The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Sine Kerr, Republican nominee for Arizona's newly created office of lieutenant governor and Andy Biggs' running mate, joins me to discuss what the job would actually look like and the role she hopes to play in a Biggs administration. We talk about Arizona's rapid growth and whether the state has gone too far in courting massive data centers, the increasing pressure on Arizona's water supplies, housing affordability and whether the Legislature has a role in bringing down housing costs. Kerr also discusses several of the Biggs-Kerr campaign's policy proposals and how her background in agriculture, water policy and the Arizona Legislature would shape her approach to becoming Arizona's first lieutenant governor.

Local builder and contractor Mark Haughwout joins me to sound the alarm over Flagstaff's move toward the latest International Building, Energy and Fire Codes — and what he says they could mean for the cost of building a home. Mark breaks down his estimates of how much the new requirements could add to construction costs and discusses snow-load standards, energy efficiency, sustainability mandates and the growing list of requirements builders face in Flagstaff. The city argues the updated codes will improve safety, wildfire resilience and energy efficiency while potentially reducing long-term costs. But Mark raises the other side of the equation: How much more can we add to the upfront price of a home in a city already struggling with housing affordability? We dig into the tradeoff between sustainability, safety and affordability — and whether Flagstaff is making it increasingly difficult to build housing ordinary people can afford.

Olivia Oravits joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, money and what could be a very interesting winter in Arizona. We start with political advertising: What actually gets people's attention anymore? With voters bombarded by digital ads, texts, emails and social media, could old-school campaign signs and physical mailers actually be making a comeback? Then we tackle the federal government's $40 trillion national debt, rising interest costs and the perennial political promise to solve our fiscal problems by simply “taxing the rich.” Finally, after an unusually wet Arizona monsoon, we look ahead to a strengthening El Niño. Could Northern Arizona be headed for a big snow year? We discuss the predictions, what El Niño historically means for Arizona and why even a “super” El Niño doesn't guarantee a blockbuster winter.

Republican candidate for Arizona Secretary of State Alex Kolodin joins me to talk about his campaign, Arizona's election system and what he would change if voters put him in charge of the Secretary of State's Office. We get into election security, voter confidence, how long it takes Arizona to count ballots, voter ID and the rules governing our elections. Kolodin also discusses his experience as an election attorney and state legislator, Proposition 144, and his case for replacing incumbent Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. With another major election approaching, we dig into a fundamental question: How should Arizona run its elections — and what would an Alex Kolodin administration do differently?

Jonathan Nez, former president of the Navajo Nation and Democratic candidate for Arizona's 2nd Congressional District, joins me to make his case for replacing Congressman Eli Crane in Washington. We discuss the issues facing Northern and rural Arizona, including the rising cost of living, water, healthcare, infrastructure and the role of the federal government in our communities. Nez also talks about his experience leading the Navajo Nation, working across party lines and why he believes CD2 voters should make a change in November. It's a wide-ranging conversation with one of the two major-party candidates asking voters to represent Arizona's sprawling 2nd Congressional District in Congress.

Flagstaff City Councilwoman Lori Matthews joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about her campaign for another term and the major issues facing Flagstaff. We talk about growth and development, housing and affordability, the cost of living, public safety, city spending and taxes, and the direction Flagstaff is heading. Matthews also discusses what she's learned during her first term, where she believes City Hall needs to do better, and why she's asking Flagstaff voters for another four years. It's a candid conversation about the choices facing Flagstaff and what the city could look like in the years ahead.

Flagstaff's minimum wage is officially headed to $18.95 an hour, and I take a deep dive into how we got here—and where we go from here.   I break down the latest CPI numbers, the possibility of an interest-rate cut, Arizona's new statewide minimum wage and Flagstaff's much higher wage. What are the real-world impacts on small businesses, workers, prices and jobs? And what needs to happen to stop these automatic increases before they create an even bigger economic problem? Plus, the debut of our new song, “The Minimum Wage Blues” by Click and Clack and the AI Machine.   Then we switch gears—or maybe airplanes! My son and aspiring aviator Owen joins me to talk about our next father-son flying adventure. We're taking our little plane to Roswell, New Mexico for the 2026 National Championship Air Races, home of the world's fastest motorsport. Seven racing classes, airplanes topping 500 mph, the USAF Thunderbirds—and Owen and I are flying ourselves there!   Economics, airplanes and a little Minimum Wage Blues.

Glenn Leest with WT Wealth Managment does a deep dive into AI from an investment angle but also from a moral angle and discusses the upside and downside to this rapidly moving technology. 

Isabel Oravits has visited all 50 states, traveled throughout Europe and explored destinations around the world. Now, she is turning those experiences—and her lifelong passion for travel—into IO Adventures, a travel advisory company dedicated to helping others plan unforgettable journeys of their own. In this special father-daughter conversation, Isabel shares some of her favorite travel stories, the lessons she has learned along the way and what inspired her to launch IO Adventures. We discuss family road trips, international adventures, cultural experiences, solo travel and why seeing the world can change the way you understand other people—and yourself. Whether you dream of exploring international destinations, visiting America's national parks, immersing yourself in another culture or simply taking the stress out of planning your next vacation, Isabel can help turn that dream into a personalized adventure. Learn more and start planning your next journey at IO-Adventures.com.

Angela joins me as we take on President Trump's surprise promise of a $5,000 “dividend” for every adult American if Republicans retain the House and Senate — a proposal that could cost roughly $1.2 trillion at a time when the national debt has already topped $40 trillion. We're not exactly cheering this one on. Then we turn local and look at what's happened to NAU's once-generous Lumberjack Scholars Award. It covered 100% of Flagstaff-campus tuition as recently as 2024–25; NAU now lists the award at $11,000 per year for qualifying Arizona freshmen. And the expenses don't stop at tuition. For freshmen living on campus, NAU requires a meal plan, with 2026–27 plans starting at $2,874 per semester. Angela and I run the numbers and ask: How much of a “scholarship” is left once a family actually writes the checks?   https://nau.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/freshman/#AZ-residents

Republican nominee for Arizona Attorney General Warren Petersen joins Jeff for an exclusive interview covering Gov. Katie Hobbs' controversial legal defense fund, the surprising loophole that allows its donors to remain undisclosed, and Attorney General Kris Mayes' decision not to pursue criminal charges in the Sunshine Residential Homes investigation. Petersen explains what he believes the Attorney General should have done differently, what donor activity should be off-limits for public officials, and how his years as Arizona Senate President have put him at the center of major legal fights—including cases reaching the U.S. Supreme Court. Plus, Petersen weighs in on Arizona's water battle, election lawsuits and the major initiatives voters will decide in November.

Glenn Leest of WT Wealth Management joins Jeff for a wide-ranging look at the economy and financial markets. With the Dow around 53,000, they discuss what's driving markets despite stubborn inflation and high interest rates—and whether investors have already priced in the continuing war with Iran and its impact on energy prices. Plus, is the massive investment in artificial intelligence the beginning of a lasting technological transformation or a bubble waiting to burst? Glenn and Jeff look at AI, blockchain, the enormous data-center buildout and where the next generation of technology may be headed.

Arizona Rep. Walt Blackman of Legislative District 7 joins Jeff to talk about the latest battle over Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program and what the future may hold for school choice in the state. They also look ahead to the November election, the statewide political landscape and several of the ballot initiatives Arizona voters will decide. Plus, what does the future look like for LD7 and Northern Arizona as the district prepares for eventual changes in its representation?

Northern Arizona sits in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world—but how much do we really know about the timber growing all around us? Joe Call of Pine Line Timber and Joe Dirt Excavation joins Jeff to talk about the past, present and future of Northern Arizona's timber industry. Why is active forest management so important to forest health and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire? What can ponderosa pine actually be used for? And if we have so much of it, why don't you typically walk into a Home Depot and see Arizona ponderosa pine 2x4s? Joe also discusses Pine Line Timber's operation in Williams, the challenges of turning forest restoration into usable products, and the important role timber played in building some of Northern Arizona's historic communities. It's a conversation about forests, fire, history, jobs—and whether putting more of our local timber to work can help create healthier Northern Arizona forests.

Jeff talks with Nishan Campbell, co-founder and CEO of Gunfighter Canyon, about his military and civilian career and the story behind building Gunfighter Canyon in Northern Arizona. Then they dive into a major 2nd Amendment update: the history of the National Firearms Act, changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Silencer Shop v. ATF challenge, and what eliminating the NFA tax could mean for federal regulation going forward. They also break down the uncertainty facing FFLs, what could change for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns, why machine guns remain a different issue, and where the legal battle over the NFA may head next.   www.gunfighter.com

Arizona cities are backing away from Flock license plate cameras as privacy and misuse concerns grow — and state lawmakers may step in with new rules. Plus, a bizarre tied election in Gila Bend comes down to a game of chance,  and we look at the major changes Arizona voters could face if Prop 144 passes. Also on the show: another disturbing secret-filming case in Tempe, Meta agrees to a massive $17 billion settlement over teen social media addiction, and Arizona schools debate a new $1,700 federal school-choice tax credit.

Olivia Oravits joins Jeff as co-host after touring NAU on Move-In Day! They dive into a major shakeup for Arizona's November ballot as Prop. 212 fails to qualify while Prop. 144 survives a Supreme Court challenge. Plus, a managed fire at Camp Navajo, privacy concerns over Flock license-plate cameras, Eloy becoming the first police department in the nation to use AI “virtual investigators,” and growing concerns over interest rates and the bond market. Then things get a little crazier: former NBA player Royce White declares for the 2027 WNBA Draft to challenge transgender eligibility rules, Arizona ERs report a spike in e-bike and e-scooter injuries, and a new survey confirms what anyone driving Arizona highways already suspects — speeding has become routine.

Jenny Clark, founder and CEO of Love Your School, joins Jeff to break down the court fight that knocked Proposition 212 off Arizona's November ballot. We discuss the signature-gathering process, allegations of deceptive petition tactics, the Goldwater Institute's legal challenge, tens of thousands of duplicate and invalid signatures, and the court rulings that ultimately sank the measure. Plus, with the ballot-printing deadline looming, Jenny explains what comes next for Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program, the Legislature, and opponents of ESA.

Arizona Senator Mark Finchem joins Jeff to break down the good and bad of the latest state budget and look ahead to the November election. What's at stake for control of the Arizona Legislature and the Governor's Office? Plus, Finchem delivers a simple message to voters — if you don't vote, you can't complain — and discusses the push for a Digital Bill of Rights and protecting individual freedoms in an increasingly digital world.

Could a coin toss really decide an election? We kick off today's show with the unusual Gila Bend Town Council race that came down to pure chance. We also discuss whether homeschool students should be allowed to participate in public school athletics, examine proposals involving city council salaries, and look at a former Prescott nonprofit director's 60-year prison sentence after embezzling more than $826,000. Plus, we cover legislation aimed at protecting the confidentiality of religious confessions, review Republican ballot measures drawing opposition from Coconino County Democrats, and wrap up with a look at local volunteers building and maintaining mountain bike trails during FBO Trail Day.

On today's show, Angela Oravits joins the conversation on the growing drug crisis, lessons from Vancouver, and whether Arizona is heading down the same path as officials debate transitional housing, homelessness, and addiction policies. We also break down the latest fight over Colorado River water cuts and what they could mean for Arizona. Olivia Oravits discusses the rise of AI cheating in education, ASU's expanding camera surveillance, new workplace heat protections, and other Arizona headlines. Owen Oravits checks in with an update on the A-10 Warthog and shares what it was like firing a fully automatic machine gun at Gunfighter Canyon. Plus, the latest on Arizona's new lieutenant governor race, Andy Biggs' running mate, and a look at how rapidly technology is changing the way we live, work, and learn.

Mark Haughwout joins Jeff to talk about a black bear wandering into his neighborhood and why feeding wildlife puts both people and animals at risk. Plus, Election Day is tomorrow with a reminder to get out and vote, Arizona's monsoon rains bring welcome relief and lift many fire restrictions, the debate over voter ID expands from restaurants to business filings, the FDA reverses course on a reported lettuce contamination after a false positive, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez fuels more 2028 presidential speculation, a youth baseball parents' brawl raises questions about sportsmanship, and Flagstaff prepares for higher downtown parking rates beginning August 1.

Arizona could soon become home to four more TSMC semiconductor fabrication plants, further cementing the state's role as America's chip manufacturing hub. We discuss what that means for Arizona's economy, jobs, housing, and national security. We also break down the latest Attorney General polling, new warnings for lawyers relying on artificial intelligence in the courtroom, a guy juggling across America, and wrap up with a look at Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey, which is receiving rave early reviews ahead of its nationwide release.

Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund returns to the show with on update on modern day train robberies happening in rural AZ. He also shares info on battling scams, especially those perpetrated on seniors, drug and human trafficking and an upcoming law enforcement summit in Flagstaff. 

Larry Behrens is an energy expert and the Communications Director for Power The Future. Larry gives an update on the Iran conflict and what it all means to your wallet when it comes to gas prices. He also brings some amazing news when it comes to oil production in the US, why OPEC's power is declining, the status of Venezuela and the upcoming winter energy outlook 

Today's show covers the latest on the Pocket Fire near Sedona, Governor Hobbs prediction markets ban, the passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham and the warning signs of aortic dissection and heart disease, Arizona's rise in cyclosporiasis (PARASITE) cases, a Tonto National Forest squatter who left behind a half-ton of trash, concerns over declining writing skills among students, and new school schedules and the science behind teen sleep.

Jeff shares a firsthand aerial update on the Pocket Fire after flying near the blaze, separates fact from fiction on wildfire flight restrictions. Angela discusses Arizona's contribution to America's 250th anniversary time capsule. Olivia joins the show to highlight a Grand Canyon river guide's record-setting solo row to Hawaii, and they discuss Arizona's latest Education Savings Account (ESA) ballot initiative and what it could mean for school choice.

My daughter Olivia joins me to share a bunch of events coming up this Independence Day including fireworks, drone shows and parades. She also shares some travel stories and some crazy animal mishaps from around the world. 

In this episode I go over how I am voting in the 2026 Arizona Primary.  How I am voting.   Governor, Andy Biggs Attorney General, Warren Petersen Secretary of State, Gena Swoboda  Treasurer, Elijah Norton Superintendent, Tom Horne Corporation Commission, Ralph Heap LD7 Senate, Wendy Rogers LD7 House, Walt Blackman & Andrew Costanzo Congress CD1, Joseph Chaplik  Congress CD2, Eli Crane Congress CD8, Abe Hamadeh Congress CD9, Paul Gosar

Flagstaff City Councilwoman Lori Matthews gives an update on the ongoing battle against sex trafficking throughout rural Arizona. She also talks about the struggle for affordable housing, the cost of living explosion and the wrong track Flagstaff has taken down the costly road of sustainability. 

Representative Dr.  Ralph Heap is running for the Arizona Corporation Commission and shares his vision of the changes needed for the statewide regulatory body. We discuss the state of energy in Arizona, monopolies in power, poor green energy choices and the need for a new direction. We also discuss the future of natural gas, coal and nuclear power in Arizona among many other issues. 

Joe Galli stops by to talk about his efforts with the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce to organize one of Arizona's most popular Independence Day Parade through downtown Flagstaff. He also updates us on the state of Arizona including the recent passage of the budget as well as local updates. 

The Pocket Fire north of Sedona has become one of Arizona's most challenging wildfire incidents, and today we're joined by Dick Fleishman with Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2 for a comprehensive update. We discuss how and where the fire started, why rugged wilderness terrain has made suppression so difficult, and what firefighters are doing to slow its advance. Dick explains the massive firefighting effort, including nearly a thousand personnel at the height of operations, the critical role of helicopters and large air tankers, and why burnout operations are being used to build defensive firelines ahead of the main fire. We also cover the latest weather forecast, how Red Flag conditions and outflow winds continue to influence fire behavior, what communities should know about Ready, Set, Go evacuation notifications, and whether the incident is tracking as fire managers expected. If you live in Northern Arizona—or simply want an inside look at how large wildfires are managed—this is an informative conversation from the front lines of the Pocket Fire.

Matt Beienburg of the Goldwater Institute joins Jeff to discuss the future of Arizona's ESA program, exaggerated media claims of fraud and abuse, new teacher union efforts to limit school choice, a proposed constitutional amendment to protect ESAs, and the debate over DEI in Arizona education.

Elijah Norton joins Jeff to explain the role of Arizona's State Treasurer, discuss his background, and outline his plans for government accountability, educational freedom, state investments, and Arizona's financial future. Learn what the office does and why this race matters.

Andrew Costanzo is running for the AZ House (LD7) and joins Jeff to discuss the seven issues driving his campaign, including taxes, election integrity, education, immigration, water, energy, and forest health. A fast-paced conversation covering many of Arizona's biggest policy challenges.

Mark Haughwout joins Jeff to discuss SNAP food stamp policy, two free speech and religious liberty cases making headlines, and why jumping off cliffs gets a lot less appealing as you get older. A thoughtful conversation with a few laughs mixed in.

Congressman Andy Biggs joins Jeff to discuss his campaign for Arizona governor, what's happening in Congress, and his plans for water, education, affordability, budgeting, ethics, and more. Plus, hear the personal side of Andy—from his early career and family life to playing music in a band and writing books.

After two weeks off a return to Arizona finds a Buc-ee's craze following us. I didn't even know what this was two weeks ago. Plus Angela updates us on the ESA battle in our state while Olivia shares some travel details from our visit to Florida. 

Dr. David Engelthaler talks about the risks of the very deadly ebola Virus, its symptoms, treatment, and the odds of it impacting Americans. He also shares info on a more likely virus to impact people in the southwest, the hantavirus. Dr. Engelthaler shares the facts and gives important practical information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this very fatal virus.  Dr. David Engelthaler is the Director and a Professor at TGen North. TGen North focuses on pathogen genomics with a specific mission to advance clinical medicine, public health, and biodefense. He is also the director of the Health Observatory at ASU. 

We get an update from Representative Walt Blackman including a bill to curtail HOA's from taking homes due to excessive HOA's bills. He also gives us a budget update.

Senator Wendy Rogers joins me for an update on a couple of her bills that were singed by Governor Hobbs including a bill to make it easier to evict squatters from your property and a bill to make it easier to deal with blighted homes in Arizona. She also gives us an update on the stalled budget talks and other legislative updates. 

Public Lands, Ringo Starr concert and minimum wage battles. 

Senator Wendy Rogers joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on some of Arizona's biggest and most troubling stories. We begin with a disturbing Northern Arizona case after a Flagstaff mother was accused of killing her toddler son and allegedly storing the child's body in a freezer for weeks before contacting authorities. Senator Rogers also discusses growing concerns over alleged fraud and corruption involving ACESS, AHCCCS, and Arizona's Medicaid system, which now serves roughly 1.8 million participants statewide. How widespread is the abuse, and what reforms could be coming? Rogers address the controversy surrounding Brigadier General John A. Conley and her opposition to his appointment as Adjutant General of Arizona. Plus an adventure in the sky and details on an early morning flight. 

Today's show covered a wide range of stories shaping Arizona and the country. We discussed a new Arizona study connecting marriage and stable families to lower child poverty rates and asked whether culture, economics, or government policy plays the biggest role in strengthening communities.  On the economic front, we talked rising interest rates, mortgage rates nearing 7%, and the growing pressure on consumers, schools, and local governments.

What does it actually take to be considered middle class in Arizona anymore? The numbers may surprise you. We also dive into Arizona's ongoing budget negotiations at the legislature and the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike.  APS proposes major rate hikes tied to massive AI-driven data center growth Arizona continues booming with some of the fastest-growing cities in the country A Navy jet collision  AI backlash erupts at the University of Arizona commencement Elon Musk and the growing “tech messiah” culture surrounding artificial intelligence And finally… cruise ship germs, buffet biohazards, and why hotel remote controls may be the scariest thing on vacation

Mark Haughwout has been building homes for decades and he sounds the alarm on the adoption of new stricter building codes that focus on so called affordable sustainability. He served on a committee that is reviewing the codes but just resigned out of protest to the apparent direction the new codes are heading. 

Today's show takes a deep dive into Flagstaff's controversial Regional Plan 2045 — the massive land use blueprint voters are being asked to approve that will shape housing, transportation, development, density, climate policy, infrastructure, and growth for decades to come. And yes… I called it a “crappy plan” more than once. We break down what's actually inside the document: the heavy focus on “sustainability,” “equity,” and climate action the push for compact growth and higher-density housing the connection between housing policy and carbon reduction goals Smart Growth planning philosophies how future zoning, transportation, and development decisions could be impacted why this plan matters far beyond a simple vision statement We also discuss: whether higher density will really lower housing costs if climate goals are starting to override neighborhood concerns how much control these long-range plans give planners and government why only a small percentage of land around Flagstaff is privately owned and whether this is truly about affordability… or reshaping how people live If you care about the future of Flagstaff, housing, development, growth, taxes, traffic, water, or government planning — this is a conversation you need to hear.

Flagstaff Councilwoman Lori Matthews joins Jeff for a conversation on several major issues shaping the future of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. Jeff and Councilwoman Matthews take a deep dive into the controversial Regional Plan 2045, including concerns over growth, sustainability policies, housing, and the long-term direction of the city. Matthews gives an update on Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and a newly submitted federal Small Community Air Service grant application. If awarded, the funding could help attract an additional airline and expand air service options for Flagstaff travelers. Other topics include: Possible public safety bond proposals Potential sales tax discussions Upcoming election issues and local political dynamics Growth pressures facing Flagstaff Infrastructure and public safety funding challenges A wide-ranging discussion on where Flagstaff is headed — and who will ultimately pay for it.

We discuss the newly released government UFO files and the now-famous 2019 Navy encounters off the coast of San Diego, where military crews reportedly tracked swarms of unidentified objects using radar, infrared systems, and eyewitness observations. Some reports even suggest possible “transmedium” craft entering the ocean. Then we shift to America's exploding online gambling industry and how sports betting apps have transformed nearly every smartphone into a 24/7 casino. Companies like FanDuel and DraftKings now dominate a multibillion-dollar industry that critics say is fueling addiction, debt, and a major cultural shift — especially among young men. We also cover Senator Josh Hawley's proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as fuel prices continue rising amid Middle East tensions and concerns over global oil supplies. Plus, the strange hantavirus cruise ship outbreak involving quarantines, deaths, and fears surrounding the rare Andes strain that health officials say may spread person-to-person.

Arizona Senator Wendy Rogers joins Jeff for a wide-ranging discussion on the budget showdown at the Arizona Legislature and the growing political battles shaping the state's future. Senator Rogers breaks down the chaotic budget situation at the Capitol, what went wrong, and why lawmakers continue struggling to find agreement. The conversation also dives into Arizona's crowded ballot initiative landscape, including whether the high-profile ESA/school choice initiative can actually survive the signature and voter gauntlet. Jeff and Senator Rogers also discuss a recent meeting with the City of Flagstaff and Mayor Becky Daggett focused on Northern Arizona water concerns, including: Desalinization proposals Long-term aquifer use Possible federal funding involvement The future of water infrastructure in Arizona The episode wraps with a discussion on rural housing challenges and whether rural tax credits and LIHTC-style incentives are truly conservative solutions — or just another form of government-driven development policy. Politics, water, housing, and Arizona's uncertain future — all in one episode.