Brian Thomas

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This week's Smither"Vent" begins with . .. . .The Senate hearing where Senator Josh Hawley posed a provocative question about whether men can get pregnant. The discussion highlights the confusion and controversy surrounding gender identity, especially in the context of fairness in women's sports. Both speakers express their concerns about the implications of allowing transgender women to compete against biological women, emphasizing the need for safe and fair competition for female athletes. The dialogue also touches on the broader societal implications of these debates, reflecting on how they challenge traditional notions of gender and fairness in competitive environments.Then Christopher Smitherman discusses the recent protests that disrupted a church service in Minnesota. Christopher expresses his outrage over the protesters' behavior, emphasizing that churches should remain safe havens for worshippers. He argues that the actions of the protesters, which included cursing at parishioners and children, cross a line and should be met with legal consequences. The conversation shifts to a broader commentary on civil rights and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., where Christopher reflects on the importance of hard work and personal responsibility in achieving success, rather than adopting a victim mentality. He critiques the current state of activism, suggesting that it diverges from the peaceful principles championed by Dr. King.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this episode, Jack Windsor, editor in chief of the Ohio Press Network, discusses the recent Operation Buckeye, which involved a significant increase in ICE agents in Ohio, particularly in Columbus. The operation aimed to arrest non-citizens with criminal records, highlighting the Trump administration's strict immigration enforcement policies. Windsor shares insights into the ongoing investigations into cash smuggling operations linked to the Somali community in Columbus, revealing the complexities of immigration and law enforcement in the state. He emphasizes the importance of accountability in government programs, particularly regarding the handling of funds and the oversight of state agencies. The conversation then shifts to the topic of property taxes in Ohio, where Windsor outlines recent legislative changes aimed at reforming property valuation and school funding. He discusses the potential for a ballot initiative to eliminate property taxes entirely, raising concerns about the implications for local services. Windsor advocates for increased transparency and accountability in government spending, suggesting that citizens must hold their local officials accountable for financial decisions. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook on the future of property tax reform in Ohio, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and fiscal responsibility. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we engage with Cory Bowman, a former mayoral candidate for Cincinnati, discussing the recent election results and the ongoing issues facing the city. We delve into the low voter turnout and the implications of the election outcomes, particularly regarding public safety and city management. Cory shares personal stories, including the tragic shooting of an 11-year-old girl, which highlights the urgent need for better public safety measures and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of accountability among city leaders and the necessity of bridging the gap between the police and the community they serve. The conversation also touches on the challenges within the Cincinnati Police Department, including staffing shortages and the need for better support from city officials. Cory advocates for a more proactive approach to public safety, suggesting that simply increasing funding is not enough. Instead, he calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of how public safety funds are allocated, ensuring that they directly benefit the community. The episode concludes with a call to action for citizens to hold their leaders accountable and to remain engaged in local governance, especially in the wake of the recent election. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charged Conversations PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🚨 Tech Friday 🎉📡 We kicked off the new year with a packed Tech Friday radio segment covering some stories that directly affect your daily life in 2026. 🗓️✨ First up was the Verizon outage 📶❌ and how dependent we’ve all become on reliable connectivity — one disruption can ripple through work, travel, and emergencies fast. Next, we highlighted the Kentucky Consumer Data Protection Act 🛡️🔐 and why it’s a big win for consumers, giving Kentuckians more control over how companies collect, use, and protect personal data. And to keep things fun, we wrapped up with the “Worst in Show” CES products 🤖🎭 — tech that made us laugh, cringe, and question who approved it. Smart tech starts with smart conversations! 🧠🚀 #TechFriday #VerizonOutage #DataPrivacy #KYLaw #ConsumerProtection #CES2026 #WorstInShow #TechTalk #DigitalLife 🎆📱See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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1 - The Delta Air Lines' CEO not happy with President Trump's credit card interest rate cap stance    2 - Louisville plane crash update from the NTSB: Boeing was aware of a possible part defect that led to the crash    3 - An Air Canada flight is delayed after flight crew discovers an employee is locked in the cargo compartment   4 - Allegiant to buy Sun Country for $1.5 Billion    5 - The TSA increases the number of airports with biometric Precheck scanning    6 - Hub DelaysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Jack Atherton discusses the complexities of American politics, focusing on the paralysis caused by rigid principles and the challenges of bipartisanship. He draws historical parallels to illustrate the difficulties in amending the Constitution and the implications of social media on political discourse. The conversation emphasizes the need for compromise and the importance of informed voter participation in elections. Takeaways Conservative principles can lead to political paralysis. The U.S. Constitution is a complex framework that requires careful navigation. Amending the Constitution is intentionally difficult to preserve rights. Judicial interpretation can shift with the political landscape. Bipartisanship is increasingly rare in today's political climate. Social media influences public perception and political ideology. Voter participation is crucial for shaping the political landscape. The radical left's agenda poses a threat to constitutional rights. Compromise is essential for effective governance. Political discourse has become more polarized and chaotic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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John Carney is the co-author of the Breitbart Business Digest, the best daily guide to how national and global economics affect you.  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is a regular reader and says Carney is one of the best business writers in America! You can sign up for it at Breitbart dot com slash newsletters ( https://www.breitbart.com/newsletters/)   Topics – Latest on the economy... Nolte: National Gas Price Average Falls to $2.79, Lowest Since 2021 Breitbart Business Digest: The Economy Is Growing Faster Than Anyone Expected Trump: Oil Companies Will Invest at Least $100 Billion to Rebuild Venezuela’s Oil Infrastructure (more oil for us!) Trump Cancels Biden Rules Forcing Banks to Give Loans to IllegalsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation delves into the legal implications surrounding executive sessions held by city councils, particularly focusing on a potential settlement related to a police shooting case. Legal expert Steve Gooden discusses the protocols that should be followed during executive sessions, the authority of city solicitors in settling lawsuits, and the political sensitivities involved in such cases. The discussion highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in local government actions, especially when dealing with sensitive legal matters. Takeaways Executive sessions must state the subject matter before convening. Public officials can only discuss certain topics in executive sessions. Voting on settlements must occur in public sessions. Transparency is crucial for taxpayer trust. Legal protocols exist to guide executive session discussions. City solicitors have limited authority to settle lawsuits. Council approval is needed for significant settlements. Political sensitivity is heightened in wrongful death cases. Taxpayer lawsuits can be a recourse for violations of transparency. Public response can influence political accountability. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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The conversation delves into the issues surrounding the secrecy of executive sessions held by the Cincinnati city council, the implications of police-involved incidents, and the role of media in ensuring government transparency. The speakers discuss the legal ramifications of the council's actions and the importance of public accountability in governance. They emphasize the need for open communication between the government and the public to maintain trust and integrity in city governance.Takeaways The lack of transparency in government meetings is concerning. Public accountability is essential for trust in governance. Executive sessions should have clear agendas disclosed to the public. The implications of police-involved incidents affect community trust. Media plays a crucial role in holding government accountable. Elections have consequences that impact governance and public trust. Legal ramifications can arise from government secrecy. Community engagement is vital for effective governance. The morale of law enforcement is affected by public perception. Healthy journalism is necessary for a transparent government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, former Cincinnati mayor Charlie Luken discusses the implications of the $1.6 billion railway sale and the subsequent allocation of funds for infrastructure projects. He expresses disappointment over the slow spending of the allocated funds, emphasizing the need for transparency and efficiency in project implementation. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by the city government in managing these funds and the potential role of external organizations in facilitating better outcomes for the community.   Takeaways The railway sale generated significant funds for the city. Only a small percentage of the allocated funds have been spent. There is a bottleneck in the city government regarding fund allocation. Allocating funds does not equate to actual spending on projects. Infrastructure projects need to be scrutinized for effectiveness. The city is behind on necessary road repairs and infrastructure improvements. External organizations could help streamline project implementation. There is a need for accountability in how taxpayer money is spent. The public's trust is at stake with the handling of these funds. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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In this conversation, Christopher Smitherman discusses the  pressing political issues in Cincinnati, focusing on settlement negotiations, public safety, and the accountability of city officials. He expresses concerns about the lack of transparency in city council decisions and the implications for taxpayers. The discussion also touches on broader cultural issues regarding law enforcement and the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for community engagement and accountability in governance.Takeaways The city council's decision-making process lacks transparency. Settlement negotiations should involve public input and scrutiny. Public safety is a critical concern for the community. There is a growing frustration with how taxpayer money is being spent. Cultural attitudes towards law enforcement are shifting and need to be addressed. Elections have significant consequences for local governance. Community engagement is essential for accountability in politics. The political landscape is changing, with new candidates emerging. There is a need for a fresh perspective in Ohio's governance. Values, not race, should guide discussions on law enforcement and public policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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🎉 Tech Friday kicks off 2026 with BIG conversations! 🎉 This week’s radio segment covered major changes and important warnings as we head into the New Year. 🥳📡 First up: Walmart and Kroger now require ID scans for everyone buying alcohol — no matter your age. 🪪🍺 Convenience vs. privacy sparked a lot of debate. Next, we looked ahead at what’s new in tech for 2026 🚀🤖 — from smarter AI tools to tighter security and more automation shaping everyday life. Finally, the FBI’s latest warning on common frauds and scams 🕵️‍♂️⚠️ was a sobering reminder: scammers are evolving fast, and awareness is your best defense. A smart start to a safer, more informed 2026! ✨🎆 #TechFriday #NewYear2026 #TechTrends #DigitalPrivacy #ConsumerRights #CyberSafety #ScamAlert #FutureTech #StayInformed 🎊🎇See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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1 - Alaska Airlines pilot who flew the plane where the door blew/fell off is now suing Boeing2 - An Air India pilot was pulled from duty after failing two breathalyzer tests3 - Will Spirit Airlines survive the year?4 - American Airlines is using AI to benefit customers 5 - Recent study warns passengers to never wash their hands during a flight (using a lavatory) 6 - HUB DelaysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

summary In this conversation, Congressman David Taylor discusses the recent ICE shooting incident in Minneapolis, the political reactions surrounding it, and the implications for law enforcement and immigration policy. He also addresses the formation of a bipartisan trucking caucus aimed at improving safety regulations for commercial drivers, and highlights a significant funding initiative for rural health services in Ohio. takeaways The ICE shooting incident has sparked significant political controversy. Law enforcement's role and the public's perception are critical in these situations. Protests often involve a mix of various political ideologies and organizations. The trucking industry faces safety challenges that need bipartisan attention. Congressman Taylor is optimistic about the support for trucking safety regulations. Funding for rural health is crucial for improving health outcomes in underserved areas. The recent funding initiative aims to strengthen community hospitals in Ohio. Political rhetoric can often distract from the underlying issues at hand. There is a need for more organized conservative responses to left-wing protests. The importance of prioritizing rural hospitals in funding allocations is emphasized. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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summary The conversation covers the dynamics of protests related to law enforcement actions, particularly in Minneapolis, and the political implications of government shutdowns. Congressman Davidson discusses the challenges faced by law enforcement, the impact of political agendas on public perception, and the need for biological data protection in the context of national security. takeaways Protests often arise from organized efforts by specific groups. Law enforcement actions can lead to significant public backlash. The political landscape influences the response to law enforcement incidents. Government shutdowns can be used strategically by political parties. Subsidies in healthcare can mask underlying program failures. The inflation of healthcare costs is exacerbated by government subsidies. Bipartisan support is crucial for effective legislation. Biological data protection is a growing concern in national security. The narrative around race and law enforcement is often manipulated for political gain. The impact of local governance on national issues is significant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comerica, Fifth Third shareholders back merger Comerica shareholders ignored an activist investor’s urging to reject the deal, with 97% of votes cast  in favor of the bank’s acquisition by Fifth Third.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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