Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by B from B's Crime Corner to revisit the COVID-19 restrictions of 2020, Anthony Fauci's influence, vaccine requirements, and the conflicting information Americans were given about who was truly at risk.

Then, B's Crime Corner examines the disturbing "Ohio House of Horrors" case, where 16 children were allegedly found living in deplorable conditions. Authorities said some may not have survived another 24 hours. Gary Siders Jr., Gary Siders Sr., Christina Siders, and Elizabeth Siders are accused in connection with the case.

Sam Lyman, Head of Research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, explains why America's Bitcoin, AI, and data-center infrastructure has become a national-security issue. He discusses Chinese influence campaigns targeting U.S. development, misinformation about data-center water use, and the choice between American AI and Chinese AI shaped by censorship.

Follow Sam Lyman on X: @SamLyman33
Follow the Bitcoin Policy Institute on X: @bitcoinpolicy

Shandi Hudson of Elite Senior Services explains why families should begin planning for senior care before a crisis. She breaks down placement options and how professional guidance can help families find the right care for their loved ones.

Follow Shandi Hudson on Instagram: @shandinhudson
Learn more: EliteSeniorAZ.com

Gary Gygi, President and CEO of Gygi Capital Management, closes the show with his take on the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady, Kevin Warsh's market-focused approach, and President Trump's use of tariffs as a negotiating tool.

Follow Gary Gygi on X: @GaryGygi
Learn more: GygiCapital.com

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould, former Congressman Mike Garcia, comedian Lou Perez, and Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner. Plus, B breaks down the ongoing search for accused murderer Isabella Rose Johnson in this week's B's Crime Corner.

Andrew Gould, a partner at Holtzman Vogel and former justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, joins the show to explain the major differences between serving as a judge and working as a litigator. While litigators advocate for a specific client or interest, judges are required to remain neutral, follow the Constitution, and apply the law regardless of political pressure.

Gould discusses his transition between the bench and private practice and shares his concerns about the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He explains why judges should not be attacked for following the Constitution and addresses recent cases in which state and federal courts have been accused of resisting or defying Supreme Court rulings.

The conversation also examines claims that the Trump administration has ignored court orders. Gould argues that while the administration has pushed the boundaries of executive authority, it has followed court decisions after losing its legal challenges.

Gould also discusses a major Supreme Court campaign-finance case involving mandatory donor disclosure. He explains how forcing organizations to reveal their donors can expose individuals to harassment, retaliation, and political intimidation.

The discussion expands into the importance of anonymous political speech, from the Federalist Papers to the Supreme Court's decision in NAACP v. Alabama. Gould also raises concerns about threats against conservative Supreme Court justices and the growing impact of government surveillance, private data collection, drones, and new technology on Americans' Fourth Amendment rights.

Learn more about Andrew Gould and his work at Holtzman Vogel.

Mike Garcia, chair of the California State Chapter for the America First Policy Institute and former U.S. representative for California's 27th Congressional District, joins the show to discuss biological males competing in women's sports, the political pressure driving Democrats further left, and why Republicans must move beyond social media and connect directly with voters through town halls, door knocking, and grassroots outreach. He also explains AFPI's role in developing policy and influencing White House executive orders.

Follow Mike Garcia on X: @mikegarcia1776

In this week's B's Crime Corner, B examines the ongoing manhunt for Isabella Rose Johnson, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Jason Coulthart.

Authorities say Johnson remains on the run and may be using aliases to conceal her identity. Five people accused of helping her avoid capture have now been arrested. As the search continues, the reward for information leading to her arrest has increased to $11,000.

Comedian, producer, and author Lou Perez returns to the show to discuss the controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham's comments about transgender athletes competing in women's sports.

Lou examines the WNBA's position on the issue and points out that the league currently has no transgender women playing in it.

The conversation then takes an unexpected turn as Lou breaks down a 2007 University of New Mexico study examining whether a lap dancer's ovulatory cycle affected her earnings. The study found that dancers earned more money in tips while ovulating, raising questions about biology, attraction, and whether customers were responding to subtle signals without realizing it.

Lou also previews his upcoming "Parental Advisory" comedy show in New York City on July 30.

Follow Lou Perez on X: @LouPerez
Book: THAT JOKE ISN'T FUNNY ANYMORE: ON THE DEATH AND REBIRTH OF COMEDY

Finally, Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner joins the show to discuss the massive financial and logistical burden the Charlie Kirk murder trial is placing on Utah County.

Gardner estimates that security, staffing, court operations, and other trial-related expenses could cost the county between $2 million and $2.5 million through 2028. She explains how a nationally watched murder trial can strain local resources for years and why taxpayers may ultimately be responsible for much of the cost.

Follow Amelia Powers Gardner on X: @Amelia4Utah

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone examine election security, Colorado's dramatic political transformation, one of true crime's most infamous hot-mic moments, the battle over American history at the Smithsonian, political upheaval in Latin America, and the Federal Reserve's fight against inflation.

Ethan Barton, an editor at The Washington Free Beacon and former editor in chief of The Daily Caller News Foundation, joins Chuck and Sam to discuss President Donald Trump's recent election-security speech. Barton explains why concerns about foreign interference from countries such as China and Russia deserve serious attention, while arguing that combining separate election issues can sometimes weaken the broader message.

The conversation then turns to Colorado's transformation from a competitive purple state into a reliably Democratic stronghold. Barton breaks down the role of strategic Democratic investment, liberal population centers, weak Republican infrastructure, limited donor support, taxes, business losses, and changing economic conditions.

They also examine rising anti-Israel sentiment within portions of the Democratic Party and the closely watched race in Colorado's 8th Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Gabe Evans faces Democrat Manny Rutinel in one of the country's most competitive congressional battlegrounds.

Follow Ethan Barton on X: @ethanrbarton
Read his reporting at FreeBeacon.com

Next, B's Crime Corner revisits the disturbing story of New York real-estate heir Robert Durst.

Durst was long suspected in the 1982 disappearance of his wife, Kathie McCormack Durst, and the 2000 murder of his close friend Susan Berman. His secrets finally began to unravel during HBO's The Jinx when he entered a bathroom after an interview without realizing that his microphone was still recording.

While speaking to himself, Durst uttered the chilling words that would become one of the most infamous moments in true-crime history. The recording helped renew attention on the case, and Durst was eventually convicted of Berman's murder in 2021.

B's Crime Corner returns every Friday with a new story of murder, mystery, and mayhem.

Mike Gonzalez, the Angeles T. Arredondo E Pluribus Unum Senior Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to discuss a 162-page White House Domestic Policy Council report examining exhibits and educational materials at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History.

Gonzalez argues that the museum has increasingly presented American history through ideological and activist frameworks instead of providing a balanced account of the nation's achievements and failures. He also explains the Smithsonian's enormous educational reach, its dependence on taxpayer funding, and why the institution's portrayal of American history matters as the country approaches its 250th anniversary.

Follow Mike Gonzalez on X: @Gundisalvus
Learn more at Heritage.org

Carrie Filipetti, executive director of the Vandenberg Coalition and a former deputy assistant secretary of state for Cuba and Venezuela, joins Chuck and Sam to discuss the devastating earthquake in Venezuela and Colombia's recent presidential election.

Filipetti examines the enormous loss of life and infrastructure damage in Venezuela, the government's delayed response, and the difficulties of delivering assistance while holding the country's ruling regime accountable.

She also explains Colombia's rightward political shift following the election of Abelardo De La Espriella and what the result could mean for security, energy development, regional stability, and the future of relations between the United States and Colombia.

Follow the Vandenberg Coalition on X: @VandenbergCo
Connect with Carrie Filipetti on LinkedIn
Learn more at VandenbergCoalition.org

Finally, Gary Gygi, president of Gygi Capital Management, returns to discuss Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's approach to inflation and the economic outlook.

Gygi explains why he views Warsh's supply-side focus as a potentially positive development for economic growth. He also examines the current market environment and identifies healthcare and materials as sectors investors may want to watch as inflation, interest rates, and federal monetary policy continue to shape the economy.

Follow Gary Gygi on X: @GaryGygi
Learn more at GygiCapital.com

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, host Chuck Warren flys solo to examine the growing appeal of socialism, the failures of government price controls, allegations of foreign-funded political unrest, the Charlie Kirk murder case, Arizona's escalating school-choice battle, and a new approach to America's federal assistance programs.

First, former prosecutor and U.S. Senate Chief of Staff Chuck Flint joins the show to explain why price controls often make housing, healthcare, and other necessities more expensive and less available. Using New York's rent policies and Obamacare as examples, Flint discusses the consequences of government interference in private markets and responds to the rise of socialist candidates such as Zohran Mamdani.

Flint also discusses his experience as a prosecutor and examines how anti-ICE demonstrations and unrest are organized and financed. He outlines reported connections involving activist networks, Neville Roy Singham, and possible Chinese Communist Party influence.

The conversation then turns to the preliminary hearing for the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk. Flint explains why death penalty cases require extensive procedural safeguards, how prosecutors attempt to protect a conviction from future appeals, and why poorly managed judicial dockets may contribute more to court backlogs than a shortage of judges.

Follow Chuck Flint on X: @ChuckAFlint
Learn more about the Alliance for IRS Accountability: IRSAccountability.org

Next, B takes listeners inside the mysterious final hours of Chalino Sánchez in this week's B's Crime Corner. The Mexican corrido singer built his career by writing about violence, survival, cartels, and the experiences of people around him. During his final performance in Culiacán in May 1992, Sánchez was filmed reading a note that many believe contained a death threat. Hours later, armed men reportedly abducted him, and his body was discovered the following morning.

Was the note truly his death sentence, and who ordered Chalino Sánchez's murder?

Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute and Director of its Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy, then joins Chuck and Sam to discuss the fight over Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program.

Beienburg explains how teachers unions gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures for a ballot initiative that could significantly restrict the ESA program, which now serves approximately 100,000 students. He warns that the proposal could impose income limits, restrict eligibility, and remove unused scholarship money that families have saved for future educational expenses.

He also discusses the Military Family Protection Act, a proposed Arizona constitutional amendment intended to protect scholarship funds belonging to military families. Because the proposal would be placed in the state Constitution, it could override conflicting statutory changes if voters approve both measures.

The conversation also covers two Arizona ballot measures addressing race-based discrimination, the role of outside money in ballot campaigns, and whether voters receive enough information about who is financing major initiatives.

Follow Matt Beienburg on X: @MBeienburg
Learn more about his work: GoldwaterInstitute.org

Finally, Nic Dunn, Vice President of Strategy and Senior Fellow at the Sutherland Institute, joins the show to discuss "empowerment accounts," a proposal to combine multiple federal assistance programs into one streamlined monthly benefit.

Dunn explains how the system could reduce administrative complexity, provide stronger incentives for recipients to work and increase their earnings, and address the benefit cliffs that can punish families for becoming more financially independent.

He also offers a balanced perspective on artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential benefits while addressing legitimate concerns about its social and economic effects. The discussion concludes with a look at how the Sutherland Institute uses podcasts, videos, and other multimedia formats to make detailed policy research accessible to a broader audience.

Follow Nic Dunn on X: @nicdunnutah
Learn more at SutherlandInstitute.org
Listen to Nic's podcast, Defending Ideas, at DefendingIdeas.org

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone bring listeners a special Fourth of July episode focused on America's founding principles, political hypocrisy, civic education, and a chilling unsolved Independence Day murder case.

First, Sam Stone is joined by Jay Lapeyre, CEO of Laitram LLC, Board Chair of the Cato Institute and The Atlas Society, and a founding leader of the Free Society Coalition. Jay discusses the Declaration of Independence, the moral foundations of liberty, and why America's founding truths still matter today. He explains how the Declaration project grew out of a desire to move beyond partisan division by focusing on shared principles, civil discourse, human dignity, moral agency, and the pursuit of happiness. Sam and Jay also explore the Free Society Coalition's Declaration challenge, which encourages Americans to read, reflect on, and discuss the Declaration of Independence with family, friends, and neighbors.

Next, Chuck Warren talks with Andrew Kerr, investigative reporter at The Washington Free Beacon, about his reporting on congressional financial disclosures and the wealth of politicians who campaign as working-class champions. Andrew explains how lawmakers can delay disclosures, why some still file in analog format, and what he found in Rep. Ro Khanna's financial records, including family interests tied to private golf clubs and wealth management. They also discuss Arizona Democrat Joanna Mendoza and questions raised after changes to her reported net worth.

Follow Andrew Kerr 
X: @AndrewKerrNC

Then, Brenda Hafera, Assistant Director and Research Fellow in The Heritage Foundation's B. Kenneth Simon Center for American Studies, joins the show to discuss the Heritage Guide to Historic Sites. Brenda explains how the interactive guide evaluates historic sites across the country for accuracy, bias, and educational value ahead of America's 250th anniversary. She also breaks down the American Revolution, the Stamp Act, religious institutions, civic virtue, literacy, self-government, and why everyday Americans should return to primary source documents to better understand the country's founding.

Explore the Heritage Guide to Historic Sites at the website below:

historicsites.heritage.org

Finally, B's Crime Corner closes the episode with a Fourth of July true crime story: the unsolved murders of Shane Stewart and Sally McNelly. B walks through the timeline of the 1988 case, the suspects who emerged over the years, the Satanic Panic surrounding the investigation, and the lingering questions that remain decades later.

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone dive into the biggest political and cultural fights shaping the country.

First, Chuck and Sam discuss the controversy surrounding Major League Baseball's Pride Night events, including questions over whether players on California teams were properly told they would be expected to wear special Pride-themed caps and uniforms. They argue that most sports fans, including many gay fans, are not looking for political messaging at the ballpark and simply want to watch the game.

The conversation then turns to low voter turnout in recent New York elections, how DSA-backed candidates successfully targeted younger voters, and why traditional Democratic turnout operations may be changing. Chuck and Sam also examine FIFA's decision involving rainbow flags at an upcoming Iran vs. Egypt match in Seattle, progressive contradictions on human rights, and broader concerns about radicalism, Sharia law, and national security.

Then, B brings another edition of B's Crime Corner with the tragic case of Officer Isaiah Cordero, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop on December 29, 2022, by repeat offender William McKay. The case sparked a massive police manhunt and raises serious questions about bail practices, repeat offenders, and public safety.

Next, Tony Napolitano, Senior Attorney at the Goldwater Institute, joins the show to break down two major legal battles. He explains the Supreme Court's decision striking down Hawaii's restriction on lawful firearm carriers bringing guns onto private property open to the public without explicit permission. He also discusses Goldwater's lawsuit against Phoenix over what the group calls an illegal land giveaway in Roosevelt Row, where the city plans to sell property appraised at $4.8 million for just $1.5 million, potentially costing taxpayers $3.3 million.

Learn more about the case at the Goldwater Institute: goldwaterinstitute.org

Finally, Susan Crabtree, National Correspondent for RealClearPolitics, 2024 Dao Prize winner, author of Fool's Gold, and contributor to the California Post and City Journal, joins the show to discuss her investigation into Gavin Newsom, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and nonprofit influence in California. Susan details concerns involving corporate donations, school film screenings, taxpayer-funded nonprofit programs, homeless housing projects, illegal immigration services, and weak oversight in California's nonprofit sector.

Follow Susan Crabtree and find more of her work on X: @susancrabtree

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone hosts while Chuck Warren is out of studio for a packed episode covering artificial intelligence, personal autonomy, NATO's eastern flank, government fraud, gun rights, true crime, and the economy.

First, Dr. Keith Ablow joins the show to discuss the psychological impact of AI technologies like ChatGPT and what happens when people outsource creativity, critical thinking, and even their sense of reality to machines. Dr. Ablow is a New York Times bestselling author, mental health expert, and co-founder of Help22. He has appeared across national media to discuss psychology, culture, and personal growth. He also runs Pain-2-Power, a counseling and life coaching platform focused on personal and organizational empowerment. Dr. Ablow warns that technological dependence can weaken individual autonomy, increase groupthink, and make it harder for people to stay grounded in truth.

Follow Dr. Keith Ablow on X @keithablow
Check out his counseling and life coaching platform dedicated to personal and organizational empowerment Pain-2-Power: www.pain-2-power.com

Then, Alex Welz of the Washington Free Beacon joins Sam to share what he learned from his recent trip to NATO's eastern flank, including Finland, the Baltics, and Poland. Welz explains how Ukraine's resilience has shifted the center of gravity inside NATO, why Eastern Europe is taking security more seriously, and how Russia, China, and Iran are all influencing the region's future.

Follow Alex Welz on X @WelzAlex

Later, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen joins the show to discuss his participation in the Trump administration's Anti-Fraud Roundtable, the fight against Medicaid and federal program fraud, Biden-era gun policies, cooperation with ICE, and Montana's new citizenship marker program for driver's licenses and ID cards.

You can follow Attorney General Austin Knudsen on X @MTAGKnudsen

In B's Crime Corner, B breaks down the 1997 Heaven's Gate cult suicide, where 39 members died in a California mansion after leaving behind exit interviews, detailed instructions, and one of the most disturbing chapters in modern true crime history.

Finally, Gary Gygi of Gygi Capital joins Sam to talk about inflation, work-from-home policies, productivity, and the future of SpaceX and Starlink.

You can follow Gary Gygi on X @GaryGygi
Website: gygicapital.com

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds for conversations on Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, host Chuck Warren is joined by guest host Tim Mooney for a packed episode covering Arizona politics, campus protests, election integrity, the 2026 midterms, and the latest true crime case making national headlines.

The show begins with Chuck Warren sitting down one-on-one with Elijah Norton, candidate for Arizona State Treasurer. Norton discusses his background as a self-made businessman, his campaign for treasurer, and why he believes Arizona needs a leader with real finance, business, and investment experience managing the state's treasury. The conversation covers the role of the state treasurer, Arizona's $32 billion in assets, investment performance, the Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund, Prop 123, and Norton's call for a comprehensive review of the treasurer's office and a "Doge-style audit" of Arizona's education system.

Follow Elijah Norton on X: @NortonforAZ
Website: https://nortonforaz.com/

Next, Chuck Warren and guest host Tim Mooney speak with Jessica Schwalb, staff writer at the Washington Free Beacon and a Columbia University graduate. Jessica shares her firsthand experience covering campus protests at Columbia, the pressure students faced during pro-Palestinian demonstrations, and the growing concerns over intimidation, free speech, and student rights on elite college campuses. She also breaks down the deportation case involving Columbia anti-Israel activist Mohsen Madawi and explains how campus movements connect to broader radical organizations and online networks.

Follow Jessica Schwalb on X: @jessicaschwalb7

Then, Don Palmer, Senior Legal Fellow for Election Integrity at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to discuss mail ballots, voter verification, USPS election regulations, ERIC, citizenship checks, voting system security, and foreign interference concerns. Palmer, a former Commissioner and Chairman of the United States Election Assistance Commission and retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer and judge advocate general, explains what states can do to strengthen election security and public confidence.

Follow Don Palmer on X: @VotingGuy

In the fourth segment, Tim Murtaugh, Washington Times columnist, founder of Line Drive Public Affairs, former senior advisor to the 2024 Trump campaign, and former communications director for the 2020 Trump campaign, joins Chuck and Tim Mooney to preview the upcoming midterm elections. Murtaugh discusses Republican chances in the House and Senate, redistricting, toss-up seats, healthcare costs, the Maine Senate race, Texas politics, and his recent Washington Times column on climate change.

Follow Tim Murtaugh on X: @TimMurtaugh

Finally, B's Crime Corner takes a closer look at the viral Karmelo Anthony and Austin Metcalf case, where 17-year-old Austin Metcalf was fatally stabbed at a Texas track meet. B breaks down how the incident unfolded, the indictment, the murder conviction, the 35-year sentence, the online rumors surrounding the case, and why this tragedy became one of the most talked-about true crime stories in the country.

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds for conversations on Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America.

Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.

Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds:

• Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds

• Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote

• News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news

• X: https://x.com/breaking_battle

• Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds

• Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds

If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Breaking Battlegrounds is one of the top 2.5% most popular shows out of 3,779,399 podcasts globally. We interview policymakers, elected officials, and nationally and world-recognized reporters about the opportunities and hurdles the United States faces

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by Jonathan Butcher, Scot Mussi, Lou Perez, and John Lee to discuss higher education, Arizona school choice, comedy, culture, and Canada's euthanasia controversy. The show is then turned over to Chuck Warren  who sits down with Dr. John Lee for a one on one talk on China, Iran, critical minerals, and U.S. foreign policy. The episode wraps with B's Crime Corner and a disturbing true crime case unravleing in Ohio.

Jonathan Butcher, Acting Director of the Center for Education Policy and Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to discuss his book Higher Education in America: It's Worse than You Think. Butcher breaks down the rising cost of college, the unclear pricing behind tuition, the role of federal student loans in tuition inflation, and the ideological imbalance on many campuses. He also discusses threats facing Jewish students, the impact of campus culture on young men and women, declining birth rates, and why lawmakers need to enforce the law on college campuses. The conversation also looks at trade schools, career readiness, and why America needs to rethink the idea that every student must follow the traditional college path. Want a copy of Jonathan Butcher's book, Higher Education in America: It's Worse than You Think? The first five listeners to DM the Breaking Battlegrounds Facebook page with "Higher Education in America" will receive a copy. Make sure to include your mailing address so we know where to send it.

Follow Jonathan Butcher on X: @JM_Butcher

Scot Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, joins Sam to discuss the fight over Arizona's school choice program and a ballot initiative backed by the Washington, D.C. Teachers Union that could impact more than 100,000 students. Mussi explains why school choice matters for families, including students with special needs, and why the fight over education funding is becoming one of the biggest political battles in Arizona. He also discusses Republican enthusiasm ahead of the November midterm elections, border security, cost of living, local spending, municipal budget increases, tax burdens, and what conservatives need to do to turn voter enthusiasm into turnout.

Follow Scot Mussi on X: @ScotMussi
Follow Arizona Free Enterprise Club on X: @azfec
Website: azfree.org

Comedian, producer, and author Lou Perez joins the program to discuss a troubling medical assistance in dying case out of Canada involving a 45-year-old man with inflammatory bowel disease and mental health struggles who was assessed for euthanasia outside a Tim Hortons before dying without his family being informed. Lou and Sam discuss the ethical questions surrounding Canada's MAID system, the consequences for the doctor involved, and the documentary Better Off Dead, which examines euthanasia practices in Canada. 

Follow Lou Perez on X: @LouPerez                                                                                             

The second to last segment, host Chuck Warren sits down with Dr. John Lee for a wide-ranging foreign policy conversation on China, Trump's strategy, critical minerals, Iran, and America's alliances. Dr. Lee is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, a senior fellow nonresident at the United States Studies Centre, and an adjunct professor at the University of Sydney.

Lee discusses his article in The Hill, "After the Trump-G Summit, China, Not America, is on the Back Foot," and argues that the Trump administration's reindustrialization and rearming agenda has strengthened America's strategic position rather than weakened it. He explains why Xi Jinping is now operating from a less favorable position, why America's allies may need pressure to take defense more seriously, and why critical minerals have become a major national security priority after years of warning signs from Beijing.

Dr. Lee also breaks down the Iran situation, arguing that a successful outcome for the United States would mean setting back Iran's nuclear ambitions and reducing its conventional military threat. He explains why China is a more rational negotiating actor than Iran, how regime security shapes Tehran's decision-making, and why the U.S.-Australia alliance remains strategically strong despite political tensions over Trump.

Guest: John Lee
Article: "After the Trump-G Summit, China, Not America, is on the Back Foot" in The Hill

In the final segment, B's Crime Corner returns with a disturbing true crime case out of Ohio, where two parents were convicted after their 11-year-old son, who had Hirschsprung's disease, died in a hotel room after being denied medical treatment. B breaks down the case, the 15-year prison sentences, the unanswered questions, and the psychology behind parents who harm their own children.

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by Kamden Mulder, Khosro Isfahani, Cary Davis, and Jon Fleischman for a packed episode covering the Biden DOJ, the FACE Act, pro-life investigations, Iran nuclear negotiations, free speech, FIRE, California politics, and B's Crime Corner.     First, Kamden Mulder, William F. Buckley Jr. Fellow in Political Journalism at National Review, joins the show to discuss her reporting on the Biden Department of Justice and allegations that the DOJ misused the FACE Act to target pro-life groups. Kamden breaks down concerns over dozens of investigations, uneven sentencing between pro-life and pro-choice activists, and what these cases reveal about politics inside the justice system. Kamden also discusses her reporting on Steve Descano, the Commonwealth's Attorney for Fairfax County, Virginia, who has faced criticism for being soft on crime. She highlights cases involving dropped charges, lenient sentencing, violent offenders, illegal immigration concerns, and public safety in Fairfax County. Kamden Mulder:
X: @kamdenmulder_     Next, Khosro Isfahani, Research Director at the National Union for Democracy in Iran, joins the program to discuss his background growing up in Iran, the Islamic Republic, and the current nuclear negotiations with the United States. Isfahani explains why he believes the Islamic Republic is an expansionist regime that cannot be contained through agreements alone. He discusses the possibility of targeted action against regime officials and tools of oppression, arguing that the Iranian opposition can be supported without American boots on the ground. Isfahani also reflects on his Washington Post opinion piece about America being vilified in Iran. He shares how American movies, culture, and values influenced him and many other Iranians, contrasting that admiration with modern criticism of the United States from the political left. Khosro Isfahani:
X: @KhosroIsfahani     Then, Cary Davis, litigation attorney with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, joins the show to discuss a major First Amendment case involving Larry, a retired Tennessee law enforcement officer who was jailed for 37 days after posting a political meme on Facebook. Cary explains how Larry was charged under a school threats statute and held on a shocking $2 million bond, an amount she says is typically associated with extremely serious crimes. After Larry received an $835,000 settlement, the case became a warning sign about political speech, online censorship, excessive bail, and First Amendment rights. Cary also discusses FIRE's broader work defending Americans facing punishment for online speech, including cases that followed the assassination of Charlie Kirk. She encourages listeners to support FIRE, spread awareness about free speech issues, and learn more about FIRE's Free Speech Forum summer program for high school students in Washington, D.C. Cary Davis / FIRE:
X: @TheFIREorg     In the fourth segment, Jon Fleischman, political strategist with Fleischman Consulting Group, publisher of the FlashReport, and former executive director of the Republican Party of California, joins Chuck and Sam to break down California politics, Los Angeles, public employee unions, and the future of the Republican Party in deep-blue states. Jon explains how government spending and public employee unions continue to strengthen Democratic power in California. He also weighs in on the California governor's race, including Steve Hilton's chances of making the runoff and how Donald Trump's endorsement could affect the race. Jon also discusses Spencer Pratt's social media strategy and how affordable AI-generated content may change the way political campaigns communicate with voters. Jon Fleischman:
X: @FlashReport
Website: https://www.sodoesitmatter.com     Finally, the show wraps up with B's Crime Corner, where the hosts dive into the disturbing world of prison groupies, hybristophilia, and the psychology behind people who become attracted to criminals. The segment touches on infamous cases involving Richard Ramirez, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and others, exploring why some women become obsessed with convicted killers and continue supporting them from behind bars. Listen to this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds for political analysis, First Amendment issues, foreign policy, California strategy, true crime, and conversations with Kamden Mulder, Khosro Isfahani, Cary Davis, and Jon Fleischman.     Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America.     Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.     Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds   • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote   •News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news   • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle   • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds   • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds