The Jeff Oravits Show Podcast

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.

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.

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.

A special conversation with Ireland’s Cormac Bowell. We break down who St. Patrick really was, how the holiday is celebrated worldwide, and why it’s such a big deal in America. With up to 36 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry, St. Patrick’s Day has become a cultural phenomenon that connects two nations through tradition, food, and celebration.

Air travel is getting messy as TSA agents quit during the government shutdown while the war with Iran pushes jet fuel prices higher. Arizona lawmakers push major housing bills and debate the future of school vouchers. We also cover the fight over data centers, wealth migration out of high-tax states, the “Make America Healthy Again” push targeting medical schools & other stories—from Cuba’s nationwide blackout to the Brady Bunch house getting landmark status.

On today’s show, Jeff and Mark Haughwout cover a wide range of headlines impacting Arizona and the nation. A shakeup at the Department of Homeland Security raises questions about border policy, while a new proposal in Congress would create national constitutional carry. Back in Arizona, a report shows only about half of education dollars reach classrooms, and some schools may be facing financial risk. Plus, residents in an Eloy retirement community are dealing with major utility rate hikes, lawmakers debate banning Sharia law in Arizona courts, neighbors weigh in on Falcon Field landing fees, investigators examine a Phoenix plane crash, and authorities arrest suspects in a train burglary ring near Joseph City.

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.

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.

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 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.