Plug in for a whirlwind tour of law, politics, personal liberty, and everything in between—right from the heart of Ohio.

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, "Keep Your Weed on ICE," hosts Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and Brett Johnson dive into some of the hottest current issues affecting Ohio and beyond. The table is full as the trio kicks things off with a wild ride through history — from the infamous O’Leary cow that sparked the Great Chicago Fire, to the resilience that comes from adversity, and how disasters can sometimes lead to unexpected growth and progress.

The discussion quickly shifts to today’s most pressing headlines: ICE and the Oklahoma State Police cracking down on illegal truck drivers, the complexities of commercial driver’s licenses, and the alarming trend of unqualified drivers behind the wheel of big rigs. The guys also address the rising rates of domestic violence and what might be fueling this troubling trend.

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Marijuana legalization and its impact on impaired driving take center stage as the team examines new statistics and the ongoing debate about weed, personal responsibility, and public safety. Additionally, the episode explores the intersection of government surveillance, media censorship, FCC regulations, and the delicate balance between free speech, fair enforcement, and political retribution.

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.

Of course, no episode would be complete without the Common Sense crew’s signature back-and-forth—complete with witty banter, sports updates, pop culture gripes, and thoughtful reflections on society’s need for boundaries, accountability, and good old-fashioned common sense.

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

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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Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

We talk about the latest headlines and everyday issues affecting Ohio—and beyond. Kicking things off with the high price (and surprising theft!) of local pumpkins and apples, the duo explores how tough times are hitting both farmers and consumers this season.

From there, the conversation takes a serious turn as we break down the ongoing government shutdown, who it really hurts, and what it says about how budget battles have become the new normal in Washington. They discuss the history and possible fixes, including bipartisan solutions and the elusive search for reform.

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There’s also big news in healthcare, as the show covers Pfizer’s new price agreement with the federal government, what it means for consumers and drug companies, and if this shift really will help Americans afford life-saving prescriptions.

On the lighter side, the hosts reflect on an unusual gathering of military brass, Pete Hegseth’s hard-hitting speech on standards, and the drive for fitness in the armed forces. The crew also takes a close look at property tax reform in Ohio—a hot-button topic that’s stirring up strange alliances and dire warnings from grassroots groups.

As always, we close with their takes on what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s just common sense in the news this week—from sports updates and powerlifting grannies to driving blunders and seasonal pumpkin spice. It’s a lively, insightful, and sometimes unexpected look at issues both big and small. Plug in and join the conversation!

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.

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.

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Mentioned in this episode:

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The show opens with a heartfelt and thought-provoking discussion about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s recent assassination, exploring the dangers of divisive language, the legacy of free speech icons, and the importance of patience and fairness during high-profile criminal investigations.

From there, Brett and Norm shift gears to analyze escalating tensions between Russia and NATO—including the dangerous provocations at Eastern European borders and the real risk these actions pose to global stability. The hosts reflect on the cost, consequences, and possible internal solutions to Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine, pondering whether true change must come from within Russia itself.

Back at home, they turn their sights to Columbus and Ohio’s own hot-button issues: the controversial new “entertainment tax” in the Short North, the seemingly never-ending proposals for passenger rail expansion, and staggering school truancy rates. The hosts also spotlight stories with a very human touch, including the tragic local case of gun safety, the shutdown of the Hot Chicken Takeover restaurant chain that hired the recently incarcerated, and a moving tribute to forgiveness from Charlie Kirk’s widow.

Add in a spirited debate about free speech, government overreach, and the role of comedy in political discourse, and you’ve got an episode packed with clear-eyed analysis, passionate opinions, and plenty of common sense.

00:00 Power of Free Speech and Legacies

06:12 Legacy and Impact of Martyrdom

11:26 "Right to Vigorous Legal Defense"

17:54 Putin's Aggressive Actions Post-Summit

23:55 Yeltsin's Defiance in Red Square

27:04 Partisan Comedy Critique

32:52 Free Speech Double Standards

42:45 Columbus Implements Extra Tax Zone

44:21 Downtown Dining Tax Concerns

54:34 Ohio Transit Projects Proposal

55:48 Ohio Railway Project Skepticism

01:05:56 Child Safety and Gun Storage

01:07:26 Franchise Offers Second Chances

01:12:29 Journey of Forgiveness

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.

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Mentioned in this episode:

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