We’re back with a fresh episode packed with real Ohio news, sharp perspectives, and—of course—the common sense you count on. Here’s your quick rundown of what Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock brought to the table this week:

• Steve Palmer opened with lessons in good accounting: don’t settle for a “transactional” tax preparer—get a pro who helps you plan and save.
• Norm Murdock echoed, stressing how DIY tax moves or advice from social media can be risky.
• Harper CPA Plus

History Corner

• The sinking of the Bismarck in 1941 and thoughts on World War II’s impact, including Norm Murdock's stories about the fierce chase and battle.
• A look back at Benedict Arnold: capable general and legendary traitor—plus a reflection on the human flaws that can lead to historic downfalls.

• The defeat of John Cornyn in the Texas Senate runoff sends shockwaves through the GOP establishment.
• South Carolina Republicans rejected Trump’s push for more aggressive redistricting, with Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock discussing the importance of fair representation and how unchecked power can breed corruption—even here in Ohio.

• Dave Yost, Attorney General, is resigning and moving to the Alliance Defending Freedom. Both hosts praised Yost’s integrity and independence—even when it meant clashing with his own party over transparency in JobsOhio.
• Vivek Ramaswamy’s struggles with rural Ohio voters, especially over AI data center expansion, show the tension between high-tech growth and local quality-of-life concerns.

• Steve Palmer and Norm Murdock dig deep into how America’s high trust system is vulnerable to fraud—and how our growing “dependency culture” could be eroding American work ethic and pride.
• Covid relief, welfare, and disability programs: What are the unintended consequences when help turns into dependency?

• Celebration for Meyer Shank Racing’s second Indy 500 win—proving once again Ohio’s role as an automotive and racing powerhouse.
• Why do Ohioans love cars and football so much? It’s in our blood, say the hosts.

• Norm Murdock critiques President Trump’s handling of Iran, stressing the limits of deal-based diplomacy and the urgency of decisive action.

• Winner: Remembering NASCAR great Kyle Busch for his racing—not his personality.
• Loser: The DNC and MN Gov. Tim Walz, for politicizing Memorial Day and overshadowing the sacrifice of military service members.

This episode is a reminder:

• Good government is transparent—no matter whose party is in charge.
• Real solutions require more than slogans, whether it’s taxes, redistricting, welfare, or foreign policy.
• And above all, Ohioans don’t shy away from a tough conversation or two.

What’s on your mind, Ohio?

Send us your questions and comments at commonsenseohioshow.com, and we may feature your thoughts on a future episode!

See you next week with more news, humor, and honest debate, from the heart of the Midwest.

— The Common Sense Ohio Team

Chock full of common sense since… well, since always.

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.

info@commonsenseohioshow.com

Copyright 2026 Common Sense Ohio

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

Norm Murdock and Steve Palmer led off this week, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with a timely reminder about where Americans’ rights derive. As Norm Murdock noted at 02:04:

Steve Palmer emphasized the critical difference between rights that come from government (which can be taken away) and rights that come from the Creator (which government exists only to protect) at 04:16:

On May 20th, Cubans (especially those in the U.S.) honor their independence from Spain, a moment rooted in U.S. history following the Spanish-American War.

But, as Norm Murdock explained at 01:30, Cuba’s current government does not officially recognize this date—reminding us how history’s meaning can shift with political tides.

A major segment focused on the Mangione assassination case and the disturbing trend of justifying violence for political or moral causes.

Steve Palmer broke down the legal technicalities at 25:17, including why crucial evidence was excluded due to police search procedures—a real-world lesson in the powers and limits of the exclusionary rule:

They connected these legal questions to broader concerns about political violence, groupthink, and historical amnesia regarding free speech and individual rights.

Norm Murdock spotlighted the Netflix documentary “The Crash” about Ohio’s own Mackenzie Shurilla case:

A 17-year-old who drove into a building at 100mph, killing two friends, was tried as an adult. Was it murder… or a failed suicide?

Steve Palmer cautioned at 45:47 against quick judgments and reminded listeners of the reason juvenile protections exist in law:

Winners:

• D.C. residents and visitors, with beautification projects, fountain repairs, and even a free IndyCar race coming up!
• Steve Palmer honored his colleague Troy’s graduation from Capital University Law School.

Losers:

• Politicians opposing Trump in primaries—feeling the power of endorsements firsthand.
• The "Mangionettes," protesters justifying political violence.

Harper CPA Plus

Moments

00:00 Discussing the origin of rights

06:18 Advancement of human rights

10:55 Discussing radical protest movements

16:01 Free speech concerns in England

24:31 Exceptions to the Fourth Amendment

27:37 Police arrest and wingspan search

34:40 Judicial perspective on search warrants

37:38 Challenges faced by police officers

42:46 Judge sentences woman for deaths

47:59 Parental influences and mistakes

54:49 Discussion on trial strategy

01:00:24 Discussion on Trump's Influence

01:06:04 Building a White House bunker

01:08:21 Acknowledging those who came before

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

Did you know the first-ever U.S. train robbery happened right here in North Bend, Ohio, on May 5, 1865? Steve digs into the story: 15-20 former Civil War bandits reportedly used an ax and gunpowder to rob passengers and safes, kicking off a Wild West tradition in the Buckeye state. 01:16

• White House Correspondents Dinner Incident: Norm breaks down the recent security event in D.C., involving a gunman and the Secret Service, with reminders of the violent rhetoric and normalization of violence in today’s discourse. 03:49
• The Culture of Violence: Both Steve and Norm reflect on the disturbing trend of justifying violence for political or social causes, warning about chilling free speech and the dangers of becoming numb to basic moral boundaries. 05:40

Harper CPA Plus

• New Direction in Gerrymandering: The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 against forming voting districts based expressly on race, saying it’s unconstitutional. Steve and Norm discuss potential impacts—noting that race-based gerrymandering is out, but clever political maneuvering isn’t going away any time soon. 18:30
• Merit Over Identity: The hosts debate affirmative action, policies, and the importance of judging people on accomplishment, not gender or skin color—sharing anecdotes from the military, law, and real life.

• Big offices are at stake: Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Supreme Court justices, and more. Don’t let other people make your choices for you!

“If you complain on social media about lousy government, you gotta go vote!” 49:13

• Personal Milestones: Graduation season is on! Congratulations to Steve’s son, all new graduates, and Norm for finishing law school and prepping for the Ohio Bar. 01:00:25

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

🎙️ Full transcript & key moments:

https://app.castmagic.io/share/8hd0SIDgCyHpgQih