Ryan and Jeremy talk about the upcoming Oklahoma-Alabama game on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 2:30 p.m. The Crimson Tide are a 6.5-point favorite, but the guys like OU's chances — especially if R. Mason Thomas returns. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts — and please leave a 5-star review. That helps other people discover our podcasts.
Oklahoma Memo's Ryan Welton sits down with Audra Plummer , Head of Schools at the Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy (OVCA) , to unpack how this tuition-free, fully accredited K-12 program has grown to serve thousands of students across Oklahoma. Plummer explains how OVCA blends virtual learning with in-person activities, partners with career-tech centers, and supports athletes, military families, and students seeking flexible, individualized education. Key Topics History and mission of OVCA (foun...
Ryan Welton (Oklahoma Memo) and Grant Hermes ( Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes ) break down the court order to fully fund SNAP during the shutdown, what it means for Oklahoma families , and how enforcement could work. They talk about the White House’s air-traffic reduction at 40 major airports, the election-week signals for both parties, and whether congressional Republicans will reassert their Article I standing in a post-Trump landscape. Key topics Why the court ordered full SNAP funding ...
In this episode, Oklahoma Memo founder and curator Ryan Welton talks with Choctaw Nation Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr. about the tribe’s recognition as one of the top employers in Oklahoma on the 2025 Forbes Best-In-State list. With more than 13,000 employees, the Choctaw Nation has nearly doubled its workforce over the past decade while maintaining a culture rooted in mission, service, and employee feedback. Austin explains how the tribe approaches workplace satisfaction, growth, leadership d...
In this episode, Oklahoma Memo founder and curator Ryan Welton talks with engineer and entrepreneur Colby DeWeese about Tobe Energy , a hydrogen-tech startup with a prototype system designed to make green hydrogen cost-competitive with hydrogen made from fossil fuels. The company has raised $1.8 million , built its own manufacturing and testing facility in Oklahoma City, and is partnering with Tulsa-based Zeeco to speed up commercial deployment. Key topics discussed: • Why hydrogen production ha...
In this episode, Ryan Welton talks with Caitlin Beasley , Policy Engagement Manager at Metriarch , and Amanda Gaddy , director of Women in Recovery’s parent-child reunification services at Family and Children’s Services , about the new “Paths to Recovery” report — a statewide look at maternal substance use, incarceration, and treatment-first solutions. The report centers on interviews with Oklahoma women who have navigated substance use disorder and the professionals who serve them. One key find...
From Bedlam heartbreak to baseball brilliance, Ryan (Boomer Sooner!) and Jeremy (Go Pokes!) tackle it all. They break down Oklahoma State’s dismal season and coaching search, Oklahoma’s identity crisis under Brent Venables, the national coaching carousel, the World Series, Thunder basketball, and even the CFL playoffs — complete with a proper poutine and Canadian football trivia. Topics Covered: Oklahoma State’s unraveling season and future coaching direction Oklahoma’s quarterback struggles and...
This week’s Oklahoma Memo connects the dots between Shutdown Day 24 , a Nov. 1 subsidy deadline , and the knock-on effects for families, farmers, and food prices. We talk through takeaways from a conversation with Sen. James Lankford , signals from Rep. Tom Cole , and a letter from at-risk House Republicans pressing Speaker Mike Johnson for action. We also dive into the East Wing demolition : how the First Lady’s offices became central to American memory, why a new ballroom raises questions abou...
In this special edition of Oklahoma Memo , host Ryan Welton sits down with Sen. James Lankford on Day 23 of the federal shutdown. The senator explains why talks broke down, what’s at stake for Oklahoma families, and how his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act could keep Washington working. Topics include: Why shutdowns are “easy to start, hard to stop.” The fight over ACA subsidies and health-care spending. The impact on farmers, WIC recipients, and 687k Oklahomans on SNAP. Paying federal workers s...
Hosts: Ryan Welton (Sooners) and Jeremy Cook (Cowboys) Length: 40 minutes Summary: This week on Bedlam Buds , Ryan and Jeremy unpack a full sports weekend for Oklahoma fans: the Sooners’ dominant defense and revived ground game in a 26–7 win, the Cowboys’ “what-if” loss that turned on two devastating fourth-quarter plays, and a look ahead to OU’s game against Ole Miss and OSU’s test in Lubbock. Plus: why the Thunder’s chemistry feels championship-caliber, how Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers are br...
In this episode, Oklahoma Memo host Ryan Welton sits down with Andy Bigbie , founder of Bigbie Insurance and Benefits — Oklahoma Memo’s first advertiser and a lifelong entrepreneur. Andy discusses: His journey from benefits consultant to serial entrepreneur Why he relaunched his insurance agency How he helps Oklahoma employers and employees navigate coverage Real-world tips for open enrollment and HSAs The outlook for Oklahoma’s economy and startups 📍 Episode length: ~30 minutes 🎧 Listen: Okla...
This week, Oklahoma Memo ’s Ryan Welton welcomes back Grant Hermes , host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes , for a deep dive into how Washington decisions hit home in Oklahoma. They discuss: The real-world fallout of the federal shutdown on rural healthcare, including hospital closures in towns like Stilwell. Why ACA and Medicaid subsidy expirations could leave Oklahomans hours from emergency care. A new Supreme Court case threatening the Voting Rights Act and what it could mean for minor...
Oklahoma Memo founder and host Ryan Welton sits down with Tulsa Flyer Executive Editor Gary Lee to talk about the launch of Tulsa’s newest nonprofit newsroom — and why it matters. Lee shares how community listening sessions sparked the project, how it will complement the Oklahoma Eagle , and what partnerships and sustainability plans will help it thrive. Topics Covered: Why Tulsa Flyer was created The newsroom’s Tulsa-first mission Partnership with Oklahoma Eagle Collaborations with local outlet...
Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook talk about the weekend that was in college football — an Oklahoma disappointment in Dallas against Texas, and an OSU loss at home to Houston. What’s inside Breaking: Penn State fires James Franklin mid-season; the buyout shock and why donors/brand dynamics likely mattered. OU–Texas recap (23–6): Why the Sooners’ offense lacks an identity, what the defense did right, and why “saving the playbook” isn’t a thing. QB & staff talk: How OC philosophy, run-game developme...
Podcaster and former News 9 political reporter Grant Hermes of the " Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes " podcast joins Ryan Welton and Oklahoma Memo to unpack a tense week in American politics. The two discuss the Insurrection Act of 1807, the possibility of National Guard troops facing one another on U.S. soil, and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt’s pointed remarks about federal power. They also touch on the ongoing government shutdown, how it’s testing both parties, and why public participation st...
Hosts: Ryan (“Boomer Sooner”) & Jeremy (“Go Pokes”) Length: ~1 hour Theme: Red River Rivalry week, OU’s defensive dominance, OSU’s struggles, and a look across pro sports. 🏈 Main Topics 1. OU vs. Texas Preview OU’s 44–0 win over Kent State didn’t convince Ryan that the offense is ready. Michael Hawkins Jr. showed flashes, but decision-making and pocket presence raised concerns. The Sooner defense, however, looks elite — Ryan calls it a Top 5 unit in the nation . Debate: Was OU “holding back...
🎧 Oklahoma Memo Podcast — Weekly Show Notes (October 3, 2025) Episode Summary: This week’s episode of The Oklahoma Memo Podcast blends civic pride, sharp political analysis, and sports talk — the way only Oklahoma can. From the new Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza downtown to a major shake-up in state education, the latest on the federal shutdown , and a full sports rundown with Bedlam Buds , it’s a packed week across Oklahoma and beyond. 🏛️ Segment 1: The Clara Luper National Sit-In Plaza Gu...
Podcast: Oklahoma Memo (Weekly) Episode: 001 — “Resignation Shock, Gundy Out, and Will D.C. Shut Down?” Host: Ryan Welton Guests: Sandra Valentine (OK education parent-advocate), Scott Mitchell (News 9/News On 6 analyst), Grant Hermes (host, Make It Make Sense ) Publish cadence: Fridays, 6:00 p.m. CT Length: ~30–40 minutes Episode summary (TL;DR) State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced his resignation on FOX News late Wednesday — but as of Friday 1 p.m., no formal letter was filed, complicat...
In today’s episode of Oklahoma Memo, host Ryan Welton dives into major developments affecting state and federal agencies—plus a fond tribute to rock legend Ozzy Osbourne. What You’ll Hear OSDE Resignation Revelations — Former Chief Compliance Officer Kourtney Heard’s letter reveals alleged manipulation of school accreditation and efforts that halted student outcomes. Full story by Nuria Martinez-Keel at Oklahoma Voice. EPA Cuts in Ada — The EPA will shut down its Office of Research and Developme...
📄 Show Notes for July 22, 2025 | Oklahoma Memo Podcast Host: Ryan Welton On today’s episode of Oklahoma Memo : 🕵️ Investigative Spotlight : Oklahoma Watch follows up on anonymous tips about the Guymon Police Department and an alleged trucker ticketing scheme involving the Texas County DA. 🗣️ Cultural Loss : The Caddo Nation mourns its last fluent language speaker while preserving efforts continue, as reported by KOSU. 🏥 Tulsa Milestone : Ascension St. John is now the first Level 1 trauma cen...
On this special half-birthday episode of Oklahoma Memo , host Ryan Welton reflects on six months of connecting Oklahomans to quality journalism—and previews the platform’s next evolution. Then it’s into today’s top stories: Why is the Oklahoma State Department of Education keeping senior staff resignations under wraps? Plus, how a proposed Trump-era federal grant freeze could cost Native communities in Oklahoma up to $3 billion. Also in this episode: Jena Nelson’s congressional campaign kickoff ...
🎧 Show notes: Here's what's happening in Oklahoma news for July 18, 2025. In this episode of Oklahoma Memo, host Ryan Welton highlights pressing issues in Oklahoma, including the youth housing crisis and recent political decisions impacting public media funding. Stories from nonprofit newsrooms The Frontier and Oklahoma Watch reveal the growing number of homeless youth and the correlations between housing instability and school absenteeism. Additionally, Ryan discusses the broader implications ...
New Thunder Arena Unveiled + Glossip Deal Dispute | July 17, 2025 Summary: Mayor David Holt debuts bold new renderings for OKC’s $1 billion Thunder arena. Plus, Richard Glossip claims AG Drummond agreed to let him go free — but the state says no deal. We break it all down, plus your top 10 stories across Oklahoma. Sources: Oklahoma Voice: Arena story by Ylleana Berryhill Oklahoma Voice: Glossip story by Barbara Hoberock CTA: Subscribe to the newsletter at oklahomamemo.com. Follow Oklahoma Memo o...
🎙 Show Notes — Oklahoma Memo Podcast (July 16, 2025) 🚨 Today on the pod: Oklahoma sends aid to flood-ravaged New Mexico and more teams to Texas. Paycom’s big arena bombshell: What will OKC’s new arena be called — and what happens to the old one? Plus, the best journalism from across Oklahoma in your daily rundown. 🏟 Arena talk: Oklahoma City is buzzing over arena news. Paycom announced it’ll drop naming rights in 2028, just as the new arena opens. That leaves a big question: Who’ll snag the n...
🎧 Trump’s Medicaid cuts, EPA vs chemtrails, & MLB draft 1st round dominated by Oklahoma players In this episode of Oklahoma Memo, host Ryan Welton breaks down what President Trump’s new healthcare bill could mean for nearly a quarter of Oklahomans on Medicaid, plus how the EPA is once again shutting down chemtrails conspiracies. We also celebrate a huge weekend for Oklahoma baseball with three players going in the first round of the MLB Draft. Also in this episode: A quick ad on how Oklahom...
Today on Oklahoma Memo: The Heartland Flyer gets a last-minute funding boost to keep running between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth — with long-term hopes of expanding into Kansas. State Superintendent Ryan Walters announces a PragerU-backed ideology test for teachers from “woke” states like California and New York, stirring debate as Oklahoma continues facing a teacher shortage. Plus, The Oklahoma Rundown — flash flood risks, a raccoon that took out the power, Paul McCartney heading to Tulsa, and...
🎧 Episode Notes: Oklahoma Memo — July 10, 2025 Today on Oklahoma Memo: A fringe anti-government militia claims it took down News 9’s weather radar — and warns more Oklahoma radars could be targeted. State Superintendent Ryan Walters says schools must serve free meals starting next year — but a top lawmaker calls it an “empty threat.” Plus, a fast spin around the state: mountain lions, stolen heifers, a Turner Turnpike travel stop closing for good, and more. 📰 Full story list + sources in today...
This is the first episode of Oklahoma Memo, a podcast dedicated to Oklahoma news. If you're unfamiliar with the Oklahoma Memo, it's a newsletter published daily at 7 a.m. You can subscribe to it at OklahomaMemo.com. 📝 Top stories: ✅ Trump plan to close key weather labs draws ire of Rep. Tom Cole The Trump administration is proposing the shutdown of the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, which is responsible for major radar forecasting breakthroughs. Oklahoma Watch’s Em Luetkemeyer rep...
