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.

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.

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.

As we roll into August, hosts Norm Murdock and Brett Johnson talk about the hot-button issues shaping our state and beyond.

This week, the conversation opens with a historical reflection on the origins of federal income tax, before shifting to the heart of current events—rising concerns over crime and community unrest in Cincinnati. The hosts discuss the fallout from recent riots, the evolving political landscape spotlighting figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, and the surprising absence of Governor DeWine from the conversation.

Brett and Norm give a thoughtful look at the complex racial and social dynamics at play, address reactions from local leaders, and suggest constructive ways for communities to come together. The discussion doesn't stop there—they also touch on media and celebrity culture with the Sydney Sweeney controversy, the endless cycle of political division, and how sports can sometimes offer a welcome escape from it all.

Later in the episode, the hosts tackle the ongoing issues of redistricting and property tax reform in Ohio, questioning the lack of progress from state leaders. From financial relief for homeowners, bipartisan cooperation, to the broader implications of economic policy missteps (looking at you, Intel project), no topic is off-limits.

Packed with sharp insights, candid moments, and a touch of humor, this episode offers plenty for anyone trying to make sense of the news and policies affecting Ohioans every day.

Moments

00:00 Governor's Patrol Aid in Cincinnati

09:29 Cincinnati Commentary Controversy

16:02 Historical Anger and Violence Debate

21:55 Post-Apartheid Reconciliation Panels

26:58 Sydney Sweeney's Political Backlash

32:54 Late Night Comedy's Decline

35:50 Fan Ejected for MAGA Hat

40:37 Ohio Gerrymandering Reality

45:39 Income-Based Property Tax Cap

54:52 "Let the Marketplace Decide"

58:13 "Mortgage Rate Concerns Persist"

01:01:01 Trump's Ballroom Expansion Proposal

Harper CPA Plus

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.

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Harper CPA Plus

Cincinnati’s Jazz Festival Turns Chaotic

What should’ve been a night filled with sweet jazz rhythms downtown turned into a scene straight out of a wrestling ring. After the festival and a Reds game, racial tensions escalated to violence, leaving five people charged (so far). Brett and Norm dissect what happened, why accountability matters—no matter your background—and the risks of letting “mob mentality” run the show.

• Big Takeaway: No excuses for violence. Whether fueled by alcohol or viral Twitter videos, everyone’s responsible for their actions. And Cincinnati needs to keep its law enforcement game strong at big civic events.

Intel in Ohio: Big Promises, Big Problems

Norm gives us the inside scoop on the Intel factory project in Licking County. Are we building a “white elephant” in our own backyard? Turns out, the much-hyped chip plant might be obsolete before it even opens—thanks to tech moving at warp speed and some sketchy contract details no one wants to audit. Taxpayers, you should be asking: Where’s our money really going?

When Media Spins, Do We Really Get the Facts?

From how local press handled the Cincinnati incident to the larger issue of social media “wildfires,” Brett and Norm question how the narrative is being shaped. Why not let the dust settle and get clarity instead of rushing to judgement—or using tragedy for political points?

Is Law Enforcement Getting Left Behind?

Major public events with just two officers on the job? Civic safety needs attention. The show hosts challenge city officials: Step up or risk turning Cincinnati into the next hollowed-out city center.

Quick Hits: Uber’s Policy Shakeup, NPR/PBS, Ohio Sales Tax Holiday & More!

• Uber: Is letting customers choose a female driver discrimination, safety, or a little of both? Brett and Norm dig into the slippery slope.
• Ohio Sales Tax Holiday: August 1–14. School supplies, clothes, electronics, even pet food (maybe a wedding dress?)—all tax-free!
• NPR & PBS Funding: No more government support? Brett thinks it’s an opportunity for them to innovate and thrive with community backing.

Weekly Winners & Losers

• Loser: Senator Josh Hawley and the idea of $600 tariff rebates for all—wouldn’t that money be better spent on paying down national debt?
• Winner: Sharon Osbourne, honoring Ozzy with the ultimate parade in Birmingham—a fitting, “wild” sendoff.

Get Involved!

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And if you liked (or didn’t like) what you heard, don’t keep it to yourself—share Common Sense Ohio with your friends, coworkers, and arch-rivals.

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.

Moments

00:00 Violence and Accountability Across Races

09:47 Mob Mentality and Its Dangers

13:30 "Criticism of City Violence Response"

16:41 Cincinnati's Racial History and Tensions

22:07 Intel Factory in Ohio Obsolete

31:35 Ohio Contract Debacle Exposed

36:58 Tulsi Gabbard Unveils Russia Hoax Memos

39:48 "Political Influence in FBI Operations"

45:24 GOP Opposition Limited Trump's Agenda

55:22 Immutable Characteristics and Discrimination Debate

59:45 Criticism of Hawley's Tariff Proposal

01:01:53 Future Economic Crisis Warning

01:08:25 Business Strategy and Tax Planning

Recorded...