🎙️ 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!
🎙️ 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!
👉 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.
🎙️ Governors, Data Centers, Dark Streets & Some Ohio Good News
Robert and Tom come out of the gate with energy this week—because it’s been that kind of Ohio news cycle. Robert kicks things off with a proud‑parent moment, sharing which CDs he picked up for his youngest (because real music still matters) and giving major kudos to his oldest, who absolutely owned her debate debut with a 6–2 win arguing to abolish SNAP. Parenting win unlocked. 🏆.
From there, the guys dig into a packed lineup: national politics spilling into Ohio, a rapidly shifting governor’s race, data centers raising serious questions, and cities dealing with consequences—from billion‑dollar settlements to literal darkness, let’s get into it!
🇺🇸 Trump’s Address to the Nation
Trump delivered a nationally televised address touching on military compensation, national pride, and executive actions—framing what he called a “warrior dividend” for service members and veterans.
🏛️ Trump Displays New Plaques at the ‘Presidential Walk of Fame’
Trump also made headlines unveiling new plaques at the Presidential Walk of Fame, leaning into legacy-building optics and signaling how central symbolism and branding remain to his political strategy. Gotta love the ‘auto pen’.
Ohio labor unions jumped into the governor’s race by endorsing Amy Acton, drawing swift pushback from the Ramaswamy campaign, which questioned her record and priorities. Do Ohioans remember her during COVID? Makeovers and coaching do not change the person…
Despite party pressure and behind‑the‑scenes conversations, Governor Mike DeWine continues to withhold an endorsement in the governor’s race—raising eyebrows across Ohio GOP circles. No surprise here!
❌ Dave Yost Says Vivek Endorsement Was a “Wrong Choice”
Attorney General Dave Yost isn’t backing down, saying the Ohio GOP’s early endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy was a mistake—adding more fuel to an already fractured race.
The governor’s race just got more crowded, with a self‑described “America First” candidate jumping in and taking aim at Trump‑endorsed Vivek. Keepin an eye on this one…
Neighbors are pushing back as Lorain County’s proposed mega site clears its first zoning hurdle—raising familiar questions about transparency, impact, and who really benefits. Fighting the good fight! Hold the line folks…
The Ohio EPA wants to streamline water permits for data centers—prompting concerns about environmental oversight versus corporate convenience. Can we say bad idea?
Thieves stole thousands of feet of copper wiring, knocking out streetlights across parts of Cleveland—because apparently even infrastructure isn’t safe anymore.
A North Royalton neighborhood is lighting up the season with a can’t‑miss Christmas display. Being an animal-loving household, the display collects donations for Stearns Homestead, an educational farm in Parma that takes care of various animals. Go check it out!
Where: 10020 Applewood Drive, North Royalton, OH 44133
If you’re enjoying the chaos, context, and occasional optimism—subscribe, share, and tell a friend about Crooked River Cast. Every download helps keep Ohio’s stories loud, local, and honest.
