Around the Districts Podcast

In this first part of our conversation with Dr. Armstrong, we explore the critical challenges facing Legislative District 13 and Arizona at large—education funding, affordability, and smart growth policies. Dr. Armstrong, an assistant professor of Educational Leadership and candidate for State Representative, shares her frontline experience and policy insights on how these issues intersect and imp...

Armando Montero’s approach is simple: put down the performative politics and pick up real dialogue. Bridging divides and fighting voter apathy starts with listening and acting. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-3-armando-montero == Connect with Armando Montero == Website: https://monteroforaz.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroaz Instagram:...

In Part 2 of our series with Tempe Union School Board President and State Representative candidate Armando Montero we discuss Arizona’s broken public school funding system and the damaging effects of the universal voucher program. Discover why structural reform and accountability are urgent for Arizona’s students and communities. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/...

Join us on Around the Districts as we dive into the inspiring story of Armando Montero, Tempe Union High School District Board President. From student activism to policy wins on mental health and education, Armando is now running for State Representative to tackle Arizona's systemic challenges. Watch to learn about the real stakes for public education and youth advocacy in our state. Check us out...

In this episode, Gabi Mazar talks with AJ Kurdoglu, owner of Home Mart Interiors in Chandler, about how tariffs are squeezing small businesses and shaking consumer confidence in Arizona. With imports driving costs up, local businesses are on the frontlines of a self-inflicted economic crisis impacting our whole community. Discover why supporting local businesses has never been more critical to kee...

In this episode, we dive into the rare intersection of trauma, compassion, and law enforcement with Constable Karyn Lathan of the University Lakes Justice Precinct. Focused on eviction enforcement, Lathan’s trauma-informed, human-centered approach rejects the cold, cut-and-dry norm.  She shares her lived experience of trauma and how it fuels her relentless compassion—bringing dignity to families o...

The "No Kings" protests are surging across America, a powerful grassroots response to the threat of authoritarianism. Join Gabi in conversation with AJ Kurdoglu, leader of Chandler Gilbert Indivisible, as they talk about the significance of these millions-strong, peaceful demonstrations. This movement is about people reclaiming democracy when institutions fail. With 7 million already in the street...

Dive deep into the life and work of Karyn Lathan, the elected Constable of Tempe’s University Lakes Justice Precinct. In this episode, Gabi interviews Constable Lathan about the complex, emotionally taxing duties she performs daily, especially around evictions and homelessness prevention. This role is far from the Old West image — it’s a modern, compassionate frontline between the housed and unhou...

The authoritarian playbook is not theoretical. It’s unfolding right here in the United States. In this episode, Ajlan Kurdoglu shares his firsthand experience from Turkey, exposing how media control, disinformation, and the erosion of trust systematically dismantle democracy. We dive deep into how these tactics silence dissent, undermine elections, and corrode the institutions meant to protect us....

Tempe is facing a crossroads with urgent challenges in housing, government transparency, and community care. Brooke St. George offers a bold plan for city-owned social housing to counter skyrocketing rents and keep families rooted. She demands openness in city council decisions—no more behind-closed-doors deals, but early and honest public input to rebuild trust. Seniors aging in place and the unh...

Polarization and political violence are ravaging America. Discover strategies for restoring civility and promoting peaceful participation. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/navigating-division-polarization

Brooke St. George's vision for Tempe as she runs for City Council. Learn about her commitment to smart development and community engagement. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/brooke-st-george-4-tempe == Get to Know Brooke St. George == Website: https://brookefortempe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578065753929 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.c...

Learn how advocacy can drive meaningful change, and the real-life effects of government shutdowns on federal employees and communities. https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/shutdown-whats-at-stake

Melissa Harlan of Drink Me Tea Room shares the challenges and resilience of Arizona's small businesses. Learn how to support local entrepreneurship. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/smallbiz-challenges-triumphs-part-2 == Support Melissa and the staff at Drink Me! Tea Room! == Visit them in person: https://maps.app.goo.gl/17d8ZsGFEHmTy6TR6 Visit them online: https...

Gerrymandering impacts every level of government. Find out how Arizona’s map changes could divide or empower your community. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/az-redistricting-impacts-community

Inflation and rising costs are squeezing small businesses tight. Discover how Arizona locals like Melissa Harlan are adapting and why community support matters now more than ever. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/smallbiz-challenges-triumphs-part-1 == Support Melissa and the staff at Drink Me! Tea Room! == Visit them in person: https://maps.app.goo.gl/17d8ZsGFEHm...

The challenges of school funding in Arizona with Nicole Brown and Cedric Collins. Learn how investing in education can transform student outcomes. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/investing-az-schools-az-future

The Democratic voter exodus is real in Arizona and nationwide. Learn why voters are leaving and how the party can win them back. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/voters-leaving-democrats

Keep public schools strong! We continue our conversation with Racheal Clawson. See how Save Our Schools Arizona is fighting for transparency and equitable education.  Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-sos-arizona

Who benefits from school vouchers (really benefits)? Discover the truth behind voucher programs and their impact on Arizona’s public schools.  Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-sos-arizona Upcoming SOSAZ events: https://www.mobilize.us/sosarizona/ Verify your voter registration: https://beballotready.vote/

Real reform starts with us. Join the call to action—get involved, speak up for school funding, and advocate for policies that support every student. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/exploring-educational-challenges

Did you get a mysterious letter about your voter status? Find out what’s really happening with Maricopa County's voter rolls—and how to stay ballot-ready. If you live in Maricopa County... https://beballotready.vote/ Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/uncovering-voter-roll-issues-in-maricopa

School board advocacy is for all of us! Learn how you can help build a more equitable system for every student and every family. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/empowering-education-cedric-collins-1

Support local businesses and explore creative solutions to combat rising prices. Learn how we can make a difference together. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/navigating-rising-prices

Discover the power of protests! Overcoming challenges and building momentum both locally and nationwide. Learn how participation is driving change and amplifying voices nationwide. Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/protests-and-participation For those interested in getting involved... Find events, petitions and volunteer opportunities near you at https://www.mobil...