Oklahoma Memo
Conversations about Oklahoma news, sports, politics, business and more!
Why AI Companies Suddenly Want Washington to Regulate Them
The companies racing to build increasingly powerful artificial intelligence are now talking about the need for government guardrails. Why would an industry ask Washington to regulate it?
Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes unpack the competing motivations behind the push, from legitimate concerns about increasingly capable AI systems to the enormous economic advantages companies could gain by helping shape the regulations themselves.
Then Ryan and Grant turn to Washington: the latest legal fight involving mail-in voting, a withdrawn ICE nomination with an Oklahoma connection, congressional impeachment efforts and what Justice Sonia Sotomayor says Americans are missing...
Are the Cowboys for real? OSU rolls from Oregon into Murray State
Oklahoma State went from a frustrating loss to Tulsa to a stunning 39-31 win over Oregon. So what exactly are these Cowboys?
Bedlam Buds Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook revisit OSU’s huge win, Drew Mestemaker’s emergence and a defense that held Oregon to just 281 total yards. They also dig into one of the most fascinating details from the game: Oklahoma State linebackers identifying tendencies on film that helped the defense anticipate run and pass plays.
Then it’s time for Murray State. Ryan and Jeremy break down the Racers, Oklahoma State’s injury situatio...
OU’s Offense Is Broken: Mateer, Arbuckle and a Michigan Reality Check
Oklahoma’s 17-10 loss at Michigan raises a much bigger question than whether the Sooners can recover from one defeat:
Is this offense fundamentally broken?
Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton and longtime Oklahoma sports columnist Clay Horning break down a miserable offensive afternoon in Ann Arbor and examine where the blame belongs.
John Mateer finished 17-of-33 passing and missed several critical throws. Oklahoma again struggled to run the football. The offensive line remains a problem. And offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle faces increasingly serious questions about whether his system — and his quarterback — can wo...
Oklahoma State Stuns Oregon — And Everything Is Back on the Table
What a difference a week makes.
Oklahoma State responds to its ugly Tulsa loss with a stunning 39-31 win over No. 16 Oregon, and suddenly Bedlam Buds Ryan and Jeremy have an entirely different Cowboys team to talk about.
Jeremy joins the show fresh from the sideline at Boone Pickens Stadium, where he photographed the game, survived turf temperatures reportedly reaching 142 degrees and found himself in the middle of the postgame field storming.
The guys break down Drew Mestemaker’s breakout performance, big games from Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young, OSU’s surprising dominance at t...
Oregon–Oklahoma State predictions: Bracing for the Ducks, looking for progress
Can Oklahoma State make Oregon sweat—or will this be another long afternoon for Cowboys fans?
Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook make their picks and explain why they disagree on the likely margin. Ryan expects Oregon to cover the 23.5-point spread discussed during recording; Jeremy sees the Cowboys keeping it closer.
Beyond the predictions, they discuss what meaningful improvement would look like after Tulsa: fewer turnovers, smarter fourth-down decisions, better quarterback protection and fewer penalties that erase defensive stops.
Also in this episode:
Why Dante Moore presents such a difficult defensive as...
OU–Michigan: Picking the Sooners, Doubting the Offense
Ryan Welton and Clay Horning both expect Oklahoma to beat Michigan. Neither is convinced the Sooners will resolve their offensive concerns along the way.
This week on The Long View, the conversation centers on OU’s search for a dependable running game, Ben Arbuckle’s play-calling and whether a defense-led victory will tell us enough about the Sooners’ potential.
In this episode:
• Why winning ugly against Michigan would still matter.
• What Clay wants to hear—and see—from Ben Arbuckle.
• How offensive line uncertainty complicates the running game.
• Whether OU will give John Mateer m...
Step away from the ledge, Oklahoma State fans
Oklahoma State’s loss to Tulsa was ugly, but does one bad Saturday mean the Cowboys’ season is already over?
Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook dig into the Bedlam Buds comment section and respond to fans questioning Eric Morris, Drew Mestemaker, OSU’s offensive line and the direction of the program. They also discuss Tulsa’s performance in the trenches, the impact of four Oklahoma State turnovers and why Jeremy refuses to abandon the Cowboys after one game.
Plus: viewer trolls, Pony Express jokes, the emotional hazards of OSU fandom and the bottle of whiskey Jeremy m...
Are You Better Off? John Croisant on Trump, Tax Cuts and Oklahoma’s Future
John Croisant is asking voters a familiar question: Are you better off today?
The Democratic candidate for Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District joins Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging assessment of President Donald Trump, Republicans in Congress and Oklahoma’s Republican-controlled state government.
Croisant argues that tariffs, rising fuel costs, federal spending and cuts to public benefits have failed to deliver the affordability voters were promised. He also questions Oklahoma’s heavy reliance on tax incentives to recruit businesses, saying the state should invest more aggressively in education, health care and workforce development.
Ryan and Jo...
Mail-voting turmoil, the middle-class squeeze and “Trumpapalooza”
Mail ballots are beginning to move, but a legal battle over the Trump administration’s proposed Postal Service rules remains unresolved.
Journalist Grant Hermes joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to explain the administration’s attempted mail-ballot overhaul, the warning from a USPS whistleblower, and why the controversy could produce confusion before—and potentially after—the 2026 midterm elections.
Ryan and Grant also examine the latest jobs report, the growing number of Americans working more than one job, the decline of the “run government like a business” political pitch and the Republican Party’s first midterm convention—bet...
OSU Stunned by Tulsa: Is This Cowboys Team Fixable? Yes.
Oklahoma State’s highly anticipated new era opened with a painful 24-10 loss to Tulsa.
Bedlam Buds Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook react to a performance in which the Cowboys moved the ball but repeatedly failed to finish drives. They examine Drew Mestemaker’s difficult afternoon, the offensive-line injuries that altered OSU’s approach and the playmakers who still offered reasons for optimism.
Tulsa quarterback Baylor Hayes outplayed Mestemaker, while the Golden Hurricane consistently won the individual moments that decided the game. Jeremy argues that many of Oklahoma State’s problems—penalties, dropped passes, missed opportunit...
OSU at Tulsa: Can the Cowboys Make a Statement?
The Eric Morris era begins with an immediate test — and a chance for revenge.
Oklahoma State opens the 2026 season Saturday at Tulsa, less than a year after the Golden Hurricane stunned the Cowboys 19-12 in Stillwater. This time, OSU arrives with a new coaching staff, 91 newcomers and an offense built around former North Texas standouts Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins and Wyatt Young.
Bedlam Buds Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook explain why Tulsa’s 4-8 record from last season is misleading. The Golden Hurricane defeated Oklahoma State, Oregon State and Army, returns promising quarterback Baylor Hayes and...
OU’s 2026 ceiling: Playoff run or another season on the brink?
How many games will Oklahoma win in 2026?
Ryan Welton and Clay Horning go game by game through the Sooners’ schedule — and emerge with two different paths to a successful season.
Ryan predicts a 10-2 finish, including wins at Georgia and over Texas, followed by a trip to the College Football Playoff. Clay sees OU stumbling against Michigan, Georgia and Texas before finding its offense, closing the season on a seven-game winning streak and finishing 9-3.
The two also discuss whether John Mateer and Ben Arbuckle can produce a significantly improved offense, which running back...
One Tick Bite Could Make You Allergic to Red Meat, with KOSU's Sierra Pfeifer
A bite from a lone star tick can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially serious allergy to red meat, dairy and other mammalian products.
KOSU reporter Sierra Pfeifer joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to explain why the condition is gaining attention in Oklahoma, how eastern red cedar trees may be helping ticks spread and why alpha-gal can be difficult to diagnose.
They also discuss Oklahoma’s new reporting requirements, precautions people can take outdoors and how No Cow Bakery & Café in Edmond is creating a safe place for customers with alpha-gal and other food allergies.
...Can Taxpayers Benefit From Data Centers? With Pete Sepp
Data centers are generating fierce opposition across Oklahoma, but could these projects also benefit local taxpayers?
Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union, joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to present a different perspective on the data center debate. Sepp argues that responsibly developed data centers can expand local tax bases, stabilize residential property taxes and create economic activity beyond the jobs located inside the facilities.
But this isn’t an argument for giving developers a blank check. Ryan and Pete discuss the need for public transparency, responsible water and energy policies, equal tax tr...
John Croisant on Oklahoma’s winnable races, self-funded candidates and Trump’s trade wars
Congressional District 1 candidate John Croisant believes Oklahoma Democrats have something they haven’t enjoyed in years: multiple races they can realistically win.
Croisant joins Oklahoma Memo’s Ryan Welton to discuss what the narrow Republican gubernatorial runoff revealed about the state’s electorate, why Democratic candidates are coordinating their campaigns, and how face-to-face organizing could reach voters who feel overlooked by traditional political campaigns.
He also criticizes candidates who pour millions of dollars into their own campaigns, arguing that self-funding can create new questions about influence after the election.
Other topics include:
• Am...
Trump’s Midterm Strategy, Oklahoma’s Political Divide and the Beef Backlash
President Donald Trump wants the 2026 midterms to become a referendum on himself — but could that strategy backfire?
In this week’s Grant and Ryan conversation, Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes examine the administration’s actions involving mail-in ballots, election monitoring, voting infrastructure and federal law enforcement. Grant lays out what he sees as a broader effort to create doubt and disruption around the election, while explaining the legal and practical limits on what a president can do.
They also dig into the striking Oklahoma runoff map that divided much of the state along I-44. Why did Mi...
Roger Denny’s $25 Million Gamble on Brent Venables
Roger Denny has made one of the biggest decisions of his young tenure as Oklahoma’s athletic director: extending Brent Venables through 2031 at $10.5 million per year.
Was it a deserved reward after a 10-2 season — or an unnecessary financial gamble?
On this episode of The Long View, Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton and veteran sports columnist Clay Horning (OklahomaColumnist.com) break down the new contract and the risk it creates for OU. Clay calculates that if the Sooners move on from Venables after the 2027 season, the university could owe approximately $42 million — $25 million more than it would...
Meet the Receivers Who Could Transform Oklahoma State’s Offense
Oklahoma State’s receiving corps has been rebuilt—and the difference is already visible.
On this episode of Bedlam Buds, Ryan Welton and Jeremy Cook examine the speed, depth and versatility surrounding quarterback Drew Mestemaker in Eric Morris’ new offense. Jeremy shares what he has observed from North Texas transfers Wyatt Young, Miles Coleman and Terrance Lewis, along with Chris Barnes and 6-foot-5 target Justin Bowick.
They discuss why Young could become a major yards-after-the-catch weapon, how Coleman’s speed could translate to both offense and special teams, and why OSU may unleash a wide-open attack f...
The State Farm files are open. Now what?
A Comanche County judge has unsealed 285 pages of internal State Farm records at the center of lawsuits over the insurer’s handling of Oklahoma roof claims.
Griffin Media political analyst Scott Mitchell joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to explain what the documents appear to reveal, why State Farm fought their release and how the case could affect Oklahoma politics just days before the primary runoff.
Ryan and Scott discuss Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s intervention, internal references to reducing roof-replacement payouts, the order requiring State Farm’s CEO to sit for a deposition and the qu...
Debt, War and America’s Global Power; Plus, Is Taiwan Soon to be Exposed?
America’s national debt has reached $40 trillion. But what does that number actually mean—and when does debt become a genuine threat to the country’s economy and national security?
Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes break down the difference between debt and the deficit, explain why confidence in the United States matters and explore how the war with Iran could place even more pressure on prices at home.
They also discuss the USS Abraham Lincoln’s return after an exceptionally long deployment. Its replacement, the USS George Washington, is being moved from the South China Sea—rais...
America Owes $40 Trillion. Who’s Going to Pay for It?
America’s national debt has reached $40 trillion—but what does that number actually mean for Oklahomans?
Democratic congressional candidate John Croisant joins Oklahoma Memo host Ryan Welton to discuss the consequences of federal borrowing, the bipartisan failure to balance the budget and his argument that tax breaks should be viewed as another form of government spending.
The conversation also covers:
How Croisant would approach the federal budget
Military spending, healthcare, education and housing
Corporate tax incentives and Oklahoma’s economic priorities
State Questions 844 and 846
The Aug. 2...
John Croisant on SQ 844, SQ 846 & Oklahoma's Runoff Elections
Democratic Congressional District 1 candidate John Croisant joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about Oklahoma politics and the approaching election.
Croisant explains why he opposes State Questions 844 and 846, including his concerns about public-school funding, voting requirements and legislative power. He and Ryan also examine Oklahoma’s low voter participation, the limits of political polling, the importance of television advertising, and elected officials' responsibility to serve every constituent—not only their supporters.
Plus, Croisant discusses his campaign against Republican Mark Tedford, calls for debates before November and explains why he believes Oklahoma needs to f...
The Air Force One decoy controversy and a deepening crisis aboard the USS Lincoln
President Donald Trump reportedly escaped a potential Iranian threat by secretly changing aircraft—leaving members of his Cabinet, staff and the White House press corps aboard what became a decoy Air Force One.
Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes discuss the unsettling security, ethical and political questions raised by the operation, including what passengers knew, why the president traveled without much of his usual support system and whether the episode contributed to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s departure.
Then, they examine alarming reports from the USS Abraham Lincoln, where sailors have spent more than 200 days...
Jim Priest on Data Centers, Rural Hospitals and Oklahoma’s Senate Runoff
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jim Priest joins the Oklahoma Memo Podcast ahead of his August 25 runoff against Jasmine Thomas.
Priest tells Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton why he believes he is the stronger general-election candidate against Republican Sen. Kevin Hern—and why Democrats cannot win statewide without support from independents and crossover Republican voters.
The conversation turns to the rapid arrival of large industrial projects in Oklahoma, including hyperscale data centers. Priest calls for greater transparency, a national vetting framework and stronger support for local officials being asked to evaluate extraordinarily complicated proposals.
...
Poll: Drummond and Mazzei Are Tied — But Who Has the Turnout Edge?
Oklahoma’s Republican gubernatorial runoff is a dead heat.
A new poll from Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates (CHS) finds Attorney General Gentner Drummond and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei tied at 44%, with 12% of likely Republican voters still undecided ahead of the Aug. 25 runoff.
Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton speaks with longtime Oklahoma pollster and the president of CHS, Pat McFerron, about what the topline numbers don’t show — including Drummond’s potential advantage among frequent primary voters.
They also discuss:
How voters moved following the Aug. 3 debate
Why Republican women ar...
Inside Oklahoma State fall camp: First look at Eric Morris’ new offense
Oklahoma State football is back on the practice field—and the Cowboys already look markedly different under new head coach Eric Morris.
Jeremy Cook has been inside OSU’s fall camp and joins Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton to share what he saw from Drew Mestemaker, Caleb Hawkins, Wyatt Young and the rest of Oklahoma State’s rebuilt offense.
The early identity is becoming clear: quicker practices, faster transitions, short throws, bubble screens and a no-huddle attack that demands urgency from everyone on the field. Jeremy explains why Mestemaker looks comfortable leading the offense, how the fo...
The Oklahoma jail scam stealing thousands from families
A loved one calls from jail. They need money immediately—or so you're told.
But what if it's all a scam?
In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton talks with Oklahoma Bondsman Association President Tracey Halley Terrell about a growing fraud scheme targeting Oklahoma families.
You'll learn:
How the fake jail release scam works
Why scammers pressure victims to act immediately
How AI voice technology is making scams more believable
The red flags every family should know
What legitimate bail bo...
Drew Williamson on Drummond vs. Mazzei, Data Centers and Stitt’s Next Move
Oklahoma Gazette owner Drew Williamson joins Oklahoma Memo’s Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about the people, money and controversies shaping Oklahoma’s 2026 elections.
Williamson explains why he believes Gentner Drummond may have gained momentum following the gubernatorial debate—and why Mike Mazzei’s decision to pour millions of borrowed dollars into his campaign represents such an extraordinary political gamble.
Ryan and Drew also examine the proposed aluminum smelter near Inola, growing public resistance to AI data centers, Oklahoma’s relationship with its tribal nations and Gov. Kevin Stitt’s apparent interest in national office.
...Is Oklahoma politics about to get unpredictable?
Oklahoma is one of the reddest states in America — but 2026 is starting to look considerably less predictable than that description suggests.
Political journalist Grant Hermes, host of Make It Make Sense with Grant Hermes, joins Oklahoma Memo's Ryan Welton for their weekly conversation about the politics behind politics.
This week, Ryan and Grant start in Michigan, where a surprisingly close Democratic U.S. Senate primary raises new questions about polling, turnout, the future of the Democratic Party and what both parties face heading toward November.
Then they turn to Oklahoma.
Ryan an...
Suzie Byrd on challenging Frank Lucas — and why she says Oklahoma needs ‘new ideas’
Suzie Byrd decided to run for Congress at almost the last possible moment.
Now the Democrat from Enid is challenging longtime Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas in Oklahoma’s sprawling 3rd Congressional District.
In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo podcast, Byrd joins Ryan Welton for a wide-ranging conversation about why she entered the race and what she would try to accomplish in Washington.
They discuss the future of rural health care, Byrd’s support for universal health coverage, the growth of AI data centers and concerns about Oklahoma’s water supply.
...Did Christopher Nolan get The Odyssey right? Ancient World expert separates myth from history
Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has reignited interest in one of history's most influential stories.
Ryan Welton sits down with ancient world expert (and his Bedlam Buds college football partner) Dr. Jeremy Cook to separate myth from history, discussing the historical evidence behind Troy, the morality lessons woven into Homer's epic, why Odysseus was far more flawed than modern audiences realize, and how Greek mythology shaped Western culture.
Along the way, they explore whether the Trojan War really happened, the origins of the Cyclops legend, why ancient Greeks feared angering the gods, and why stories that...
Iran Tries to Hack Water Systems? Trump vs. Senate Republicans + Fauci's 5th | Grant & Ryan
Ryan Welton and Grant Hermes break down the week in politics.
This week's conversation includes:
Why cybersecurity should become part of Oklahoma's AI data center debate
Reports of suspected Iranian cyber activity targeting U.S. infrastructure
Trump's struggle to win over Senate Republicans on key nominations
Todd Blanche and the attorney general confirmation fight
Anthony Fauci's decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing
Whether America has truly processed the lasting effects of COVID-19
The Supreme Court's shadow docket and its...
AI Data Centers: Fact vs. Fiction | Why Oklahoma Is Ground Zero
Communities across Oklahoma are debating massive data center projects, raising questions about electricity, water, jobs and transparency.
In this episode, Oklahoma Memo founder Ryan Welton sits down with Hart Brown, Director of AI and Transformation at Saxum, to examine what's real—and what's misunderstood—about AI infrastructure.
They discuss:
Why Oklahoma has become a magnet for AI data centers
Whether AI facilities will overwhelm electricity and water resources
The kinds of permanent jobs these projects actually create
Why companies keep early negotiations confidential
How AI has...
Transparency, AI Data Centers and Privacy: The Debate Facing Oklahoma
Government 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...
Birthright citizenship, Markwayne Mullin's future and the mystery surrounding Mitch McConnell
Is 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...
Did John Mateer's viral quote get taken out of context?
A 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:
Th...
Nick Coffey: Why Oklahoma's next attorney general should be "a prosecutor, not a politician"
Democratic 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...
Everything looks different for Oklahoma. Now the offense has to prove it.
OU 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<...
Big 12 Drama, Eric Morris & Why Oklahoma State Could Surprise Everyone
Big 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...
Social Security's 2032 Deadline: What Happens Next?
Social 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
...
