Politics Unplugged

Consultant Stacy Pearson returns to the pod to talk about a ballot measure to protect mail-in voting in Arizona. Then Dennis and Colin debate whether an 8-year-old could take President Trump in a fight.

Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger returns to talk about fundraising in the governor’s race. Then Dennis and Colin break down the shooting incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

John Kavanagh joins the pod to talk about the current legislative session. Then Dennis and Colin yammer uncomfortably about the new studio space.

Arizona Republic reporter Laura Gersony joins us to talk about the SRP election, and why it was a loss for Turning Point USA. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the President’s threat to end a civilization.

Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo drops in to talk about the board’s fight with County Recorder Justin Heap. Then Dennis and Colin break down the latest Presidential approval polls.

Axios reporter Jeremy Duda talks about the ICE restrictions in Phoenix and his new book on the murder of journalist Don Bolles. Then Dennis and Colin share their dislike for “old school” coaches.

We discuss the rape and abuse allegations against civil rights icon Cesar Chavez with Mariana Sandoval, the co-chair of the Arizona Latino Legislative Caucus. Then Dennis and Colin break down why the American team in the World Baseball Classic was impossible to root for.

Independent consultant Chuck Coughlin returns to the pod to talk about the SRP election, and why not everyone can vote. Then Dennis, Colin and AZ Family film critic Hunter Norris preview the Oscars.

Consultants Tony Cani and Marcus Dell’Artino stop in to talk about the political impact of the war and the ouster of Kristi Noem. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the departure of former Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Kyler Murray.

Pollster Paul Bentz returns to look at the latest numbers in the District 1 race in Congress.  Then Dennis and Colin break down the latest nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Arizona Republic reporter Richard Ruelas joins the pod to talk about the media circus in Tucson for the Guthrie case.  Then Dennis and Colin discuss whether it’s morally acceptable to become a Dodgers fan.

State Senator Analise Ortiz joins us to talk ICE and immigration issues in Arizona and nationwide.  Then Dennis and Colin break down why former candidate for Governor Karrin Taylor Robson never came on the show.

Democratic consultant Tony Cani joins us to discuss what it means if Gina Swoboda enters the Secretary of State race.  Then Dennis and Colin talk about the racist video posted on the president’s social media account.

KJZZ politics reporter Wayne Schutsky talks about the hot-button issue of guns at protests and Arizona’s unique gun culture. Then Arizona’s Family anchor Nicole Crites joins the podcast to dig deeper into the evolving challenges in journalism, the role of AI and social media in shaping public opinion.

Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger joins us to update what’s happening at the state legislature – with help from the Magic 8 Ball. Then Dennis and Colin debate the merits of the various Halls of Fame.

Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro joins us to discuss the tax cuts proposed by Republicans – already vetoed by Governor Hobbs. Then Dennis and Colin read through the Kyrsten Sinema “homewrecker” lawsuit.

Consultant Wes Gullett, a veteran of the 9th floor, stops in to talk about the importance of the State of the State address. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the Cardinals coaching search.

Who wants to talk politics at the holidays? Dennis and Colin rip through the Billboard list of the 50 greatest rock bands, then pay tribute to musicians lost in 2025.

Axios reporter Jessica Boehm discusses the recent escalation of the Department of Defense’s investigation into Sen. Mark Kelly. Then they talk about the late Rob Reiner’s remarkable impact on film and his lasting legacy.

State legislator Stacey Travers stops by to explain her proposal for legislative pay raises. Then Dennis and Colin discuss Kyrsten Sinema’s failed lobbying job for the Chandler data center.

Hank Stephenson of the Arizona Agenda returns to preview the Legislature with help from the Magic 8 Ball. Then Dennis and Colin debate an AI list of top sporting events.

Democratic strategist Adam Kinsey joins us to discuss the White House losing the fight on the Epstein Files.  Then Dennis and Colin talk about Senatorial sedition and Dennis’ failure to put up a Christmas tree.

Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger returns to talk about her investigation into the Governor’s ties to a group home operator. Then Dennis and Colin talk Epstein files and the upstart Phoenix Suns.

Democratic strategist DJ Quinlan breaks down what the Tuesday election results tell us. Then Dennis and Colin talk NYC Mayor’s race and Oregon-Iowa football.

Axios reporter Jessica Boehm returns to talk about the compact the Trump Administration is offering universities. Then Dennis and Colin discuss Zohran Mamdani and the new-look Phoenix Suns.

Axios reporter Jeremy Duda joins us to break down the fundraising numbers in the big Arizona races – including the governor’s race. Then Dennis and Colin look ahead to the Phoenix Suns’ season.

Amish Shah joins the pod to talk about his race in District 1, a week after David Schweikert dropped out.  Then Dennis and Colin discuss Rolling Stone’s top 250 songs of the century.

Congressman David Schweikert joins the pod and explains why Congress may not be savable. Then Dennis and Colin talk CD1 candidates, including Danica Patrick and Todd Graham.

Democratic consultant Joe Wolf joins us to talk about the state of the Democratic Party. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the Kirk memorial and the Cardinals’ loss to Seattle.

The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has shaken the American political landscape. In this special crossover episode between True Crime Arizona and Politics Unplugged, Morgan Loew is joined by political editor Dennis Welch and true crime correspondent Briana Whitney for an in-depth discussion on the investigation into the killing and the political and social ramifications now and moving forward.

Arizona Agenda reporters Hank Stephenson and Nicole Ludden talk about the Republican push to remove Analise Ortiz from the state Senate.  Then Dennis and Colin try to find something nice to say about Eric Claption.

Laurie Roberts returns to the pod to talk about the changes she’s seen in the newspaper business. Then Dennis and Colin remember Frank Camacho, the original host of Politics Unplugged.

Consultants Doug Cole and Matt Grodsky join the pod to discuss President Trump’s vow to eliminate vote-by-mail. Then Dennis and Colin talk Cracker Barrel outrage and Gavin Newsom’s social media game.

Consultants Tony Cani and Chip Scutari talk about education funding in Arizona, and whether people really want to see successful business owners deported.  Then Dennis and Colin discuss songs with creepy lyrics.

Arizona chamber of Commerce President Danny Seiden joins the pod to talk about a new natural gas pipeline, and how Trump policies are affecting Arizona’s economy.  Then Dennis and Colin talk short quarterbacks.

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes talks about the cyberattack on his department, possibly by Iranian hackers. Then Dennis and Colin break down the Epstein files and the D-Backs' fire sale.

Consultants Adam Kinsey and Jaime Molera explain why the national media missed the boat on the District 7 primary. Then Dennis and Colin talk Epstein Files and the Suns’ offseason.

Veteran expert pollster Paul Bentz describes the complexities of creating a third party in American politics. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the Top 10 albums in the last 25 years.

Democratic consultants Joe Wolf and Matt Grodsky give their reactions to Zohran Mamdani winning the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor and what it means for the party in Arizona. Then Dennis and Colin talk about the latest moves from the Phoenix Suns.

Republican consultant Barrett Marson and former Democratic party chief Yolanda Bejarano discuss the week’s headlines, including ICE raids targeting workplaces. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the deal to fund repairs at Chase Field.

Consultants Matt Grodsky and Wes Gullett discuss the immigration raids and protests in California. Then Dennis and Colin remember the genius of Brian Wilson and Sly Stone.

Consultants Tony Cani and Barrett Marson return to the pod to break down the Trump-Musk fight. Then Dennis and Colin discuss Dennis’ return to the stage at the Rebel Lounge.

Arizona Republic columnist Bill Goodykoontz drops by to talk about covering the Trump administration as a TV critic. Then Dennis and Colin preview Dennis returning to the stage with his old band The Revenge.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Anna Hernandez joins us to talk about the Department of Justice dropping its investigation of Phoenix Police. Then Dennis and Colin discuss an “all-time best” album list…from 1988.

Stacey Barchenger of the Arizona Republic joins the podcast to talk about the bill signings and vetoes at the Capitol this week. Then Dennis and Colin discuss why the Karrin Taylor Robson campaign isn’t happy with us.

Reporter Jessica Boehm talks about her recent series of stories on TSMC, and how it’s becoming one of the biggest employers in the state. Then Colin and Dennis debate the greatest songs by The Clash.

Republican State Senator J.D. Mesnard visits the pod to discuss the ballot measure to continue Prop 123 – but with protections for school vouchers. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the Suns front office “shakeup."

Democratic strategist Stacy Pearson returns to talk about infighting in the party and the best dive bar in Phoenix.  Then Dennis and Colin discuss the NFL draft and the future of the Suns.

Andrew Bauman of the AZ Craft Brewers Guild stops by to talk tariffs and the Arizona beer industry.  Then Dennis and Colin defend Mat Ishbia and discuss great bands they’ve never seen live.

Reporter Jerod MacDonald-Evoy of the Arizona Mirror stops by to talk about the Border Expo in Phoenix. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the demise of the Phoenix Suns and the majesty of the new Clippers arena.