Podcast
Oklahoma Memo
Hosted by Ryan Welton · EN
Conversations about Oklahoma news, sports, politics, business and more!
42episodes
Episodes
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Oklahoma Primary Elections Yield Some Surprises
1w ago00:47:55Tap to summarizeThe June primary election delivered several surprises across Oklahoma politics. Democratic congressional candidate John Croisant joins Ryan Welton to discuss Jackson Lahmeyer's departure from the CD1 race, what Mark Tedford's nomination means for November, low voter turnout, the failure of State Question 832, and the growing debate over education and workforce development in Oklahoma. They also discuss the governor's race, the state superintendent contest, Oklahoma's economic future, and why sports can still bring Oklahomans together in a divided political environment. Topics Covered Lahmeyer exits Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District race Tedford advances to the general election Primary election turnout analysis Why State Question 832 failed Oklahoma wages and workforce concerns Education policy and superintendent races Gentner Drummond vs. Mike Mazzei Oklahoma's political climate heading into 2026 OU Baseball and the College World Series The USMNT in the World Cup The role of optimism in politics Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for daily Oklahoma news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox.
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Understanding the Iran Deal & the Oklahoma Primary Elections
2w ago01:10:57Tap to summarizeThis week, Ryan Welton welcomes Grant Hermes of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes for a wide-ranging discussion on international politics, Oklahoma's governor's race and the national mood heading into America's 250th birthday. Topics include: The proposed U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding Why some Republicans are criticizing the deal The future of the Strait of Hormuz J.D. Vance's political stakes in the negotiations Comparing Trump's approach to the Obama-era Iran deal Gentner Drummond vs. Mike Mazzei in Oklahoma's Republican runoff The Inola aluminum smelter controversy Low voter turnout in Oklahoma Why Americans seem less optimistic despite major cultural and sporting moments Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo to get caught up with all the headlines FAST, 6 days a week. Go to OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe And subscribe to Grant Hermes' work on Substack here: https://mimsnewspod.substack.com He can also be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@MIMSnewspod
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The Story Behind Oklahoma City's Dolese Mansion Auction
2w ago00:34:04Tap to summarizeOne of Oklahoma City's most iconic homes is looking for a new owner. In this episode, Ryan Welton talks with Barrett Bray of Bray Auctions about the historic Dolese Mansion in Crown Heights, a nearly 16,000-square-foot estate dating back to the 1930s. They discuss the property's unusual history, its hidden ballroom, the family's decades-long vision for the home, and why the owners chose an auction rather than a traditional listing. The conversation also explores how auctions work, how buyers are vetted, and what makes this property unlike anything else currently on the Oklahoma City real estate market. Topics include: The history of the Dolese Mansion How two homes became one landmark estate The mansion's ballroom and hydraulic entrance Why the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places How online real estate auctions work Who might ultimately purchase the property Barrett Bray's journey to becoming an international auction champion For more information about the auction, visit the links provided in the episode description.
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Father's Day at OKANA: BBQ, Bourbon and Family Fun
2w ago00:20:49Tap to summarizeWhat's the perfect Father's Day? According to OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, it might include barbecue, bourbon and some beach time. In this episode, Ryan Welton talks with Ashley Glass and Executive Chef Wyatt Rogers about OKANA's Father's Day BBQ Fest, happening June 21.To make reservations, click here. The conversation covers: The Father's Day barbecue festival and seating options Live grilling and interactive cooking demonstrations Horse Soldier bourbon tastings and specialty cocktails Hat shaping and giveaways from Old Glory Hat Company Family-friendly activities and entertainment Chef Rogers' journey through Michelin-starred restaurants Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for FREE for daily Oklahoma news, interviews and conversations that matter. #ad
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London, Paris, Pubs and Passports: Europe Through Oklahoma Eyes
2w ago00:32:24Tap to summarizeBedlam Buds takes a break from (American) football for a conversation about travel, culture and Europe. Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook share stories from their travels across the continent, including London's museums and pubs, Paris food adventures, Switzerland's stunning scenery and lessons learned from navigating unfamiliar places. Jeremy discusses attending Arsenal's championship celebration in London, while Ryan reflects on his first European trip and what surprised him most. Topics include: First-time travel tips for Americans London's museums, markets and pubs Why Paris grew on Ryan Fish and chips, European food and local culture Celebrity encounters while traveling The importance of experiencing a place like a traveler, not a tourist Switzerland, Austria and some of Europe's most beautiful scenery Places still on the travel bucket list A fun, wide-ranging conversation for sports fans, travelers and anyone dreaming about their next trip abroad.
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Remembering Bob Simmons and Terry Don Phillips: The Men Who Helped Build Modern Oklahoma State Athletics
2w ago00:19:39Tap to summarizeFormer Oklahoma State football coach Bob Simmons and former athletic director Terry Don Phillips helped transform the trajectory of Cowboy athletics. In this episode of Bedlam Buds, Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook discuss Simmons' legacy as the coach who helped pull Oklahoma State football out of a difficult era and laid the groundwork for future success under Les Miles and Mike Gundy. The conversation includes memories of Simmons' biggest victories, his impact on Bedlam, his reputation as a leader and mentor, and the challenges he faced during his tenure. Ryan and Jeremy also reflect on the passing of Terry Don Phillips, whose leadership helped elevate Oklahoma State athletics through key hires, facility improvements and fundraising efforts. Topics include: Bob Simmons' impact on Oklahoma State football Ending OSU's 19-year losing streak to Oklahoma The rise of modern Cowboy football Bedlam memories from the 1990s and early 2000s Terry Don Phillips' influence on OSU athletics The importance of leadership during periods of transition Why both men continue to be remembered by Cowboy fans
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From the Knicks to the World Cup: Sports, Spectacle and the Politics Shaping America
3w ago01:17:02Tap to summarizeThis week, Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes return after a brief break to unpack one of the busiest news weeks of the summer. The conversation begins with President Trump's appearance at the NBA Finals in New York, including the reaction from Knicks fans and the growing intersection of sports and politics. From there, Ryan and Grant discuss the upcoming UFC event at the White House and what it says about the administration's approach to public spectacle. They also examine the politics surrounding the World Cup, immigration concerns affecting international athletes and officials, and why sports have always been intertwined with larger political movements. Other topics include: • Trump's appearance at Madison Square Garden• Celebrity culture and NBA fandom• UFC's White House event and the Freedom 250 celebration• World Cup politics and immigration concerns• Protests over a luxury development project in Albania• The latest developments involving Iran and U.S. military actions• Oklahoma's 2026 governor's race and Republican primary dynamics• Cyndi Munson and the Democratic field• California politics and celebrity candidates• A new social-news platform called SaySo The Oklahoma Memo Podcast features weekly conversations between Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton and journalist Grant Hermes, host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes. You can find Grant's work at mimsnewspod.substack.com or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod And you can sign up for Oklahoma Memo at OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe
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Two families, one complaint: Oklahoma regulators failed us
3w ago01:00:23Tap to summarizeWhat happens when your water turns salty? What happens when an oily substance starts coming into your home? In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton talks with Tammy Boarman of Arcadia and Mitch and Kara Meredith of Fort Gibson about contamination incidents they say changed their lives. Boarman discusses her family's battle over alleged oilfield wastewater contamination in their well water. The Merediths share the story of discovering oil-like material and methane concerns at their home and their efforts to get answers from state regulators. The conversation explores: • Alleged groundwater contamination• Oil and gas wastewater disposal• Independent testing and investigations• The role of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission• Senate Bill 1319• Accountability in state government• The upcoming Corporation Commission election Whether you're concerned about property rights, environmental issues or government oversight, this conversation offers a firsthand look at a controversy that continues to unfold in Oklahoma. Learn more at OklahomaMemo.com.
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The Sooners Are Omaha Bound: Why OU Baseball Is Peaking At The Perfect Time
3w ago00:43:56Tap to summarizeThe Oklahoma Sooners are heading to the Men's College World Series. Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton and Oklahoma Columnist's Clay Horning discuss the Sooners' postseason surge, Skip Johnson's management of the pitching staff, Deiten Lachance's and Dayton Tockey's emergence as postseason stars, and whether this team can replicate the magical 2022 run that ended in the national championship series. They also examine a bigger question: Why hasn't OU baseball built the kind of fan support seen at programs like Arkansas despite pretty consistent recent success? Topics: OU advances to Omaha Cord Rager's dominance on the mound The Daytons (Deitens) Skip Johnson's unconventional pitching strategy Men's College World Series matchups The state of OU baseball fandom What it will take for the Sooners to win it all
Transcribe →The Long View | Sooners softball + Thunder post-mortem, and OU baseball keeps on going
Jun 200:37:24Tap to summarizeTopics include: Why Clay believes Oklahoma softball's season ended because of avoidable pitching decisions Whether Patty Gasso overthought the Super Regional matchup against Mississippi State What the Sooners need to return to championship form Why Chet Holmgren deserves more grace after the Thunder's playoff exit Victor Wembanyama's impact on the Western Conference Finals How injuries to key Thunder players changed the series The Knicks vs. Spurs NBA Finals predictions Oklahoma baseball's postseason battle with Georgia Tech and hopes for advancing
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