Arizona Unscripted

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Diane, Kathryn, Jim, and Carol for a lively conversation with Jacob Martinez, a lifelong Mesa resident and candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 9, covering West Mesa, downtown Mesa, and part of eastern Tempe.

🏠 MAKING ARIZONA MORE AFFORDABLE

Jacob says one issue comes up again and again as he knocks on doors across his district: the rising cost of just about everything.

Housing. Utilities. Groceries. Healthcare.

The group talks about why so many Arizonans — from young people just starting out to seniors living on fixed incomes — are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the communities they call home.

Jacob discusses ideas he supports to address housing costs, including limiting corporate purchases of single-family homes and giving local communities greater authority to regulate short-term rentals.

🏡 AIRBNBS, HOUSING & LOCAL CONTROL

Arizona's popularity as a tourist destination creates an interesting dilemma: visitors need places to stay, but the people who work in those communities also need affordable places to live.

The conversation explores how short-term rentals can affect housing availability and why Jacob believes cities and towns should have more power to develop solutions that work for their own communities.

🎓 PUBLIC SCHOOLS & ARIZONA'S ESA PROGRAM

As a graduate of Mesa Public Schools and a recent law school graduate, Jacob credits public education with helping give him the foundation to succeed.

He talks about school funding, teacher support, Arizona's universal ESA program, and why he believes the state needs to put more resources into public education while adding greater accountability and restrictions to the voucher system.

👨‍👩‍👦 GROWING UP IN MESA

Jacob also shares his own Arizona story.

Raised in Mesa by a single teenage mother, he talks about growing up with the help of programs such as WIC and public assistance — experiences that shaped his views about the role government programs can play for families going through difficult times.

He also explains why, despite moving several times, he has barely ventured outside the same square mile of Mesa where he grew up.

🍕 WAIT...IS MESA AN ARIZONA FOOD DESTINATION?

It's Arizona Unscripted, so naturally the conversation finds its way to food.

Jacob makes a bold claim that Mesa belongs alongside New York and Los Angeles as a great food city — prompting the hosts to immediately start asking for restaurant recommendations.

And apparently, volunteering to knock doors for Jacob can come with a pretty good bonus: exploring some of Mesa's many local restaurants afterward.

🪧 AND WHY DOES JACOB HAVE HIS OWN PARK?

There's also the mysterious "Jacob Martinez Park" sign hanging behind him.

No, Mesa didn't actually name a park after him.

Jacob explains how serving for six years on the Mesa Parks and Recreation Advisory Board — beginning while he was still in high school — earned him a personalized park sign when his term ended.

It's a fun moment that also highlights just how early Jacob became involved in his hometown.

This episode is a wide-ranging Arizona Unscripted conversation about affordability, housing, education, community involvement, a new generation entering public service — and, of course, where to find some great food in Mesa.

Learn more about Jacob Martinez:

MartinezForAZ.com

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Jim is joined by co-hosts Diane, Kathryn, and Carol for a fascinating look at something uniquely Arizona — the office of State Mine Inspector.

Their guest is Brian Matlock, a mechanical engineer, Marine Reserves veteran, and Democratic candidate for Arizona State Mine Inspector.

⛏️ WAIT — WE ELECT A MINE INSPECTOR?

Yes! Arizona is the only state in the country where voters elect the State Mine Inspector.

Brian explains what the office actually does and why its work matters not only to miners and mining companies, but also to hikers, mountain bikers, off-roaders, campers, families, and anyone who enjoys Arizona's backcountry.

👷 KEEPING ARIZONA'S MINERS SAFE

One of the Mine Inspector's major responsibilities is safety. Brian discusses everything from personal protective equipment and explosives to processing facilities and the everyday practices designed to help ensure miners make it home safely at the end of the day.

His approach? He says the Mine Inspector shouldn't simply be looking for violations — the office should work with miners and mine operators as a partner in safety.

⚠️ ARIZONA'S ABANDONED MINES

Then there's a problem most Arizonans may not realize exists.

Brian says Arizona has more than 100,000 abandoned mines, including hundreds of abandoned uranium mines. Some can be extremely dangerous, particularly to people exploring Arizona's vast backcountry.

The group discusses how these mines can be located, marked, and secured — and Brian shares his idea of working with outdoor enthusiasts and local communities to help identify potentially dangerous abandoned mine sites.

And his advice if you find one is simple: don't go inside.

🏜️ COPPER, URANIUM & ARIZONA'S MINING HISTORY

The conversation travels around the state to some of Arizona's major mining regions and explores why copper remains such an important part of Arizona's identity and economy.

But mining isn't just about copper and precious metals. Brian explains that the Mine Inspector's responsibilities also extend to aggregate and stone operations that produce materials used in construction.

🌱 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MINE CLOSES?

Mining doesn't end when the minerals run out.

Brian explains the Mine Inspector's role in mine reclamation — including reviewing reclamation plans and helping ensure that required work is completed when mining operations come to an end.

🚐 AND WHAT EXACTLY IS BOONDOCKING?

It's Arizona Unscripted, so naturally the conversation wanders a little!

Brian talks about his love of mountain biking, exploring Arizona's backcountry, and "boondocking" — heading off-grid with a small camper and enjoying some of the state's more remote places.

The group even gets into vertical mine shafts, nineteenth-century mining laws, near-miss safety reporting, and — perhaps most importantly — whether they make wide-brimmed hard hats.

It's an informative and surprisingly fun Arizona Unscripted conversation about an elected office many Arizonans may know little about, an industry deeply connected to Arizona's history, and the people responsible for making mining and Arizona's backcountry safer.

Learn more about Brian Matlock:

MatlockForAZMI.com

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE, GRIEF & PREVENTION

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this important episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for a candid conversation about suicide, grief, prevention, and the mental health resources available in our communities.

Their guest is Teri Geier, a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience working with children, adults, veterans, people struggling with addiction, hospice patients, and families affected by suicide.

Following recent tragedies that deeply affected the Lake Havasu City community, Teri helps the Arizona Unscripted team explore a difficult subject that too often remains unspoken.

The conversation explores:

• How grieving after a suicide can differ from other forms of grief

• Warning signs that someone may be struggling

• Depression, exhaustion, isolation, and major life transitions

• Why it's important to ask someone directly if they are thinking about suicide

• The guilt and unanswered questions often experienced by family members and friends

• Suicide among children, adults, veterans, and older Americans

• Gaps in emergency and mental health services

• Why communities, hospitals, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and other organizations need to work together

Teri emphasizes one particularly important message: we shouldn't be afraid to talk about suicide. Asking someone directly about what they're experiencing can open the door to a conversation when they may desperately need someone to listen.

The discussion also examines what happens after a suicide and why families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities need support rather than silence, shame, or stigma.

It's a serious but important Arizona Unscripted conversation about recognizing when someone may be struggling, supporting those left behind, and finding better ways for Arizona communities to respond.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — ARIZONA’S WATER FUTURE: THE COLORADO RIVER

Welcome to Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for a fascinating and important conversation about one of Arizona’s most precious resources: WATER.

Their guest is Doyle Wilson, a longtime Arizona water expert who served as Water Resources Coordinator for Lake Havasu City for approximately 15 years. With a background in geology and a Ph.D. in environmental science, Doyle helps unravel the remarkably complicated story of the Colorado River and explains why decisions being made today could have enormous consequences for Arizona’s future.

The conversation explores:

💧 The history of the Colorado River and the 1922 Colorado River Compact

🏜️ Why Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, and other western Arizona communities are so dependent on the Colorado River.

🚰 How Arizona, California, Nevada, and the other basin states divide Colorado River water.

🌾 Why agriculture plays such a major role in water use.

🏙️ How the Central Arizona Project helped fuel the growth of Phoenix and Tucson.

♻️ The growing importance of recycled and reused water.

❄️ How snowpack and decades of below-expected river flows affect Arizona’s water supply.

⚠️ Why Arizona could face significant Colorado River water shortages in the years ahead.

Doyle also explains the complicated priority system that determines who gets water first when supplies become scarce — and why Arizona may face some particularly difficult choices.

What happens if there simply isn’t enough water to go around?

It’s an informative Arizona Unscripted conversation about water, history, growth, conservation, and the future of life in the desert Southwest.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — WHO CONTROLS YOUR UTILITY BILLS?

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Diane, Jim, and Carol for a conversation about an Arizona government agency that affects nearly everyone in the state — but that many Arizonans know surprisingly little about: the Arizona Corporation Commission. Their guests are Jonathon Hill and Clara Pratte, candidates for two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission.

So what exactly does the Corporation Commission do — and why should Arizonans care?

The conversation explores the Commission’s role in regulating investor-owned utilities and reviewing the rates customers pay for electricity, gas, and water. The group also discusses some of the other responsibilities of the Commission, including business registrations, securities regulation, and railroad and pipeline safety.

⚡ UTILITY BILLS & AFFORDABILITY

Jonathon and Clara explain how utility rate increases are reviewed by the Commission and why decisions made by five statewide elected commissioners can ultimately affect household budgets across Arizona.

💻 DATA CENTERS & ARIZONA’S GROWTH

With data centers expanding across Arizona, the group discusses who should pay for the new electrical infrastructure needed to serve these enormous energy users — and the concern that ordinary ratepayers could ultimately bear some of those costs.

☀️ SOLAR & ARIZONA’S ENERGY FUTURE

The conversation turns to rooftop solar, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and what homeowners receive when the electricity they generate flows back onto the grid.

💧 WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE

Water also enters the discussion as Jonathon explains how his background in geology could inform decisions involving groundwater and water utilities, while Clara discusses her experience working on energy and infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities.

🚀 TWO VERY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS

Jonathon is an engineer and geologist who has spent years at Arizona State University working on NASA missions involving Mars, Jupiter, and asteroids.

Clara, a member of the Navajo Nation, brings a background in public policy, economic development, infrastructure, and renewable energy. She also discusses her work helping bring electricity to hundreds of homes on tribal lands.

Together, the guests explain why they believe the Arizona Corporation Commission deserves far more attention from voters — and why issues involving electricity, water, infrastructure, and affordability reach across political and geographic lines.

It’s another wide-ranging Arizona Unscripted conversation about an often-overlooked part of Arizona government and the decisions that can directly affect our homes, communities, and monthly bills.

More information about the candidates:

Jonathon Hill: https://www.votehillaz.com

Clare Pratte: https://www.claraforaz.com

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for an energetic conversation with Alberto Flores, a lifelong Phoenician and candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 24, representing communities in Maryvale and South Glendale.

At just 29, Alberto brings the perspective of a new generation of Arizonans to the conversation. He shares how growing up in a working-class immigrant family inspired his interest in public service beginning when he was only 12 years old, eventually leading him to study political science at Arizona State University and run for the state legislature.

The conversation starts with an issue Alberto says he hears again and again while knocking on doors: affordability. From groceries and gasoline to wages and housing, Alberto talks about the pressures facing working families—particularly in communities where people may already be working multiple jobs just to make ends meet. He also discusses workers, unions, and collective bargaining and their role in helping families build greater economic security.

Public education is another major topic. Alberto discusses schools losing resources and arts and music programs that give children opportunities to discover their talents and interests. Drawing on his own childhood, he explains why creating more opportunities for the next generation is such a personal part of his campaign.

The discussion also explores housing affordability and the challenges facing younger Arizonans who are working hard and earning good incomes but still find homeownership increasingly out of reach. Alberto talks about younger candidates becoming involved in Arizona politics and why he believes their generation needs a stronger voice in decisions that will shape their future.

Finally, the group talks about one of Alberto’s biggest passions: getting young people engaged. He shares what he has learned from knocking on thousands of doors, meeting first-time voters face-to-face, and using TikTok and Instagram to reach younger Arizonans where they get much of their information. For Alberto, politics doesn’t have to be something that divides communities—it can also be a team sport that brings people together.

It’s a lively Arizona Unscripted conversation about working families, affordability, education, opportunity, young voters, and what a new generation of leadership could mean for the future of the Grand Canyon State.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for a conversation with Brian McMahan, the Democratic nominee for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 30, representing communities across Mohave and La Paz Counties and the Wickenburg area.

Brian shares what he's hearing as he travels throughout the district, where affordability, water, rural healthcare, public safety, education, and government spending are among the issues on residents' minds.

Water takes center stage as the group discusses Arizona's increasingly urgent need for a comprehensive plan to protect its limited water resources. From agricultural use and groundwater to the enormous demands of new data centers, the conversation explores some of the difficult choices Arizona may face as communities plan for continued growth in an increasingly dry state.

The discussion also turns to rural healthcare, where access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, emergency medical services, and affordable care can be very different from what residents experience in Arizona's larger cities. Drawing on his experience as a retired fire chief, Brian discusses the connection between healthcare, fire districts, EMS services, and the challenges of providing essential services across Arizona's vast rural areas.

Brian also talks about government spending, public education, term limits, and why he believes Arizona needs to start planning for tomorrow's challenges before they become full-blown emergencies.

It's another wide-ranging Arizona Unscripted conversation about the issues facing Arizona's rural communities—and the people working to shape the state's future.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

Welcome to 🌵Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for a lively conversation with Miranda Lopez, a candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 21, which stretches from southeastern Tucson through Sahuarita, Rio Rico, Tubac and Nogales, with a portion extending east toward Bisbee.

Miranda shares her journey from growing up in Phoenix and attending the University of Arizona to becoming a community organizer, working with the Pima County Democratic Party, advocating for students, becoming involved with organized labor, and ultimately deciding to run for public office.

Joining the conversation is returning guest Eric Robbins, a resident of the district, who helps bring a local perspective to the discussion.

The conversation tackles some of the major issues facing Southern Arizona and the state as a whole. Miranda discusses her views on public education and Arizona's school voucher system, the shortage of affordable housing, renters and homeownership, and the role she believes state government should play in addressing these challenges.

The group also heads south to the Arizona-Mexico border, discussing proposed construction and changes affecting border communities, including concerns raised in the conversation about neighborhoods, businesses, the environment, and plans for the Nogales port of entry.

Along the way, Miranda talks about her experience finding areas of agreement with people across the political spectrum and why meaningful conversations and common ground can still play an important role in getting things done.

It's another wide-ranging Arizona Unscripted conversation about the people, policies, communities, and challenges shaping the future of the Grand Canyon State.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Diane, Kathryn, and Jim for an inspiring conversation with Eric Robbins from Pima County, who shares a grassroots effort aimed at doing something many of us could use a little more of these days — talking with our neighbors and actually listening to one another.

What started simply as a few people getting together for Saturday morning coffee has grown into an effort to strengthen community connections, encourage meaningful conversations, and find common ground in a time when Americans often seem more divided than ever.

Instead of telling people what they should think, Eric's group is taking a different approach: asking questions. What makes you proud to be an American? What would make our country better? Have you simply had enough of some of the division? And can empathy, kindness, and respect actually be signs of strength rather than weakness?

Those questions lead the 🌵 Arizona Unscripted team into a thoughtful—and sometimes very personal—conversation about patriotism, healthcare, politics, community, empathy, and the importance of being willing to listen even when we don't agree.

Eric also discusses plans to bring these conversations into communities through signs, radio messages, social media, and eventually face-to-face gatherings where neighbors can sit together and reconnect.

It's a reminder that perhaps bringing people together doesn't always require a complicated solution. Sometimes it can start with a cup of coffee, a good question, an open mind—and a willingness to listen with the heart of a neighbor.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one conversation at a time.

Welcome to 🌵 Arizona Unscripted — the show all about Arizona: the people, the places, the food, the fun, and the stories that make the Grand Canyon State unlike anywhere else.

In this episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for a fascinating conversation with Jamescita Peshlakai, a Navajo Nation member, Persian Gulf War veteran, former Arizona legislator, and candidate for the Arizona State Senate in Legislative District 6.

Stretching across roughly a third of Arizona, Legislative District 6 encompasses some of the state's most spectacular landscapes and diverse communities — including the Grand Canyon, portions of the Colorado River, Monument Valley, the White Mountains, and several tribal nations. Jamescita shares what she's hearing as she travels this vast district and talks with the people who call it home.

The conversation explores the rising cost of living, housing, access to healthcare, transportation, water, infrastructure, and the extraordinary distances rural Arizonans may travel for everyday necessities. Jamescita also provides a firsthand perspective on life in tribal communities, including challenges involving housing, federal land requirements, access to reliable mail and street addresses, voting, technology, and basic infrastructure.

The discussion also turns to one of Arizona's most precious resources — water — and the importance of conservation and long-term planning as communities across the state confront increasing demands on limited supplies.

Jamescita also shares some remarkable Arizona history, including her work establishing Navajo Code Talkers Day as an official Arizona state holiday and the broader history of Native American veterans, voting rights, and tribal communities in the state.

It's an 🌵 Arizona Unscripted conversation that goes beyond the headlines to hear directly about life in some of Arizona's most beautiful, remote, and often overlooked communities — and the people working to make their voices heard.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one story at a time.