The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

America at 500? Plus rowboating to Hawaii. Ep. 2445

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.

Olivia Oravits talks NAZ Independence Day Events

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. 

My 2026 Arizona Primary Picks

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

Council-member Lori Matthews talks public safety, the sex trafficking battle & affordable housing

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. 

Dr. Ralph Heap: nuclear reactors, energy monopolies & and new direction

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 talks AZ budget and the states most popular parade in Flagstaff

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. 

Inside the Pocket Fire with Dick Fleishman from the NFS

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 and the Fight for School Choice in Arizona

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.

Watching Over Arizona's Billions. A Conversation with Elijah Norton

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's Vision for Arizona

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.