Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and Troy Henriksen kick off the new year with their signature blend of straight talk, history lessons, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

The guys start out admitting—yep, Steve Palmer called that Ohio State would win, and, well, that didn’t happen. From there, they waste no time jumping into a whirlwind of topics: quick trips through world history, sharp takes on modern socialism creeping into local politics, and plenty of jabs at New York’s rent control mess and what it might mean for property rights everywhere.

You’ll hear them dig into the nuts and bolts of tax changes, dissect the fallout from massive fraud in Minnesota and Ohio, and call out lawmakers who are too afraid of offending anyone to do their jobs well. They even touch on big moves abroad—like the U.S. going after the Venezuelan regime—and what it shows about American power today.

And of course, there are all the regular Common Sense Ohio trademarks: playful banter, some shameless Ohio pride, a few pop culture references, and real frustration at politicians of every stripe. By the end, you’ll get their “good, bad, and ugly” of the week—including a shout-out to a Bible podcast that’s keeping Steve Palmer on track.

If you like your current events with a side of humor, skepticism, and unapologetic Midwest sensibility, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!

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Moments

00:00 "Harper Plus Accounting Spotlight"

03:46 "Fall of the Khmer Rouge"

06:33 "Trump's Actions and Policies"

11:16 "Self-Gratification Over Free Handouts"

13:46 "Fearing Centralized Government Power"

17:36 Owner Rejects ICE Presence

21:16 "Discrimination's Slippery Slope"

24:42 "Unity and Equality in Military"

27:40 Minnesota Governor's Fraud Scandal

30:54 Daycare Fraud Tied to Grocery

33:47 Ohio Republicans and Tax Concerns

37:27 "Venezuela: Discussing Maduro Indictment"

39:51 "Debating a Dictator's Removal"

43:40 "Targeting Drug Boats Debate"

45:25 "American Role in Escobar's Fall"

48:49 "Monroe Doctrine's Hemispheric Divide"

52:31 "MAGA Concerns Over H1B Stance"

55:08 Convictions, Indictments, and Cooperation

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

Welcome to a special year-end episode of "Common Sense Ohio"! In this lively conversation, hosts Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock are joined by Matt Palmer, who brings a fresh, firsthand perspective as a recent Army recruit home on leave. Together, the trio reflects on the transition from high school to military service, the value of having a plan, and how discipline and responsibility can shape a young individual’s life.

The episode covers a wide range of topics—from the origins of our calendar’s New Year and travel tales in Tuscany, to sharp insights on America's immigration challenges and government program fraud. Matt Palmer shares his military training journey, touching on the sense of camaraderie, skill-building, and the opportunities the Army provides, including plans for continued education.

The discussion isn’t afraid to hit tough topics, including cultural assimilation, systemic fraud in taxpayer-subsidized programs, and the role of personal accountability in both public policy and private life. The hosts wrap up with reflections on aiming high, making bold predictions for the year ahead, and a spirited Ohio State football preview.

Tune in for an episode that blends generational wisdom, personal growth, policy analysis, and a touch of Buckeye pride—all with a spirit of honest debate and common sense.

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.

Small Business, Big Lessons We kick things off with Troy Henriksen sharing his journey as a law student who’s also running a thriving pressure-washing business in Central Ohio. From starting with a YouTube video to building “Drip Drop and Wash” into a legitimate LLC, Troy embodies the entrepreneurial hustle.

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.

The Essential SMB Survival Guide - Glenn Harper breaks down what small business owners must do as the year wraps up:

• Get Your Books in Order: Track every dollar in and out, and don’t fall prey to sole proprietor shortcuts that could haunt you at tax time.
• Plan Proactively: Don’t wait until April! Work with your accountant all year to avoid nasty surprises and leverage smart purchases and deductions before December 31st.
• Employee vs. Subcontractor: Misclassification is rampant and risky. Learn why treating workers properly—W2 vs. 1099—can save you from major fines and even criminal investigations.
• Lessons on Liability & Structure: It’s easier and safer than ever to create an LLC in Ohio. Shield your personal information and assets while setting yourself up for long-term growth.
• The School of Hard Knocks (and How to Dodge It): Why investing in professionals for accounting, legal, and business setup pays off tenfold, even if the upfront cost feels daunting.

New Tax Changes on the Horizon - Steve Palmer and Glenn Harper talk through the latest in federal tax legislation, from permanent standard deduction increases to bonus depreciation. How will overtime and tips play out in the new bill? Our team is still sorting through the wild, wild west of reporting and compliance!

Capitalism vs. Government—Who Wins for Customers? The episode ends on a candid note about the power of competition and hard work—why private business always outperforms government bureaucracy, what customer service really means, and why your reputation (especially in the age of social media) matters more than ever.

Quick Tips from This Episode:

• Work with your accountant all year, not just at tax time.
• Invest in your business in December if you need equipment or deductions.
• Treat your employees right—don’t risk the fines.
• Build a business model you enjoy and are good at.
• Accept that setbacks happen; what matters is how you respond.

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...

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, “Seditious or Just Suspicious,” Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock are joined by special guest Troy Henriksen—a law student, Army veteran, and entrepreneur—for a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation about history, military ethics, and current events.

The episode also explores the tricky line between political theater and genuine sedition, as recent messages from U.S. Senators urging military members to resist "illegal orders" spark debate. We go on to examine the shifting role of officers versus enlisted soldiers, and the real-world consequences of chain-of-command decisions.

From there, the conversation broadens to encompass global strategy, with thoughts on U.S. maneuvers in Venezuela, the shadow of Chinese influence, and the Monroe Doctrine in modern times. The crew also unpacks local stories—like the City of Columbus’s water policies and property taxes—tying together themes of government overreach and personal responsibility.

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Moments

00:00 "Stress-Free Tax Planning"

05:33 "Senators Urge Resistance to Orders"

14:27 Questioning Orders Without Naming Trump

17:57 Political Theater and Mixed Messaging

22:10 "Life as a Medic with Brass"

27:38 Military Trauma and Law School

34:26 "Trump's Message to China"

41:37 Gun Use: Show of Force

47:13 Justice, Authority, and Accountability

48:47 Racial Perceptions and Justice System

56:30 Rainfall Tax Debate in Columbus

58:26 "Ohio State's Michigan Woes"

01:04:02 Thanksgiving Reflection and Gratitude

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.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Hey everyone, welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, we are tackling some seriously juicy stuff—everything from historic speeches to modern-day conspiracies and wild internet rumors.

We kick things off reminiscing about the Gettysburg Address and what it really tells us about America—spoiler: it’s more than just “four score and seven years ago.” The guys reflect on how our past shapes not just our history lessons, but the way we see ourselves as a country today—and why so many younger folks are questioning what it even means to be American.

Then, it’s right into the thick of the Epstein case, with a no-nonsense look at why everyone keeps talking about releasing those FBI files. Should everything be out in the open, or do people deserve some privacy—even if they’re just mentioned in a rumor? We dig into the good, the bad, and the seriously messy when it comes to big-name scandals and public pressure for “the truth.”

But we don’t stop there. This episode goes big on the idea of “mass delusion”—why people keep falling for big, sweeping ideas, what drives these viral movements, and how social media and education are throwing gasoline on the fire. From COVID panic to the new wave of love for socialism, nothing’s off the table.

So, if you like your conversation with a good dose of real talk, plenty of laughs, and a side of “wait…is that a conspiracy?”—you’re in the right place. Grab a coffee and settle in for another round of Common Sense Ohio, where the discussions are as unpredictable as the Buckeye weather.

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 "Dedication to Unfinished Work"

06:27 "Understanding America's Complex History"

07:38 "Understanding Human Struggle and Growth"

12:37 Epstein FBI Files Debate

13:56 "Epstein Speculation vs. Proof"

17:57 Larry Summers, Epstein Connection

22:36 Transparency Solves Political Dilemmas

23:26 "Speculation on Epstein Investigation Files"

27:52 "Not a Legal Precedent"

31:44 "Propaganda's Global Digital Reach"

35:39 "Reassessing COVID Response Attitudes"

37:16 "Critique of Socialism and Leadership"

40:04 "Trump Administration Economic Gimmicks"

44:27 "Linda McMahon Closing Education Department"

46:16 "Federal vs. Local Education Debate"

49:35 "Whole Language vs. Phonics"

52:48 "James Garfield: Speech to Presidency"

56:00 "Reluctant but Principled President"

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

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

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

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and Brett Johnson return to the roundtable after a short break, diving straight into the latest headlines and debates shaking up Ohio and the nation.

They kick things off with reflections on Veterans Day, emphasizing the importance of community and personal responsibility. The team then unpacks the aftermath of the recent federal government shutdown—its impact on everything from air travel to military readiness—and scrutinizes how political maneuvering shaped the resolution.

From there, the conversation moves to big topics like SNAP benefits, healthcare subsidies, and the tension between government intervention and grassroots, local solutions. The hosts debate the merits (and pitfalls) of privatizing public services, weighing in on how government involvement—in everything from food assistance to health care—affects personal accountability and collective spirit.

On the political front, the rise of ideological factions within parties, controversial leadership in New York City, and Trump’s latest policy proposals all get the Common Sense Ohio treatment. Steve Palmer, Norm Murdock, and Brett Johnson share their candid takes on inflation, tariffs, and the ongoing power struggle between Congress and the executive branch.

The episode wraps up with their “Good and Bad” segment: a nod to acts of everyday kindness, technological innovation (hello, micro nuclear plants!), and some gripes about EV infrastructure woes.

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 Federal Shutdown Nearing Its End

03:39 Military Training Budget Impact

08:04 "NYC Elects Controversial Leader"

12:26 Human Spirit and Accountability

13:07 "Teach to Fish Philosophy"

16:26 COVID Subsidies for Wealthy Households

22:25 "Debt, Bailouts, and Burdens"

24:04 "Confidence Declines with Big Government"

28:46 H1B Visas & Foreign Students Debate

32:20 Trump Inauguration Reflection

34:33 Reward Hard Work in Service

36:20 "Helping with Heavy Tile Disposal"

41:30 Presidential Tariff Powers Case

43:37 Tariff Challenge and White House Strategy

47:07 Congressional Corruption Linked to China

52:11 Indiana Governor's Visit

54:16 EV Rental Charging Struggles

56:11 Beyond the Holiday Season

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.

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

We get into the drama of a government shutdown now stretching past 35 days, the finger-pointing between Democrats and Republicans, and the shifting landscape of American protest culture.

The guys kick things off with a bit of history—recalling the infamy of bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd and the legacy of Depression-era antiheroes—which sets the stage for a bigger discussion about the lure of socialism, misguided economic policies, and why some political promises, like free bus rides and government-run groceries, sound a little too good to be true.

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.

They also tackle a heated controversy out of the courts: Should gender identity be considered in sentencing? The conversation gets lively as the crew debates judicial overreach, the role of Congress, and whether impeachment is the right remedy when judges make questionable calls. Plus, they take a hard look at gerrymandering, voting rights, and even the right for non-citizens—and out-of-town property owners—to vote in local elections.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Tensions over protest rhetoric, violent political speech, and recent high-profile crimes spark a serious conversation about how words escalate to action in today’s America. And to round things out, there’s everything from local interest stories about Columbus to reflections on the importance of craft and hard work in an uncertain economy.

They bring clarity, debate, and a healthy dose of skepticism to the headlines, making waves across the Buckeye State and beyond.

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.

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

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Mentioned in this episode:

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So whether you dread your next jury summons or just want a fresh, thoughtful take on the week's news, settle in—Common Sense Ohio is ready to break it all down.

Welcome back to Common Sense Ohio! In this episode, hosts Steve Palmer and Brett Johnson dive deep into America’s enduring tradition of jury duty—sparked by the absence of their co-host Norm, who’s been called to serve. Steve shares his experiences as a defense lawyer and reflects on what makes the jury system unique, tracing its origins from the Magna Carta to the Constitution, and explaining why it remains a fundamental check against concentrated power and confirmation bias.

You’ll hear practical stories from the courtroom, a lively discussion on the challenges of critical thinking in modern society, and how media and politics intersect with our legal system—from grand juries to those headline-grabbing indictments.

The hosts also don’t shy away from the latest hot topics: selective and vindictive prosecution, the ongoing federal government shutdown, and political gridlock in DC. They ask tough questions about fairness, transparency, and whether our leaders are held to the same standards as the rest of us.

Plus, the episode features plenty of Ohio flavor, with shoutouts to local traditions like the Circleville Pumpkin Show and updates on Ohio State’s football dominance. As always, Steve and Brett tackle the good, the bad, and the ugly—keeping it conversational and grounded, with plenty of common sense.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Moments

00:00 Juries: Revered and Criticized

05:07 Small County Power Dynamics

09:16 "Jury as Check on Prosecution"

12:16 Wrongful Prosecution and Confirmation Bias

14:55 "Blind Conviction and Evidence"

18:14 Special Needs Funding Concerns

23:20 Prosecution Fairness and Accountability

26:52 "Public Trust and Sentencing Severity"

27:52 "Public Trust Demands Higher Standard"

31:27 Fairness and Truth in Courtrooms

36:19 Republicans Avoid Shutdown Debate

39:33 "Healthcare Debate and Media Standoff"

42:29 "Republicans, Shutdown, and Health"

45:41 "Simple Language Matters"

47:33 "Critiquing Academic Nonsense"

50:18 "Clarity Over Complexity"

56:23 "Pumpkin Show & Road Updates"

58:19 "Ohio State's Uncertain Journey"

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.

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

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

Copyright 2025 Common Sense Ohio

Mentioned in this episode:

Harper CPA Plus