Podcast Recap

Crooked River Cast Show 49

🎙️ Tariffs, Tax Talk, DEI Debates & Ohio Politics Getting Wild

Robert and Tom covered a packed slate this episode — from national headlines spilling into Ohio politics to local controversies that just keep getting louder. The guys broke down tariff drama, Democrats making strategic moves, political money questions, education fights, and plenty of Ohio-specific storylines — all with the sharp, no-nonsense commentary listeners expect from Crooked River Cast.

🇺🇸 Tariffs, Politics & The National Stage

Robert and Tom kicked off the show breaking down President Trump taking a temporary hit on tariffs — but they made it clear: this doesn’t look like a defeat, it looks like a pause. The expectation? These measures could come roaring back depending on what happens next.

Then came the part that really lit the fuse — the courts. The guys didn’t mince words, saying several left-leaning Supreme Court justices seriously dropped the ball on this one, and that decisions like this don’t just stay inside Washington — they hit Americans directly in jobs, prices, and long-term economic stability.

They also zeroed in on Democrats choosing to skip the State of the Union, arguing the move may have backfired by handing Trump even more attention and control of the narrative. Would anyone miss them?

Love it or hate it, this segment pulled no punches — and that’s exactly why people are talking.

Source:
🔗: ‘We have alternatives’: Trump vows to reimpose tariffs after SCOTUS ruling
🔗: Dozens of Democrats plan to skip Trump’s State of the Union as protests form

💰 Ohio Power Players Under the Microscope

Ohio’s richest man — Les Wexner — came up as Robert and Tom dug into questions about donations and renewed scrutiny surrounding old connections. The conversation stayed focused on transparency and accountability, asking who’s funding what and why it matters as political seasons heat up.

Source:
🔗: Who has Les Wexner donated to?
🔗: U.S. House Democrats accuse Les Wexner of lying about Epstein ties

🗳️ Ohio Governor’s Race: Big Money, Few Details

The race for governor is already shaping up to be one of the most expensive in state history. Robert and Tom pointed out how tax cuts are getting tossed around by candidates — but specifics are still thin. Plenty of messaging, not much difference yet, just a heavy price tag on campaign funding.

Source:
🔗: Leading candidates for Ohio governor talking about tax cuts, but few specifics so far
🔗: Ohio governor’s race set to become most expensive in state history

🎓 DEI Debates Continue at Ohio Universities

Despite state-level pushback, undercover videos suggest some universities are still pushing DEI-related initiatives. The guys broke down the broader culture war angle and asked whether policy changes are actually changing campus behavior — or just the wording around it. Jennifer Walton-Fisette, a professor and director of educator preparation at Kent State, is caught on camera discussing DEI and stating that getting rid of DEI is an attempt to “keep white men in power.” At the same time, Ohio State University (OSU) administrator Melissa Newhouse was discussing ongoing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at the university today.

For critics, this isn’t speculation — it’s right there on camera. The reaction: if the law changed, why are schools talking about ways around it rather than following it? Full videos linked below.

Source:
🔗: Another Ohio university still pushes the pro-DEI, anti-white, anti-male rhetoric, undercover video shows
🔗: WATCH: OSU Administrator Caught on Hidden Camera Discussing Continued DEI Practices Despite State Ban
▶️ YouTube: Show Clip – University DEI discussion

▶️ YouTube: Ohio State University Administrator Admits School Still Pushes DEI — Then Claims the Video Is AI

🐀 Critter Corner

This week’s Critter Corner was loaded with Statehouse drama. Ohio GOP lawmakers are pushing to dismantle the federal Department of Education, while new bills target school lawsuits and parental rights issues. Robert and Tom unpacked how these moves could reshape education across the state — and why critics say legal fights are just getting started. The links below will keep you busy and shaking your head.

Source:
🔗: Ohio GOP lawmakers to formally pledge support for dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
🔗: Republicans plan to dismantle the Department of Education, saying it will give Ohio more control
🔗: State lawmakers rework bill against schools challenging EdChoice program
🔗: Rep. Jamie Callender criticizes school districts for using tax dollars to fund lawsuit against state
🔗: ‘It’s obviously unconstitutional.’ Vouchers Hurt Ohio speaks out against new Republican bill
🔗: New bill protects Ohio parents who reject their kid’s gender identity

🚔 Cuyahoga County: Not Personal… Apparently

Local politics got a spotlight as Harold Pretel defended a lawsuit involving county leadership, insisting it wasn’t personal. Robert and Tom weren’t fully convinced — and the conversation leaned into how these public disputes shape trust at the local level.

Source:
🔗: ‘This is not personal’: Cuyahoga County Sheriff Harold Pretel defends lawsuit against County Executive Chris Ronayne

🎙️ Ask Cuyahoga & The Internet Being… The Internet

The return of the Ask Cuyahoga podcast sparked commentary from the guys, who joked that while there are no dumb questions… some come pretty close. It was a lighter segment, but still tied back into how local governments communicate with residents. Take a listen to Myesha Watkins, administrator of the County Office of Violence Prevention, discussing the office’s mission, priorities, and community safety.

Source:
🔗: Cuyahoga County on X – Ask Cuyahoga podcast returns

⛽ When Should You Buy Gas?

A practical segment listeners can actually use — a recent study says Ohio’s “price cycling” means Mondays tend to be the best day to fill up. Robert and Tom compared notes on whether this lines up with real-life experience at the pump. Tom thinks in his area the cost is better on a Tuesday or Wednesday. What do you guys think in your area? Write us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.

Source:
🔗: Study: Ohio ‘price cycling’ makes Mondays the best day for gas savings

⚖️ Free Legal Clinics for Immigrants

The city says these clinics are for “immigrants,” a term that covers a wide range of legal statuses. Critics argue the wording avoids a harder question — exactly who the programs are designed to help, and who ends up paying for it. Robert and Tom dug into the bigger question: why the language matters.

The city and local groups keep using the term “immigrants,” which covers a wide range of people — from legal residents to those without status. Critics argue that’s intentional, saying it avoids a tougher conversation about who these services are really meant for and where taxpayer dollars should go.

Source:
🔗: Cleveland Heights immigrants will soon get free legal clinics

🌟 Good Things

🏡 St. Jude Dream Home Success

A little good news to end on — the St. Jude Dream Home raffle sold out, showing just how strong community support can be when it comes to helping kids and families. Did you buy a ticket?

Source:
🔗: 2026 St. Jude Dream Home tickets are sold out

🐟 Lent Fish Fry Season Is Here

That time of year again — fish fry season across Northeast Ohio. Robert and Tom wrapped things up on a lighter note, talking traditions, favorite spots, and just how seriously people take their Friday plans.

Got a go-to fish fry? Send us your favorite spot — we’d love to share it with everyone since we’ve still got plenty of Lent left to go. Email us at crookedrivercast@gmail.com and let us know.

Source:
🔗: Fish Fry Guide | Cleveland, Ohio

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Crooked River Cast Show 42

🎙️ Bourbons Later: Existential Dread, & 2026 Predictions – The Year-End Recap Part Two

If Part One was the reflection, Part Two is what happens when the bourbon gets refreshed… then poured neat… then goes back to ice because, well, too many bourbons at this point.

Robert and Tom pick up right where they left off, easing into the second half of their year-end recap with drinks in hand and absolutely no plan to keep things light. Somewhere between pours, Robert has a realization: they now actually look like the photos on the “About Us” page—yes, the very images I, your webmaster, chose when building the site. I fully expected this moment to happen on-air someday, and here we are. 😂

Tom follows that up with an epiphany of his own. What used to be casual meetups—brothers-in-law grabbing food, drinks, and talking about whatever was going on—has quietly evolved into the weekly Crooked River Cast. The difference now? The conversation is brought to you, the listeners. And because of that, the guys admit they now intentionally hold back on sharing news or updates with each other during the week, saving it for the show to get real, unfiltered reactions.

Then… things get philosophical.

With the end of the year staring them down, Tom drops the cheerful reminder that time feels like it speeds up because it becomes a smaller percentage of your remaining life. Thanks for that, Tom. Robert responds by asking the truly uncomfortable questions: How many Christmases do we have left? How many more times will we see our parents? Our family?

Yes—this episode briefly takes a bourbon-soaked detour into existential dread.

But fear not!

The guys course-correct with one of the most important questions of our time: “Can you find Robert on X?” (Seriously—can you?) From there, Tom asks about resolutions for 2026, which naturally turns into a real conversation about how to improve the show and make Crooked River Cast even better for our listeners next year.

That momentum carries them straight into predictions for 2026, mixing speculation, humor, and the kind of insight that comes from paying attention all year long. And before wrapping up, Tom drops a big one: he wants to set up a Crooked River Cast meetup next year. Stay tuned—because that idea is officially on the table.

This episode is reflective, funny, slightly depressing, and genuinely thoughtful—basically everything you’d expect when two guys look back on the year with one too many bourbons and a microphone.

👉 Subscribe & Share
If you’ve enjoyed the Crooked River Cast this year, make sure you’re subscribed and share the show with someone who appreciates honest conversation, Ohio-rooted perspective, and the occasional bourbon-fueled spiral. Your support keeps this thing going. Happy New Year to all – May 2026 be good to everyone.

Let’s not forget to sign the petition to abolish property taxes in Ohio!

🔗: Citizens for Property Tax Reform

🔗: Ohio Tax

Crooked River Cast Show 41

🎙️ Forty Episodes In, The Year-End Recap (Part One)

Forty episodes. That’s a lot of headlines, hot takes, eye-rolling, and “are you kidding me?” moments. In Show #41, Robert and Tom kick off their end-of-the-year recap by looking back at how Crooked River Cast got here, why they started the podcast in the first place, and what they’ve learned after covering Ohio politics, national chaos, and everything in between—all while enjoying a fine pour of bourbon.

This episode is less about breaking news and more about reflection. Robert and Tom revisit memorable moments from the first 40 episodes, replaying clips that still hit, still frustrate, or still make them laugh. It’s a reminder of why the show exists: calling things as they are, cutting through nonsense, and giving Ohio-rooted commentary that doesn’t talk down to listeners.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a recap without grades being handed out. The guys rate Trump’s year, break down how Ohio’s government performed, and take a hard look at Cleveland’s mayors—what worked, what didn’t, and what left voters shaking their heads. No spin. No filters. Just straight talk and earned opinions based on months of coverage.

Between the clips, the commentary, and the bourbon-fueled conversation, this episode feels like pulling up a chair at the bar and replaying the year with friends who actually paid attention. And this is only Part One.

Settle in. Reflect. And get ready for Part Two.

Let’s not forget to sign the petition to abolish property taxes in Ohio!

🔗: Citizens for Property Tax Reform

🔗: Ohio Tax

👉 Subscribe & Share
If you’ve been with Crooked River Cast from the beginning—or just found the show—make sure you’re subscribed and share this episode with someone who needs a smarter, sharper take on Ohio and national politics. Your support keeps the conversation going. By this time, you are recuperating from Christmas, and we hope it was filled with all the good and love that Christmas brings from our families to yours.