The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

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.

Oil, War, and the Strait of Hormuz with Larry Behrens

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.

Steve Lazar: Roundabouts, Red Light Cameras & a Game with a Purpose

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 on Taxes, Water, Crime Bills & photo-radar.

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.

From Free TV to $1,000 Football, the increasing cost of everything! Ep. 2353

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.

Brian Gall: New Routes, Bigger Planes, What’s Next for Flagstaff Airport?

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.

Who Gets the Money? Teachers, Taxpayers & Arizona’s Power Plays Ep. 2352

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.

Violence in Mexico, bills at the AZ legislature & more w. Angela Oravits

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

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!

Congressman Andy Biggs talks balanced budget amendment, AZ Governors race & more!

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!