The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Glenn Leest of WT Wealth Management joins Jeff for a wide-ranging look at the economy and financial markets.
With the Dow around 53,000, they discuss what’s driving markets despite stubborn inflation and high interest rates—and whether investors have already priced in the continuing war with Iran and its impact on energy prices.
Plus, is the massive investment in artificial intelligence the beginning of a lasting technological transformation or a bubble waiting to burst? Glenn and Jeff look at AI, blockchain, the enormous data-center buildout and where the next generation of technology may be headed.

Arizona Rep. Walt Blackman of Legislative District 7 joins Jeff to talk about the latest battle over Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program and what the future may hold for school choice in the state.
They also look ahead to the November election, the statewide political landscape and several of the ballot initiatives Arizona voters will decide. Plus, what does the future look like for LD7 and Northern Arizona as the district prepares for eventual changes in its representation?

Northern Arizona sits in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world—but how much do we really know about the timber growing all around us?
Joe Call of Pine Line Timber and Joe Dirt Excavation joins Jeff to talk about the past, present and future of Northern Arizona’s timber industry. Why is active forest management so important to forest health and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire? What can ponderosa pine actually be used for? And if we have so much of it, why don't you typically walk into a Home Depot and see Arizona ponderosa pine 2x4s?
Joe also discusses Pine Line Timber's operation in Williams, the challenges of turning forest restoration into usable products, and the important role timber played in building some of Northern Arizona's historic communities.
It's a conversation about forests, fire, history, jobs—and whether putting more of our local timber to work can help create healthier Northern Arizona forests.

Jeff talks with Nishan Campbell, co-founder and CEO of Gunfighter Canyon, about his military and civilian career and the story behind building Gunfighter Canyon in Northern Arizona.
Then they dive into a major 2nd Amendment update: the history of the National Firearms Act, changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Silencer Shop v. ATF challenge, and what eliminating the NFA tax could mean for federal regulation going forward.
They also break down the uncertainty facing FFLs, what could change for suppressors, short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns, why machine guns remain a different issue, and where the legal battle over the NFA may head next.
 
www.gunfighter.com

Arizona cities are backing away from Flock license plate cameras as privacy and misuse concerns grow — and state lawmakers may step in with new rules. Plus, a bizarre tied election in Gila Bend comes down to a game of chance,  and we look at the major changes Arizona voters could face if Prop 144 passes.
Also on the show: another disturbing secret-filming case in Tempe, Meta agrees to a massive $17 billion settlement over teen social media addiction, and Arizona schools debate a new $1,700 federal school-choice tax credit.

Olivia Oravits joins Jeff as co-host after touring NAU on Move-In Day! They dive into a major shakeup for Arizona’s November ballot as Prop. 212 fails to qualify while Prop. 144 survives a Supreme Court challenge. Plus, a managed fire at Camp Navajo, privacy concerns over Flock license-plate cameras, Eloy becoming the first police department in the nation to use AI “virtual investigators,” and growing concerns over interest rates and the bond market.
Then things get a little crazier: former NBA player Royce White declares for the 2027 WNBA Draft to challenge transgender eligibility rules, Arizona ERs report a spike in e-bike and e-scooter injuries, and a new survey confirms what anyone driving Arizona highways already suspects — speeding has become routine.

Jenny Clark, founder and CEO of Love Your School, joins Jeff to break down the court fight that knocked Proposition 212 off Arizona’s November ballot. We discuss the signature-gathering process, allegations of deceptive petition tactics, the Goldwater Institute’s legal challenge, tens of thousands of duplicate and invalid signatures, and the court rulings that ultimately sank the measure. Plus, with the ballot-printing deadline looming, Jenny explains what comes next for Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program, the Legislature, and opponents of ESA.

Arizona Senator Mark Finchem joins Jeff to break down the good and bad of the latest state budget and look ahead to the November election. What’s at stake for control of the Arizona Legislature and the Governor’s Office? Plus, Finchem delivers a simple message to voters — if you don’t vote, you can’t complain — and discusses the push for a Digital Bill of Rights and protecting individual freedoms in an increasingly digital world.

Could a coin toss really decide an election? We kick off today's show with the unusual Gila Bend Town Council race that came down to pure chance. We also discuss whether homeschool students should be allowed to participate in public school athletics, examine proposals involving city council salaries, and look at a former Prescott nonprofit director's 60-year prison sentence after embezzling more than $826,000. Plus, we cover legislation aimed at protecting the confidentiality of religious confessions, review Republican ballot measures drawing opposition from Coconino County Democrats, and wrap up with a look at local volunteers building and maintaining mountain bike trails during FBO Trail Day.

On today's show, Angela Oravits joins the conversation on the growing drug crisis, lessons from Vancouver, and whether Arizona is heading down the same path as officials debate transitional housing, homelessness, and addiction policies. We also break down the latest fight over Colorado River water cuts and what they could mean for Arizona.
Olivia Oravits discusses the rise of AI cheating in education, ASU's expanding camera surveillance, new workplace heat protections, and other Arizona headlines.
Owen Oravits checks in with an update on the A-10 Warthog and shares what it was like firing a fully automatic machine gun at Gunfighter Canyon. Plus, the latest on Arizona's new lieutenant governor race, Andy Biggs' running mate, and a look at how rapidly technology is changing the way we live, work, and learn.