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

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.

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.

• What’s your Red River prediction — Sooners or Longhorns?
• Should OU unleash Hawkins’ legs against Texas?
• OSU fans: Is Houston the bounce-back game?

📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@BedlamBuds

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

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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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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).

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

• 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.

• 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).

• Oklahoma Memo newsletter — daily at 7 a.m. CT: OklahomaMemo.com
• Grant Hermes’ podcast: Make It Make Sense
• OKC Greek Festival (weekend highlight)

• 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.

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)

…and more!

Love what you’re hearing?

• Subscribe to the daily Oklahoma Memo newsletter at oklahomamemo.com
• Follow us on social media
• And if you’re interested in quality podcast content for your business, email Ryan: [email protected]

📄 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

On this special half-birthday episode of Oklahoma Memo, host Ryan Welton reflects on six months of connecting Oklahomans to quality journalism—and previews the platform’s next evolution. Then it’s into today’s top stories: Why is the Oklahoma State Department of Education keeping senior staff resignations under wraps? Plus, how a proposed Trump-era federal grant freeze could cost Native communities in Oklahoma up to $3 billion.

Also in this episode:

• Jena Nelson’s congressional campaign kickoff
• Blake Shelton’s surprise concert with his stepson
• The $2 billion Vinita theme park… still in limbo
• Chicken fried steak worth a New York Times write-up
• Why OU Football might be facing a make-or-break season

🎧 Show notes: Here's what's happening in Oklahoma news for July 18, 2025.

In this episode of Oklahoma Memo, host Ryan Welton highlights pressing issues in Oklahoma, including the youth housing crisis and recent political decisions impacting public media funding.

Stories from nonprofit newsrooms The Frontier and Oklahoma Watch reveal the growing number of homeless youth and the correlations between housing instability and school absenteeism.

Additionally, Ryan discusses the broader implications of defunding public media and emphasizes the value of public radio.

The episode also features a rundown of notable news across Oklahoma and ends with a call to support quality journalism by donating to local public radio stations and leaving reviews for this podcast.

And be sure to subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at https://www.oklahomamemo.com.

Chapter times:

00:00 Introduction and Headlines Overview

01:06 Public Media Funding Crisis

03:26 Supporting Public Radio

05:59 Youth Housing Crisis in Oklahoma

07:37 Business Podcasting Strategy

09:04 Oklahoma Rundown

13:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

New Thunder Arena Unveiled + Glossip Deal Dispute | July 17, 2025

Summary:

Mayor David Holt debuts bold new renderings for OKC’s $1 billion Thunder arena. Plus, Richard Glossip claims AG Drummond agreed to let him go free — but the state says no deal. We break it all down, plus your top 10 stories across Oklahoma.

Sources:

• Oklahoma Voice: Arena story by Ylleana Berryhill
• Oklahoma Voice: Glossip story by Barbara Hoberock

CTA:

Subscribe to the newsletter at oklahomamemo.com. Follow Oklahoma Memo on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. Email feedback to [email protected].

🎙 Show Notes — Oklahoma Memo Podcast (July 16, 2025)

🚨 Today on the pod:

• Oklahoma sends aid to flood-ravaged New Mexico and more teams to Texas.
• Paycom’s big arena bombshell: What will OKC’s new arena be called — and what happens to the old one?
• Plus, the best journalism from across Oklahoma in your daily rundown.

🏟 Arena talk:

Oklahoma City is buzzing over arena news. Paycom announced it’ll drop naming rights in 2028, just as the new arena opens. That leaves a big question: Who’ll snag the next sponsorship deal? Listeners weighed in with ideas like Devon Energy Arena, Sonic Thunderdome, and even Life Church.arena. Meanwhile, Paycom’s CEO may redevelop the current site — think entertainment district like you see in Arlington or Atlanta. What would you want there? Email us at [email protected].

🌊 Flood response:

Oklahoma’s sending a 10-person team to help New Mexico recover from catastrophic flooding, plus more swift water rescue crews to Texas, where the death toll is staggering. Gov. Stitt says it’s all about standing by neighbors when they need it most.

📰 The Oklahoma Rundown:

• Bob Funk Sr., co-founder of Express Employment Professionals, dies.
• OKC Police release bodycam from Midtown mass shooting.
• Voters will weigh a $2.7 billion bond in October.
• Charter board greenlights Epic audit.
• Ryan Walters fights order to pay journalists’ fees.
• No charges for officer in SE OKC fatal shooting.
• 400+ dogs rescued in Stroud cruelty case.
• Why did Oklahomans get a ‘Blue Alert’ from Texas?
• More: Cleveland County jail contract ends, paid leave report, disability jobs rethink.
• Ardmoreite small-town scoop: former principal says district ignored discipline, child struck.

👉 Subscribe to our free daily newsletter at OklahomaMemo.com and follow us on TikTok, YouTube & Instagram for more.