges.

01:01:50 Biden criticized for January 6th committee medals.

01:02:55 Pelosi rejected McCarthy's picks, awarded medals disproportionately.

01:09:04 Great movie featuring Wilford Brimley, worth watching.

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/

As we wrap up another engaging year on Common Sense Ohio, we're excited to share some highlights from our latest episode and bring you the news and conversations that matter. Thank you for being part of our journey in exploring common sense solutions and discussions without judgment.

News with Norm - Presidential Commutations: Norm talks about President Biden's recent commutation of federal death row sentences, putting a spotlight on the case of Daryl Lawrence from Ohio. This segment sparked a robust debate about the political and social implications, contrasting views on the death penalty, and potential future policy changes.

Crime Reporting Concerns: We tackle the critical issue of crime misclassification and its far-reaching impact. Incorrect statistics lead to misguided policies and erode public trust, making it crucial to operate based on reality. Our discussion gets into the nuances of accurate crime reporting and societal implications.

The Corporate Transparency Act and Regulations on Small Businesses: Our conversation sheds light on the burdensome regulations small vendors face. Norm voices frustrations over overbearing penalties on operations, and we examine the broader impacts of increased government surveillance and regulation.

Political Pardons and Predictions Recap: We explore the ethics and consequences of presidential pardons, particularly focusing on Biden's recent actions and the potential future misuses.

PREDICTIONS! We revisit our predictions for 2024, including takes on Biden's re-election prospects, Trump's anticipated actions, and the performance of stock markets.

Historical Insights - Ohio's Legacy: Steve recounts Ohio's rich history, particularly focusing on influential figures like Paul Crosley Jr. From pioneering automotive technology to transforming radio broadcasting, Crosley's contributions remain monumental.

Term of the Year - Brain Rot: Oxford's chosen word for 2024, "Brain Rot," is seeing a resurfacing for its relevance in today's digital age. Its 233% increase in usage since 2023 underscores concerns about the mental impact of excessive online consumption.

Societal Reflections - Bystander Apathy: We highlight the troubling phenomenon of bystander apathy. Incidents in New York serve as a grim reminder of the consequences of inaction during crimes, and we delve into the ethical responsibilities and media's role in shaping public behavior.

Final Thoughts: We wrap up the year with a positive outlook for 2025, reflecting on the importance of transparency, ethical conduct, and the need for informed policy decisions. We sign off with a heartfelt thanks to you, our listeners, for your unwavering support and engagement.

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...