Podcast
Oklahoma Memo
Hosted by Ryan Welton · EN
Conversations about Oklahoma news, sports, politics, business and more!
67episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Jim Priest on Data Centers, Rural Hospitals and Oklahoma’s Senate Runoff
Yesterday00:38:13Tap to summarizeDemocratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Priest joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast ahead of his August 25 runoff against Jasmine Thomas. Priest tells Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton why he believes he is the stronger general-election candidate against Republican Sen. Kevin Hern—and why Democrats cannot win statewide without support from independents and crossover Republican voters. The conversation turns to the rapid arrival of large industrial projects in Oklahoma, including hyperscale data centers. Priest calls for greater transparency, a national vetting framework and stronger support for local officials being asked to evaluate extraordinarily complicated proposals. Ryan and Priest also discuss rural hospital closures, healthcare affordability, presidential power, tariffs, congressional stock trading, religious freedom and how Democrats can reconnect with working Oklahomans. The episode concludes with Priest’s argument that restoring trust in government will require transparency, accountability and leaders who are willing to listen. Oklahoma’s Democratic Senate runoff is August 25, 2026. Subscribe to the Oklahoma Memo newsletter:https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe Learn more about Jim Priest:https://www.jimpriest.com
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Poll: Drummond and Mazzei Are Tied — But Who Has the Turnout Edge?
3d ago00:14:46Tap to summarizeOklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial runoff is a dead heat. A new poll from Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates (CHS) finds Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei tied at 44%, with 12% of likely Republican voters still undecided ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff. Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton speaks with longtime Oklahoma pollster and the president of CHS, Pat McFerron, about what the topline numbers don’t show — including Drummond’s potential advantage among frequent primary voters. They also discuss: How voters moved following the Aug. 3 debate Why Republican women are breaking toward Drummond Mazzei’s advantage among Republican men The strengths and limitations of Donald Trump’s endorsement The changing balance between “Trump Republicans” and traditional Republicans Why legitimate polling has become more difficult and expensive How low turnout could allow approximately 160,000 voters to effectively decide Oklahoma’s next governor Read the polling analysis at CHS. The Oklahoma Memo Podcast brings you conversations about the people, politics and stories shaping Oklahoma. Subscribe to the free Oklahoma Memo newsletter and get the state’s essential news delivered at 7 a.m. six days a week: OklahomaMemo.com
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Inside Oklahoma State fall camp: First look at Eric Morris’ new offense
4d ago00:22:56Tap to summarizeOklahoma State football is back on the practice field—and the Cowboys already look markedly different under new head coach Eric Morris. Jeremy Cook has been inside OSU’s fall camp and joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to share what he saw from Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins, Wyatt Young and the rest of Oklahoma State’s rebuilt offense. The early identity is becoming clear: quicker practices, faster transitions, short throws, bubble screens and a no-huddle attack that demands urgency from everyone on the field. Jeremy explains why Mestemaker looks comfortable leading the offense, how the former North Texas players are accelerating the transition and why Hawkins may be more physically imposing than fans expect. Ryan and Jeremy also debate how much of the playbook OSU should reveal against Tulsa, imagine the atmosphere if the Cowboys land an early punch against Oregon and set a realistic benchmark for Morris’ first season in Stillwater. Plus: Could we someday get Bedlam in the College Football Playoff? Bedlam Buds will follow Oklahoma State throughout the 2026 season with previews, analysis and postgame reactions. Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.And be sure you're subscribed to the Oklahoma Memo, a daily local news recap that hits your inbox six days a week at 7 a.m. Sign up for free at https://www.OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe.
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The Oklahoma jail scam stealing thousands from families
4d ago00:15:41Tap to summarizeA loved one calls from jail. They need money immediately—or so you're told. But what if it's all a scam? In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton talks with Oklahoma Bondsman Association President Tracey Halley Terrell about a growing fraud scheme targeting Oklahoma families. You'll learn: How the fake jail release scam works Why scammers pressure victims to act immediately How AI voice technology is making scams more believable The red flags every family should know What legitimate bail bondsmen actually do The first steps to take before sending anyone money This conversation could help you—or someone you know—avoid losing thousands of dollars to criminals exploiting families during moments of crisis.Sign up for the Oklahoma Memo, a daily local news recap that hits your inbox at 7 a.m. six days a week. Go to https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe.
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Drew Williamson on Drummond vs. Mazzei, Data Centers and Stitt’s Next Move
5d ago00:37:31Tap to summarizeOklahoma Gazette owner Drew Williamson joins Oklahoma Memo’s Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about the people, money and controversies shaping Oklahoma’s 2026 elections. Williamson explains why he believes Gentner Drummond may have gained momentum following the gubernatorial debate—and why Mike Mazzei’s decision to pour millions of borrowed dollars into his campaign represents such an extraordinary political gamble. Ryan and Drew also examine the proposed aluminum smelter near Inola, growing public resistance to AI data centers, Oklahoma’s relationship with its tribal nations and Gov. Kevin Stitt’s apparent interest in national office. Plus, they discuss whether Cyndi Munson could make the governor’s race competitive, Jena Nelson’s challenge to U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice and the candidates competing to become Oklahoma’s next state superintendent. The conversation also explores Williamson’s restoration of the Oklahoma Gazette, the return of its print edition and the publication’s role in Oklahoma’s arts, culture and political communities. Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo:Get the essential Oklahoma news in your inbox free at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday:https://oklahomamemo.com/subscribe Listen to Drew’s podcast:Find Clowns Left, Jokers Right: Stuck in the Middle with Drew on Spotify for Williamson’s monthly conversations about Oklahoma politics from the “radical center.”https://open.spotify.com/show/033yUB3GOF6eA1fCBGtAsr
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Is Oklahoma politics about to get unpredictable?
1w ago01:11:32Tap to summarizeOklahoma is one of the reddest states in America — but 2026 is starting to look considerably less predictable than that description suggests. Political journalist Grant Hermes, host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes, joins Oklahoma Memo's Ryan Welton for their weekly conversation about the politics behind politics. This week, Ryan and Grant start in Michigan, where a surprisingly close Democratic U.S. Senate primary raises new questions about polling, turnout, the future of the Democratic Party and what both parties face heading toward November. Then they turn to Oklahoma. Ryan and Grant break down the Republican governor's debate between Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei, Mazzei's difficult opening, Trump's endorsement and whether Oklahoma's deeply rooted populist streak could matter more than national partisan politics as communities push back against AI data centers, the proposed Inola aluminum smelter and other major projects. They also ask whether Democrats are overlooking Oklahoma. Could congressional candidates including Jena Nelson, Suzie Byrd and John Croissant make their races more competitive than expected? What happens when Cyndi Munson finally gets the political spotlight after the Republican governor's runoff? And could Oklahoma force national Republicans to spend money in a state they normally take for granted? Plus: Markwayne Mullin's latest difficult week in Washington, the politics of immigration and DHS, Grant's reporting on America's missile shortage and the possibility of Detroit automakers helping produce weapons for the war in Iran. And because it's Friday, things eventually wander into cleaning the house, clutter, marriage, astrology and why Ryan thinks Mad Men is the greatest television series ever made. It's politics, campaigns and a little nonsense with Ryan and Grant. You can follow Grant's work on Substack and YouTube. Just look for "Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes."Substack: https://makeitmakesensepod.substack.com/ And be sure to sign up for the Oklahoma Memo at https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe
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Suzie Byrd on challenging Frank Lucas — and why she says Oklahoma needs ‘new ideas’
1w ago01:16:43Tap to summarizeSuzie Byrd decided to run for Congress at almost the last possible moment. Now the Democrat from Enid is challenging longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas in Oklahoma’s sprawling 3rd Congressional District. In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo podcast, Byrd joins Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about why she entered the race and what she would try to accomplish in Washington. They discuss the future of rural health care, Byrd’s support for universal health coverage, the growth of AI data centers and concerns about Oklahoma’s water supply. Byrd also lays out ideas for supporting smaller family farms and more affordable housing, protecting Social Security and reducing the influence of corporations and wealthy donors in American politics. And while she’s running as a Democrat, Byrd describes hers as a “purple campaign.” She explains where she differs from the Democratic Party, why she believes politicians need to move toward the middle and why she says she would serve no more than four years if elected. Plus: Byrd talks about becoming Oklahoma State University’s first female All-American athlete, her years as a journalist and business owner, and why she sees running against a three-decade incumbent as her latest “hard thing.”
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Did Christopher Nolan get The Odyssey right? Ancient World expert separates myth from history
2w ago00:37:08Tap to summarizeChristopher Nolan's The Odyssey has reignited interest in one of history's most influential stories. Ryan Welton sits down with ancient world expert (and his Bedlam Buds college football partner) Dr. Jeremy Cook to separate myth from history, discussing the historical evidence behind Troy, the morality lessons woven into Homer's epic, why Odysseus was far more flawed than modern audiences realize, and how Greek mythology shaped Western culture. Along the way, they explore whether the Trojan War really happened, the origins of the Cyclops legend, why ancient Greeks feared angering the gods, and why stories that are nearly 3,000 years old continue to resonate today. In this episode: The real history behind Troy Myth vs. historical evidence Christopher Nolan's creative choices Why Odysseus isn't the hero many think he is Greek views on morality, hubris and glory The fascinating origins of Cyclops, Scylla and Charybdis Why history and mythology still matter today
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Iran Tries to Hack Water Systems? Trump vs. Senate Republicans + Fauci's 5th | Grant & Ryan
2w ago00:57:45Tap to summarizeRyan Welton and Grant Hermes break down the week in politics. This week's conversation includes: Why cybersecurity should become part of Oklahoma's AI data center debate Reports of suspected Iranian cyber activity targeting U.S. infrastructure Trump's struggle to win over Senate Republicans on key nominations Todd Blanche and the attorney general confirmation fight Anthony Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing Whether America has truly processed the lasting effects of COVID-19 The Supreme Court's shadow docket and its growing influence Follow and subscribe to Grant's work at https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod and https://mimsnewspod.substack.com You can follow and subscribe to Oklahoma Memo at https://www.youtube.com/@oklahomamemo and https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe
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AI Data Centers: Fact vs. Fiction | Why Oklahoma Is Ground Zero
2w ago00:28:35Tap to summarizeCommunities across Oklahoma are debating massive data center projects, raising questions about electricity, water, jobs and transparency. In this episode, Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton sits down with Hart Brown, Director of AI and Transformation at Saxum, to examine what's real—and what's misunderstood—about AI infrastructure. They discuss: Why Oklahoma has become a magnet for AI data centers Whether AI facilities will overwhelm electricity and water resources The kinds of permanent jobs these projects actually create Why companies keep early negotiations confidential How AI has gone from excitement to skepticism What Oklahoma communities should be asking before approving future projects
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