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!

Harper CPA Plus

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...