Politics Unplugged

Stacey Barchenger of the Arizona Republic joins the podcast to talk about the bill signings and vetoes at the Capitol this week. Then Dennis and Colin discuss why the Karrin Taylor Robson campaign isn’t happy with us.

Reporter Jessica Boehm talks about her recent series of stories on TSMC, and how it’s becoming one of the biggest employers in the state. Then Colin and Dennis debate the greatest songs by The Clash.

Republican State Senator J.D. Mesnard visits the pod to discuss the ballot measure to continue Prop 123 – but with protections for school vouchers. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the Suns front office “shakeup."

Democratic strategist Stacy Pearson returns to talk about infighting in the party and the best dive bar in Phoenix.  Then Dennis and Colin discuss the NFL draft and the future of the Suns.

Andrew Bauman of the AZ Craft Brewers Guild stops by to talk tariffs and the Arizona beer industry.  Then Dennis and Colin defend Mat Ishbia and discuss great bands they’ve never seen live.

Reporter Jerod MacDonald-Evoy of the Arizona Mirror stops by to talk about the Border Expo in Phoenix. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the demise of the Phoenix Suns and the majesty of the new Clippers arena.

Election lawyer Roy Herrera and political expert Jaime Molera join the podcast to talk about the long election cycles and why Arizona lawmakers file bills that they know will go nowhere.

Freshman congresswoman Yassamin Ansari joins the pod to talk about the divide in Democratic leadership, and what her constituents expect of her.  Then Dennis and Colin discuss why Stephen A. Smith exemplifies everything wrong with modern society.

Arizona Republic columnist Laurie Roberts joins the pod to talk about writing a column in the current media environment. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the absurdity of reporting on polls.

Consultant Marcus Dell’Artino and former lawmaker Isela Blanc join the pod to talk about the impact federal cuts will have in Arizona.  Then Dennis and Colin talk Elon Musk, the Phoenix Suns, and our first lawmaker playlist.

Dennis is joined by Danny Seiden, President and CEO at Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to talk about legislation to keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in Chase Field.    

Marlene Woods joins the pod to explain why she is already launching a campaign to unseat Congressman David Schweikert in the 2026 election. Then Dennis and Colin talk Gavin Newsom, transgender athletes, and the Suns’ playoff chances.

AZ Family anchor Jared Dillingham stops by to talk about how journalism is changing in the Trump era. Then Dennis and Colin talk about rough weeks for the Cardinals and the Suns.

Dennis and Colin talk legislative immunity, immigrant bounties, and naming stuff after Trump. Then they name their top albums on the past 25 years.

Votebeat reporter Jen Fifield joins the pod to talk about a Republican proposal to get faster election results. Then Dennis and Colin debate the new batch of nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Congressman Greg Stanton joins the pod to talk about the current state of things in Washington and why Elon Musk is a threat to democracy. Then Dennis and Colin debate the best and worst Super Bowl halftime shows.

Axios reporters Jessica Boehm and Jeremy Duda join the pod to discuss the federal funding freeze.  Then Dennis and Colin break down the Simple Minds tour and a morning pigeon massacre.

Arizona Republic reporters Stephanie Murray and Ron Hansen stop by the pod to talk about President Trump’s executive orders. Then Dennis and Colin talk Elon Musk and the bands we wish we’d seen live.

Hank Stephenson of the Arizona Agenda returns to the pod to help make sense of the Governor’s budget. Then Dennis and Colin discuss the sad state of social media and ask if it’s time for the Suns to trade Devin Booker.

Thomas Galvin, the new chair of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, joins the pod to talk about his plans for this year—including efforts to bring the NHL back to Arizona. Then Dennis and Colin talk California fires and the state of the Suns.

Arizona Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger joins us to talk about the names to watch in the 2026 election. Then Dennis and Colin pay tribute to the musicians we lost in 2024.

Dennis and Colin recap the week’s political headlines – including Kari Lake’s new job -- and answer the question:  should it really be a felony to plant your flag on a football field?

Married consultants Marcus and Meghaen Dell’Artino join the pod to look ahead to the 2025 legislative session.  Then Dennis and Colin debate their lists of the most disappointing albums of all time.

Former Doug Ducey advisor J.P. Twist stops by to talk about the 2026 Governor’s race, and who is likely to challenge Katie Hobbs for the job. Then Dennis and Colin rail against the NBA's 3-point line.

Consultants Dawn Penich and Dan Scarpinato join the podcast to discuss the election and the future direction of the Legislature. Then Dennis and Colin recap their favorite political ads of the season.