Hey there, Common Sense Ohio listeners! This week's episode was a rollercoaster of interesting topics. Kicking things off, we threw it way back to the first-ever jury verdict broadcast on TV. Yep, we're talking about Jack Ruby—did you know his real name was Jacob Rubinstein?

But the big juicy part of the episode was all about—drum roll, please—Trump's tariffs. Steve wasn't fully on board with Trump's playbook on this one. He had some thoughts about the back-and-forth with our neighbors like Canada, and what that might mean for the future. Norm, though, is convinced it's all part of a master plan to revive U.S. manufacturing. Brett chimed in with a head nod to the challenges business owners face as they try to navigate these choppy waters.

And hey, with Saint Patrick's Day right around the corner, Steve couldn't resist dropping some nuggets of wisdom for those planning to hit the town. Let's just say, make sure you have a plan to get home that doesn't involve driving yourself after indulging in your "courage juice."

We didn’t stop there, though. The chat naturally flowed into some talk about today’s turning tides in culture. There’s a lot out there that's feeling a bit like a fantasy world, and we couldn’t help but wonder how this affects societal norms. It all tied back to politics and the media, where we think sometimes things get a bit blown out of proportion.

Three key takeaways:

• Economic Strategies and Tariffs: We delved into the impacts of tariffs on both local businesses and international trade relations. It's crucial to understand the broader goals behind these policies and how they may affect economic stability.
• Cultural Dynamics and Social Narratives: The episode explored the influence of cultural trends and the role of media in shaping societal norms. It's intriguing to see how these narratives can affect our perceptions and the importance of contextual understanding.
• Government Policies and Personal Responsibility: We also debated the implications of government intervention in personal health and wellness. The conversation highlighted the balance between state-driven initiatives and individual accountability.

A Big Thanks to our sponsor, Harper Plus Accounting. They provide more than just basic transactions, offering expert business consultation as well. They go beyond the basics, providing comprehensive advice on saving, planning, and optimizing taxes.

Common Sense Moments

05:41 Gillibrand's Megafit Over Shutdown

10:55 NAFTA Withdrawal and Market Reactions

19:22 Taxed Fertilizer Disrupts Business Planning

23:33 Ukraine Sanctions and Political Chaos

27:10 Avoid US Troops in Ukraine

34:13 Rise of Unreal Culture

40:45 Democrats' Civil Rights Program Decline

45:09 Governor's Contradictory Child Wellness Proposal

48:25 Vaccine Persuasion Misstep

54:11 Ohio Speeding Penalties Increase

58:51 "Sex Offender Registry Negotiations"

01:05:35 "Spring Hopefulness"

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

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Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

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.

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