The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Hot Summers, Dirty Remotes & Arizona Politics

Angela Oravits joins Jeff for a wide-ranging and occasionally germophobic hour covering Arizona politics, crime, weather, and the hidden dangers of modern life.
The show starts with Governor Katie Hobbs vetoing the Republican-backed Arizona budget, setting up another major political showdown at the Capitol over taxes, spending, and the future direction of the state. Jeff and Angela also discuss Arizona’s forecast for another brutally hot summer and the possibility of powerful monsoon storms later this year.
Plus, Northern Arizona cargo heists tied to organized crime, a hantavirus scare aboard a cruise ship, Spirit Airlines planes piling up in Goodyear, and the shifting politics surrounding recreational marijuana in Arizona.
And then things get personal. Jeff explains why buffet lines may actually be biological warfare zones thanks to people licking their fingers before grabbing serving spoons, then weighs in on the truly terrifying reality of hotel remote controls. If you’ve ever questioned public sanitation standards while reaching for potato salad or changing channels in a hotel room, this episode is for you.

The Cost of Compliance: Homes, Fire Codes & Economic Reality

Contractor and longtime builder Mark Haughwout joins the show to discuss Arizona’s increasingly complex regulatory environment and what it’s doing to the cost of housing. Is there ever NOT a new building code? We break down the growing layers of regulations, energy efficiency mandates, and proposed wildfire building standards — and ask the big question: who ultimately pays for all of it?
We also dive into regional planning in Arizona, why local elections matter right now, and how independent voters can choose which ballot they want in Arizona’s election system.
Glenn Leest from WT Wealth Management joins the program to discuss the economy, interest rates, fuel prices, and the ongoing fallout from the Iran conflict. How much of the economic panic is real — and how much is media noise? Glenn shares what he’s seeing from the data and from business clients dealing with rising costs and uncertainty.

Sedona Circus, Budget Battles & Airline bust Ep. 2400

A packed weekend turns into a snapshot of a country—and a state—feeling stretched in every direction. From a surreal trip through Sedona—crowded, chaotic, and barely drivable—to conversations on faith, war, and everyday life.
Back in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs is out of state, rubbing elbows in California while budget tensions heat up at home. Efforts to rein in short-term rentals collapse again, raising big questions about housing and local control. Meanwhile, airlines are struggling—hard—with Spirit Airlines going bust
Plus:
Gas price “relief” promises—real help or political spin?
A hotter, wetter Arizona summer on the way—what it means for monsoon season
A bizarre bobcat encounter in Northern Arizona
Fires, crashes, and the start of Arizona’s dangerous summer season
The growing absurdity of modern life—from smoking bans to autonomous cars dodging tickets.

Holy Smokes! Monks Smuggle Drugs While AI Writes Hit Songs

A wild one today with Olivia Oravits as we bounce from unbelievable headlines to the future of human connection.
We start with a story that sounds completely made up—but isn’t—after Buddhist monks were busted in a massive marijuana smuggling operation. If you can’t trust a monk, who can you trust?
Then we pivot into a deep (and surprisingly fun) dive into artificial intelligence. Olivia and I both created AI-generated songs—and honestly…they’re pretty good. So what does that mean for musicians, creativity, and the future of entertainment? We also explore the rise of AI relationships. Are people really replacing human connection with machines—and where does that lead? At what point do you just skip it all and get a cat?

Economic Blackout? Inflation, Debt & Arizona’s Budget Battle

On today’s episode, we connect the dots between growing economic frustration and the policies driving it. From International Workers' Day protests and calls for an “economic blackout,” to rising inflation and a national debt now topping 100% of GDP, the pressure on everyday Americans is building.
We also break down Arizona’s budget showdown at the legislature, including proposed spending cuts and SNAP reforms, and what it means for taxpayers heading into a heated governor’s race.

Bob Thorpe: Artificial Scarcity & Why Arizona Land Prices Keep Climbing

Former Arizona State Representative Bob Thorpe joins me for a deep dive into one of the biggest—and least talked about—drivers of rising costs in Arizona and across the West: land scarcity.
We break down how much land is controlled by federal and state governments, what that means for development, and whether this “artificial scarcity” is quietly fueling higher home prices and cost of living. Using a map Bob discovered during his time in the legislature, we explore the tension between preserving Arizona’s natural beauty and the unintended consequences of locking up vast amounts of land.
Is opening up more land even realistic? Or are we stuck with a system where limited supply guarantees rising prices for decades to come? If you’ve ever wondered why housing keeps getting more expensive—even in a state with so much open space—this conversation connects the dots.

Rep. Walt Blackman: Blowback from APS's shutoff in NAZ, budget battles & LD7 shakeup.

Arizona enters new territory with its first Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), raising questions about wildfire prevention, utility responsibility, and long-term impacts for Northern Arizona residents. Walt Blackman joins me to discuss what led to the decision, how it affects communities, and whether this will become a recurring strategy.
We also cover the latest from the state Capitol, where Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed key budget proposals and is threatening additional vetoes, creating uncertainty in the final stretch of the legislative session.
Finally, we break down developments in Legislative District 7, including the David Marshall situation and the potential political fallout heading into the next election cycle.

Senate President Warren Petersen: Budget talks, Iran War and President Trump

Senate President Warren Petersen returns to the show fresh off his rally with President Trump in his bid to be Arizona's next Attorney General. Petersen discusses the lawsuits he's pursued as Senate President perhaps giving a preview of what he'll tackle as AG. Petersen also gives an update on the stalled budget process of Governor Hobbs continued resistance to the Republicans push for a streamlined budget. 

Congressman Eli Crane: Dead Scientists, Iran Tensions & the Grand Canyon

Congressman Eli Crane joins me to discuss a wave of deaths involving scientists connected to aerospace, defense, and even UAP-related programs that has raised serious red flags—and Washington is starting to take notice. Congressman Eli Crane joins me to break down what’s known, what’s not, and whether the public is about to get answers.
We also dive into rising tensions with Iran and the strategic choke point of the Strait of Hormuz. Crane shares stories from his time in the region and gives a blunt assessment.
On the home front, we cover immigration policy, Crane’s push for visa reform and the bipartisan support his push to fast track rebuilding at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Lights Out in Northern Arizona: Safety Move or Liability Play? Ep. 2392

Northern Arizona went dark—on purpose.
In a move that left roughly 6,000 customers without power across areas north and east of Flagstaff, Arizona Public Service implemented its first-ever Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) under a wildfire mitigation strategy rolled out in 2024. But here’s the question: why now?
Spring winds in Flagstaff aren’t new. So what changed?
I sit down with APS spokesperson Yessica Del-Rincon to break down:
What a PSPS actually is (and why utilities don’t just call it a “blackout”)
The metrics and decision-making behind shutting off power
Why specific communities—from Doney Park to Valle—were targeted
How long outages can last and what it means for schools, businesses, and families
We also connect the dots to Arizona House Bill 2201—a new law requiring utilities to create wildfire prevention plans that may also shield them from massive liability if followed correctly.
Is this about safety… or lawsuits?
With billions in wildfire liability cases tied to utilities like Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California, has Arizona entered a new era where power gets cut before the wind even blows?
And if this becomes the “new normal,” what does it mean for life and business in Northern Arizona?
Plus, Olivia jumps in with a wild story exploring new evidence tied to Noah’s Ark and Biblical 
+ An AZ gubernatorial and city council candidate survive petition challenges and will be on the ballot.