Michigan football made its most consequential decision in years, hiring longtime Utah coach Kyle Whittingham in a move that signals a sharp break from the chaos of the Jim Harbaugh–Sherrone Moore era. Ryan and Jeremy unpack: Why Whittingham is the opposite of Michigan’s recent leadership How his reputation for discipline and stability fits a program under scrutiny The pressure this puts on Michigan’s athletic department Why this move could slow — or stop — Michigan’s transfer portal bleeding Wha...
Dec 26, 2025•12 min•Ep. 58
The day after Christmas is usually slow — but that doesn’t mean it’s empty. In this episode, I talk candidly about my flu shot reaction (for the third year in a row), why I still believe the vaccine matters, and what this flu season is revealing about risk and prevention. Then we focus on the standout Oklahoma story of the day from Oklahoma Watch : a Broken Arrow high school class teaching students that homelessness is not a personal failure — and that most people are only one event away from cr...
Dec 26, 2025•12 min•Ep. 57
It’s Christmas Eve in Oklahoma — with temperatures pushing the upper 70s and a news cycle that refuses to slow down. In today’s episode of Oklahoma Memo , Ryan Welton walks through the most important stories from across the state, including: An in-depth investigation into immigrants being held without bail in Oklahoma ICE facilities How local jails are increasingly tied into federal deportation efforts A practical list of Tulsa restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day A Festivus-theme...
Dec 24, 2025•16 min•Ep. 56
Oklahoma feels like spring — but the politics are getting hot as we head toward 2026. In today’s Oklahoma Memo podcast, Ryan walks through the stories shaping conversations across the state: Fire danger concerns as temperatures approach record highs Why the Oklahoma Freedom Caucus fears open primaries — and what that means for moderates A proposal inspired by Mississippi’s dramatic literacy turnaround A deep-dive conversation with investigative reporter J.C. Hallman on allegations against State ...
Dec 23, 2025•14 min•Ep. 53
Festivus is here — and Ryan and Jeremy are airing their grievances. In this special holiday edition of Bedlam Buds , the guys channel Frank Costanza and unload on everything that drives them crazy this time of year (and all year long). From sports spoilers and bad drivers to daylight saving time, grammar policing, loud eaters, and people who refuse to let others enjoy things — nothing is safe. This episode is funny, honest, slightly unhinged, and extremely relatable. In this episode: Why spoilin...
Dec 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 54
Festivus is here — and Ryan and Jeremy are airing their grievances. In this special holiday edition of Bedlam Buds , the guys channel Frank Costanza and unload on everything that drives them crazy this time of year (and all year long). From sports spoilers and bad drivers to daylight saving time, grammar policing, loud eaters, and people who refuse to let others enjoy things — nothing is safe. This episode is funny, honest, slightly unhinged, and extremely relatable. In this episode: Why spoilin...
Dec 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 55
An Oklahoma insurance dispute has evolved into a high-stakes legal and political fight. Ryan Welton is joined by J.C. Hallman of Oklahoma Watch to walk through his reporting on State Farm, including allegations that the company systematically reduced or denied hail damage claims. The conversation covers: How the investigation began What the documents suggest — and why access matters Why Oklahoma’s attorney general is now involved The role of civil racketeering claims How similar cases have playe...
Dec 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 52
This episode of Oklahoma Memo looks ahead to what may be the most consequential week before Christmas — both for Oklahoma’s weather and its finances. Inside this episode: • Why near-80° December temperatures raise wildfire concerns statewide • The key takeaways from Oklahoma’s latest revenue forecast • Gov. Kevin Stitt’s push for flat agency budgets despite rising costs • How the end of food assistance led to eviction filings within days • A preview of national political developments worth watch...
Dec 22, 2025•14 min•Ep. 51
Late-breaking developments reshaped this week’s in-person Oklahoma Memo conversation between Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes , host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes . After their Friday discussion wrapped, a partial release of the Epstein files revealed that the full disclosure ordered by law has still not occurred — raising fresh questions about transparency and accountability. The conversation also dives into a major Vanity Fair profile by Chris Whipple , based on 11 months of interviews w...
Dec 21, 2025•47 min•Ep. 50
Oklahoma jumped out to a 17–0 lead. Alabama adjusted. The Sooners never recovered. In this emergency episode of Bedlam Buds, Ryan and Jeremy react to Oklahoma’s 34–24 loss to Alabama and break down what changed after the opening quarter. Topics include: • How Alabama flipped the game after a slow start • Oklahoma’s failure to force turnovers • Offensive struggles after scripted drives ended • Special teams mistakes and missed chances • Quarterback play and the NIL-era offseason questions ahead •...
Dec 20, 2025•25 min•Ep. 49
Football night in Oklahoma! As the Sooners gear up to take on Alabama, Ryan Welton breaks down the biggest state and national headlines heading into the weekend — from the partial release of the Epstein files to a developing State Farm lawsuit led by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond. In this episode: DOJ releases portions of the Epstein files — and why some remain sealed (via Politico ). AG Drummond vs. State Farm — and the implications of Oklahoma’s RICO laws ( Oklahoma Watch , J.C. H...
Dec 19, 2025•13 min•Ep. 48
Ryan Welton brings you Thursday’s Oklahoma Memo — your fast, local rundown of the stories shaping the state. Today’s top headlines: Wildfire risk across Oklahoma as winds hit 50 mph and humidity dips to 6%. Leadership shuffle at the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) — Mark Wood steps in as the new director, following several quick transitions. ICE and Oklahoma jails: KOSU reports that local facilities now account for roughly half of the state’s immigration arrests. Tulsa Mayor ...
Dec 18, 2025•14 min•Ep. 47
Real Bedlam finally showed up on the hardwood. Oklahoma knocked off undefeated Oklahoma State, 85–76, at Paycom Center in a physical, high-energy Bedlam basketball matchup that lived up to the rivalry. Ryan (Boomer Sooner) and Jeremy (Go Pokes, loyal and true) break down how the game unfolded, why timely shooting decided the outcome, and what it says about both teams moving forward. The guys dive into coaching adjustments, key individual performances, rebounding disparities, and how Porter Moser...
Dec 13, 2025•17 min•Ep. 46
In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton sits down with congressional candidate John Croisant for a candid discussion about political division, health care costs, and what effective representation should look like in today’s Congress. Croissant shares his perspective on why politics has become increasingly combative, how lawmakers can model respectful disagreement, and why listening to constituents must come before party loyalty. The conversation also explores the growing influe...
Dec 12, 2025•37 min•Ep. 45
Grant Hermes — journalist and host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes — joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast to explain what he says is a rapidly approaching deadline for Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions. In this episode: Why Hermes says rural communities could be hit hardest The connection between ACA affordability and rural hospital stability What Hermes says the Senate and House are attempting this week Why maternity services are often the first to disappear in struggling rural systems ...
Dec 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 44
Oklahoma is in the College Football Playoff at No. 8 , and Ryan and Jeremy think the bracket gets “wacky” immediately after that. Bedlam Buds break down how Duke’s ACC title result rippled through the field, why Tulane–Ole Miss is a compelling rematch, and why Miami–Texas A&M could be the sneaky first-round game. Then they dig into the main controversy: they argue the committee got the top four right, but the back end wrong — and that BYU was the team that got left out, not Notre Dame. The s...
Dec 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 43
Is Oklahoma ready for the AI economy? In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast , Ryan Welton talks with Hart Brown , president of AI and transformation at Saxum , about where artificial intelligence truly stands — and what Oklahoma needs to do next. Topics include: Why AI is not a single app, but a system-wide business shift How Oklahoma’s energy, geography, and infrastructure create opportunity The role data centers and companies like Google play in local communities Why AI education must f...
Dec 10, 2025•35 min•Ep. 42
Oklahoma State officially introduced Eric Morris as its new head football coach, and Bedlam Buds has thoughts. In this episode, Ryan (Boomer Sooner) and Jeremy (Go Pokes) react to Morris’ debut in Stillwater — from his nervous but honest tone on the podium to his admission that he’s winless in Boone Pickens Stadium and intends to change that. We look at what his arrival means for OSU’s identity, the transfer portal and the quarterback room. With roughly 20 Cowboys out of eligibility and only a s...
Dec 08, 2025•14 min•Ep. 41
Oklahoma’s education system didn’t decline overnight — and fixing it won’t be simple. In this episode of Oklahoma Memo , Ryan Welton talks with John Croisant — former teacher, Tulsa Public Schools board member, and congressional candidate for Oklahoma’s 1st District — about how underinvestment, staffing shortages and politically driven policy decisions pushed Oklahoma from 17th to 50th in national education rankings. Topics include: Why teacher shortages and large class sizes matter How educatio...
Dec 05, 2025•36 min•Ep. 40
This week, Ryan Welton is joined again by journalist Grant Hermes , host of Make It Make Sense , for a wide-ranging conversation about two stories that could reshape higher education and U.S. military policy. First, they break down the Samantha Fulnecky grading controversy at the University of Oklahoma: who she is, what the assignment was actually about, why her essay failed basic academic standards, and how the dispute jumped from the classroom to the governor, state superintendent, OU presiden...
Dec 05, 2025•49 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of Bedlam Buds , we put Oklahoma State’s rough season under the microscope and ask the question every Cowboys fan has been quietly asking: what if starting quarterback Hauss Hejny hadn’t broken his foot in the very first game? Jeremy and I walk through the defense’s late-season improvement, the offensive struggles that never let that defense breathe, and how a healthy, mobile Haney might have flipped multiple close games — and maybe even saved Mike Gundy’s job. Then we pivot to t...
Dec 01, 2025•25 min•Ep. 38
Ryan and Jeremy trade Bedlam talk for turkey talk in this Thanksgiving edition of Bedlam Buds , ranking their top five Thanksgiving foods and debating some truly polarizing holiday staples. Ryan keeps it classic with stuffing, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie (with heavy Cool Whip), and leftover turkey sandwiches. Jeremy goes off-script with cheesy potatoes, ham, mashed potatoes with butter, and family-tradition pickle wraps. They also tackle: Dark meat vs. white meat The proper use of gravy Wh...
Nov 27, 2025•19 min•Ep. 37
Oklahoma State has its next football leader — and Bedlam Buds is on it. In this rapid-reaction episode, Ryan and Jeremy unpack the hiring of Eric Morris as OSU’s new football coach. In this episode: Why Morris’ offensive track record made him the top choice Quarterback development and the portal-era rebuild How Texas ties could reshape recruiting What his rise at Incarnate Word and North Texas signals The “grand slam” scenario involving Jim Knowles Why this move reignites energy for fans, donors...
Nov 25, 2025•12 min•Ep. 36
Guest: Kimberly Robbins, president of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors (OKCMAR) Topic: Rising home insurance costs in Oklahoma and how Realtors help buyers and sellers navigate the landscape. Summary: Oklahoma’s home insurance rates are now roughly three times the national average. In this episode, Kimberly Robbins explains what’s driving the increases, how Realtors guide buyers through risk and coverage decisions, and why Oklahoma remains a strong housing market despite th...
Nov 23, 2025•15 min•Ep. 35
National journalist and podcaster Grant Hermes from the "Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes" podcast joins Oklahoma Memo founder and curator Ryan Welton to break down a week packed with political shockwaves: a near-unanimous vote to force the release of the Epstein files, an unexpected military-focused PSA from Democratic lawmakers, and new economic numbers that underscore why affordability is the issue both parties will run on in 2026. In this episode: • Why Congress moved so quickly on the E...
Nov 21, 2025•39 min•Ep. 34
In today’s episode, Oklahoma Memo founder and curator Ryan Welton welcomes Timothy Lee , Senior Vice President at the Center for Individual Freedom (CFIF) , to discuss a new poll spanning four conservative states — Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Kansas. The results cut sharply against the national narrative: Large majorities in every state oppose eliminating vaccine mandates, especially for children. Tim explains how the poll was conducted, why voters separate COVID vaccines from long-standi...
Nov 19, 2025•23 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of Bedlam Buds , Ryan and Jeremy take you inside the Sooners’ massive road win at Alabama — powered by blocked kicks, pick-sixes, and old-school grit. But is OU’s offense good enough to keep it going against Missouri and LSU? Then: Oklahoma State’s 14-6 loss to Kansas State was the latest chapter in a season of frustration — five turnovers and a handful of missed opportunities. Still, there’s leadership emerging behind the scenes and one last chance to salvage pride at UCF and ag...
Nov 18, 2025•38 min•Ep. 32
The government is back open — but the way Washington got there says a lot about where we’re headed next. In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton is joined by “Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes” host Grant Hermes for a walk-through of the new funding deal, the hidden perks members of Congress gave themselves, and the fast-moving fight over the Jeffrey Epstein files. They explain how the three-part package keeps agencies running, which programs are safe for a full year and whi...
Nov 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 31
Oklahoma Memo’s latest College Football Pick ’Em with Bedlam Buds goes heavy on playoff implications, rivalry energy and a little chaos. Jeremy leans hard into style-point season — expecting bluebloods to run it up — while Ryan is a little more skeptical on some of the big numbers and spots a couple of upset and cover specials. We start with Oklahoma–Alabama and Oklahoma State–Kansas State before rolling through Friday night matchups, top-25 Saturday games and even the 112th Grey Cup. Here’s exa...
Nov 14, 2025•35 min•Ep. 30
Ryan and Jeremy talk about Oklahoma State's upcoming football game against Kansas State — but first, the wrestling team had a big win over a Top 15 Stanford squad and there's a big national dual this weekend. Plus, the Pokes beat Texas A&M (drummed them) in basketball. Is OSU good this year? And then finally, Oklahoma State has a shot at a win this weekend over Kansas State. If you love OSU, like and subscribe to this channel for more "Bedlam Buds."
Nov 11, 2025•24 min•Ep. 29
