The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Arizona lawmakers are talking about expanding the House—just as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to take on one of the biggest constitutional questions in decades. We connect the dots between government growth, declining trust, and what it all means for everyday Americans. Plus: the Fed's latest move, energy policy shifts, school choice battles, and a major step forward for Grand Canyon recovery.

A special conversation with Ireland's Cormac Bowell. We break down who St. Patrick really was, how the holiday is celebrated worldwide, and why it's such a big deal in America. With up to 36 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry, St. Patrick's Day has become a cultural phenomenon that connects two nations through tradition, food, and celebration.

Air travel is getting messy as TSA agents quit during the government shutdown while the war with Iran pushes jet fuel prices higher. Arizona lawmakers push major housing bills and debate the future of school vouchers. We also cover the fight over data centers, wealth migration out of high-tax states, the “Make America Healthy Again” push targeting medical schools & other stories—from Cuba's nationwide blackout to the Brady Bunch house getting landmark status.

On today's show, Jeff and Mark Haughwout cover a wide range of headlines impacting Arizona and the nation. A shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security raises questions about border policy, while a new proposal in Congress would create national constitutional carry. Back in Arizona, a report shows only about half of education dollars reach classrooms, and some schools may be facing financial risk. Plus, residents in an Eloy retirement community are dealing with major utility rate hikes, lawmakers debate banning Sharia law in Arizona courts, neighbors weigh in on Falcon Field landing fees, investigators examine a Phoenix plane crash, and authorities arrest suspects in a train burglary ring near Joseph City.

A case now headed to the Arizona Supreme Court could reshape how government regulates work and small businesses in the state. At the center of the dispute is a fundamental question: Do Americans have a constitutional right to earn a living without excessive government interference? Joining the podcast is Timothy Sandefur, Vice President for Legal Affairs at the Goldwater Institute, which is arguing that economic freedom should be treated as a fundamental right under the Arizona Constitution. The organization says many occupational licensing laws create unnecessary barriers that prevent people from working independently or starting businesses. In this episode, Sandefur explains the case, including an example involving an engineer who can legally do work for a company but cannot offer the same services independently without government permission. We also explore how common licensing barriers are across Arizona and what could change if the Arizona Supreme Court agrees that the “right to earn a living” deserves stronger constitutional protection.

As tensions rise in the Middle East amid the conflict involving Iran, energy markets around the world are on edge. A key concern is the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping lane where roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day—about one-fifth of the world's supply—passes through. Any disruption there could send shockwaves through global energy markets and quickly affect prices at the pump. In this episode, Larry Behrens, Communications Director for Power the Future, joins the show to break down what the Iran conflict could mean for oil markets, global shipping, and American energy security. Behrens brings more than 20 years of experience in government, journalism, and energy policy, and has appeared on major outlets including Fox News and Newsmax discussing U.S. energy policy and global markets. We discuss how Iran fits into the global oil market, why the Strait of Hormuz is so strategically important, and whether the United States is truly insulated from Middle East energy shocks. Behrens also weighs in on what policies could help protect American consumers from volatility and whether the current crisis strengthens the argument for increased domestic energy production.

Roundabouts are becoming more common across Arizona as communities try to deal with traffic growth and safety concerns. But not everyone is convinced they're the right solution.   Jeff takes a closer look at the growing push for roundabouts with Steve Lazar, who says he and his neighbors are battling a proposed roundabout in the Cornville area north of Camp Verde and Cottonwood. While the issue may seem local, it touches on bigger statewide transportation debates — including traffic congestion & intersection safety     Later in the show, Jeff talks about the Noah's Ark Card Game, a faith-based, educational card game designed to bring families and generations together through fun, learning, and conversation. Inspired by the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, the game includes animal facts, memory challenges, and questions designed to spark curiosity while reinforcing faith-based values. It's meant to be a screen-free activity that families, classrooms, churches, and even senior centers can enjoy together.    The game features a deck of 144 cards with easy, medium, and hard animal-fact questions, making it accessible for players of different ages and skill levels. https://noahsarkcardgame.com

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen joins Jeff to discuss tax filing confusion in Arizona, water concerns, crime legislation, lawsuits and the Supreme Court, the push to limit photo-radar, and potential statewide ballot referrals.

Arizona's cost of living is back in focus. In today's episode, Jeff breaks down the $1 million rental price-fixing settlement announced by Attorney General Kris Mayes and what it means for renters statewide, plus new data showing Arizona's building permit process is adding weeks — and potentially higher costs — to housing projects. He also covers the latest at the State Capitol, including an immigration enforcement bill, a “No Budget, No Pay” proposal, and a ballot measure on medical mandates. Plus, why the FCC is now investigating the rising cost of watching NFL games. From housing to state policy and national trends, it all connects to your wallet.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport sits at 7,015 feet — and it's growing. In this episode, Jeff talks with Airport Director Brian Gall about expanding airline service, the arrival of mainline aircraft like the Airbus A319, and what that means for northern Arizona travelers. They discuss how busy FLG really is, why 60% of passengers are visitors, and what it takes to operate safely at high elevation — including those famously bumpy approaches. Brian also breaks down long-term expansion plans, the airport's role in wildfire operations and firefighter training, military and high-altitude training use, and whether Flagstaff could support another airline or even a Vegas route. Plus, the biggest challenges facing the airport as the community weighs growth and development. If you fly in or out of Flagstaff — or care about the region's economic future — this conversation gives you an inside look at what's next.

In this episode, we break down the biggest stories coming out of Arizona right now. The Legislature is debating a proposal that would require school districts to spend at least 60% of their budgets on teacher salaries and classroom instruction — a move supporters say boosts transparency and pay, while critics warn could squeeze vital support services. Lawmakers are also advancing a gas tax holiday aimed at lowering summer fuel prices, tougher penalties for teen sextortion, and a measure that could put new girls' sports eligibility rules before voters.   PLUS OLYMPICS UPDATE WITH OLIVIA ORAVITS: Olivia Oravits breaks down the final medal standings from the 2026 Winter Games in Milan–Cortina — where **Team USA finished second overall with **12 golds and 33 total medals, marking one of the strongest winter performances in U.S. history. She'll also recap the historic U.S. sweep of both men's and women's Olympic hockey gold medals — the first time America has claimed both titles at a single Games.  Olivia weighs in on the social and political buzz around President Donald Trump's comments and invitations after the men's hockey victory — including reactions from players and the women's team's choice to decline a White House invitation amid mixed messaging following their own gold-medal game.

We start off with the violence in Mexico, impact on USA and solutions. It's crossover week at the AZ legislature and Angela and I hit on several "trans bills", housing bills and more. Plus some tax stats and a lot more!

Is an anti ICE amendment coming to Flagstaff? Councilmember Lori Matthews talks about a petition floating around Flagstaff that the city council may soon hear that pits the City of Flagstaff against federal immigration enforcement + several other big AZ issues!

I chat with Congressman Andy Biggs about his plans for Arizona if he becomes our next governor. We also talk voter ID, a balanced budget amendment, A.I. issues and much more!

Hobbs has 12 bills, several on SNAP reform. How quick will she veto? Should teachers be barred from striking? How many families will lose access to private schools under proposed ESA initiative? Republicans push for vacation rental reforms. What will Flagstaff's minimum wage be in 2036 and how will it impact employment and costs? We have the numbers. Olivia shares Flagstaff's snow history and a tragedy in Nevada. 

Seedance 2.0 debuts and it's crazy! Hollywoods future in question and a bunch of changes are here as a result of AI. Angela and Olivia join me as we explain. The girls give an Olympic update and I talk about a bunch of Arizona news items including a big announcement in the AZ gubernatorial race. 

Angela and Olivia join me to talk Valentine's Day, marriage stats, divorce stats and more!

Angela and Olivia join me with an EV update and news that Ford and others are cutting back after massive losses. We also update you on charges for the suspect in last weeks west Flag shootout and deaths of DPS helicopter pilots. 

I sat down with Coconino County Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros for a wide ranging discussion on housing in Northern Arizona, infrastructure, energy and more. 

Mark Haughwout joins me as we discuss a newly launched initiative to rein in ESA's in AZ including an income test. What was going on with the airspace over El Paso today? Olivia with some Olympic updates. A beer maker cuts a bunch of workers due to AI productivity gains. 

Angela joins me as we share crazy welfare data on Puerto Rico, what those telephone poles were all about during the Super Bowl Halftime Show and should Puerto Rico just be its own country and not receive our tax dollars? Plus some Olympic updates including a new sport!

Aimee Yentes, Vice President of Arizona Free Enterprise Club joins me with a tax update. Governor Hobbs vetoed a bill that would have saved Arizonan's millions. So what's the next step? And what about the looming tax deadline? Plus, other states are attracting massive capital because they have eliminated their state income tax. Will Arizona follow suit?

Angela and I watched the Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime show and we have some things to say about it. A history lesson on Puerto Rico and some civics 101. An update on the Nancy Guthrie disappearance. I discuss the SAVE Act and the push this week to make sure only those who are citizens actually vote. Olivia gives an Olympic update.

There's a hearing coming up in the House Government Committee about HCR2044, the proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit government DEI mandates and racial preferences. Matt Beienburg, director of the Goldwater Institute's Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy shares the details and why this amendment is needed in Arizona. 

Orville Wiseman of Wiseman Aviation shares his decades of stories and experiences as Flagstaff's fixed based operator (FBO) & flight school. I actually received my private pilots license from Orville's flight school as have 1000's over the decades. Orville shares some amazing stories of flying, Flagstaff challenging high elevation mountain airport, the history of aviation in Northern Arizona and the challenges airlines have in small rural communities. We also talk about the landing fee controversy and the potential for a new Arizona and federal law banning these fee's for general aviation planes. Orville touches on fighting forest fires and the role his FBO has at the historic Lindberg Winslow Airport in fueling and providing a location for the firefighter pilots to load the slurry to put out wildfires throughout the region. He also shares some of the famous people he's met over the years flying into Flagstaff (KFLG) Airport.    NOTE: This interview was recorded prior to the tragic helicopter crash in Flagstaff that killed 2 DPS officers.

Gina Swoboda joins us to discuss  running for Arizona Secretary of State, why she decided to not pursue the CD1 Congressional seat, a lay of the land politically and the challenges AZ faces with elections issues going forward. 

Energy expert from PowerTheFuture.com Larry Behrens returns to the show and shares info on Greenland and its strategic importance. Plus we talk Project Vault and the push to protect America's critical minerals. We also touch on Arizona's “summer blend” of fuel, refinery's, windmills and more.

Angela and I start off with a death in Flagstaff currently being investigated as an alleged fraternity hazing incident. A bill that requires gender at birth in use of bathrooms advances and is one step closer to the voters of AZ. Government shutdown 2.0 update. New SNAP requirements take hold. Sen. Kelly's big haul. Olivia discusses the possibility of a new national park in AZ. An organized theft ring participant gets a jail sentence and more!

Mark Haughwout joins me to talk about more ICE protests, some locally with school kids walking out and where this may all be heading. We also hit on the potential outcome of the 2026 election federally and in Arizona. 

Congressman Abe Hamadeh returns to the show with his thoughts on the ICE protests, immigration, the potential of a government shutdown this week and his bill The Federal Workforce Civics Competency and Accountability Act.

Will the Arizona Independent Party confuse Arizona Independent voters, Angela and I explain. I highlight crazy Democrat bills that will become law if AZ flips blue. An update on ICE, protests and illegal immigration. 

State Representative Quang Nguyen (R-LD1) returns to the show and discusses some of his bills that fight human trafficking, keeps Arizonans safe from sex offenders, drug traffickers and fights for the Second Amendment. He also weighs in on ICE, protestors and illegal immigration.

Angela joins me for updates including a new AZ GOP chair, a state budget that continues to grow and AZ AG growing controversy for comments on ICE. We also touch on the EU's delusions of super power status, the US exiting the WHO, Omars wealth and more. Plus, the next controversy in Flagstaff, a Mormon temple. 

Senator Wendy Rogers joined me in studio to talk about the potential of banning red light cameras in Arizona through a state wide vote. She updates us on AZ's budget, her push for free hunting licenses for AZ Veterans, a fire district in Williams and a potential ban on landing fees at the states airports. 

Starting off the first hour with former state rep. Bob Thorpe touching on Senator Kelly's presidential aspirations. Rep. Walt Blackman's bill to change the length of terms for state legislature. The craziness in Minnesota and arrests made for the protestors during a church service. Joe Galli returns with the details of a Flagstaff council meeting where one member voted against funding to help fight sex trafficking. We also touch on a proposed law to limit uses of accessory dwelling units.

I chat with Kelly Broaddus, a Flagstaff Realtor and Evan Womble, a local contractor with High Caliber Construction about the Arizona and Flagstaff housing market, where it's at, where it may be heading and the affordability question. Kelly shares her concerns about lowering interest rates too low. I share my concerns about politicians meddling in the housing industry and Evan covers it from the construction side of the industry.  

Arizona Representative (& candidate for Congress CD1) Joseph Chaplik returns to the program to discuss the impacts on the cost of housing due to illegal immigration. We also talk about several of his bills including a requirement for businesses to accept cash, a new state specialty plate and a push to move Arizona to a biennial budget process. Plus his bid to win the CD1 Congressional seat. https://www.josephchaplik.com

Angela joins me to discuss Arizona Governor Hobbs vetoing the GOP tax bill. I explain the downside to politicians pushing for “affordable housing”. Copper thieves in the copper state. The $3 meal is possible, Angela's an expert on it. And China's growing low birth rate problem. 

I'm in my tenth year doing this show and the leftist Democrats annoy me when they propose (and pass) anti constitutional, anti free market and socialist bills. But as my long time listeners know when Republicans drop idiotic bills, it infuriates me even more because I expect more from so called free market conservatives. Which leads me to rant for nearly an hour about the idiotic bill proposed by Arizona Republican Representative legislature Nick  Kupper. His poorly written, ill-conceived, laden with huge downside, dumpster fire of a bill, HB 2325. Oh and the fact that corporate media is cheering it's “bipartisan” (mostly Democrat) support and the fact that it's named the “Own Something and Be Happy Act” should be all you need to know that it's bad news. 

Joe Galli with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce talks about his recent visit to Greenland and its strategic importance. He breaks down the huge cost of sustainability, Governor Hobbs state of the state, over regulation, the minimum wage problem and more!

Arizona Representative Walt Blackman gives a legislative update and critiques Governor Hobbs State of the State including her continued assault on the ESA program. I share some AZ news including the passing of former AZ Attorney General Mark Brnovich. Glenn Leest chimes in on four proposals, a 10% cap on credit card interest, a ban on investors buying homes, a wealth tax proposal and a bill to disallow members of Congress from buying stocks. 

I break down Governor Katie Hobbs State of the State address including her very bad housing proposal and continued attacks on the ESA program. Olivia gives a review of Greenland while I discuss Greenland as the 51st state...here we go again!

Angela and I talk about the prospects of Greenland becoming a US territory. Angela has data on the most popular states to move to. We even talk about the weather! 

Congressman Eli Crane fresh out of a top secret congressional briefing gives us a DC update and shares his thoughts on Venezuela, Greenland, Cuba and Columbia. We also touch on food stamp reform, rebuilding at the north rim of the Grand Canyon, Secure Rural Schools Program, another government shutdown and more. 

Olivia has some stats including Arizona's position as a charitable state, Arizona's perception as a desirable state to live in and more. Congressman Andy Biggs checks in for a D.C. update before getting called away to a house vote. And a former Arizona politician gets sentenced for petition fraud. 

Senator Wendy Rogers shares her legislative list with least than a week until the session begins. Bills like campus carry, HOA bills, election integrity, infrastructure, the squatter bill and an outlook on the 2026 Arizona budget.

Angela starts off the show then Mark Haughwout joins us and he shares a bunch of bills he's unearthed that are being proposed at the Arizona Legislature.

First show of 2026 as I enter my 10th year! Angela and I update you on new security measures on local governments, FLOCK no more, Senator Kelly's video blowback and response and the sad state of constitutional knowledge in America. We also touch on food stamp reform and some new bills in AZ. Olivia shares her New Years resolution, social media use stats and an e-cig lawsuit in AZ.    Check out my flying/travel/adventure channel on YouTube https://youtu.be/sHw_gxoBWkQ?si=dKAb9IOPgmCRSgL9

An annual tradition, my family, Angela, Isabel, Olivia and Owen join me to review a big year in our household with a 5 week bucket list trip through Canada and Alaska, flying adventures and new adventures for some of the family. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!

Olivia and I sat down with Pastor Nathaniel Bradford of Mountain View Church of Flagstaff and he shared his amazing story and the road from a very tough upbringing that initially led to violence, homelessness, and alcohol and drug use, but ultimately led to salvation through Jesus Christ and eventually becoming a pastor. This was one of my favorite interviews, as Pastor Nathaniel also shares the meaning of Christmas, biblical stories, and more.    0:20 Where does the word Christian come from? 10:06 A teenager on the streets. 13:25 Army time, disco balls & fighting.  19:16 A night of partying, a joint, two beers and a baptism.  24:08 Saul of Tarsus “Paul” the Christian killer & road to redemption.  26:53 Christian in name only, new believers, the tradition of Christmas & celebrating the greatest gift ever given.  39:30 Becoming a Christian and a long road to Jesus.  54:23 From homelessness, drugs and the road to becoming a pastor.  66:16 The politics of church  72:55 Pastor Nathaniel's message this Christmas. 

My mother has done genealogy for decades and has traced our family tree centuries back with some amazing connections including William the Conquerer, Rollo the Viking, Amelia Earhart and the really tragic and creepy side with Jim Jones wife, Marceline Jones.