The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

Joe Galli: Taxes, War, Energy & Arizona’s Economic Future

Joe Galli, Senior Advisor of Public Policy with the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, joins me for a deep dive into the issues shaping Arizona right now—and there’s no shortage of uncertainty.
We break down the state budget and the lack of agreement on tax conformity as tax day approaches, raising serious concerns for businesses trying to plan ahead. We also look at the growing number of ballot measures heading toward 2026, including proposals on vehicle miles traveled taxes, food sales taxes, and labeling cartels as terrorist organizations.
We discuss the rising cost of living, housing pressures, and how legislation like the “local cost of living protection act” could impact communities. On the economic front, how are Arizona businesses reacting to global instability—from the Iran conflict to rising energy prices.
Plus:
The continued growth of Arizona’s budget and education spending
Sustainability policies expanding influence at the local level
Water and infrastructure challenges
Public safety tax discussions
The future of Arizona’s economy and population trends
And even a look up—literally—at Arizona’s role in future lunar missions and whether Flagstaff could play a part.

Nobody’s Watching the Moon… But Everyone’s Watching A.I. Ep. 2380

We’ve got astronauts orbiting the moon sending back messages about humanity—and almost no one’s paying attention. Meanwhile, fake A.I. videos are pulling millions of views.
What does that say about us?
In today’s episode, Angela and I break down the cultural shift from real achievement to digital distraction, starting with the Artemis II mission and why it’s failing to capture attention.
Plus:
The growing “everything is toxic” narrative and what it means for daily life
A staggering $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal and where that money actually goes
TSA policies, worker pay, and government contradictions
Warren Buffett and a potential shift away from Bill Gates
Arizona lawmakers eyeing restrictions on teens and social media
From space to spending to social media control, this episode asks a simple question:Are we losing focus on what actually matters?

Sen. Mark Finchem: Ballot Battles, Budget Fights & Hobbs’ Veto Record

Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem joins the show to break down a high-stakes legislative session and what voters can expect heading into November.
From potential ballot initiatives to major policy battles at the Capitol, Finchem walks us through the biggest issues shaping Arizona right now—including efforts to suspend the gas tax, proposals to expand the size of the state legislature, and new legislation aimed at tackling A.I.-driven deepfakes.
We also dive into:
The key bills he’s watching most closely this session
The push for tax conformity and what it means for Arizona taxpayers
Budget priorities and ongoing negotiations
His assessment of how the session is unfolding
And of course, we address the growing tension with Governor Katie Hobbs, often labeled the “veto queen,” and what that means for getting legislation across the finish line.
A timely and wide-ranging conversation on the policies, politics, and power struggles shaping Arizona’s future.

Sheriff Mack: Immigration, Local Power & The Fight for State Sovereignty

Sheriff Richard Mack, founder of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, joins the show for a deep dive into one of the most debated issues in America today—immigration and the balance of power between local law enforcement and the federal government.
Mack, known for his landmark Supreme Court case Printz v. United States challenging provisions of the Brady Bill, explains what authority sheriffs really have when it comes to federal policies. Can local sheriffs push back? Where do they draw the line? And how does that apply to immigration enforcement today?
We also get his assessment of President Donald Trump’s immigration actions—what’s working, what’s not, and what it means heading into the midterm elections.
Plus:
A report from CPAC in Texas and the current political climate
Why constitutional sheriffs are “under attack” and what that means
Who’s doing it right—and who’s getting it wrong—on immigration enforcement
This is a wide-ranging conversation on law, leadership, and the role of local authority in a rapidly changing America.

Jim Schweikert and the high cost of sustainability.

Flagstaff First Treasurer and small business owner Jim Schweikert joins the show to break down the Flagstaff Regional Plan—what it gets right, and where it may be missing the mark. We also dive into the growing debate over climate change policies versus real-world wildfire risks, and take a closer look at the city’s sustainability department—its rapid expansion, rising salaries, and what it all means for taxpayers and local businesses.

Business, Borders & Big Questions with Rob Wilson Ep. 2371

Rob Wilson—former owner of Timberline Firearms and Training and a Coconino County Planning & Zoning Commissioner—joins me for a wide-ranging conversation on business, policy, and the direction of the country. Rob shares lessons from years of running a successful company, including what works, what doesn’t, and what aspiring business owners need to know.
We also dive into rising building costs in Arizona including the increased cost for the new energy codes. 

Waterfall Tragedy, Crowded Parks & A Hospital Standoff | Olivia Oravits

Olivia Oravits joins me to break down a mix of shocking headlines and uniquely Arizona stories. We start with a tragic drowning at Fossil Creek that serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly outdoor adventures can turn dangerous—even in popular destinations.
We also look at the Grand Canyon ranking as the 4th most visited national park in 2025, what that means for tourism, crowding, and infrastructure, and why even a slight dip in visits still signals massive pressure on America’s parks.
Plus, a bizarre legal battle out of Florida where a hospital is suing a patient who has refused to leave for five months after being discharged—raising serious questions about healthcare resources and patient rights.
It’s a mix of real-life tragedy, strange but true stories, and bigger conversations about safety, public lands, and the systems we all rely on.

Pastor Nathaniel: Faith in a Noisy World, Are Young Americans Turning Back to God?

Pastor Nathaniel Bradford of Mountain View Church joins me for a powerful conversation on the state of Christianity in America. Are faith numbers really declining—or are millennials and Gen Z rediscovering belief in a big way? We talk about the pressures and temptations of modern life, how biblical lessons still apply today, and whether A.I. challenges or complements a Christian worldview. Plus, how to find peace and worry less in a world where everything is constantly in your face.

Airport Chaos, Arizona Showdown, and the Truth About ESA Spending Ep. 2370

From airport delays and a deadly runway crash to major battles at the Arizona Legislature, there’s a lot unfolding right now. We break down the travel chaos tied to federal gridlock, the latest on border security and housing bills, and the growing political fight at the Capitol. Plus, Goldwater Institute’s Matt Beienburg joins the show to challenge claims about Arizona’s ESA program, arguing the data has been misrepresented and calling for a media retraction. Bill Searle gives an update on a Yavapai County bathroom controversy surrounding a county policy that allows transgenders the use of the women’s bathroom, the political ramifications in the upcoming election.

Bigger Government, Big Decisions, Bigger Consequences Ep. 2367

Arizona lawmakers are talking about expanding the House—just as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to take on one of the biggest constitutional questions in decades. We connect the dots between government growth, declining trust, and what it all means for everyday Americans. Plus: the Fed’s latest move, energy policy shifts, school choice battles, and a major step forward for Grand Canyon recovery.