Four outspoken friends deliver another unfiltered ride: wild banter about EVs vs. gas guzzlers, brutal Trump tariffs that nearly bankrupted a business, the Iran war, college sports chaos, and the heavy cost of freedom. In this raw, hilarious, and heartfelt episode of Finding Common Ground, Bill, Odell, Kelly, and Maverick mix laughs with serious talk on politics, race, community, and why we still love America.

To learn more, please visit our website The Common Ground

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Bill Goebell Social:

Bill's Website

Rev. Odell Cleveland Social:

Odell's Website

Odell's Instagram

Odell’s Facebook

Books available on Amazon

Odell's Patreon

Odell's X

P is for Prostate Podcast

Marty “Maverick”Kotis Social:

Mart's X Account

Marty's Linkedin

Mavericks with Marty Kotis Podcast

Kelly Hahn Social:

Kelly's LinkedIn

Kelly's Instagram

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Banter
02:21 Prayer and Racial Lenses
04:39 EVs, Gas Prices, and Porsche Rocket Ship Stories
07:00 Tariff Chaos and Business Impact
11:48 Property Taxes and Local Government Frustrations
16:33 Special Listener Shoutout and War Discussion
19:00 Rescued Pilot Story and Military Operations
23:48 Iran Conflict Analysis and Diplomacy Hopes
28:36 Hearts and Minds, Trolling, and Regime Change
33:20 War Profiteers, Oil Prices, and Ukraine Drones
38:03 College Sports, NIL, and the Wild West Era
42:40 NCAA Blame and Revenue Sharing Issues
47:26 Hubert Davis, Roy Williams, and Talent Dilution
51:58 Bill’s Campaign Manager Offer and Party Drama
54:25 Boy Scouts, Life Skills, and Youth Development
59:09 Feeder Programs, YMCA Partnerships, and Donor Stories
01:01:28 Cooking Class Tangent and Monk Blessings
01:05:03 ICE, Immigration, and Trump’s Promises
01:09:48 Kamala Harris, Rubio, and Political Flip-Flops
01:14:27 Furniture Market Struggles and Geopolitics
01:16:42 Honoring Fallen Soldiers and Airport Tribute
01:21:29 War Realities, PTSD, and Supporting Veterans
01:26:12 Iran as Terror Sponsor and Path to Peace
01:28:34 Ceasefire News and Final Reflections

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From self‑driving Teslas to geopolitics and rising property taxes, this episode dives into the issues shaping everyday American life. The Common Ground crew tackles AI addiction, drone warfare, midterm election uncertainty, and why local politics may matter more than ever. With humor, personal stories, and unfiltered debate, they explore how technology, faith, leadership, and community collide in a rapidly changing world.

To learn more, please visit our website The Common Ground

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Banter
01:42 Faith, Opening Prayers, and Setting the Tone
03:25 Teslas, Technology, and Full Self‑Driving Stories
06:40 AI, ChatGPT, and Everyday Use
09:08 Drones, Ukraine, and Global Conflict
11:36 China, Oil, and Geopolitical Shifts
13:57 Stoicism, Stress, and Personal Resilience
16:22 NASCAR, Revenue Battles, and Sports Politics
18:48 Gas Prices, EVs, and the Future of Energy
21:09 Midterms, Voting Systems, and Local Leadership
23:31 Sheriff Races, Political Strategy, and Community Impact
25:46 Property Taxes, Housing, and Economic Pressures
28:10 Local Government, Schools, and Policy Battles
32:52 Podcasts, Lobbyists, and the Political Landscape
35:15 National Security, Protests, and Law Enforcement
37:26 Guns, Safety, and Training
41:54 ICE, Immigration, and Public Perception
46:29 Federal Spending, Contracts, and Accountability
48:46 Settlements, Lawsuits, and Legal Realities
50:57 Development, Real Estate, and Local Challenges
53:18 Business Cycles, Restaurants, and Staying Ahead
55:39 Public vs. Private Solutions for Schools
58:06 Taxes, Endowments, and the Cost of Government
01:00:27 Universities, Tuition, and Student Life
01:02:48 Sports, Academics, and the Carolina Way
01:05:05 NIL, College Athletics, and the Future
01:07:27 Franklin Street, Campus Culture, and Change
01:09:27 Tuition, Out‑of‑State Costs, and Access
01:11:49 Business, Economy, and American Identity
01:14:12 Media, Politics, and Public Influence
01:16:38 Local Council, Pressure, and Governing
01:19:04 Epstein, Scandals, and Public Curiosity
01:21:20 Prison Systems, Justice, and Reality
01:22:48 Race, Society, and Cultural History
01:24:48 Africa, Identity, and Travel Reflections
01:27:09 Food, Culture, and the Diaspora
01:29:26 DNA, Family Stories, and Heritage
01:33:17 Race, Class, and Shared History
01:35:40 Closing Thoughts and Shout‑Outs

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How do you handle racial issues when they affect your closest relationships? This special “best of” episode of The Common Ground dives into just that. Hosts Bill and Odell share a powerful story from a hunting trip that put their unique friendship to the test. One Republican, one Democrat, one Black, one White, both devoted Christians who deeply care about each other, tackle tough but necessary conversations with honesty and grace. Tune in for heartfelt reflections, lighthearted moments, and thoughtful insights on what it truly means to bridge divides. Don’t miss this chance to join the conversation and discover common ground!

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose
01:30 Finding Common Ground: A Unique Friendship
03:45 Personal Backgrounds: Growing Up in Different Worlds
05:49 Cultural Differences in Worship and Community
08:50 Hunting Trip: A Story of Racial Awareness
14:00 Reflections on Racial Dynamics and Friendship
17:07 The Role of Faith in Bridging Divides
22:00 Overcoming Prejudice Through Personal Experience
25:52 Encouraging Interracial Friendships
27:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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We are going out with a bang with the whole crew! In this final episode, Bill, Odell, Kelly Hahn, and Marty Kotis tackle political conflicts, the Diddy trial, and economic development in Greensboro, while stressing the need for local investment. We discuss the importance of a third political party, mentorship in business, and how cultural heritage shapes personal growth. Reflecting on our podcast journey, we highlight trust, empowerment, and community support, and share future plans for positive change. Don’t miss this thought-provoking sendoff packed with inspiration, insight, and the full Common Ground team together one last time!

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters

00:00 Political Conflicts and Third Party Perspectives
02:58 The Diddy Trial and Celebrity Culture
06:03 Economic Development and Local Investments
09:00 Reflections on Podcasting and Common Ground
12:02 Community Development and Social Justice
24:06 Future Aspirations and Local Impact
24:33 Belief and Self-Efficacy
26:36 Local Politics and Community Empowerment
27:42 Business Growth and Mentorship
31:44 Challenges and Resilience in Business
35:15 The Importance of Positive Relationships
37:34 Cultural Heritage and Personal Growth
41:38 The Power of Perspective
44:39 Closing Doors and New Beginnings
48:52 Reflections and Gratitude

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In this episode of The Common Ground Show, Bill and Odell bring their trademark candor and warmth to a wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of education, race, and community leadership. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to faith, they cut through political noise to explore the real stories behind today’s most pressing issues.
The discussion begins with a critical look at the myths and realities of school quality, unpacking how funding, class sizes, and voucher systems shape opportunities for students—especially in Title I schools and low-income communities. Bill shares personal anecdotes from his time in Scouting, highlighting the transformative power of youth programs and the significance of the Silver Buffalo Award.
As the conversation deepens, they confront challenges facing public education: debates over busing, book bans, birthright citizenship, and shifting political landscapes. Throughout, Bill and Odell emphasize the barriers low-income students face and the essential role of community support in overcoming them.
With humor, honesty, and a commitment to bridging divides, Bill and Odell show how respectful dialogue and shared values can drive real understanding and positive change.

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters

00:00 Education Myths and Realities
06:01 Honoring Achievements: The Silver Buffalo Award
08:52 The Role of Scouting in Youth Development
11:57 The History and Impact of Scouting
14:54 Personal Stories and Legacy
17:55 Challenges in Education Funding
21:12 The Future of Public Education
23:55 Vouchers and Educational Choices
28:23 Community Foundations and School Funding
29:01 Class Size and Educational Impact
30:48 Understanding Title I Schools
31:44 Barriers for Low-Income Students
32:56 The Role of Community Support
33:54 Budget Allocation and Public Schools
35:11 Challenges in Public Education
36:28 Revisiting Busing Policies
37:52 Adverse Childhood Experiences
39:45 Book Banning in Schools
45:50 Birthright Citizenship and Its Implications
49:21 Political Landscape and Leadership Challenges

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Join hosts Odell and Dori Goebel on this episode of Finding Common Ground as they sit down with Greensboro developer Andy Zimmerman for a dynamic conversation on the future of community development in Greensboro. The discussion dives into pressing local issues, including access to grocery stores, healthcare challenges in underserved neighborhoods, and strategies for downtown revitalization. The trio also examines innovative approaches to addressing homelessness and highlights the importance of amplifying community voices in shaping solutions.
Throughout the episode, listeners will hear insights on the role of local leadership, the significance of collaborative partnerships, and how upcoming city council elections could impact Greensboro’s growth and equity. Whether you’re passionate about urban development, civic engagement, or simply want to learn more about the forces shaping your city, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing Greensboro today.

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Finding Common Ground
00:24 Personal Experiences and Community Impact
02:53 Economic Development and Urban Planning
08:08 Challenges in Attracting Residents to Downtown
12:00 Community Engagement and Empowerment
19:55 The Grocery Store Dilemma
32:03 Conclusion and Future Outlook
33:02 Demographics and Grocery Store Decisions
34:52 Healthcare Accessibility in Greensboro
36:54 The Value of Money and Community
39:03 Safety and Community Engagement in Downtown Greensboro
40:49 Innovative Solutions for the Unhoused
42:00 Leadership and Community Support
46:51 Community Contributions and Charity
49:08 Upcoming City Council Elections
56:29 Personal Motivations for Community Involvement

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Join Bill and Odell as they sit down with Craig Scott, whose remarkable journey has taken him from black militant activism to becoming a leading voice in the conservative movement. In this candid conversation, Craig shares his firsthand experiences with the criminal justice system and offers a unique perspective on the lasting effects of the 1994 crime bill. He discusses his support for the America First movement and the importance of self-sufficiency within the black community.
The discussion dives deep into the challenges faced by black conservatives, exploring the complexities of political identity and representation in a landscape often dominated by traditional party affiliations. Bill, Odell, and Craig tackle tough questions about political endorsements, community reactions, and what it means to step outside established political lines.
With thoughtful analysis, the episode explores the historical roots of party politics, the impact of current geopolitical conflicts, and the real-world consequences of liberal policies on the black community. The conversation is a powerful call for open, honest dialogue about race, politics, and the future of American society in an increasingly polarized world.

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters

00:00 Opening Reflections and Gratitude
02:51 Political Commentary and Perspectives
06:45 Craig Scott's Journey and Activism
11:52 The Impact of the 1994 Crime Bill
14:48 Support for Trump and the America First Movement
19:21 The Need for Self-Sufficiency in the Black Community
22:52 Navigating Political Identity and Representation
28:08 Challenges in Black Conservative Politics
32:01 Endorsements and Community Reactions
33:12 Political Challenges and Community Dynamics
34:04 Political Identity and Party Loyalty
36:19 Political Disloyalty and Consequences
37:12 Historical Perspectives on Political Parties
39:34 Revisiting Historical Narratives
41:31 Geopolitical Implications of Ukraine Conflict
43:32 Military Industrial Complex and Global Politics
45:21 Reflections on Apartheid and Historical Contexts
47:02 NATO's Role in Modern Conflicts
49:55 America's Strategic Interests in the Middle East
52:49 Cultural Perspectives on Race and Politics
55:38 Engaging in Political Discourse
57:35 Critique of Liberal Policies and Their Impact
01:00:09 The Legacy of Political Parties and Racial Dynamics
01:02:55 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements

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Join Bill and Odell on Finding Common Ground as they bridge divides and spark understanding through candid conversation. This episode explores urgent issues shaping society today, from economic policy and personal freedoms to the intersection of politics, business, and mentorship. Bill and Odell share real stories about parenting, family legacy, and empowering the next generation. They also discuss philanthropy, property rights, and the challenges of political engagement.
Get fresh perspectives on Greensboro’s dynamic business landscape and the importance of local involvement. With humor and honesty, Bill and Odell tackle tough topics-racial dynamics, leadership, and community safety-always searching for common ground. Tune in for thought-provoking insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.thecommonground.show/

This podcast is produced by BG Podcast Network.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Leadership and Responsibility
03:05 Understanding Racial Dynamics and Common Ground
05:52 Reflections on Political Leadership and Media Influence
08:54 Economic Policies and Personal Freedoms
12:13 Government's Role in Society and Individual Rights
15:05 Taxation and Representation: A Business Perspective
18:13 Mentorship and Life Lessons for the Next Generation
21:08 Philosophies of Giving and Legacy
32:51 Philanthropy Among Billionaires
34:07 Family Legacy and Independence
36:18 Balancing Support and Independence for Children
37:12 Navigating Parental Support and Expectations
39:10 Entrepreneurship vs Employment: Finding Your Path
40:51 Politics and Business: Finding Balance
41:11 Understanding Political Engagement
43:15 The Importance of Free Will and Property Rights
45:46 Public Service and Business: A Balancing Act
50:13 The State of Greensboro: Business Perspectives
54:00 Community Engagement and Local Politics

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