Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock get into a wide range of hot-button issues shaping Ohio and the nation.

From a fascinating look at Dave Thomas’ legacy as an adoption advocate and the roots of Wendy’s in Columbus, to a deep discussion about the recent chaos at airports and the politics behind funding TSA and Homeland Security, the conversation is as timely as it is insightful.

The hosts also explore the country’s Judeo-Christian foundations through Revolutionary War history, dig into the heated debate over the SAVE Act and voter identification, and break down the controversy surrounding secret NDAs and massive tax incentives fueling the data center boom in Ohio.

Plus, they cover big news in tech law with a $375 million verdict against Meta for child endangerment, take on the latest in the Iran conflict, and spotlight the Columbus Blue Jackets’ surprising playoff surge.

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Moments

00:00 "Dave Thomas: Adoption Advocate"

05:00 Biblical Roots of U.S. Founding

08:16 Defunding DHS: A Divisive Debate

11:52 Democrats' Minneapolis Win Uncertain

14:31 "Short-Term vs Long-Term Strategy"

18:14 Free Citizen ID for Voting

19:41 "Unregistered Births on Reservations"

24:25 "Iranian Conflict: No End Ahead"

27:01 Meta Faces Landmark Liability Case

32:03 "JobsOhio's Secretive Funding Explained"

36:14 Land Buyouts Reshape New Albany

39:05 "Local Betrayal Over Intel Deal"

40:29 Supreme Court Debate on Ballots

45:15 "Brave Pilots in Collision"

49:44 "Protester Deaths, J6 & Impact"

50:43 "Weekly Common Sense Recap"

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

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.

Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

On this episode of Common Sense Ohio, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock take listeners on a lively ride through both history and hot-button issues facing Ohio and the nation.

The show kicks off with some fascinating "this day in history" moments, from Elvis Presley's $1,000 down payment on Graceland to George Washington’s strategic triumph over the British in Boston. Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock reflect on simpler times, the complexity of historic figures, and draw surprising connections to today's world.

The conversation shifts to the rapidly changing international climate, with in-depth analysis of current tensions in the Middle East, debates over national defense funding, and the political fallout from controversial decisions in Congress. The hosts don’t shy away from tough questions—whether it’s the justification behind conflict with Iran, national security concerns at the border, or the demands placed on the Department of Homeland Security.

Closer to home, the episode covers the political quagmire around voter ID laws and election reform, pulls back the curtain on Ohio’s JobsOhio controversy, and celebrates a small-town legal victory where civil liberties prevailed in a comedic case involving rapper Afro Man.

Throughout, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock bring a sharp mix of historical perspective, constitutional insight, and relatable local stories—reminding us all why common sense still matters most in the Buckeye State.

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Moments

00:00 Washington Forces British From Boston

08:24 Straits of Hormuz Tensions

13:44 "Joe Kent's Resignation Fallout"

16:23 "Iran's Hostility Toward America"

26:15 ID Rules and Constitutional Debate

30:03 EPA Climate Rollback Sparks Lawsuit

35:09 "Iran: War, Oppression, and Resistance"

39:48 "Afro Man's Lemon Pound Cake Lawsuit"

46:19 "Probable Cause and Search Warrants"

52:58 "Good Intentions Sustain Governance"

54:14 "Controversy Over JobsOhio Corporation"

59:06 Contract Secrecy Sparks Ohio Backlash

01:05:07 "Tyranny of Moral Busybodies"

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2026 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.

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock dive into the whirlwind of current events, offering their signature blend of historical perspective, common sense, and candid conversation. Kicking things off with reflections on March 11th in history, they discuss the legacy of the Lend-Lease Act and how America’s reluctant involvement in global affairs resonates in today’s headlines.

From there, the conversation pivots to the complexities of presidential war powers, the ongoing tensions with Iran, and the challenging realities of nuclear proliferation. Norm Murdock brings in deep dives on military history, while Steve Palmer unpacks what happens when American leadership faces tough choices on the world stage.

Harper CPA Plus on website

Back on the home front, the hosts don’t hold back as they critique Ohio’s political landscape, including Governor DeWine’s recent State of the State address, the implications of new data centers, and the everyday frustrations of Ohio commuters. As always, they close with a look at the good and the bad in the week—mixing national security, leadership, sacrifice, and a dash of pop culture.

So, whether you’re looking for thoughtful analysis, a dash of history, or just a little honest talk about what’s going on in the Buckeye State and beyond, you’re in the right place. Hit play and get your weekly dose of Common Sense Ohio!

00:00 Passenger Ships as War Targets

06:30 Washington's Commander Guard Origins

14:35 War Powers and Constitutional Debate

20:52 "Questioning Government Power Levers"

21:46 "Elections Shape Power Dynamics"

27:43 Middle East Conflict and Tensions

33:46 Sacrifice and Lost Patriotism

39:05 "Cluelessness and Global Threats"

45:23 "Construction Work and Moral Responsibility"

51:44 Deeper Meaning of Ten Commandments

56:55 Government Overreach and Parenting Critique

01:01:11 "Saluting Modern-Day Heroes"

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/

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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Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio