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.

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, Jim, and Joan for an important conversation about public safety, technology, and privacy in Lake Havasu City.

Joining the discussion are Lake Havasu City Police Chief Troy Stirling and Lieutenant TJ Frances, who take listeners behind the scenes of the city's use of automated license plate reader cameras. They explain what the cameras do—and don't do—how the technology assists officers and investigators, and how it has helped the department identify vehicles and suspects in serious criminal investigations.

But with new technology come important questions. The conversation also tackles concerns about privacy, government surveillance, artificial intelligence, data sharing, and the potential for misuse. Chief Stirling and Lieutenant Frances discuss the safeguards the department has put in place, including access controls, audits, required documentation for searches, data retention limits, and oversight designed to prevent inappropriate use.

The discussion also looks ahead at the broader debate surrounding this rapidly evolving technology and how communities can balance effective law enforcement tools with the public's expectation of privacy and accountability.

It's a thoughtful 🌵 Arizona Unscripted conversation that brings law enforcement and community voices together to ask questions, clear up misconceptions, and better understand technology that's increasingly becoming part of public safety across Arizona.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one story 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 engaging conversation with Navy veteran, working mom, and Arizona congressional candidate Dani Sterbinsky. Traveling across one of the nation's largest congressional districts, Danny shares what she's hearing directly from residents in communities stretching from Maricopa County to Yuma, La Paz, and Mohave Counties.

The discussion explores many of the issues affecting everyday Arizonans, including the rising cost of housing, healthcare accessibility, veterans' services, and the unique challenges facing rural communities. Dani talks about the importance of creating more affordable starter homes, supporting first-time homebuyers, expanding access to healthcare, and ensuring that rural residents have access to hospitals, doctors, and essential services close to home.

Throughout the conversation, the hosts also reflect on the value of listening to local communities and how meaningful conversations can help shape solutions that work for people across Arizona. From veterans and young families to seniors and rural residents, this episode highlights the diverse voices and shared concerns that connect communities throughout the Grand Canyon State.

Whether you're interested in public policy, rural Arizona, veterans' issues, or simply hearing thoughtful conversations about the future of Arizona, this episode offers an informative and respectful discussion about the challenges—and opportunities—facing the state today.

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

https://www.sterbinskyforcongress.com/

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 and Jim for a lively conversation celebrating the hobbies, creativity, and lifelong passions that make Arizona's communities so unique.

Special guests from around the state share the stories behind the activities they love. Jim talks about the art and science of home brewing—from selecting grains and hops to crafting recipes and experimenting with new techniques—while also discussing how the brewing community has evolved over the years.

Author Connie shares her journey from aspiring writer to publishing twenty books, offering an inside look at the creative process, the discipline of writing, and the rewards of bringing stories to life. The conversation naturally turns to another shared passion—reading—as the panel discusses favorite books, libraries, audiobooks, and the important role libraries continue to play as welcoming community spaces where everyone can discover, learn, and explore.

Along the way, the hosts reflect on how hobbies connect people, inspire creativity, encourage lifelong learning, and help build friendships across Arizona.

Whether your passion is brewing, writing, reading, gardening, crafting, or simply discovering something new, this episode is a reminder that hobbies enrich our lives and strengthen our communities.

Join the Arizona Unscripted team for a fun, inspiring conversation about the interests that bring Arizonans together—one hobby at a time.

🌵 Arizona Unscripted — exploring Arizona one story 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 special Part 2 episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Diane and Jim as they welcome back acclaimed Route 66 author and historian Jim Hinckley for another unforgettable journey along Arizona's legendary Mother Road.

Picking up where the previous episode left off, the conversation dives even deeper into the history, beauty, and enduring spirit of Route 66. Jim shares some of his favorite stretches of the highway, from the breathtaking drive through Oatman and Sitgreaves Pass to the charming small towns and hidden gems that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Along the way, the team explores the colorful characters, unforgettable road trips, classic diners, vintage automobiles, and remarkable stories that have made Route 66 an international symbol of freedom and adventure. Jim also reflects on the cultural diversity found along the route, the communities that have preserved its history, and the people who continue to keep the spirit of the Mother Road alive.

Whether you're planning your own Arizona road trip, searching for the next great local restaurant, or simply enjoy hearing incredible stories from one of America's most iconic highways, this episode is packed with inspiration, history, and plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

So fill up the tank, roll down the windows, and join Arizona Unscripted as Jim Hinckley returns for another memorable ride down Arizona's historic Route 66.

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