Oklahoma Memo

Oklahoma Memo

By Ryan WeltonSportsNewsDaily News
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Oklahoma Memo episodes

  • Lessons from a serial entrepreneur on benefits, business, and Oklahoma | Oklahoma Memo

    In this episode, Oklahoma Memo host Ryan Welton sits down with Andy Bigbie, founder of Bigbie Insurance and Benefits — Oklahoma Memo’s first advertiser and a lifelong entrepreneur.

    Andy discusses:

    • His journey from benefits consultant to serial entrepreneur

    • Why he relaunched his insurance agency

    • How he helps Oklahoma employers and employees navigate coverage

    • Real-world tips for open enrollment and HSAs

    • The outlook for Oklahoma’s economy and startups

      • 📍 Episode length: ~30 minutes

      🎧 Listen: OklahomaMemo.com or wherever you get your podcasts

      💬 Leave a question for Andy in the comments!

      #ad #OklahomaMemo #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #Insurance #Benefits #SmallBusiness #OKC

      33 min
    • Shutdown fallout: Rural hospitals, health care in crisis | Oklahoma Memo

      This week, Oklahoma Memo’s Ryan Welton welcomes back Grant Hermes, host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes, for a deep dive into how Washington decisions hit home in Oklahoma.

      They discuss:

      • The real-world fallout of the federal shutdown on rural healthcare, including hospital closures in towns like Stilwell.

      • Why ACA and Medicaid subsidy expirations could leave Oklahomans hours from emergency care.

      • A new Supreme Court case threatening the Voting Rights Act and what it could mean for minority representation.

      • The growing “No Kings” protest movement planned for cities across America this weekend.

        • Grant also previews his new conversation with a University of Michigan professor on how rural hospital closures hollow out entire towns—economically and medically.

        📰 Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for daily local news at oklahomamemo.com

        🎧 Listen and subscribe to Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or subscribe to his Substack.

        36 min
      • Launching Tulsa’s next great newsroom — Gary Lee from Tulsa Flyer | Oklahoma Memo

        Oklahoma Memo founder and host Ryan Welton sits down with Tulsa Flyer Executive Editor Gary Lee to talk about the launch of Tulsa’s newest nonprofit newsroom — and why it matters. Lee shares how community listening sessions sparked the project, how it will complement the Oklahoma Eagle, and what partnerships and sustainability plans will help it thrive.

        Topics Covered:

        • Why Tulsa Flyer was created

        • The newsroom’s Tulsa-first mission

        • Partnership with Oklahoma Eagle

        • Collaborations with local outlets

        • The Tulsa Documenters Program

        • Sustainability and reader donations

          • Resources:

          • TulsaFlyer.org

          • Oklahoma Eagle

          • Oklahoma Memo Newsletter

            • 23 min
          • Bedlam Buds | OU–Texas fallout, James Franklin out at Penn State, OSU’s shirtless dudes, and MLB picks

            Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook talk about the weekend that was in college football — an Oklahoma disappointment in Dallas against Texas, and an OSU loss at home to Houston.

            What’s inside

            • Breaking: Penn State fires James Franklin mid-season; the buyout shock and why donors/brand dynamics likely mattered.

            • OU–Texas recap (23–6): Why the Sooners’ offense lacks an identity, what the defense did right, and why “saving the playbook” isn’t a thing.

            • QB & staff talk: How OC philosophy, run-game development, and O-line issues are colliding for OU.

            • OSU status check: Roster churn, injuries, and why “one mistake kills the drive” is the Cowboys’ current tell.

            • Coaching carousel: Who rises, what profiles fit OSU (and why), and how fast a rebuild can really happen in the portal/NIL era.

            • Look-ahead picks: OU at South Carolina (why it’s a must-stabilize week) and OSU vs. Cincinnati on Homecoming (how to manufacture an upset).

            • MLB corner: Who's advancing to the World Series?

              • 52 min
            • How close are we to armed conflict between states? | Oklahoma Memo

              Podcaster and former News 9 political reporter Grant Hermes of the "Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes" podcast joins Ryan Welton and Oklahoma Memo to unpack a tense week in American politics. The two discuss the Insurrection Act of 1807, the possibility of National Guard troops facing one another on U.S. soil, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s pointed remarks about federal power.

              They also touch on the ongoing government shutdown, how it’s testing both parties, and why public participation still matters.

              Timestamps:

              0:00 – Intro: Why Grant Hermes says this week “feels different”

              3:00 – The Insurrection Act and what “Posse Comitatus” really means

              8:00 – How close the U.S. is to internal military conflict

              13:00 – Governor Stitt’s “federalist quibble” with the White House

              18:00 – Political implications: Stitt’s national ambitions

              22:00 – Government shutdown update and public sentiment

              27:00 – Why civic engagement matters right now

              30:00 – Outro: Courage, civics, and calling your member of Congress

              Listen on:

              Oklahoma Memo Podcast 🎧 | YouTube | Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes

              26 min
            • Bedlam Buds – OU-Texas week is here! Defense dominates, offense debated

              Hosts: Ryan (“Boomer Sooner”) & Jeremy (“Go Pokes”)

              Length: ~1 hour

              Theme: Red River Rivalry week, OU’s defensive dominance, OSU’s struggles, and a look across pro sports.

              🏈 Main Topics

              1. OU vs. Texas Preview

              • OU’s 44–0 win over Kent State didn’t convince Ryan that the offense is ready.

              • Michael Hawkins Jr. showed flashes, but decision-making and pocket presence raised concerns.

              • The Sooner defense, however, looks elite — Ryan calls it a Top 5 unit in the nation.

              • Debate: Was OU “holding back” the playbook, or just simplifying for Hawkins?

              • Texas’ surprising loss to Florida may give OU an edge, but it’s still a must-win game.

                • 2. OSU Recap: Arizona Troubles Continue

                • Cowboys fall 41–13 in Tucson after another slow start.

                • Defense allowed fewer yards than previous weeks but still gave up big plays.

                • Jeremy praises OSU’s effort despite struggles — “at least they didn’t quit.”

                • Discussion: Can new coordinator Grantham turn things around quickly?

                  • 3. Around College Football

                  • UCLA’s “one-week turnaround” and whether belief can spark a rebuild.

                  • Ryan compares the situation to Bob Stoops and Mike Leach’s 1999–2000 offensive revolution at OU.

                    • 4. ⚾ MLB Playoff Reactions

                    • Toronto looks dominant; Dodgers and Phillies series heating up.

                    • Brewers crush the Cubs as predicted, and Tigers-Mariners stays tight.

                    • Ryan: “If both bats and arms click, Detroit could win it all.”

                      • 5. 🏀 Thunder Talk

                      • OKC wins its preseason opener against Charlotte.

                      • Ryan shares a core memory watching Game 7 from a Manhattan bar.

                      • Jeremy’s brother reports from media day: Thunder still humble and hungry.

                      • Ryan daydreams: Russell Westbrook could return to OKC as a sixth man.

                        • 6. 🏒 Hockey Sneak Peek

                        • Jeremy promises research before next week’s Stanley Cup pick; Ryan’s leaning Florida.

                        💬 Listener Callouts

                        • What’s your Red River prediction — Sooners or Longhorns?

                        • Should OU unleash Hawkins’ legs against Texas?

                        • OSU fans: Is Houston the bounce-back game?

                          • 🔗 Follow & Subscribe

                          📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BedlamBuds

                          🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you get your pods

                          📱 Follow @RyanIsThatDude on TikTok for daily updates

                          26 min
                        • The story behind Oklahoma City's Clara Luper's National Sit-In Plaza
                          🎧 Oklahoma Memo Podcast — Weekly Show Notes (October 3, 2025)

                          Episode Summary:

                          This week’s episode of The Oklahoma Memo Podcast blends civic pride, sharp political analysis, and sports talk — the way only Oklahoma can. From the new Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza downtown to a major shake-up in state education, the latest on the federal shutdown, and a full sports rundown with Bedlam Buds, it’s a packed week across Oklahoma and beyond.

                          🏛️ Segment 1: The Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza

                          Guest: John Kennedy, civic leader and co-chair of the Clara Luper Plaza committee

                          • Oklahoma City’s place in civil rights history is finally getting the spotlight it deserves.

                          • The Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza will be dedicated Saturday, November 1 at 11 a.m., honoring the students who launched the nation’s first lunch counter sit-in.

                          • Featuring 15 life-sized sculptures by Studio EIS, with input from Ed Dwight and Marilyn Luper Hildreth, the plaza connects Oklahoma’s story of nonviolence and respect with the legacy of the OKC National Memorial down the street.

                          • A powerful reminder: “Five blocks apart — two of the most profound examples of violence and nonviolence in American history.”

                            • 🏫 Segment 2: Education Shake-Up — Lindel Fields Named State Superintendent

                            Guest: Scott Mitchell, Griffin Media political analyst

                            • For the first time in decades, a governor has appointed a state superintendent.

                            • Gov. Kevin Stitt tapped Lindel Fields, praised as a “responsible adult” with a mantra:

                            • “Do what you say. Say what you mean. But don’t say it mean.”

                            • Fields’ first job: repair teacher relations and restore calm after years of chaos.

                            • The Attorney General has ordered a forensic audit of the State Department of Education’s spending under Ryan Walters — a move that could carry serious implications.

                            • Plus: the 2026 governor’s race begins to heat up as Charles McCall, Gentner Drummond, and Chip Keating position for the GOP primary.

                              • 🏛️ Segment 3: Federal Shutdown Deep Dive

                              Guest: Grant Hermes, host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes

                              • 48 hours into the shutdown, and partisan messaging is already breaking down.

                              • The GOP claim that Democrats are giving “free healthcare to undocumented immigrants”? Not true — the language covers lawful immigrants under ACA and Medicaid extensions.

                              • Reports of possible mass federal firings clash with the Anti-Deficiency Act, which forbids spending money that hasn’t been appropriated.

                              • Herms explains why the pain will reach red states like Oklahoma via TSA staffing, Social Security delays, and Medicaid cuts.

                              • Plus, an alarming Pentagon speech from the president invoking a “war within” — and why military norms matter now more than ever.

                                • ⚾ Segment 4: Bedlam Buds Sports Chat

                                Guest: Jeremy (Bedlam Buds co-host)

                                • Oklahoma State at Arizona: Cowboys are 20.5-point underdogs, but the Buds like their chances to cover — and they love the over (56.5).

                                • OU vs. Kent State: A massive 45.5-point spread — Rowdy says the Sooners just need to stay healthy before Texas.

                                • Tulsa at Memphis: Memphis looks playoff-caliber among Group of Five teams.

                                • MLB Division Series Picks:

                                • Brewers > Cubs (“team of destiny”)

                                • Blue Jays vs. Yankees: split panel

                                • Dodgers favored but Phillies have a path through the bullpen

                                • Mariners vs. Tigers: watch Tarik Skubal as Detroit’s X-factor

                                • From steak sandwiches at Rogers Centre to “team of destiny” vibes in Milwaukee — it’s all storytelling, stats, and gut checks.

                                  • 💡 Takeaway

                                  From history and respect to reform and reality, Oklahoma’s stories matter.

                                  Subscribe to The Oklahoma Memo Podcast for weekly context on the state’s most important conversations — politics, people, and pride.

                                  1 hr
                                • Ryan Walters resignation shock, Gundy out, and will D.C. shut down?

                                  Podcast: Oklahoma Memo (Weekly)

                                  Episode: 001 — “Resignation Shock, Gundy Out, and Will D.C. Shut Down?”

                                  Host: Ryan Welton

                                  Guests: Sandra Valentine (OK education parent-advocate), Scott Mitchell (News 9/News On 6 analyst), Grant Hermes (host, Make It Make Sense)

                                  Publish cadence: Fridays, 6:00 p.m. CT

                                  Length: ~30–40 minutes

                                  Episode summary (TL;DR)

                                  • State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation on FOX News late Wednesday — but as of Friday 1 p.m., no formal letter was filed, complicating Gov. Kevin Stitt’s ability to appoint an interim.

                                  • Mike Gundy is out at Oklahoma State after a 20-year run; OC Doug Meacham steps in as interim ahead of Baylor.

                                  • Grant Hermes explains what a federal government shutdown actually does to Oklahomans: airports, SNAP/WIC, Medicare/Medicaid processing, civilian DoD workers, contractors, inspections, IRS actions, and more.

                                  • New segment previews: “Bedlam Buds” (OU vs. OSU friends talking ball) and “Make It Make Sense” (national news → Oklahoma impact).

                                    • Chapter markers (add exact times after upload)

                                    00:00 Welcome + what the weekly format includes

                                    02:15 Top story: Walters “resigns” on TV, not in writing; why that matters

                                    08:40 Guest: Sandra Valentine — parent perspective, board dynamics, and what Oklahoma needs next

                                    18:30 Quick sports break: Gundy out, Baylor on deck; Cowboys under interim Doug Meacham

                                    21:10 Guest: Scott Mitchell — politics of the resignation, board relations, “responsible adult” criteria

                                    31:00 Guest: Grant Hermes (Make It Make Sense)— Shutdown 101 and the Oklahoma ripple effects (air travel, benefits, bases, contractors)

                                    46:30 Preview: Bedlam Buds (OU–OSU rivalry talk)

                                    50:00 Weekend picks & OKC Greek Festival shout-out + newsletter CTA

                                    Key takeaways

                                    • A televised resignation without a filed letter freezes succession decisions and keeps the Board of Education in limbo.

                                    • Board–superintendent relations matter: expect a search for a reform-minded, collaborative, education-literate leader.

                                    • Shutdown stakes for OK: TSA/ATC staffing strains, WIC/SNAP timing, Medicaid/Medicare processing, DoD furloughs, contractor non-payment.

                                      • Guest bios & links

                                      • Sandra Valentine — longtime Oklahoma parent advocate following state education policy and board actions.

                                      • Scott Mitchell — Political analyst, Your Vote Counts / Hot Seat, News 9 / News On 6.

                                      • Grant Hermes — Journalist; host of Make It Make Sense (explainer podcast turning complex policy into plain English).

                                        • Resources mentioned

                                        • Oklahoma Memo newsletter — daily at 7 a.m. CT: OklahomaMemo.com

                                        • Grant Hermes’ podcast: Make It Make Sense

                                        • OKC Greek Festival (weekend highlight)

                                          • How to support

                                          • Subscribe to the newsletter (free): OklahomaMemo.com

                                          • Follow on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram: @OklahomaMemo except for IG (@OklaMemo)

                                          • Share this episode with a friend who follows Oklahoma news.

                                            • 1 hr 6 min
                                          • Why Oklahoma State Department of Education senior officer resigned | Oklahoma Memo

                                            In today’s episode of Oklahoma Memo, host Ryan Welton dives into major developments affecting state and federal agencies—plus a fond tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.

                                            What You’ll Hear

                                            • OSDE Resignation Revelations — Former Chief Compliance Officer Kourtney Heard’s letter reveals alleged manipulation of school accreditation and efforts that halted student outcomes. Full story by Nuria Martinez-Keel at Oklahoma Voice.

                                            • EPA Cuts in Ada — The EPA will shut down its Office of Research and Development, including the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Center in Ada. Coverage by Chloe Bennett-Steele of KGOU / StateImpact Oklahoma.

                                            • Recreational Marijuana Petition — Signature collection begins despite legal uncertainty. Insight from Oklahoma Voice.

                                            • Ozzy Osbourne Tribute — A look back at the life, legacy, and Oklahoma concerts of the Prince of Darkness.

                                              • The Oklahoma Rundown

                                              1. Waffle House stabbing in OKC (KOCO)

                                              2. Marijuana petition enters collection phase (Oklahoma Voice)

                                              3. Bever murders special report (Tulsa World)

                                              4. Gun‑suicide crisis in rural white communities (The Black Wall Street Times)

                                              5. Bible Initiative Supreme Court action (News On 6)

                                              6. Naked intruder walks into Edmond pond incident (KOCO)

                                              7. Southeastern Oklahoma State on EA Sports game (KXII)

                                                8. …and more!

                                                Love what you’re hearing?

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                                                • And if you’re interested in quality podcast content for your business, email Ryan: [email protected]

                                                  • 10 min
                                                • Today in Oklahoma: Guymon police scandal, Caddo language challenge, Tulsa trauma center

                                                  📄 Show Notes for July 22, 2025 | Oklahoma Memo Podcast

                                                  Host: Ryan Welton

                                                  On today’s episode of Oklahoma Memo:

                                                  • 🕵️ Investigative Spotlight: Oklahoma Watch follows up on anonymous tips about the Guymon Police Department and an alleged trucker ticketing scheme involving the Texas County DA.

                                                  • 🗣️ Cultural Loss: The Caddo Nation mourns its last fluent language speaker while preserving efforts continue, as reported by KOSU.

                                                  • 🏥 Tulsa Milestone: Ascension St. John is now the first Level 1 trauma center in northeast Oklahoma—why this is such a big deal.

                                                  • 🌺 Dog Days Gardening: Ryan shares flower-growing success stories—and what not to do—during Oklahoma’s summer heat.

                                                  • 📰 Around the State:

                                                  • Oklahoman executed in Syria

                                                  • Domestic violence tragedy in Bethany

                                                  • AG steps in on former teacher sex abuse case

                                                  • Small-town cockfighting persists

                                                  • And a touching tribute to Malcolm-Jamal Warner

                                                    • 15 min

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