Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this week’s episode, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock kick things off with a sobering look back at the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters, drawing lessons about complacency, risk, and governmental pressure.

The discussion quickly heats up as Norm Murdock tackles the rampant misuse of words like “Nazi” in modern political discourse, calling for historical literacy and cooler heads in polarized times. The trio takes a hard look at recent protests and law enforcement encounters in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of wise governance and responsible rhetoric—while also leveling criticism at public officials and the media for fanning the flames of division.

You’ll also hear sharp analysis of Trump’s new “baby account” program, the state of Ohio’s spiking credit card debt, and an eyebrow-raising moment from the current AG race. From real estate on Lake Erie to digital kill switches in your car, the guys don’t shy away from tough ideas or controversial takes. Plus, as always, they wrap up with their good-and-bad-of-the-week in true Common Sense Ohio style.

Get ready for a lively—and sometimes provocative—hour, right from the heart of Ohio.

Moments

04:11 "What is a Nazi?"

06:41 "Critique of Immigration Enforcement Rhetoric"

12:20 "Policing, Protests, and Philosophy"

12:56 "First Amendment Restrictions Explained"

18:12 "Political Manipulation and Chaos"

19:08 "Obama's Impact on Police Relations"

23:06 Trump Urges Calm, Seeks Solutions

27:58 Stock Market Accounts for Children

30:45 "Ohio AG Candidate's Controversial Remarks"

34:07 "Resisting Self-Righteous Justifications"

37:53 Ohio's Rising Debt and Taxes

39:32 "Spending Less Without Credit Cards"

42:43 Governor DeWine Opposes Immigration Enforcement

46:20 "Honesty, Hiring, and Second Chances"

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.

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