Steve and Norm discuss the death penalty and the cultural differences between Cincinnati and other parts of Ohio. Steve is curious to hear Jordan Peterson's take on the psychological profile of people who are in favor of the death penalty. Norm agrees that there is a lot of nuance to the issue and that it is difficult to have a consistent view on it.

In the second part of the show, Steve and Norm discuss the case of Olivia Khrushchek, a student at the University of Cincinnati who was given a zero grade for using the term "biological female" in a paper proposal. They argue that there is no way to have a logical conversation about this issue without using this term. They also discuss the implications of the "intersexual lines" that are being drawn between group identities.

The show wraps up with a discussion of the metaverse and the implications for gender identity. Steve and Norm agree that the metaverse will allow people to do whatever they want, which could lead to even more confusion about gender identity.

Here are some of the key points:

• The death penalty is a complex issue with no easy answers.
• There is a cultural difference between Cincinnati and other parts of Ohio when it comes to the death penalty.
• The term "biological female" is necessary to have a logical conversation about gender identity.
• The "intersexual lines" that are being drawn between group identities are a logical fallacy.
• The metaverse could lead to even more confusion about gender identity.

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 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.

This week for some Common Sense Ohio...

1. The Indictment of Donald Trump

2. Education and School Funding

3. Building a New FBI Headquarters

4. Proposed Amendment on Abortion and Reproductive Rights

5. Real Estate and Disasters

6. Ohio Budget Bills

7. JD Vance and the Trump Endorsement

8. Proposed Amendments in Ohio on Voting Requirements

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.

On this episode of Common Sense Ohio, we discuss various topics including the importance of enforcing standards and creating specific laws that can be consistently enforced. We also touch on the sensitive topic of the death penalty and how it is perceived by people in Cincinnati.

Additionally, we discuss the value of allowing open and educational debates about controversial topics in academia, and the importance of addressing the root causes of discrimination rather than surface-level characteristics.

We analyze issues related to the Cleveland Clinic's diversity policy, as well as the recent Court decision on vague language in legislation, among other topics.

The episode ends with a critique of "busybody sort of elitists" who believe they know better and want to have all the power to help people and a quote from C.S. Lewis on tyranny.

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.

In this episode of Common Sense Ohio, we discuss the complicated and political nature of the criminal justice system. We question the practicality and morality of the death penalty and highlight the risk of wrongful convictions.

We also discuss challenges in determining guilt in cases involving child sex crimes and emphasize the importance of individual responsibility and consequence.

Guest Paul Scarcella, who has worked on many homicide cases in Ohio, joins the conversation to discuss a new unit that offers experienced prosecutors to smaller counties for free.

Overall, this episode provides insightful commentary on the flaws and complexities of the criminal justice system.

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.

The episode also offers a refreshing approach to discussing conservative representation in the arts.

Rather than advocating for a particular message or agenda, Robert Cooperman, our guest, and owner of Stage Right Theatrics, promotes the Natural Theater. This presents the founding philosophy of the country through art.

This philosophy encompasses human nature, natural rights, and God, and the protagonists on stage are not defined by their victim status. By creating plays that focus on human nature rather than oppression, the Natural Theater provides a unique perspective that sets it apart from other conservative representations in the arts.

The podcast's emphasis on hope and redemption also offers a refreshing take on the genre, rejecting the idea that we are adrift in a meaningless universe.

We also talk about the challenges and opportunities of promoting conservative voices in an industry that is often dominated by liberal viewpoints.

A big shout out to Andrew Klavan, who was instrumental in the early stages of Stage Right Theatrics with his play, The Uncanny.

Upcoming performances include:

A Crime of Forgiveness

Aug. 18 & 19 at 7:30 PM EDT; Aug. 20 at 1:30 PM EDT

Lynette Grace’s incredible true story of being a stabbing victim who befriends and forgives her assailant.

The Fantasticks

Nov. 10 & 11 at 7:30 PM EDT; Nov. 12 at 1:30 PM EDT

That beloved musical is about two young lovers and their bickering fathers. Featuring “Try to Remember,” “Soon it’s Gonna Rain,” and other memorable tunes.

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.

Biden Raises Costs for Homebuyers With Good Credit to Help Risky Borrowers

Ohio is now a border state - Mayor Adams Releases "The Road Forward," New Blueprint to Handle Asylum Seeker Crisis Moving Forward

Ohio to hold August election on the proposal to make it harder to amend the constitution

Transgender woman found not guilty of Public Indecency at Xenia YMCA

Ohio returns to its old tourism slogan, here's why

Shout out to Fort Hayes Career Center

Jordan Neely: Ex-Marine Daniel Penny to be charged over New York subway death

Norm's Nuggets

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.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! And it's graduation weekend.

Steve explains why alcohol impairs our common sense

Look up older episodes OVI 360

Drag racing in Columbus

Parking lot wars LT episode

The Dazzling Rise and Stunning Fall of Ohio State University President Kristina Johnson - 5/5/23 is her last day

Ohio has a new voter ID law for the May election.

House Joint Resolution 1 - Requiring 60% vote to approve any constitutional amendment

Norm's Nuggets

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.

Right From The Middle

From Adams County Ohio - Police sue rapper Afroman for using footage of home raid in his music videos. Ohio officers, who conducted a botched raid of rapper’s home, are suing for invasion of privacy and emotional distress.

Ohio ranked among top 4 states for Bigfoot sightings in new survey: See locations of the most recent reports

Our favorite dog names

College enrollments starting to stabilize locally and across U.S. after COVID, report says

What is Ohio's new minimum wage? Pay changes you need to know for 2023

Preliminary injunction on high-capacity magazines in Columbus, OH

Check out Munitions Podcast for more.

Ohio Ballot Board moves abortion amendment initiative forward - we talk about the language

Jerry Springer passes

And Norm's Nuggets.

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.

Amherst bus driver - Norm has the t-shirt - and the state school bus drivers.

The price of CDLs

White homeowner accused of shooting Black teen who went to the wrong house in Kansas City will face 2 felony charges, officials announced.

Elyria elementary school mom turns herself in after spraying school officials with mace.

Bragg v. Jordan

San Francisco wants extra $27M to pay police overtime, hire more officers and prosecutors

How marijuana could become legal in Ohio in 2023

Expect 2023 to be a bright year for meteor showers and supermoons, throughout central Ohio and beyond.

A grand jury in Ohio decided not to charge eight Akron police officers in the death of Jayland Walker.

Norm's Nuggets

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.

[email protected]

Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

Biden looks to boost EV sales with plan to cut vehicle emissions

8 officers involved in shooting death of Jayland Walker return to work at Akron Police Department

William Husel claims ‘malicious prosecution’ in $20M lawsuit against Mount Carmel owner

Ohio's 988 suicide hotline is seeing a spike in calls. How is the state handling it?

Bragg v. Jordan

AG Yost Pushes Back on Federal Education Overreach

Ohio AG Yost suing 'sham' charity that took thousands meant for East Palestine residents

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 2026 Common Sense Ohio