Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock jump into the whirlwind of national and local events shaping our world and our state. From the chaos swirling around Washington, D.C. and Trump’s bold “DC takeover”—is it legal, political theater, or both?—to a nostalgic look at how pop culture icons like Fast Times at Ridgemont High helped define a decade, they leave no stone unturned.

They break down the historical roots of D.C.’s unique status, why the Constitution gave Congress special powers over the district, and how shifts in federal control could change America’s balance of power. Steve and Norm also tackle the rise in big government: how did we transform from “the arsenal of democracy” to the land of red tape and administrative bloat, and what does that mean for our rights today?

Back in Ohio, Norm and Steve discuss the challenges facing our cities—from rising crime in Cincinnati to safety and police shortages in Columbus—and why these trends matter for everyone living in the Buckeye State. On the lighter side, Steve celebrates college football traditions with a preview of the much-anticipated Ohio State vs. Texas showdown, and shares some fatherly pride as his son embarks on basic training.

All this plus late-night TV woes, new global tensions with China, and how American exceptionalism still resonates through history.

Harper CPA Plus on website

Moments

00:00 80s Party Culture & Consequences

06:06 Global Power for Peace

08:00 D.C. Home Rule and Federal Control

11:29 FDR vs. Supreme Court Power Struggle

15:10 Incremental Loss of Rights

18:31 Kristi Noem's Dog Incident

21:20 "Democrats' Stance on Crime in DC"

23:46 Congress' Decline: Blurred Powers

27:39 Cincinnati's Potential Urban "Donut Hole"

32:28 Security Costs and Business Disruption

33:38 Central City Exodus: Safety Concerns

37:06 Rent Control Subleasing Loophole

42:28 "Friday Night Lights: True Story"

45:56 Protests Over Bullying Incident

49:07 U.S. Sells Chips to China

52:45 Tariffs Boost Stock Market Gains

56:29 Abbey Gate Attack: Afghanistan Tragic Loss

57:10 "Discussing Scandals and Open Debates"

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

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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.