The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Bob Thorpe (former 4 term AZ Representative) and I start off with fire updates, obesity issues & cancer and move on to huge data centers in AZ drawing opposition due to water usage. We also hit on a dog fighting ring busted, Disney vs. Dollywood, arrogant HOA's and much more. 

Angela and I hit on a new proposal in the Senate to require mortgage forbearance during natural disasters and “emergencies”. The Dragon fire hits top 10 biggest ever in AZ. Plus radioactive wasps, dynamic pricing, the AZ governor race and more!

An economic update with GDP numbers higher than expected, the Fed not lowering interest rates and Angela breaks down a $1,000 “BABY FUND” courtesy of the Big Beautiful Bill. Plus more tariffs this time on India, an update on the DC helicopter crash and a new Air Force One is on the way. 

An update on uranium mining in Northern Arizona and a discussion on our energy needs and the role nuclear power plays with our huge need for electricity with Curtis Moore, Sr. VP Marketing & Corporate Development for Energy Fuels.

Angela and I start off with the EU trade deal, a new copper mine in Arizona and the not so public Federal Reserve. Olivia chimes in on heat related rescues, an idiot who left his kids in a car to go to the adult book store and a report from U-Haul on who/where people are moving to and from. My son Owen rounds out the show with a report from Oshkosh, Wisconsin and the worlds biggest aviation event. 

Former Sheriff Richard Mack discusses Mack/Printz v US and the Supreme Court ruling that he won on the 10th amendment and the precedent that protects states over federal overreach. 

Joe Galli from the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce returns to the show to talk about how we can grow the economy, the impacts of small business on America and a prediction on tips and mush more. 

Jon Paxton of the Coconino County Sheriff's Office shares info on how to prepare your family for that what if scenario that you hope never happens. 

Reverend Neal Riggs talks about a past law that prohibits churches from weighing in on politics for fear of losing their non profit status and a push to end this limitation. 

Small businessman Zach Ellman pays a visit to discuss the local economy and impacts of high wages, tariffs and more. He also talks about the upcoming Chili Cook Off.

Senator Rogers stops by the studio for an extensive analysis of this year's legislative session, Hobbs record vetoes and the political landscape of AZ now and possibly this next election. 

Angela joins me to start off with info on medical debt forgiveness in AZ. Is another Dem. heading to DC from AZ? Who's liable for your kids? Olivia talks about AZ high pedestrian accident rates + supposed best cities to live in. I talk about the Federal Reserves obscene billion$ palace and a billion airline lawsuit. 

Inflation still a problem that doesn't surprise any of us outside the people that report inflation. Olivia gives a fire update. Angela shares an article entitled “Rip Off America”. + “Expertly handled”?  I get pretty ticked off with the national Parks fire comments.

Angela and I share info on the fires burning north of the Grand Canyon and the destruction of the Grand Canyon Lodge. We share info on a plague death in NAZ. Governor Hobbs wants money for a border wall she opposed. Joe Galli stops by and discusses the economic impact of fires. SCOTUS says yes Trump can fire people. Olivia shares a new AZ animal cruelty law + an amazing story of surviving an arrow through the head. 

Kelly Broaddus returns to the show to give a real estate market update. She's seen about every market imaginable and calls the current market "schizophrenic". Take a listen as Kelly breaks it all down. 

Congressman Andy Biggs returns to the show and shares his thoughts on the good and bad of the Big Beautiful Bill, the deficit outlook and more with a DC update. Biggs also shares his thoughts on bringing together the AZ Legislature if he's elected governor. Plus, an update on the hearing with Biden's doctor. 

Rep. Alexander Kolodin and #1 thing to improve elections in AZ plus Olivia shares the "affordable rental" spots in Arizona and I have data on home equity and the not so hidden potential tax hit (disclaimer, no tax advice, seek competent tax professionals, not me) 

Rep. David Marshall discusses Arizona's energy future plus shares his insight as to the dysfunction that occurred at the Arizona Legislature this session. 

Starting off our post July 4th weekend with Angela and the University of PA changing course on transgender issue. Plus new tariffs, most stolen cars, robots taxis, troubling social media trend and more with Olivia in the second hour.  

Angela joins me for two hours of fun that ends with smart rats sniffing out landmines. But before that we get to America's most dangerous national parks, Cormac from Ireland sharing his countries "anchor baby" solution, a Big Beautiful Bill update and a whole lot more.

Ben Delman, Editorial Director at Solar United Neighbors, talks with me about the lack of solar incentives in Trumps "Big Beautiful Bill" and shares details on solar production, technology and its future. 

I talk with Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, about President Trumps "Big Beautiful Bill" including a discussion on extending tax cuts, increasing national defense and opening up America's natural resources. 

Back in Flagstaff after our 5 week journey, but as we came into the state we saw the smoke from the Oak Ridge Fire and we also were reminded of the disgraceful state of roads in the northwestern part of the state. A budget update…spoiler, no government shutdown but the Diamond Backs got a sweetheart deal. Angela and I break all this down plus the “Big Beautiful Bill”, Canada capitulating again under Trumps pressure and record travel expected this week.   Olivia joins me for the 2nd hour with updates on heat related rescues and a paraglider incident in the Phoenix area. I have data on how long it takes to save for a house and a comment comes in on ATVs on public lands. 

Olivia joins me with listener comments on fed lands being sold off. I touch on proposal to ban mileage taxes. An update on the AZ budget turmoil and a travel update from British Columbia.  

Senator Wendy Rogers shares her insights on President Trumps bombing of Iran. Rogers also discusses the chaos at the legislature over the budget and a potential government shutdown. She was also in Alaska and we talk shop on that too. 

“We survived the Dempster Highway”. That's the shirt my son Owen bought me for Father's Day, a bit prematurely in hindsight. But not even halfway north on the all dirt 550 mile road (1,100 mile round trip) to the Arctic Ocean, we found ourselves stranded with a broken leaf spring at mile 225 in Eagle Plains, Yukon.  But thanks to some bush fixes, 5 tire fixes and with some help from some really nice locals and fellow travelers, we made the 7 day journey and share the story in this segment of the show. 

Angela and I give an update from Eagle Plains, Yukon. We've got a broken leaf spring but thanks to some very helpful Canadian friends, we've got it fixed and will limp out today. Also got a flat tire yesterday as we try and exit the Dempster Highway in the Arctic Circle. Plus Angela and I give updates on fire risks, the state budget, Attorney General Mayes recent setback and win for Trump plus Olivia shares some travel stories as well. 

Speaker Pro-Tem of the Arizona House of Representatives Neal Carter breaks down the recently passed budget and discusses the differences between the house version, the senate version and what Governor Hobbs may do with the budget. He also talks about his bill, an antisemitism bill, that got vetoed by the governor.    Angela and I also share our travel stories including our “dip” in the Arctic Ocean, some travel difficulties and the challenges of the rough and wild Dempster Highway through the Arctic. 

I catch up with Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ Gubernatorial candidate) about the recent LA riots, Hobbs reaction, the federal budget and his run for governor. 

I catch up with Senate President Warren Petersen and he gives a budget update, comments on Hobbs CCCP flip flop and shares an upcoming event in Flagstaff. 

Angela and I do the show from Chena Hot Springs, northeast of Fairbanks Alaska with updates on AZ Governor Hobbs China flip flop and bills vetoed. Angela shares a snake story and I share a story from a bush pilot making his way through Alaska.  

My family joins me as we do our first show from the road just outside Fairbanks Alaska sharing details of our 17 days on the road. I also give some news updates including whats happening with local, state and federal budgets. New shows all week including an update from Senate President Warren Petersen. Email and comments or questions, talkwithjeff@icloud.com 

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen talks about the bills he's most happy with so far, frustration over bills Hobbs has vetoed, “farms to housing”, the AZ ICE Act, 2026 ballot initiatives and the states budget. 

Flagstaff City Councilmember Lori Matthews gives an update on city construction projects, housing issues, the regional plan and the 2026 election.    As discussed, AZ petition link https://apps.azsos.gov/apps/election/eps/op/

Senator Wendy Rogers joins me in the studio to share some wins with several of her bills being signed by the governor. She also shares the frustration over Hobbs vetoing several of her pro Second Amendment bills. Plus an update on the states budget. 

Bob Thorpe shares his families personal connection to the Menendez brother's trial. Olivia talks about Arizona's safest and not safest cities. + Skiing in June in AZ. And being famous for being famous.  

Angela joins me for the first two hours frustrated at triple fee increases proposed to get into “your national forest”. Land pirates rob and pillage in America, Congress continues its drunken spending ways, Hobbs vetoes 36 more bills but signs my “engineering standards” bill (thanks Senator Wendy Rogers). Olivia joins me in the third hour with comments including the benefits of trade schools and Cormac shares the veto process in Ireland. We end with an issue over uranium transport and new inflation numbers show eggs are a little less expensive. 

My son Owen and my father-in-law joins me after his trip to South Africa to share his insights on the impacts of the US economy on other nations, refugees, poverty and hunting big game in Africa. 

Angela joins me for this hour as we celebrate our daughter graduating NAU. But do you need a college degree and are companies pushing for this like they have in past? Angela shares some insight and I've got the numbers. 

Bruce Sidlinger updates us on random law enforcement, the last chance with Trump, why Europe is lost and DEI gone way wrong. 

Olivia joins me and Bob Thorpe with her take on several stories including animals lost, stuck and rescued, a Japanese man rescued twice and Meat Loaf!

Representative Joseph Chaplik compares Arizona to other states as we enter 100 days in the legislative session and points out the massive amount of bills, lobbyist influences over the legislature and a medical bill he voted against that he says lowers requirements for foreign medical professionals practicing in the state. 

Coconino County Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros shares concerns about people losing insurance throughout Arizona due to wild fire risk. What's going on and what can residents of the state do?

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Former Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours shares some presidential history, talks about past Flagstaff politics and the state of it today and, as a retried attorney, shares his disgust of a judge violating immigration law.    Angela joins me in hour two with sentencing for a corrupt former member of congress, vacation trends, some stupid criminal stuff and I share a boating gone airborne story out of Lake Havasu. 

Chief Todd Miller of the Highlands Fire District and Alfredo Villa, a firefighter & paramedic join me to discuss Wildfire Preparedness Day coming up on April 26th, 9:00 AM at Station 23 in Mountainaire.

Business owner Dave Ledbetter (NimarcosPizza.com) shares his insights as to the changes going on in the restaurant business with new trends including pizza drive thru's. His son Jesse shares details on kids and tech, smart phones in schools and more. 

Supervisor Nikki Check talks about a proposed bond for the expansion of Embry-Riddle, the county's planning efforts (zoning ordinance update, rural services master plan, verde valley master transportation plan ), a bit about the budgeting process and more. 

Eric Boatner of All State Agency out of Flagstaff shares info on insurance increases due to wildfires, cost to rebuild, fire safety, facts on auto insurance I didn't know and a lot more. He actually made talking insurance very interesting. 

Evan Womble, Managing Director at High Caliber Construction and Glenn Leest of WT Wealth Management give an update on the housing market, impacts of tariffs, cost to build, trends in building and more with a Northern Arizona angle.

Stating off with some flight training tales with Bob Thorpe and a pop in with Mark Haughwout. Dave Ledbetter stops by with his son Jessie who shares a Gen-Z perspective on technology impacts on youth. Bob and I hit on drones and Olivia talks AI and intellectual property rights. + Why Andy Biggs is the real deal in the AZ governors race. 

Bruce Sidlinger returns to the show and shares several examples of moral decay in western civilization. How do you fix a country without traditional morals? Plus Bruce asks if non-citizens should get constitutional due-process. Finally, what is an astronaut?