The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Jim Schweikert and the high cost of sustainability.

Flagstaff First Treasurer and small business owner Jim Schweikert joins the show to break down the Flagstaff Regional Plan—what it gets right, and where it may be missing the mark. We also dive into the growing debate over climate change policies versus real-world wildfire risks, and take a closer look at the city’s sustainability department—its rapid expansion, rising salaries, and what it all means for taxpayers and local businesses.

Business, Borders & Big Questions with Rob Wilson Ep. 2371

Rob Wilson—former owner of Timberline Firearms and Training and a Coconino County Planning & Zoning Commissioner—joins me for a wide-ranging conversation on business, policy, and the direction of the country. Rob shares lessons from years of running a successful company, including what works, what doesn’t, and what aspiring business owners need to know.
We also dive into rising building costs in Arizona including the increased cost for the new energy codes. 

Waterfall Tragedy, Crowded Parks & A Hospital Standoff | Olivia Oravits

Olivia Oravits joins me to break down a mix of shocking headlines and uniquely Arizona stories. We start with a tragic drowning at Fossil Creek that serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly outdoor adventures can turn dangerous—even in popular destinations.
We also look at the Grand Canyon ranking as the 4th most visited national park in 2025, what that means for tourism, crowding, and infrastructure, and why even a slight dip in visits still signals massive pressure on America’s parks.
Plus, a bizarre legal battle out of Florida where a hospital is suing a patient who has refused to leave for five months after being discharged—raising serious questions about healthcare resources and patient rights.
It’s a mix of real-life tragedy, strange but true stories, and bigger conversations about safety, public lands, and the systems we all rely on.

Pastor Nathaniel: Faith in a Noisy World, Are Young Americans Turning Back to God?

Pastor Nathaniel Bradford of Mountain View Church joins me for a powerful conversation on the state of Christianity in America. Are faith numbers really declining—or are millennials and Gen Z rediscovering belief in a big way? We talk about the pressures and temptations of modern life, how biblical lessons still apply today, and whether A.I. challenges or complements a Christian worldview. Plus, how to find peace and worry less in a world where everything is constantly in your face.

Airport Chaos, Arizona Showdown, and the Truth About ESA Spending Ep. 2370

From airport delays and a deadly runway crash to major battles at the Arizona Legislature, there’s a lot unfolding right now. We break down the travel chaos tied to federal gridlock, the latest on border security and housing bills, and the growing political fight at the Capitol. Plus, Goldwater Institute’s Matt Beienburg joins the show to challenge claims about Arizona’s ESA program, arguing the data has been misrepresented and calling for a media retraction. Bill Searle gives an update on a Yavapai County bathroom controversy surrounding a county policy that allows transgenders the use of the women’s bathroom, the political ramifications in the upcoming election.

Bigger Government, Big Decisions, Bigger Consequences Ep. 2367

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.

From Ireland to America: St. Patrick’s Day with Cormac Bowell

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.

Travel Chaos, Housing Battles & the Fight Over School Choice

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.

DHS Shakeup, AZ education problems, Iran update with Mark Haughwout

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.

Tim Sandefur: Economic Freedom on Trial at the Arizona Supreme Court

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.