Jim Priest and John Croisant on AI, Education, Affordability and the Future of Oklahoma

Jim Priest and John Croisant on AI, Education, Affordability and the Future of Oklahoma

This week on the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton is joined by Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Priest and Congressional District 1 candidate John Croisant for a wide-ranging discussion on the issues shaping Oklahoma's future. Topics include: * Jim Priest's journey from attorney and nonprofit executive to Senate candidate * Why education remains the top issue voters raise across Oklahoma * The debate over public education, vouchers, and workforce development * AI's growing impact on jobs, schools, and local communities * Data center proposals and concerns over water and energy usage * Housing affordability and economic challenges facing younger generations * Healthcare access and workforce participation * Citizens United, campaign finance reform, and political influence * The role of voter turnout in Oklahoma elections * Upcoming campaign events and opportunities for voter engagement Both candidates argue that Oklahoma and the nation need leaders focused on practical solutions rather than partisan division, while addressing concerns about education, affordability, healthcare, and emerging technologies. Guests: * Jim Priest (https://www.jimpriest.com) * John Croisant (https://www.croisantforcongress.com) Host: * Ryan Welton, Oklahoma Memo For a daily Oklahoma news summary delivered to your inbox, visit OklahomaMemo.com [https://OklahomaMemo.com].

Trump’s Health, UFC at the White House, and the Texas Political Earthquake

Ryan Welton welcomes Grant Hermes of Make It Make Sense back to the Oklahoma Memo Podcast for a wide-ranging discussion on the biggest political stories of the week. Together, they examine President Trump's recent medical visits, questions about transparency surrounding his health, and why more frequent checkups are raising eyebrows. They also discuss the White House's plans to host a UFC event on the South Lawn, the proposal for a $250 bill featuring Trump's likeness, and what both developments reveal about the current political climate. The conversation then shifts to Texas, where Attorney General Ken Paxton defeated Sen. John Cornyn in a major Republican primary battle. Ryan and Grant explore what the race means for the GOP, why Democrat James Talarico is attracting national attention, and whether Democrats are prepared to capitalize on Republican vulnerabilities heading into the next election cycle. Also in this episode: * Trump's recent Walter Reed visits * Why doctors may be monitoring the president more closely * The symbolism of a UFC fight at the White House * The debate over a Trump $250 bill * Inflation and currency concerns * Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn * James Talarico's growing national profile * The state of the Democratic Party after its 2024 postmortem * Presidential history, Teddy Roosevelt, Taft, and Death by Lightning Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for a daily, hand-curated roundup of Oklahoma news delivered every morning. Go to https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe [https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe] You can find Grant on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod [https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod] and on Substack at https://mimsnewspod.substack.com [https://substack.mimsnewspod.com]

Tulsi Resigns, Trump Skips the Wedding & Democrats Face a Brutal Reality Check

This week on the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes unpack a chaotic week in American politics and media. Tulsi Gabbard abruptly resigns as Director of National Intelligence amid mounting international pressure and internal power struggles within the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Donald Trump shocks observers by announcing he won’t attend Don Jr.’s wedding — another sign, Grant argues, of an increasingly isolated presidency. The conversation also dives deep into the Democratic Party’s long-delayed and widely criticized 2024 election autopsy report, why many Democrats are furious with party leadership, and how figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez could reshape the party’s future. Ryan and Grant also discuss: * Trump’s continued dominance in Republican primaries * Fallout from January 6 compensation proposals * SEC football boycott calls tied to redistricting battles * The growing fear and backlash surrounding AI and automation * Why data centers and AI policy could become major political flashpoints A lot more in this episode. We hope you'll give it a full listen! Sign up for the Memo at OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe [http://OklahomaMemo.com/subscribe] And follow Grant on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod [https://www.youtube.com/@mimsnewspod] Subscribe to Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes on Substack at https://mimsnewspod.substack.com [https://mimsnewspod.substack.com]

Linda Wiginton On Building A Swimming Powerhouse In Altus

Linda Wiginton has spent more than four decades building one of Oklahoma’s most respected high school swimming programs in Altus. In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, she joins Ryan Welton to reflect on: * Starting the aquatics program in Altus in the early 1980s * Coaching for 45 years * Winning hundreds of meets * Teaching generations of swimmers * The role of the OSSAA in Oklahoma athletics * Leadership, discipline and helping kids prepare for life Wiginton also shares stories about creating a diving program from scratch, coaching in a small town, adapting to decades of change and why she still loves helping athletes “go fast.” This is a conversation about sports, mentorship, small-town Oklahoma and the lasting impact a coach can have on generations of students.

Thunder vs. Wemby, Arsenal Celebrates & OSU Softball Heads to Nebraska

This week on Bedlam Buds, Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook dive into a packed sports week that ranges from Premier League chaos to Oklahoma softball postseason excitement. Topics include: * Arsenal officially winning the Premier League title after 22 years * Tottenham’s relegation fears and brutal loss to Chelsea * Why Victor Wembanyama may become (IS) the NBA’s next unstoppable superstar * Whether the Thunder can physically match up with the Spurs * OSU softball’s Super Regional showdown against Nebraska * Ruby Malin being named First Team All-American * OU softball’s path through the postseason * Oklahoma State baseball’s NCAA Tournament outlook * New transfer portal additions for OSU football * Why both OU and OSU fans should be optimistic heading into football season Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo for daily Oklahoma news and sports: https://www.oklahomamemo.com/subscribe