Podcast
Oklahoma Memo
Hosted by Ryan Welton · EN
Conversations about Oklahoma news, sports, politics, business and more!
67episodes
Episodes
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Transparency, AI Data Centers and Privacy: The Debate Facing Oklahoma
3w ago00:46:59Tap to summarizeGovernment transparency, artificial intelligence and privacy take center stage in this week's Oklahoma Memo Podcast. Ryan Welton sits down with Democratic Congressional District 1 candidate John Croisant to discuss why AI data centers have become one of Oklahoma's biggest political issues. The conversation explores the proposed Fluidstack project in Okmulgee, concerns over government transparency, the role of non-disclosure agreements, privacy questions surrounding Flock license plate cameras, and whether Congress should establish national rules for AI infrastructure. They also discuss the impact of the conflict with Iran, rising gas prices, veterans issues and how national policy is affecting Oklahoma. In this episode The latest on the proposed Okmulgee AI data center Why transparency has become a flashpoint Privacy concerns surrounding AI and Flock cameras Should Congress regulate AI? Economic development versus community concerns The latest on the Iran conflict and its impact at home Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for Oklahoma's daily local news briefing, investigative reporting and in-depth conversations. Sign up at https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe And connect with John at https://www.croisantforcongress.com
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Birthright citizenship, Markwayne Mullin's future and the mystery surrounding Mitch McConnell
3w ago01:06:59Tap to summarizeIs President Trump's immigration agenda changing? Is Sen. Markwayne Mullin losing influence inside the administration? And what does Mitch McConnell's mysterious absence mean for Congress? Ryan Welton is joined by Grant Hermes from Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes to unpack another busy week in politics. In this episode: The latest effort to restrict birthright citizenship What really happened with New Jersey's voter registration software glitch Why the SAVE America Act still faces steep odds New reporting on former Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin's standing inside the Trump administration Mitch McConnell's ongoing absence and what it means for Congress The issues likely to shape the 2026 midterm elections Follow Grant on Substack at https://mimsnewspod.substack.com or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod And sign up for Oklahoma Memo at https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe
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Did John Mateer's viral quote get taken out of context?
3w ago00:41:39Tap to summarizeA single quote from Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer became one of the biggest talking points coming out of SEC Media Days—but was it presented fairly? Ryan Welton and Clay Horning examine the full context behind Mateer's comments, discuss how today's fast-paced sports media can sometimes sacrifice context for clicks, and explain why accuracy still matters. Later, they dive into Georgia coach Kirby Smart's revealing comments about how NIL, the transfer portal and front-office style general managers are transforming the job of a college football head coach. Topics include: The John Mateer quote controversy Why context matters in journalism Remote reporting vs. on-site coverage Clicks, headlines and ethical reporting Kirby Smart's evolving coaching philosophy Brent Venables, Jim Nagy and Oklahoma's football structure The changing business of college football Be sure and subscribe to Clay Horning at https://www.oklahomacolumnist.com And sign up for the Oklahoma Memo newsletter at https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe
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Nick Coffey: Why Oklahoma's next attorney general should be "a prosecutor, not a politician"
4w ago00:30:40Tap to summarizeDemocratic attorney general candidate Nick Coffey joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about his campaign and his vision for Oklahoma's top law enforcement office. A former federal prosecutor, Coffey discusses: Why he decided to run His experience prosecuting major criminal cases AI data centers and government transparency State Farm and homeowners insurance Public corruption and ethics Illegal marijuana grows Kratom regulation The proposed Inola aluminum smelter How he plans to compete as a Democrat in a statewide race Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for Oklahoma's daily local news briefing delivered every weekday morning. Sign up for FREE at OklahomaMemo.com/subscribeFollow along with Nick at https://www.coffeyforok.com/
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Everything looks different for Oklahoma. Now the offense has to prove it.
4w 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
Jul 1400:41:03Tap 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?
Jul 1100:48:42Tap 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
Jul 1101:10:42Tap 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
Jul 1000:15:58Tap 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.
Jul 800:02:33Tap 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.
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