Jake for the State Podcast

About Jake for the State Podcast

A look at all things related to the wellbeing and prosperity of our state and the people who make it great.

Publisher

Jake A Merrick

Category

government · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jan 2022

Latest episode

9 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

78 of 100 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Russell Fincher - PARDONED!

   Full Presidential Pardon - Russell Fincher Jake speaks with Russell Fincher about the federal raid, the felony conviction that upended his life, and the full presidential pardon he says he received from Donald Trump. The conversation covers what happened to his career, his family, and his church community, plus what the pardon changes and what still remains unresolved. In this episode: Russell Fincher recounts being a pastor, former school teacher, and occasional gun show vendor before the raid that changed everything. He describes the SWAT-style operation at his home, the fear for his 12-year-old son, and the trauma of being handcuffed in front of his family. Russell explains how the felony conviction affected his ability to work, including repeated job rejections despite having a master's degree. He shares how his church supported him, refused his resignation, and kept him in the pastorate through the legal battle. Russell details receiving a full and unconditional presidential pardon, including the moment his attorney called with the news. He says the pardon erased the felony from his record and removed the indictment from the official case screen. The discussion touches on outreach from James Langford's office and the role of Senator Markwayne Mullin in supporting the pardon effort. Jake and Russell talk about the firearms taken during the raid and the lingering question of whether any will be returned. Russell reflects on the long wait for relief, saying he believes God remained faithful even when the timing was not his own. The episode closes with talk about Russell possibly returning to public education now that the felony has been wiped away. Timestamps: (00:00) Jake introduces Russell Fincher and frames the major update (01:16) Russell recaps life before the raid as a pastor, teacher, and gun show vendor (01:46) The ATF raid at his home and the fear it caused his family (02:53) How the felony conviction threatened his career and livelihood (03:33) Job searches, rejection, and the reality of being "felony friendly" (04:32) The one employer who looked past the record and gave him work (05:28) Why his church refused to accept his resignation (06:26) How church support helped him survive the lowest point (07:39) Reading the presidential pardon and hearing the words "full and unconditional" (08:18) The attorney's call and the moment Russell realized it might be real (09:23) Confirmation from White House staff and the pardon being verified (10:46) Russell's long relationship with James Langford and the pardon effort (12:44) Support from Senator Langford and Senator Markwayne Mullin (13:44) Timeline of the raid and how long the case dragged on (14:10) Why the confiscated firearms still matter after the pardon (15:23) Russell says the wait taught him to trust God's timing (17:03) A call for real justice and reform beyond the pardon (21:10) Whether Russell plans to return to teaching (23:08) Final reflections on hope, testimony, and continued advocacy (25:12) Jake quotes the First Amendment and argues for petitioning the government (29:29) Closing thanks and final sign-off CHECK OUT MY AMAZING SPONSORS: BRUSHFIRES CLOTHING COMPANY https://brushfiresclothing.com ENJ Financial ENJ Financial takes a personal approach to financial planning. Their team works to understand your unique needs, priorities, and long-term goals, then helps you develop, implement, and monitor a financial strategy designed specifically for your situation. Learn more about ENJ Financial at: https://www.enjfinancial.com/ ___________________________________________________________________ Motus Health https://motushealth.com From spinal and knee decompression, functional neurology, weight loss support, neuropathy treatment, and personalized nutraceutical supplementation— they help you restore brain function, reduce inflammation, and reclaim your vitality. Visit MotusHealth.com today to schedule your consultation and start feeling your best! Motushealth.com or call (405) 494-0165 ." ___________________________________________________________________ Stevens Trucking With over 1,600 trailers, we are able to offer a drop-and-hook solution to keep your freight moving quickly and secure. While also helping our drivers get extra miles so they can keep on pullin' more loads. https://stevenstrucking.com

2. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Raided by the ATF! The Russell Fincher Interview

   One moment changed Russell Fincher's life forever. In this powerful interview, Russell recounts the day ATF agents raided his home, the fear he felt for his son's life, and how he suddenly found himself facing a felony charge. He shares what it was like to have his reputation, livelihood, and sense of security turned upside down—and the difficult process of picking up the pieces afterward. This is more than a story about one federal raid. It is a deeply personal conversation about government power, constitutional rights, family, fear, faith, and what it takes to rebuild when everything you knew changes in an instant. Listen to Russell Fincher tell his story in his own words on the Jake for the State Podcast. (You can watch the conversation here: https://youtu.be/15pFliwj--c) Check out my new line of freedom gear here: https://brushfiresclothing.com

3. 

   3 Aug 2026

   2A Talk - Crazy Canada, CMMG's Bold Stand, and Jordan Salinas' Courageous Example

   Jake Merrick's Second Amendment podcast episode (≈24–32 min) contrasts two cultures: Disarmed / "soft" approach – Canadian, Australian, and some U.S. police advice that tells citizens to leave keys out or avoid confronting criminals so they won't get hurt. Armed self-defense culture – Sheriffs in Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi who openly support homeowners shooting back at invaders. He then highlights three real-world examples of the second path: Jordan Salinas (Idaho, Aug 1 2026) – An ordinary healthcare worker who returned fire on a mass shooter at an In-N-Out, helping stop the attack and save lives. CMMG (Missouri gun maker) – Refuses to sell government agencies any guns, mags, or suppressors that ordinary citizens in those states are banned from owning. "No two classes of citizens." Oklahoma's strong 2A culture and a call to the Caddo County Patriot Meeting that night in Hinton (Faith • Family • Freedom). Core message: The Second Amendment isn't about hunting—it's about whether we stay a free people or accept a system with restricted citizens and an exempt ruling class. Show up, speak up, and defend the right at the local level.

Inside a recent episode

Iran, UAE, and... Oklahoma?

Published 26 Jun 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] You know, Iran recently, they sought greater control over traffic. That's what they were contending for in the Strait of Hormuz. And the United States responded... that international waterways must remain open. Iran cannot legally impose tolls, and that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable. These are international waters. They need to remain free for those in the area to ship their goods and services without tolls and without interference from Iran. So roughly one-fifth, get this, of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. That's why, of course, we saw the rising oil prices and then the recent temporary relief that we're seeing because the strait has been reopened. […]

Who has been a guest on Jake for the State Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Tom Gann
• Senator Warren Hamilton
• Kevin Stitt
• Faith Campbell
• Jason Murphey

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.4 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

71

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

92

Contact Jake for the State Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Jake for the State Podcast