We get into a wide array of topics, starting with a nod to Valentine's Day and the historical significance of this day.

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As our conversation unfolds, we tackle subjects ranging from the implications of Jim Tressel's potential political role in Ohio, insights into the Ukraine-Russia conflict, to the examination of government auditing and finance.

We provide our takes on current events, exploring the intricacies of politics, national security, and the role of transparency in governance. Expect engaging dialogue on topics such as the administrative state, the constitutional power of the presidency, and the accountability measures in place (or lack thereof) for government spending.

Whether it's the explosive revelations about JobsOhio or the federal audit of government agencies, nothing is off the table. This is a thought-provoking journey in this week's episode as we break down what matters, with a common-sense approach, right from the heart of Ohio.

00:00 "Business Consultation and Accounting Help"

06:04 Jim Tressel Becomes Ohio Lt. Governor

15:06 Ukraine Aid Audit Concerns

18:03 Unexpected High Death Rates Analysis

25:40 Social Media Tensions Rise Again

31:04 "Swift Action Precedent Set by Trump"

35:48 Treasury Check Coding Explained

38:14 Media's Shift Against Government Transparency

45:07 JobsOhio's Controversial Setup

48:28 Audit Conditions for Board Extension

57:37 Understanding Presidential Power Limits

59:54 Roberts Limits Supreme Court Power

01:03:48 Alex Soros Claims Global Influence

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.

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February's already breathing down our necks, and if you're here in Columbus, Ohio, like us, you'd know that means the Arnold Festival isn't far off. Steve kicked off today's episode immersing us in a bit of nostalgia with This Day in History, reflecting on when the Beatles first burst onto the American music scene in 1964. It was fascinating to think about the cultural shifts that Beatlemania ushered in, shaping not just music but society at large.

Norm was joining us remotely from sunny Orlando, dropping interesting insights as usual. Our discussion shifted gears rapidly from historical moments to current affairs. There's an overwhelming amount of stuff streaming out of DC these days. Trump seems to be on a mission with all his executive orders, close to 500 now! It's like a whirlwind, and it's tough to catch up.

Norm highlighted Trump's recent appointment of Pam Bondi as Attorney General. Her focus on forming a "weaponization of government" task force at the DOJ is nothing short of bold. She’s looking into whether the DOJ ever had its fingers in politically driven pursuits. It's intriguing, and honestly, no matter which party you're from, rooting out corruption should be a shared goal.

We also touched on a somewhat concerning revelation: the financial dealings of USAID. The money trail leading to organizations like Politico and AP, often perceived to be working against Trump, sparks a debate. Why is taxpayer money fund subscriptions for government employees?

Our conversation steered towards state politics as well, with Vivek Ramaswamy throwing his hat into the Ohio governor's race, competing against Dave Yost. It's going to be fascinating to see how this unfolds. Both bring strong credentials and diverse perspectives to the table.

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And Brett reminded everyone: brace yourselves, Valentine's Day is just a week away. Until next time, keep your common sense hat on, and we'll catch you later!

Common Sense Moments

00:00 Overwhelmed by DC's Rapid Changes

07:30 Corruption Exposure Controversy

10:49 USAID Funded Political Foes

20:36 Government Spending and Resource Waste

23:26 Government Spending and Hidden Agendas

30:45 Small Business Regulatory Challenges

35:41 Logical Definitions in Law

39:40 "Significant Scandals in U.S. History"

46:39 Ohio GOP Tensions Over Vivek

51:10 Military Promotion Lawsuit Concerns

54:27 DEI Impact on Hiring Practices

59:50 Supreme Court to Clarify Presidential Power

01:06:04 Reconnect with Friends

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....

Jerry Revish is a dedicated journalist known for his conscientious approach to reporting. Around the editorial table, he consistently advocated for the importance of fair and responsible journalism. He often questioned the relevance of mentioning a person's ethnicity, such as when others felt compelled to identify someone as Hispanic without a clear reason. He believed this practice was influenced by traditional police methods of identification, where race and clothing were used to describe individuals in active crime scenes. Jerry Revish made it a priority to educate his colleagues on thoughtful reporting that avoided unnecessary racial descriptors, thus promoting a more respectful and unbiased media landscape.

Episode Highlights

From Newsroom to Sanctuary: Jerry shares his transition from a 40-year career in journalism to leading the Unity Temple Ministries. His journey proves that passion and purpose can lead to incredible new chapters in life.

The Ethics of Reporting: Jerry discusses the importance of responsible journalism, emphasizing the impact of not racializing news stories and maintaining impartiality, which is crucial for the integrity of the media industry.

Empowering Future Generations: Learn about the initiatives Jerry and his wife, Danielle, lead at their church to empower young women and instill values of self-worth, respect, and community.

Key Takeaways

Merging Media and Ministry: Jerry Revish's seamless transition from broadcast journalism to pastoral work underscores the transferable skills of communication, empathy, and leadership.

Responsible Journalism Matters: Jerry’s commitment to presenting unbiased news and educating reporters on ethical standards highlights the ongoing need for integrity in media.

Youth Empowerment Initiatives: Programs like "Girl Power" in Unity Temple Ministries demonstrate effective ways to support and inspire the next generation, amidst the challenges they face today.

Common Sense Moments

00:00 Praise for Neutral Journalism Approach

09:52 Stepping Down from Chaplaincy

13:57 Breaking News Reporting Challenges

19:55 "Self-Driven Storytelling and Human History"

22:27 Interview with President Obama

29:22 Reflecting on Societal Division Today

32:41 Staying Overnight to Cover Inauguration

40:58 "Rediscovered Faith"

43:21 Accessible Bible Translations Explained

52:22 Empowering Girls in Religious Activities

55:57 Fear and Societal Pressures on Women

59:41 The Dangers of Pride and Expectations

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...