The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Mark Haughwout: Food Stamps, Free Speech & Foolish Decisions

Mark Haughwout joins Jeff to discuss SNAP food stamp policy, two free speech and religious liberty cases making headlines, and why jumping off cliffs gets a lot less appealing as you get older. A thoughtful conversation with a few laughs mixed in.

The Man Behind the Campaign: Andy Biggs on Arizona, Congress & Life Beyond Politics

Congressman Andy Biggs joins Jeff to discuss his campaign for Arizona governor, what's happening in Congress, and his plans for water, education, affordability, budgeting, ethics, and more. Plus, hear the personal side of Andy—from his early career and family life to playing music in a band and writing books.

I'm Back and Buc-ee’s followed us. Ep. 2435

After two weeks off a return to Arizona finds a Buc-ee's craze following us. I didn't even know what this was two weeks ago. Plus Angela updates us on the ESA battle in our state while Olivia shares some travel details from our visit to Florida. 

Hantavirus & Ebola risks with Dr. David Engelthaler

Dr. David Engelthaler talks about the risks of the very deadly ebola Virus, its symptoms, treatment, and the odds of it impacting Americans. He also shares info on a more likely virus to impact people in the southwest, the hantavirus. Dr. Engelthaler shares the facts and gives important practical information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from this very fatal virus. 
Dr. David Engelthaler is the Director and a Professor at TGen North. TGen North focuses on pathogen genomics with a specific mission to advance clinical medicine, public health, and biodefense. He is also the director of the Health Observatory at ASU. 

Rep. Walt Blackman & a bill curtailing HOA's.

We get an update from Representative Walt Blackman including a bill to curtail HOA's from taking homes due to excessive HOA's bills. He also gives us a budget update.

Senator Wendy Rogers vs. the Squatters!

Senator Wendy Rogers joins me for an update on a couple of her bills that were singed by Governor Hobbs including a bill to make it easier to evict squatters from your property and a bill to make it easier to deal with blighted homes in Arizona. She also gives us an update on the stalled budget talks and other legislative updates. 

Public Lands, Ringo Starr concert and minimum wage battles.

Public Lands, Ringo Starr concert and minimum wage battles. 

From the Legislature to the Flight Line: Wendy Rogers Talks Arizona’s Biggest Issues

Senator Wendy Rogers joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on some of Arizona’s biggest and most troubling stories.
We begin with a disturbing Northern Arizona case after a Flagstaff mother was accused of killing her toddler son and allegedly storing the child’s body in a freezer for weeks before contacting authorities.
Senator Rogers also discusses growing concerns over alleged fraud and corruption involving ACESS, AHCCCS, and Arizona’s Medicaid system, which now serves roughly 1.8 million participants statewide. How widespread is the abuse, and what reforms could be coming?
Rogers address the controversy surrounding Brigadier General John A. Conley and her opposition to his appointment as Adjutant General of Arizona.
Plus an adventure in the sky and details on an early morning flight. 

Robots, marriage and ebola. Ep. 2411

Today’s show covered a wide range of stories shaping Arizona and the country.
We discussed a new Arizona study connecting marriage and stable families to lower child poverty rates and asked whether culture, economics, or government policy plays the biggest role in strengthening communities. 
On the economic front, we talked rising interest rates, mortgage rates nearing 7%, and the growing pressure on consumers, schools, and local governments.

What it takes to be middle class, Arizona growth, AI & rising costs

What does it actually take to be considered middle class in Arizona anymore? The numbers may surprise you.
We also dive into Arizona’s ongoing budget negotiations at the legislature and the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. 
APS proposes major rate hikes tied to massive AI-driven data center growth
Arizona continues booming with some of the fastest-growing cities in the country
A Navy jet collision 
AI backlash erupts at the University of Arizona commencement
Elon Musk and the growing “tech messiah” culture surrounding artificial intelligence
And finally… cruise ship germs, buffet biohazards, and why hotel remote controls may be the scariest thing on vacation