Grand Canyon Times

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times Podcast, host Leila Golan speaks with Timothy Manila, Director of Higher Education at the Goldwater Institute, about new reports examining Arizona's public universities. Manila outlines concerns about ideological influence in honors programs and gaps in civics education, and discusses proposed reforms to restore academic standards and accountability.  

Rachel Walden, vice chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission and a member of the Mesa Public Schools governing board, joins the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to explain her case for re-election and outline her views on education reform. She argues that public education needs a stronger focus on foundational reading and maths instruction, less ideological content in classrooms, and more rigorous bo...

William "Bill" Beard, Municipal Affairs Liaison at the Goldwater Institute and a former member of the Pima County Election Integrity Commission, joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss the politics and policy disputes surrounding data centers. Beard argues that data centers are an extension of longstanding information infrastructure, not a novel threat, and says public debate is being dis...

Educator, attorney, and author Rachelle Dené Poth joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence is being integrated into K–12 classrooms. Poth explained the practical differences between AI tools and traditional search engines, and outlined best practices for ethical use, data privacy, and academic integrity. She emphasized the need for expanded teacher training and...

Goldwater Institute Vice President for Legal Affairs Tim Sandefur joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss his new book, You Don't Own Me: Individualism and the Culture of Liberty. Sandefur traced the idea of individual freedom through literature, film, architecture, and American history, arguing that personal self-sovereignty is the foundation of cultural creativity and political liberty....

In this episode of the  Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen speaks with Henry Thomson, Associate Professor at Arizona State University's School of Politics and Global Studies.  Thomson, a political economist and author of Food and Power and Watching the Watchers , discusses the growing polarization on college campuses and the breakdown of open, civil political discourse among students. Dr...

In this episode of the  Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen talks with Chris Thomas, Director of Legal Strategy for Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute and a longtime Arizona school attorney. Thomas discusses findings from a Goldwater report revealing the many hidden forms of compensation for Arizona school superintendents—including car stipends, excessive vacation days, and cash...

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen talks with Michael Calles, a fourth-generation Arizonan, U.S. Air Force and Army veteran, and retired Phoenix police officer running for Glendale City Council. Calles shares how nearly 30 years of public service — from law enforcement to high school coaching — inspired his campaign focused on strengthening public safety, supportin...

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times  podcast, host Leyla Gulen speaks with Joseph Nixon, litigation counsel at the Public Interest Legal Foundation and a veteran election attorney with more than 30 years of experience. Nixon discusses Louisiana v. Callais , a U.S. Supreme Court case examining whether Louisiana's new congressional map violates the 14th and 15th Amendments by using race as the...

Parent advocate Tiffany Hawkins joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss her fight for transparency in Arizona's school districts. Using her auditing background, she uncovered missing public records and pushed for reforms to safety and bullying policies after her daughter was injured on campus. Hawkins described how she's worked with the state ombudsman to enforce compliance and now campai...

In this episode of the  Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen speaks with Timothy Minella, Senior Fellow at the Goldwater Institute's Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy. Minella explains why he believes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs undermine America's founding promise of equal opportunity. He outlines how DEI has become embedded in public universities and gove...

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen talks with Chris Thomas, Director of Legal Strategy for Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute and a longtime Arizona school attorney. Thomas discusses findings from a Goldwater report revealing the many hidden forms of compensation for Arizona school superintendents—including car stipends, excessive vacation days, and cash p...

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times podcast, host Leyla Gulen speaks with Kim Miller, founder of Arizona Women of Action and America's Women. What began as a small text chain in 2020 has grown into a network of more than 35,000 subscribers and followers. Miller shares how the organizations mobilize women to protect childhood, strengthen families, and defend faith-based values through civic e...

Phil Mason, founder of the Arizona Republican Assembly, talks about improving student performance through teacher incentives, the role of ESAs, and the need for stronger parental accountability. He also shares insights on lobbying, legislative transparency, and the Arizona Republican Assembly's legislative scorecard

Matt Beienburg, Director of Education Policy at the Goldwater Institute, discusses Arizona's education landscape, the growth of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, and the ongoing debate over school choice. He explains how ESAs work, addresses criticisms, and highlights their impact on families across income levels

Tiffany Benson joined the podcast to discuss: How secular humanism shapes K–12 and why the Bible should be taught as a historical source. Practical steps for parents to assert rights: know district policies, show up, and build trust with teachers. Building Restore Parental Rights and Education to equip families for transparency, safety, and academic excellence. Tiffany Benson is a Christian commun...

Tamra Farah joined the podcast to discuss: Shifting K–12 authority from Washington to states and parents through the "Big Beautiful Bill." Expanding ESAs/empowerment scholarships so education dollars follow the child. Refocusing schools on core academics while keeping ideology out of the classroom. Tamra Farah is the leader of AmericanStrategies.org and a former journalist with more than two decad...

Tom Horne joined the podcast to discuss: Concerns about politically biased content in history and geography textbooks used in Arizona schools His long-running fight against DEI and critical race theory in public education Efforts to improve academic standards, student discipline, and teacher support in Arizona schools Tom Horne is Arizona's State Superintendent of Public Instruction, currently ser...

Alex Kolodin joined the podcast to discuss: Why election transparency benefits all voters regardless of party How his experience as an election attorney led him to challenge and defeat unlawful practices by current officials Concrete reforms he's championed to secure voting processes and restore confidence in Arizona's system Alex Kolodin is a three-term Arizona state representative for District 3...

Rachel Alexander joined the podcast to discuss: Systemic flaws in Arizona's election processes and how machines and mail-in ballots undermine trust The chilling effect of lawfare on conservative attorneys and journalists Practical reforms to restore secure, verifiable voting and hold officials accountable Rachel Alexander is a political columnist, attorney, and former Assistant Attorney General in...

Jack Hastings joined the podcast to discuss: His roots in Surprise, Arizona and journey from educator to Vice Mayor The burden of federal oversight on local tax dollars and law enforcement The importance of conservative governance and empowering local officials Jack Hastings is the Vice Mayor and District Five Council Member for the City of Surprise, Arizona. A lifelong public servant, he's a form...

 Karrin Taylor Robson joined the podcast to discuss: Her decision to run for governor and the personal and professional journey that shaped her candidacy Sharp critiques of Governor Katie Hobbs on issues like border enforcement, water policy, and vetoed legislation Her platform rooted in conservative principles, economic development, and support from President Donald Trump Karrin Taylor Robson is...

Terry Schilling joined the podcast to discuss: The Biden administration's targeting of Christian universities, including the unprecedented $37.7 million fine imposed on Grand Canyon University. The American Principles Project's (APP) advocacy for women's sports and protection of children from gender ideology. The necessity of federal legislation to define biological sex and safeguard religious fre...

Hayden Ludwig joined the podcast to discuss: The surprising resilience of drug trafficking at the U.S.-Mexico border despite tougher immigration enforcement The evolution of cartel strategies, including the use of sophisticated synthetic drug production and unsuspecting mules The Chinese Communist Party's role in enabling a chemical war against the United States via fentanyl Hayden Ludwig is the f...

Kayleigh Kozak joined the podcast to discuss: The Origin and Impact of Kayleigh's Law Navigating the Legislative Process as a Civilian Advocate Empowering Victims Through Policy and Awareness Kayleigh Kozak is the Family First Campaign Director at the America First Policy Institute, where she works to strengthen families and protect victims of abuse. She is best known for "Kayleigh's Law," adopted...