The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

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.

For years the narrative has been that younger generations were abandoning church and faith altogether. But something appears to be changing — especially among Gen Z and young men. New research shows younger adults are attending church more frequently and many are searching for purpose, meaning, community and direction in an increasingly chaotic culture. On today’s episode, I sit down with Pastor Derek Williams, Youth Pastor at Mountain View Church, along with Children’s Coordinator Savanna Weiss, to talk about why many young people are reconnecting with faith, church and community. We discuss: Why so many young people feel disconnected, isolated and without purpose Why young men especially appear to be searching for guidance and meaning The moral confusion and cultural decadence many families see in society today The growing hunger among Gen Z for structure, belonging and spiritual grounding How churches are trying to reconnect with younger generations Youth programs and outreach efforts at Mountain View Church Vacation Bible School and why investing in kids matters The upcoming free Disciple concert event in Flagstaff We also discuss how youth naturally push boundaries and rebel, but why channeling that energy into purpose, faith, responsibility and community may be more important now than ever before.

Jeff interviews former Arizona State Representative and Congressional candidate Joseph Chaplik about his run for Congress in Arizona’s Congressional District 1 and the issues he says are driving voters heading into 2026. Chaplik discusses border security, election integrity, Arizona water concerns, government spending, and what he sees as massive waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington, D.C. He also explains how he would approach ethics issues in Congress and why restoring trust in government has become a major campaign focus. The conversation also covers AI-generated identity theft and avatar videos, data centers and energy demands, refinery capacity concerns, and the federal SAVE Act. Chaplik also highlights his growing endorsement list, now nearing 100 endorsements, while discussing why Republicans remain optimistic about Congressional District 1, which he says still leans strongly Republican following the April 1 registration update. Plus, Jeff asks Chaplik which congressional committees he would target if elected and how Arizona’s economic, border, and infrastructure challenges are increasingly becoming national issues.

Angela Oravits joins Jeff for a wide-ranging and occasionally germophobic hour covering Arizona politics, crime, weather, and the hidden dangers of modern life. The show starts with Governor Katie Hobbs vetoing the Republican-backed Arizona budget, setting up another major political showdown at the Capitol over taxes, spending, and the future direction of the state. Jeff and Angela also discuss Arizona’s forecast for another brutally hot summer and the possibility of powerful monsoon storms later this year. Plus, Northern Arizona cargo heists tied to organized crime, a hantavirus scare aboard a cruise ship, Spirit Airlines planes piling up in Goodyear, and the shifting politics surrounding recreational marijuana in Arizona. And then things get personal. Jeff explains why buffet lines may actually be biological warfare zones thanks to people licking their fingers before grabbing serving spoons, then weighs in on the truly terrifying reality of hotel remote controls. If you’ve ever questioned public sanitation standards while reaching for potato salad or changing channels in a hotel room, this episode is for you.

Contractor and longtime builder Mark Haughwout joins the show to discuss Arizona’s increasingly complex regulatory environment and what it’s doing to the cost of housing. Is there ever NOT a new building code? We break down the growing layers of regulations, energy efficiency mandates, and proposed wildfire building standards — and ask the big question: who ultimately pays for all of it? We also dive into regional planning in Arizona, why local elections matter right now, and how independent voters can choose which ballot they want in Arizona’s election system. Glenn Leest from WT Wealth Management joins the program to discuss the economy, interest rates, fuel prices, and the ongoing fallout from the Iran conflict. How much of the economic panic is real — and how much is media noise? Glenn shares what he’s seeing from the data and from business clients dealing with rising costs and uncertainty.

A packed weekend turns into a snapshot of a country—and a state—feeling stretched in every direction. From a surreal trip through Sedona—crowded, chaotic, and barely drivable—to conversations on faith, war, and everyday life. Back in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs is out of state, rubbing elbows in California while budget tensions heat up at home. Efforts to rein in short-term rentals collapse again, raising big questions about housing and local control. Meanwhile, airlines are struggling—hard—with Spirit Airlines going bust Plus: Gas price “relief” promises—real help or political spin? A hotter, wetter Arizona summer on the way—what it means for monsoon season A bizarre bobcat encounter in Northern Arizona Fires, crashes, and the start of Arizona’s dangerous summer season The growing absurdity of modern life—from smoking bans to autonomous cars dodging tickets.

A wild one today with Olivia Oravits as we bounce from unbelievable headlines to the future of human connection. We start with a story that sounds completely made up—but isn’t—after Buddhist monks were busted in a massive marijuana smuggling operation. If you can’t trust a monk, who can you trust? Then we pivot into a deep (and surprisingly fun) dive into artificial intelligence. Olivia and I both created AI-generated songs—and honestly…they’re pretty good. So what does that mean for musicians, creativity, and the future of entertainment? We also explore the rise of AI relationships. Are people really replacing human connection with machines—and where does that lead? At what point do you just skip it all and get a cat?

On today’s episode, we connect the dots between growing economic frustration and the policies driving it. From International Workers' Day protests and calls for an “economic blackout,” to rising inflation and a national debt now topping 100% of GDP, the pressure on everyday Americans is building. We also break down Arizona’s budget showdown at the legislature, including proposed spending cuts and SNAP reforms, and what it means for taxpayers heading into a heated governor’s race.

Former Arizona State Representative Bob Thorpe joins me for a deep dive into one of the biggest—and least talked about—drivers of rising costs in Arizona and across the West: land scarcity. We break down how much land is controlled by federal and state governments, what that means for development, and whether this “artificial scarcity” is quietly fueling higher home prices and cost of living. Using a map Bob discovered during his time in the legislature, we explore the tension between preserving Arizona’s natural beauty and the unintended consequences of locking up vast amounts of land. Is opening up more land even realistic? Or are we stuck with a system where limited supply guarantees rising prices for decades to come? If you’ve ever wondered why housing keeps getting more expensive—even in a state with so much open space—this conversation connects the dots.