Oklahoma Memo

Adrianne Marsh (Altum Insight) joins the show to unpack lessons from presidential-era campaigning, why Barack Obama 2008 was a once-in-a-generation “unicorn,” and what his team’s qualitative research is revealing right now: in rural communities, AI is landing as a major trust threat — tied to privacy, kids’ futures, community values, and a broader sense of being talked down to rather than listened to.

We also get into:

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This week: Ryan Welton sits down with Grant Hermes (Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes) to unpack a fast-moving national story with Oklahoma fingerprints — and the bigger questions it raises about federal power, state authority, and civil liberties.

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World Neighbors began with a sermon at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City 75 years ago. Today, it operates in 14 countries and has helped nearly 30 million people.

In this episode of Oklahoma Memo, Ryan Welton talks with World Neighbors President & CEO Dr. Kate Schechter about:

World Neighbors operates on a $3.5 million budget funded primarily by private individuals and family foundations. It remains non-partisan and focused on long-term, sustainable development.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.wn.org

🔗 Sign up for the 75th anniversary symposium

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The NFL playoffs are here, and Bedlam Buds is back with a full Wild Card preview.

Ryan Welton and Jeremy debate every matchup, from Rams–Panthers to Texans–Steelers, weighing quarterback experience, coaching, injuries, weather, and playoff history. Plus: Super Bowl predictions, rooting interests, and why some teams feel scarier than their seed.

Timestamps (approximate):

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This week’s Friday conversation with journalist/podcaster Grant Hermes (“Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes”) focuses on Minneapolis and the ICE shooting that has ignited protests and political fallout. We talk about who controls the investigation, why transparency gaps fuel distrust, how enforcement tactics can escalate risk, and what this moment could mean heading into the 2026 midterms. We also zoom out to foreign-policy escalation signals — including Greenland — and why “chaos on multiple fronts” might be the actual strategy.

On this episode of Bedlam Buds, Ryan and Jeremy break down one of the biggest transfer-portal storylines in the country: Oklahoma State Cowboys landing the North Texas “triplets”—quarterback Drew Mestemaker, wide receiver Wyatt Young, and running back Caleb Hawkins (from Shawnee).

Jeremy called it before it happened, and now that all three are officially headed to Stillwater, we unpack why this isn’t just a splashy portal moment, but a potential Indiana-like moment.

We cover:

• Why these weren’t just good transfers—but elite, nationally ranked portal players

• How familiarity with the offensive system accelerates improvement on Day 1

• Why following their coach says a lot about leadership and development

• What the numbers actually say (and why they matter)

• Why Oklahoma State may be the Big 12’s most overlooked turnaround candidate

Could Eric Morris turn Oklahoma State around overnight?

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📺 Full episode available on YouTube

The Oklahoma State Cowboys’ quarterback room is turning over fast. With Hauss Hejny and Zane Flores entering the portal, all signs point to a major NIL-backed move for North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker — possibly with skill players coming with him.

Jeremy and Ryan break down what this means for Eric Morris, and this new era of Oklahoma State football.

In this episode:

• Oklahoma State’s quarterback room clearing as portal season opens

• Why Hauss Hejny’s departure matters more than it looks on paper

• Signs OSU is preparing for a major NIL quarterback addition

• The possibility of a ready-made North Texas offensive package

• Risks and rewards of importing a full offensive core at once

• What this move signals about OSU’s urgency to reset the program

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The playoff reset is here, and Bedlam Buds is back to break down what actually matters.

Ryan and Jeremy run through every College Football Playoff matchup with real analysis, gut instincts, and just enough nonsense to keep it fun. From Miami’s swagger to Texas Tech’s slow-burn rise, Alabama’s experience edge, and Georgia’s inevitable march — it’s all on the table.

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Cold mornings, dry conditions, and rising fire danger across Oklahoma start today’s Oklahoma Memo.

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Oklahoma Memo is your daily, efficient guide to the stories shaping Oklahoma—delivered every weekday morning.

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Oklahoma City’s Christmas Day loss wasn’t about effort, coaching, or roster holes — it was about matchups.

Ryan and Jeremy break down why the San Antonio Spurs have quietly become the Thunder’s toughest opponent:

A grounded Thunder conversation that looks ahead instead of overreacting.

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