Breaking Battlegrounds

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by George Khalaf, founder of The Resolute Group, First Day PR, and Data Orbital, who discusses his campaign for Arizona State House in LD 3 and why he decided to move from political consulting to running for office. Khalaf breaks down the issues facing voters in Anthem, Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and Carefree, including water, affordability, school choice, and growing distrust in elected officials. He also explains the fight over Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts and why he believes protecting ESAs is critical for families across the state.

Then, Henry Thomson, Associate Professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University, joins the show to discuss his book Watching the Watchers, which explores how communist dictatorships used secret police to maintain control. Thomson also compares historical surveillance systems to modern authoritarian regimes and discusses his research on off-cycle elections in Arizona, where major bond decisions can be made with extremely low voter turnout.

Then, John Rogers, Executive Director of America First Works, joins Chuck and Sam to talk about the upcoming election cycle, Republican strategy, redistricting, the fight to hold the House majority, and what voters can do to help shape the political conversation heading into 2026.

Plus, in B's Crime Corner, the hosts cover the viral Mackenzie Shirilla case, involving a 17-year-old who killed her boyfriend and his friend in a deadly crash while claiming she blacked out due to POTS disorder. The segment breaks down the disturbing evidence, including toxic text messages, drugs found in the car, and black box data showing 100% acceleration with no brake usage.

 

The episode wraps with Gary Gygi, President and CEO of Gygi Capital, who shares his outlook on the economy, inflation, the job market, investment strategy, and what economic indicators Americans should be watching in the months ahead.

George Khalaf
Website: https://georgekhalaf.com/
X: @George_Khalaf
Volunteer for Arizona ESAs: https://azlovesesas.com/

Henry Thomson
X: @HenryRThomson
Watching the Watchers: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/watching-the-watchers/3E1D781ED93CB15D4324ED2B3EAF68C4
Food and Power: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/food-and-power/A2035AC3A20EE54E9B45183D4C1D2801

John Rogers
X: @itsjohnrogers 
America First Works: https://americafirstworks.com/

Gary Gygi                                                                                                                                      President & CEO of Gygi Capital                                                                                                Website: https://gygicapital.com/                                                                                               X: @GaryGygi

 

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

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, hosts Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by Congressman Dusty Johnson to discuss U.S.-China trade, rare earth minerals, energy policy, gas prices, South Dakota agriculture, data centers, and his campaign for governor.

Then, Noah Rothman joins the show to discuss his new book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, and explains why he believes left-wing political violence has often been downplayed, excused, or mischaracterized in American discourse.

Next, Chuck Flint, President and CEO of the Alliance for IRS Accountability, breaks down a new national poll on taxpayer concerns, including unrealized gains taxes, IRS asset appraisals, customer service failures, and proposals to reform the agency.

Plus, B's Crime Corner debuts its new jingle and covers the tragic 2007 murders of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom, along with an update on the Alex Murdaugh case and the Supreme Court's decision to overturn his conviction.

Finally, comedian and commentator Lou Perez joins the program to discuss a disturbing legal case involving a convicted child sex offender who was reportedly able to father a child through surrogacy, raising serious questions about gaps in current laws, parental rights, and child protection.

Follow the guests:
Congressman Dusty Johnson: @RepDustyJohnson
Noah Rothman: @NoahCRothman
Chuck Flint: @ChuckAFlint
Lou Perez: @LouPerez

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

On this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone and Chuck Warren dive into the biggest legal, education, and border security stories shaping America today.

First, Ilya Shapiro of the Manhattan Institute joins the show to break down the Supreme Court's major 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Calais and what it means for race-based redistricting, judicial independence, and the future of constitutional law. The conversation also explores Justice Clarence Thomas's influence on the Court, upcoming landmark cases involving birthright citizenship and presidential powers, and why public confidence in America's institutions continues to decline.

Follow Ilya Shapiro Here:
X: https://x.com/ishapiro
Substack: https://ilyashapiro.substack.com

Check out Ilya's book "Lawless: The Miseducation of America's Elites"
https://manhattan.institute/book/lawless-the-miseducation-of-americas-elites

Then, school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis joins the program to discuss the growing momentum behind education freedom initiatives across the country. Corey explains why even Democrat governors are beginning to embrace school choice programs, examines the ongoing failures of the Chicago Teachers Union, and argues why parents are increasingly rejecting the traditional public school system in favor of alternatives that put students first.

Corey A. DeAngelis
X: https://x.com/deangeliscorey?lang=it

Later, retired Pinal County Sheriff and Arizona Congressional candidate Mark Lamb joins the podcast to discuss the realities of border security from firsthand experience on the front lines. Lamb shares stories about cartel activity, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and the enormous strain illegal immigration has placed on local law enforcement. He also outlines his campaign priorities for Congress, including border security, election integrity, constitutional rights, and restoring accountability in Washington.

Mark Lamb
X: https://x.com/sherifflamb1?lang=en
Website: https://marklamb.us/home

Plus, in B's Corner, the hosts revisit the disturbing D4vd and Celeste case as new evidence emerges involving dismemberment, child abuse material, and chilling foreshadowing hidden within music and social media posts.

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

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by Manhattan Institute Cities policy analyst Santiago Vidal Calvo and Washington Free Beacon editor and Middle East Forum junior fellow Alex Welz, plus a special radio edition of B's Corner true crime.

Santiago Vidal Calvo Born in Caracas and now leading the Manhattan Institute's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) efforts, Santiago opens with an on-the-ground report from Venezuela following the capture of Maduro — including the first American Airlines flight back to Caracas in nearly a decade — and explains why Trump must press for elections in Venezuela before the U.S. midterms if his policy is to survive a potential shift in Congress. He walks through how government agencies have weaponized "privacy" exemptions and bureaucratic stonewalling to block public records requests, and why Manhattan Institute is willing to take these fights to court when ordinary citizens cannot. Santiago then breaks down his Daily Wire piece on New Jersey Transit's $150 train ticket from Penn Station to MetLife for the 2026 World Cup — versus a $60 Uber on the same route — and contrasts New Jersey's mismanagement with Kansas City's pro-tourism approach of expanded bar and restaurant hours. In the second segment, he unpacks Mayor Zohran Mamdani's "racial equity plan" and the redefinition of poverty in New York City through a $150,000 "true cost of living" benchmark — which conveniently labels two-thirds of the richest city in America as unable to afford it, justifying a massive expansion of government with 400 new indicators and 600 goals. Santiago argues the real diagnosis isn't race but housing supply, the rent freeze, and the cost of opening a business.

Follow Santiago on X: @SantiVidalC

B's Corner B brings the 1981 disappearance and murder of 6-year-old Adam Walsh from a Sears in Hollywood, Florida — a case that took 27 years to officially close, briefly entangled Jeffrey Dahmer as a suspect, and was ultimately tied to serial killer Ottis Toole. Out of unimaginable tragedy, Adam's father John Walsh launched America's Most Wanted, founded the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and helped drive the creation of the Amber Alert system. The team also revisits the era of the Sears catalog and what that brand once meant to American life.

Alex Welz, an editor at the Washington Free Beacon and a junior fellow at the Middle East Forum with a master's in national security from the University of Haifa, walks through the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, why disarming Hezbollah remains a generational challenge despite UN Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement. On Iran, Alex argues the regime turned out far less fragile than Venezuela-style optimists hoped, but ballistic missile capacity, the navy, and oil revenues have all been dramatically degraded, and the latest wave of protests could still force a fold. In the podcast segment, the conversation deepens and Alex shares his prediction for where Iran stands by November 2026.

Follow Alex on X: @WelzAlex

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

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we cover everything from Supreme Court power struggles and election reform to the Arizona governor's race and the policies shaping America's future.

We start with Robert McClure, President and CEO of the The James Madison Institute, who breaks down Florida's rising property taxes and the reforms being considered to rein in local government spending, including homestead exemptions, levy caps, and truth-in-taxation laws. He also discusses a proposal requiring 50% voter turnout for tax increases, the impact of Florida's SAVE Act on voter ID and election integrity, and how school choice policies are expanding opportunity while improving public education outcomes. You can follow Dr. McClure on X at https://x.com/drbobmcclure and learn more about his work at https://jamesmadison.org.

We're then joined in-studio by Andy Biggs, who is running for Governor of Arizona. Congressman Biggs discusses his campaign, Arizona's growing affordability challenges, water and resource concerns, and the need for accountability in government. He also weighs in on the recent Southern Poverty Law Center controversy, student debt policy, and what reforms he believes are needed to get the state back on track. Follow Congressman Biggs on X at https://x.com/RepAndyBiggsAZ (official) and https://x.com/andybiggs4az (campaign).

Next, Gary Gygi, President and CEO of Gygi Capital, joins the podcast to explain why the U.S. may be experiencing a "stealth manufacturing boom," with productivity and output rising despite fewer jobs in the sector. He also dives into global energy markets, the impact of international conflicts on oil prices, and what's ahead for tariffs and supply chains, including the evolving tariff-refund process. You can follow Gary on X at https://x.com/GaryGygi and learn more at https://gygicapital.com.

We also sit down with Mollie Hemingway, Editor-in-Chief of The Federalist, to discuss her new book, Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution. Mollie shares the inside story of Justice Samuel Alito's influence on the modern Supreme Court, including his role in major decisions like Dobbs, the internal dynamics among justices, and the increasing public pressure and threats facing the Court. She also explains the philosophy of originalism and how it contrasts with more activist approaches to constitutional interpretation. Follow Mollie on X at https://x.com/MZHemingway and check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Alito-Justice-Reshaped-Restored-Constitution/dp/1541607139.

We wrap things up with another wild installment of B's Corner, diving into a shocking true crime case out of Wisconsin involving disturbing charges that you won't believe.

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This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we dive into the growing power struggle between Congress and the presidency, the future of the filibuster, and one of the most heated debates in sports today.

Jason Willick (Washington Post columnist) joins us to break down his latest piece on military funding and war powers. Should Congress use its power of the purse to limit how military force is used? We discuss the constitutional challenges, the failures of the War Powers Act, and why the current system may actually encourage rushed military decisions—especially when it comes to Iran.

X: https://x.com/jawillick
Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/people/jason-willick/

In B's Corner, we tackle the tragic Athena Strand case and the broader debate around the death penalty, accountability, and whether justice in clear-cut cases should move faster.

Then, Dan McLaughlin (National Review) returns to discuss the filibuster, why both parties are tempted to eliminate it, and what that would mean for the balance of power in Washington. We also get into Trump's lasting political impact, the future of the GOP, and early 2028 speculation—including J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio.

X: https://x.com/baseballcrank
National Review: https://www.nationalreview.com/author/dan-mclaughlin/

Finally, Kaylie Ray, former Utah State volleyball captain, shares her firsthand experience leading a team protest against competing against a biological male athlete. She discusses the physical and safety concerns for female athletes, her testimony before the Arizona Senate, and the backlash she faced for speaking out.

Kaylie Ray
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylierayvb/

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Is America facing the consequences of bad policy? From mass migration out of high-tax states to rising concerns about crime, government overreach, and economic instability, this episode of Breaking Battlegrounds breaks down the biggest issues shaping the country right now. We're joined by top guests to unpack the real-world impact.

In this episode:

Chuck Flint – President & CEO of the Alliance for IRS Accountability, former Senate Chief of Staff
We discuss the growing exodus from high-tax states like California, Washington, and Colorado, the failure of "tax the rich" policies, and why businesses and job creators are leaving. Flint also exposes massive government waste, fraud in federal programs, and the need for IRS accountability and fiscal reform.
Follow Chuck Flint: https://x.com/ChuckAFlint
Learn more: https://www.irsaccountability.org

Anna Giaritelli – Award-winning journalist covering DHS, ICE, and border policy
Anna shares her powerful personal story from her new book Under Assault, discussing crime in America, victim advocacy, and the long-term impact of sexual assault. We also cover border security concerns, DHS funding issues, and national security risks.
Follow Anna: https://x.com/Anna_Giaritelli
Get her book Under Assault: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/under-assault-anna-giaritelli/1149678470?ean=9781969826344

👉 🚨 Giveaway alert: Check our Instagram on 4/11/26 at 9:30 AM AZ time for details! @BreakingBattlegrounds

Abigail Anthony – Staff Writer at National Review
Abigail dives into her investigative reporting on Washington state's taxpayer-funded programs, raising concerns about discrimination, misuse of funds, and potential constitutional violations. She also discusses government fraud and free speech issues abroad.
Follow Abigail: https://x.com/abigailandwords
Read her work: https://www.nationalreview.com/author/abigail-anthony/

Gary Gygi – President & CEO of Gygi Capital
Gary breaks down the economic outlook, including risks of recession, rising oil and gas prices, and the debate over "windfall" profit taxes. He shares insights on market trends and how investors should think about uncertainty in today's economy.
Learn more: https://gygicapital.com

B's Corner
We also discuss the latest developments in the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, including new details from a shocking plea deal.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, we're joined by three heavy-hitting voices breaking down media narratives, legal fights in Arizona, and what the data is really telling us about the political landscape heading into 2026.

Ken LaCorte, former Fox News executive and host of Elephants in the Room, joins us to unpack how mainstream narratives take hold, and why his fact-based YouTube documentaries are resonating with hundreds of thousands of viewers. From the complexities of America's historical decisions to today's evolving debates on Israel and Iran, Ken challenges conventional thinking and dives into the nuance often missing from modern discourse.
Follow Ken on X: https://x.com/KenLaCorte
Follow Elephants in the Room: https://x.com/Elephants_Rooms

Rodney Glassman, Candidate for Arizona Attorney General, returns to the show to break down the legal and political battles shaping Arizona today. From lawsuits against the Trump administration to rising utility costs and election law disputes, Rodney lays out what's at stake, and why leadership and real legal experience matter in the AG's office.
Follow Rodney on X: https://x.com/rodneyglassman
Learn more: https://rodneyglassman.com

Ryan Tyson, founder of The Tyson Group and one of the country's top political pollsters, joins us to separate perception from reality in today's polling environment. With new data on Trump's approval, voter sentiment on Iran, and key midterm trends, Ryan explains what campaigns should actually be paying attention to, and why affordability and quality-of-life issues will define 2026.
Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/ryan_tyson

From media narratives to legal showdowns to the numbers shaping the next election cycle—this episode covers it all.

Listen to Breaking Battlegrounds on your favorite podcast platform, Youtube, Rumble, or at BreakingBattlegrounds.vote
Catch us live Saturdays at 9 AM on 960 The Patriot in Arizona

Is Canada falling apart? From Canada's internal fractures to rising tensions with Iran—and what it all means for the U.S.—this episode connects the dots on the challenges ahead.

Journalist Elie Cantin-Nantel joins the show to break down the growing instability in Canada, from the surprising resurgence of Quebec separatists to a serious push for independence in Alberta. He explains how economic decline, rising crime, and a disconnect between voters and reality are reshaping the country—and why many Canadians still aren't seeing it.

We also get into the role media and outside voices—including Donald Trump—may be playing in shaping political outcomes, and why Canada's economy, once stronger than many U.S. states, is now losing ground.

Follow Elie on X: https://x.com/elie_mcn

Then, Senior Fellow at the Yorktown Institute and researcher at CAMERA, Shay Khatiri joins to break down what's really happening with Iran. Are we heading toward a deal—or something much bigger?

Shay explains why Iran's regime is focused on staying in power, what that means for negotiations, and how U.S. strategy could play out in the weeks ahead. He also cuts through the noise on media coverage and lays out what actually matters in this conflict.

Follow Shay on X: https://x.com/ShayKhatiri

Finally, U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers joins the podcast to talk about how we fix things here at home. A former Army officer, FBI special agent, and Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rogers is running on a simple idea: make the country work again.

He talks about bringing back American manufacturing, strengthening the economy for working families, and cutting through the dysfunction in Washington that's holding the country back.

Learn more about Mike Rogers and his campaign here: https://rogersforsenate.com/

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone bring together a powerhouse lineup of guests to break down the biggest political, economic, and cultural issues shaping Arizona and the nation.

Kicking things off, congressional candidate and former NFL kicker Jay Feely joins the show following a major endorsement from President Trump and backing from national Republicans. He also recently received the NRCC's endorsement as part of a select group of candidates in key battleground districts. With Arizona's 1st Congressional District seen as a key battleground for control of the House, Feely shares what he's hearing from voters on the ground—rising concern over border security, illegal immigration, election integrity, and the economy.

Beyond politics, Feely discusses his journey from the NFL to public service and lays out his vision for tackling Washington's spending problem. From cutting waste and fraud to exploring blockchain as a tool for real-time transparency in government spending, he argues that Americans are demanding accountability—and not getting it. He also highlights Arizona's opportunity to lead in AI, data centers, and energy production, making the case for long-term investment in infrastructure to fuel economic growth.

See more about Jay Feely's campaign: https://www.jayfeelyforcongress.com/

Economist Richard Salsman joins to take on bigger philosophical questions about capitalism, government intervention, and immigration. He argues that the U.S. has drifted away from true free markets and calls for a return to constitutionally limited government. On immigration, he outlines a more structured, Ellis Island-style system—one that balances opportunity with security and assimilation.

See more about Richard's work: https://richardsalsman.com/

Investigative reporter Aaron Sibarium brings a real-world example of government failure, detailing a case in Maryland where a condominium complex was overrun by a homeless encampment while local officials stood by. The result: extensive property damage, displaced residents, and a bureaucratic deadlock that has left homeowners facing financial ruin.

See Aaron's latest article here: https://freebeacon.com/america/state-created-danger-condominium-besieged-by-homeless-encampment-heads-to-federal-court-to-take-on-left-wing-county-officials-who-let-it-fester/

The episode also dives into higher education, as Timothy Minella of the Goldwater Institute raises concerns about the growing influence of DEI ideology at Arizona State University's Barrett Honors College. From curriculum shifts to a lack of transparency around course content, the discussion highlights broader questions about trust in institutions and whether students are getting the education they signed up for.

See Tim's full story here: https://www.goldwaterinstitute.org/arizonas-honors-colleges-hijacked-by-activist-faculty-to-force-dei-on-students/

Finally, Bess Byers joins to explore the intersection of government, technology, and privacy. From delays and complications in the U.S. Postal Service's electric vehicle rollout to the rapid expansion of surveillance tools like license plate readers, the conversation underscores the risks of unchecked technological growth—and the urgent need for clear safeguards to protect civil liberties.

See Bess's latest story here: https://x.com/reason/status/2029607508835176884