Podcast
Oklahoma Memo
Hosted by Ryan Welton · EN
Conversations about Oklahoma news, sports, politics, business and more!
53episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Everything looks different for Oklahoma. Now the offense has to prove it.
3d ago00:35:40Tap to summarizeOU football is officially back. Ryan Welton and Clay Horning react to Day 1 of SEC Media Days after Brent Venables, John Mateer, Taylor Wien and Eddie Pierre-Louis met with reporters in Tampa. The conversation covers why Venables believes this is the strongest leadership group of his tenure, what Mateer revealed about the evolving offense, why the offensive line may finally be ready to take a major step forward, and why Clay believes offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle enters the season under enormous pressure. They also discuss: Why Taylor Wien's comments stood out Jason Witten's influence on the offense Whether Oklahoma finally has enough offensive weapons The biggest question surrounding John Mateer Can OU compete for a national championship? Greg Sankey's comments on the future of college football The growing power struggle between the SEC and Big Ten
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Big 12 Drama, Eric Morris & Why Oklahoma State Could Surprise Everyone
1w ago00:41:03Tap to summarizeBig 12 Media Days are in the books, and Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook have plenty to unpack. The conversation begins with the controversy surrounding Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, Brett Yormark's handling of repeated questions from reporters, and why the Big 12 found itself at the center of one of the week's biggest stories. From there, the focus shifts to Oklahoma State. Jeremy explains why Eric Morris' approach to rebuilding the Cowboys goes far beyond X's and O's, including the team-building exercises that are already changing the program's culture. Ryan makes the case that Oklahoma State may be one of the most underrated teams in the conference—and perhaps even a sleeper for the expanded College Football Playoff. In this episode Texas Tech, Brendan Sorsby and Big 12 Media Days Brett Yormark's response to reporters Oklahoma State's preseason honors Why Eric Morris is earning early respect The importance of chemistry in a complete roster rebuild Are the Cowboys being overlooked? Early expectations for the 2026 season World Cup picks and Premier League banter If you enjoy Bedlam Buds, subscribe, leave a review and share the show with another Oklahoma State football fan.
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Social Security's 2032 Deadline: What Happens Next?
2w ago00:48:42Tap to summarizeSocial Security is projected to become insolvent in 2032, potentially triggering an automatic 24% reduction in benefits unless Congress acts. Ryan Welton sits down with congressional candidate John Croisant for a wide-ranging discussion about what that deadline means, possible bipartisan solutions, and why the issue deserves far more attention than it's getting. They also cover: Why Social Security is approaching insolvency Competing proposals to keep the program solvent The latest developments involving Iran and U.S. foreign policy An ICE shooting in Houston and questions surrounding accountability The importance of character in elected office Predictions for the FIFA World Cup Subscribe to the Oklahoma Memo daily local news recap. It hits your inbox at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and it's FREE. Go to https://www.OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe. Follow John's congressional journey at https://www.CroisantForCongress.com
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Where Is Mitch McConnell? Plus the Senate Race Democrats Didn't See Coming
2w ago01:10:42Tap to summarizeThis week, Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes unpack one of Washington's strangest weeks in recent memory. The conversation begins with the unanswered questions surrounding Mitch McConnell, who has been absent from public view for weeks following his hospitalization. Why hasn't anyone seen or heard from him? And what does his absence mean for Kentucky and the U.S. Senate? They also examine the spectacular collapse of Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner after allegations of sexual assault and abuse surfaced following his primary victory —and how the fallout could reshape the battle for Senate control. Also in this episode: The safety concern surrounding President Trump's use of Qatar's gifted Air Force One Why experts are raising concerns after leaders of the Election Assistance Commission were removed Whether political parties are doing enough to vet candidates before asking voters to trust them The growing challenge of separating legitimate questions from conspiracy theories in today's media environment Subscribe to the Oklahoma Memo, a daily local news recap that comes out Mon.-Sat. at 7 a.m. at https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe And follow + subscribe to Grant Hermes...On Substack: https://mimsnewspod.substack.com And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod
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State Climatologist Gary McManus Explains What El Niño Really Means for Oklahoma
2w ago00:15:58Tap to summarizeEveryone is talking about El Niño—but what does it actually mean for Oklahoma? State Climatologist Gary McManus of the Oklahoma Climate Survey and the Oklahoma Mesonet joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast to separate myth from reality. He explains why El Niño isn't expected to have much impact on this summer, why the bigger story comes later this year, and what it could mean for drought, winter weather, hurricane season and even tornadoes. Ryan and Gary also discuss: Why El Niño is primarily a fall and winter phenomenon What forecasters are watching as El Niño strengthens How Oklahoma's drought affects summer heat Why Atlantic hurricane activity could decrease What made Oklahoma's 2026 tornado season so unusual The difference between meteorology and climatology How the Oklahoma Mesonet helps monitor weather across the state
Transcribe →A shocking attack outside OKC police headquarters—and a heroic rescue.
2w ago00:02:33Tap to summarizeTwo Oklahoma City police detectives, a bystander, and the Oklahoma City Fire Department are being praised after saving a wheelchair-bound man who was set on fire by someone carrying a Molotov cocktail. I'm Ryan Welton, and here's what happened. The Oklahoma City Police Department has released surveillance video from the morning of July 2. It happened just outside police headquarters near Main and Lee in downtown Oklahoma City. A man in a wheelchair was crossing the street when another person, who had already walked past him, suddenly turned around, lit a Molotov cocktail, and threw it at him. I want to be clear: I'm not showing the moment of the attack. What happened next is remarkable. Within seconds, two Oklahoma City police detectives who were nearby sprinted toward the victim. A bystander also rushed in to help, and the suspect was taken into custody almost immediately. The Oklahoma City Fire Department arrived moments later and began treating the victim. In a Facebook post, Oklahoma City police said the victim is expected to recover thanks to the rapid response. The department also praised everyone involved, saying the incident showed "the absolute best of our community and our first responders." According to Fox 25, the suspect now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree arson, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, injuring another person by use of an explosive, manufacturing an explosive device, and assault with intent to kill. As of Tuesday evening, hundreds of people commenting on the police department's Facebook post were asking the same questions: How was someone walking around with a Molotov cocktail in the first place? And how can they help the victim, including replacing his wheelchair? It's a horrifying crime—but it's also a story about how quickly lives can be saved when people refuse to stand by. For more Oklahoma news explained, follow along here and subscribe to my free weekday newsletter, Oklahoma Memo, at OklahomaMemo.com. It arrives every Monday through Saturday at 7 a.m.
Transcribe →Why Oklahoma hospitals could lose $218 million — and what SHOPP actually is
2w ago00:03:33Tap to summarizeA little-known Medicaid funding program called SHOPP is suddenly at the center of a major Oklahoma budget debate. After state officials said hospitals wouldn't face cuts, the Oklahoma Health Care Authority filed paperwork proposing a roughly $218 million reduction in Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program (SHOPP) payments. So what exactly is SHOPP, and why does it matter? In this mini-episode, Ryan Welton breaks down: What the SHOPP program is in plain English Why hospitals pay into the program in the first place How those payments unlock additional federal Medicaid dollars Why the proposed reduction surprised hospital leaders What it could mean for Oklahoma hospitals and Medicaid patients The key questions that still need answers, especially for rural hospitals Based on reporting by Oklahoma Watch, this episode makes one of the state's most confusing healthcare funding stories easy (or at least easier) to understand. Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for Oklahoma's biggest stories in about five minutes every morning: OklahomaMemo.com
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Before Bob Stoops: Remembering Oklahoma's Forgotten 1994 Season
3w ago00:24:56Tap to summarizeThe road to Oklahoma's 2000 national championship didn't begin with Bob Stoops. It began with the fall. In this first episode of a new Oklahoma Memo Sports series, Ryan Welton revisits the 1994 Oklahoma Sooners season — the final year of the Gary Gibbs era and a season that left many fans wondering whether Oklahoma football would ever return to national prominence. Ryan shares memories from watching the Sooners while working as a young sports editor in Texas, recalls the dramatic opener against Syracuse, relives another painful loss to Texas, and explains why 1994 represented the beginning of Oklahoma football's slide into mediocrity. Along the way, he explores the atmosphere surrounding the program, declining attendance, growing fan frustration, and the arrival of Howard Schnellenberger as the supposed savior of OU football. This episode launches a multi-part journey through the seasons, coaches, moments, and decisions that ultimately led Oklahoma back to the top of college football in 2000. Topics include: • The final season of Gary Gibbs• Syracuse and the Marvin Harrison scare• Texas heartbreak at the Cotton Bowl• Colorado's dominance• Bill Snyder's rising Kansas State program• Gary Gibbs' resignation• Howard Schnellenberger's arrival• Why 1994 matters to understanding Oklahoma football history
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Why the Housing Bill is Important to Oklahoma | Celebrating America's 250th Birthday
4w ago00:43:22Tap to summarizeThis week on the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton sits down with congressional candidate John Croisant for a conversation that starts with sports and ends with a broader discussion about America's future. The episode opens with reactions to the U.S. men's national team's World Cup performance and OU baseball's remarkable postseason run, before turning to several major policy issues affecting Oklahoma and the nation. Topics include: The future of a bipartisan housing bill aimed at increasing affordable housing Why Oklahoma cities continue to face housing shortages Debate surrounding the SAVE Act and voting access Immigration policy and refugee protections Workforce concerns tied to healthcare and elder care The role faith, community and civic engagement play in public life The importance of political conversations focused on outcomes rather than ideology Looking ahead to America's 250th birthday and the 2026 election cycle Sign up for the Oklahoma Memo podcast at https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribeAnd visit John at https://www.croisantforcongress.com
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Why Won't President Trump Sign The Landmark Housing Bill?
4w ago01:07:48Tap to summarizeWhy did President Trump refuse to sign a bipartisan housing bill he previously praised as the most important housing legislation in American history?This week, Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes break down the political fallout from the stalled housing bill, the administration's push for the SAVE Act, looming Supreme Court decisions on birthright citizenship, and the growing controversy surrounding the National Mall Reflecting Pool project.They also discuss:• What the housing bill would have meant for Oklahoma and the nation• Why housing affordability is becoming a major political issue• The potential impact of changes to voting laws• What a Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship could mean• Markwayne Mullin's heated congressional hearing• The Reflecting Pool "vandalism" claims and questions surrounding the project• How Americans are approaching the country's 250th birthday amid political divisionSubscribe for weekly conversations that help make sense of politics, policy and the headlines shaping Oklahoma and America.Sign up for the daily Oklahoma Memo newsletter at https://www.oklakhomamemo.com/subscribeSign up for "Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes" at https://mimsnewspod.substack.com and at / @mimsnewspod
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