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, Jim takes the host's chair and is joined by co-hosts Diane, Kathryn, and Carol for a fascinating look at a way of life that's especially important in western Arizona: RV living.

Their guest is Terri Newlon, an RV resident and advocate from Quartzsite who has been living the RV lifestyle since 2020.

🚐 FREEDOM ON FOUR WHEELS

Terri's journey began while caring for her father and brother, both of whom had stage-four cancer. Late at night, she found an escape watching videos about inexpensive RV and van living and began dreaming about trying it herself.

Eventually she did — starting with a truck and trailer before moving into a 37-foot Class A motorhome.

Then she discovered Quartzsite.

🏜️ WHY QUARTZSITE?

What was supposed to be a visit became home. Terri talks about falling in love with Quartzsite's community, rockhounding, RV culture, winter visitors, gem and mineral events, and the freedom of having an affordable home base while still being able to travel.

⚖️ RV RESIDENTS HAVE RIGHTS, TOO

The conversation takes an important turn when Terri discusses problems she experienced in her own RV park.

She explains that qualifying RV residents can have protections under Arizona's landlord-tenant laws — but many residents don't know those protections exist.

Terri became involved in organizations educating manufactured-home and RV residents and now helps others understand their rights, identify park owners, document problems, and locate legal assistance.

🚰 WATER, POWER & ARIZONA HEAT

Some RV park problems go far beyond disagreements with management.

Terri describes residents dealing with inadequate water pressure and limited water availability, including a troubling situation involving a resident who needed reliable water for home kidney dialysis.

The group also discusses electrical limitations, solar power, air conditioning, insulation, and what it takes to live in an RV when Arizona temperatures approach 120 degrees.

🏥 AFFORDABILITY HAS TRADE-OFFS

Quartzsite can offer remarkably affordable living, but rural residents may need to travel for hospitals, specialists, and other healthcare.

Terri talks about these trade-offs and some of the things people should investigate before deciding whether RV living is right for them.

🔎 THINKING ABOUT RV LIVING?

Terri's advice: research the park, read reviews, talk with residents, understand who owns and manages the property, keep your receipts and records, learn your rights, and make sure the park can accommodate your RV.

It's a fun, informative, and sometimes eye-opening Arizona Unscripted conversation about freedom, affordable housing, retirement, tenant rights, rural healthcare, Arizona heat — and what life is really like when your home happens to have wheels.

And if you've never experienced Quartzsite during the winter season, you might just find yourself planning a road trip.

🌵 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, Jim takes the host's chair and is joined by co-hosts Diane, Kathryn, and Carol for a fun and surprisingly educational conversation about one of Arizona's lesser-known elected offices:

What exactly does a constable do?

Their guest is John Hoge, Constable of La Paz County, who is seeking another term in office and has plenty of stories to tell about what the job is really like.

⚖️ SO...WHAT IS A CONSTABLE?

John explains the constable's role working with Arizona's Justice Courts, including serving summonses, court documents, eviction papers, and writs of restitution.

In larger Arizona counties, constables can stay extremely busy handling numerous cases each day. But La Paz County presents a different challenge — lots of territory, long drives, remote communities, RV parks, and sometimes addresses that aren't particularly easy to find.

John quickly learned an important lesson: sometimes asking for a landmark, neighborhood, business, or RV park works a lot better than asking for a street address.

🚪 KNOCKING ON DOORS NOBODY ELSE WANTS TO KNOCK ON

John describes his job rather simply: sometimes he's the person who has to knock on the doors nobody else wants to knock on.

A retired correctional officer, John explains how his previous career taught him to read people, remain calm in uncomfortable situations, and use a little psychology when trying to locate someone who may not be particularly excited to see the constable standing outside.

And sometimes the neighbors unknowingly help him out!

🚔 IS A CONSTABLE A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER?

The conversation explores the unusual legal authority that comes with the position, the differences between constables, sheriffs, and police officers, and some of the practical limitations of being essentially a one-person department.

John also explains that his work isn't necessarily confined to La Paz County. Under certain circumstances, he can serve documents in neighboring counties such as Mohave and Yuma.

🐴 WHAT HAPPENED TO THE HORSE?

Because this is Arizona, someone inevitably asks whether constables still ride around on horseback.

John assures everyone that he drives.

Apparently it saves a lot on hay — although with the price of gasoline, he may need to reconsider.

❤️ AND HOW DID HE BECOME A CONSTABLE?

That may be the best story of the episode.

John reveals that his journey into elected office began when an RV park manager he was dating complained that she couldn't get some summonses served.

John volunteered to help.

He ran for constable, got elected, served the papers...

...and about a month later, she broke up with him.

Fortunately, he discovered that he actually liked the job.

From serving court papers and navigating rural Arizona to RV parks, long drives, neighborhood psychology, law enforcement stories, and a little Wild West humor, this episode offers an entertaining look at an important public office that often flies under the radar.

John calls the constable an "unsung part of the law enforcement community" — and by the end of this conversation, you'll understand why.

🌵 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 Jim is joined by co-hosts Diane, Kathryn, and Carol for a fascinating look at something uniquely Arizona — the office of State Mine Inspector.

Their guest is Brian Matlock, a mechanical engineer, Marine Reserves veteran, and Democratic candidate for Arizona State Mine Inspector.

⛏️ WAIT — WE ELECT A MINE INSPECTOR?

Yes! Arizona is the only state in the country where voters elect the State Mine Inspector.

Brian explains what the office actually does and why its work matters not only to miners and mining companies, but also to hikers, mountain bikers, off-roaders, campers, families, and anyone who enjoys Arizona's backcountry.

👷 KEEPING ARIZONA'S MINERS SAFE

One of the Mine Inspector's major responsibilities is safety. Brian discusses everything from personal protective equipment and explosives to processing facilities and the everyday practices designed to help ensure miners make it home safely at the end of the day.

His approach? He says the Mine Inspector shouldn't simply be looking for violations — the office should work with miners and mine operators as a partner in safety.

⚠️ ARIZONA'S ABANDONED MINES

Then there's a problem most Arizonans may not realize exists.

Brian says Arizona has more than 100,000 abandoned mines, including hundreds of abandoned uranium mines. Some can be extremely dangerous, particularly to people exploring Arizona's vast backcountry.

The group discusses how these mines can be located, marked, and secured — and Brian shares his idea of working with outdoor enthusiasts and local communities to help identify potentially dangerous abandoned mine sites.

And his advice if you find one is simple: don't go inside.

🏜️ COPPER, URANIUM & ARIZONA'S MINING HISTORY

The conversation travels around the state to some of Arizona's major mining regions and explores why copper remains such an important part of Arizona's identity and economy.

But mining isn't just about copper and precious metals. Brian explains that the Mine Inspector's responsibilities also extend to aggregate and stone operations that produce materials used in construction.

🌱 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MINE CLOSES?

Mining doesn't end when the minerals run out.

Brian explains the Mine Inspector's role in mine reclamation — including reviewing reclamation plans and helping ensure that required work is completed when mining operations come to an end.

🚐 AND WHAT EXACTLY IS BOONDOCKING?

It's Arizona Unscripted, so naturally the conversation wanders a little!

Brian talks about his love of mountain biking, exploring Arizona's backcountry, and "boondocking" — heading off-grid with a small camper and enjoying some of the state's more remote places.

The group even gets into vertical mine shafts, nineteenth-century mining laws, near-miss safety reporting, and — perhaps most importantly — whether they make wide-brimmed hard hats.

It's an informative and surprisingly fun Arizona Unscripted conversation about an elected office many Arizonans may know little about, an industry deeply connected to Arizona's history, and the people responsible for making mining and Arizona's backcountry safer.

Learn more about Brian Matlock:

MatlockForAZMI.com

🌵 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, Jim, and Carol for a lively conversation with Jacob Martinez, a lifelong Mesa resident and candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives in Legislative District 9, covering West Mesa, downtown Mesa, and part of eastern Tempe.

🏠 MAKING ARIZONA MORE AFFORDABLE

Jacob says one issue comes up again and again as he knocks on doors across his district: the rising cost of just about everything.

Housing. Utilities. Groceries. Healthcare.

The group talks about why so many Arizonans — from young people just starting out to seniors living on fixed incomes — are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the communities they call home.

Jacob discusses ideas he supports to address housing costs, including limiting corporate purchases of single-family homes and giving local communities greater authority to regulate short-term rentals.

🏡 AIRBNBS, HOUSING & LOCAL CONTROL

Arizona's popularity as a tourist destination creates an interesting dilemma: visitors need places to stay, but the people who work in those communities also need affordable places to live.

The conversation explores how short-term rentals can affect housing availability and why Jacob believes cities and towns should have more power to develop solutions that work for their own communities.

🎓 PUBLIC SCHOOLS & ARIZONA'S ESA PROGRAM

As a graduate of Mesa Public Schools and a recent law school graduate, Jacob credits public education with helping give him the foundation to succeed.

He talks about school funding, teacher support, Arizona's universal ESA program, and why he believes the state needs to put more resources into public education while adding greater accountability and restrictions to the voucher system.

👨‍👩‍👦 GROWING UP IN MESA

Jacob also shares his own Arizona story.

Raised in Mesa by a single teenage mother, he talks about growing up with the help of programs such as WIC and public assistance — experiences that shaped his views about the role government programs can play for families going through difficult times.

He also explains why, despite moving several times, he has barely ventured outside the same square mile of Mesa where he grew up.

🍕 WAIT...IS MESA AN ARIZONA FOOD DESTINATION?

It's Arizona Unscripted, so naturally the conversation finds its way to food.

Jacob makes a bold claim that Mesa belongs alongside New York and Los Angeles as a great food city — prompting the hosts to immediately start asking for restaurant recommendations.

And apparently, volunteering to knock doors for Jacob can come with a pretty good bonus: exploring some of Mesa's many local restaurants afterward.

🪧 AND WHY DOES JACOB HAVE HIS OWN PARK?

There's also the mysterious "Jacob Martinez Park" sign hanging behind him.

No, Mesa didn't actually name a park after him.

Jacob explains how serving for six years on the Mesa Parks and Recreation Advisory Board — beginning while he was still in high school — earned him a personalized park sign when his term ended.

It's a fun moment that also highlights just how early Jacob became involved in his hometown.

This episode is a wide-ranging Arizona Unscripted conversation about affordability, housing, education, community involvement, a new generation entering public service — and, of course, where to find some great food in Mesa.

Learn more about Jacob Martinez:

MartinezForAZ.com

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

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — FLOCK CAMERAS: SAFETY, SURVEILLANCE & PRIVACY

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 another conversation about the growing use of automated license plate reader cameras in Arizona — but this time from a very different perspective.

Their guest is Ed Kahle of Apache Junction, whose unusual protest against a Flock camera attracted widespread media attention. Ed deliberately backed his work truck into the camera pole, bending it until the camera was pointed toward the sky.

Ed joins Arizona Unscripted to explain what happened, why he did it, and why he says his actions were intended as a protest against the growing use of surveillance technology.

📷 PUBLIC SAFETY VS. PERSONAL PRIVACY

Flock cameras and other automated license plate readers can provide law enforcement with another tool for investigating crimes and locating vehicles. But how should that capability be balanced against concerns about privacy?

Ed shares why he believes people should be concerned about having their movements recorded even when they have done nothing wrong.

🔐 WHO CONTROLS THE DATA?

The conversation moves beyond the cameras themselves to questions about the information they collect.

Who stores the data? Who can access it? How secure is it? Could it be hacked or misused? And what safeguards should exist when private companies provide surveillance technology to law enforcement agencies?

⚖️ WHERE SHOULD THE LINE BE DRAWN?

The group discusses the complicated balance between public safety, technology, individual privacy, law enforcement needs, and constitutional protections.

They also explore a larger question: as cameras, smartphones, businesses, neighbors, government agencies, and private companies collect more information about our daily lives, what expectations of privacy should people still have when they're out in public?

🗣️ A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Arizona Unscripted previously spoke with representatives of the Lake Havasu City Police Department about their use of Flock cameras and the safeguards they say are in place.

This episode continues that conversation by hearing from someone who strongly objects to the technology and believes communities need a much broader discussion about where surveillance is headed.

Ed also talks about the unexpected attention his protest received, his conversations with people from around the country, and why the experience has motivated him to become more involved in discussions about privacy, surveillance, and individual freedom.

The conversation doesn't pretend there are simple answers. Instead, it raises questions that communities across Arizona — and across the country — are increasingly confronting as surveillance technology becomes more widespread.

How much surveillance are we willing to accept in the name of public safety? Who should control the information that's collected? And what protections should exist to prevent that information from being misused?

It’s a spirited Arizona Unscripted conversation about technology, crime prevention, privacy, data security, civil liberties, and the rapidly changing relationship between public safety and personal privacy.

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

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — THE ULTIMATE ARIZONA STAYCATION

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, Jim, and Carol for a fun Arizona road trip without ever leaving the state!

Their guest Daniel, who lives in Graham County in southeastern Arizona, recently traded a traditional vacation for a staycation with friends and family in the Verde Valley. What he discovered was a reminder of just how much there is to explore right here in Arizona.

🏺 HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGY

Daniel begins at the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, where visitors can explore the history and archaeology of the region. The journey continues through Arizona's mining past with a visit to the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale and later to the Sedona Heritage Museum for a glimpse into the lives of some of the area's early families.

💀 SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

In Jerome, Daniel discovers a museum devoted to skulls — from animals to human specimens. It's a decidedly unusual stop that fits perfectly with the historic mining town's quirky personality.

🍞 FOOD, WINE & LOCAL FLAVORS

Of course, no Arizona Unscripted road trip would be complete without food!

Daniel shares some of the local bakeries, restaurants, and wineries they discovered along the way, from fresh bread and sandwiches to pastries, locally sourced food, Arizona wine, and Italian cuisine.

🔭 A TRIP TO THE STARS

One of the highlights of the adventure is Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory.

Daniel describes the observatory's historic telescopes, interactive exhibits, nighttime viewing opportunities, and programs that make astronomy accessible to adults and kids alike. He also shares the special connection his host has to NASA's New Horizons mission, which made its historic flyby of Pluto.

🚗 DISCOVERING ARIZONA CLOSE TO HOME

But perhaps the biggest discovery wasn't any one attraction.

Daniel found that a staycation gives you the freedom to slow down, change plans, take a break when you want one, and discover places that even longtime residents may have driven past for years without ever stopping to explore.

The conversation also brings back memories of how much Cottonwood, Cornville, and the Verde Valley have changed over the decades — while retaining the scenery and character that make this part of Arizona so special.

From archaeology and Arizona history to skulls, pastries, wineries, red rocks, and billions of miles into outer space, this Arizona Unscripted adventure has a little bit of everything.

Sometimes you don't have to travel very far to have a great vacation. You just have to get out and explore your own backyard.

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

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — UNDERSTANDING SUICIDE, GRIEF & PREVENTION

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 important episode, host Bart is joined by co-hosts Kathryn and Jim for a candid conversation about suicide, grief, prevention, and the mental health resources available in our communities.

Their guest is Teri Geier, a licensed clinical social worker with decades of experience working with children, adults, veterans, people struggling with addiction, hospice patients, and families affected by suicide.

Following recent tragedies that deeply affected the Lake Havasu City community, Teri helps the Arizona Unscripted team explore a difficult subject that too often remains unspoken.

The conversation explores:

• How grieving after a suicide can differ from other forms of grief

• Warning signs that someone may be struggling

• Depression, exhaustion, isolation, and major life transitions

• Why it's important to ask someone directly if they are thinking about suicide

• The guilt and unanswered questions often experienced by family members and friends

• Suicide among children, adults, veterans, and older Americans

• Gaps in emergency and mental health services

• Why communities, hospitals, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and other organizations need to work together

Teri emphasizes one particularly important message: we shouldn't be afraid to talk about suicide. Asking someone directly about what they're experiencing can open the door to a conversation when they may desperately need someone to listen.

The discussion also examines what happens after a suicide and why families, friends, coworkers, and entire communities need support rather than silence, shame, or stigma.

It's a serious but important Arizona Unscripted conversation about recognizing when someone may be struggling, supporting those left behind, and finding better ways for Arizona communities to respond.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or suicide crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

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

🌵 ARIZONA UNSCRIPTED — WHO CONTROLS YOUR UTILITY BILLS?

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, Jim, and Carol for a conversation about an Arizona government agency that affects nearly everyone in the state — but that many Arizonans know surprisingly little about: the Arizona Corporation Commission. Their guests are Jonathon Hill and Clara Pratte, candidates for two seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission.

So what exactly does the Corporation Commission do — and why should Arizonans care?

The conversation explores the Commission’s role in regulating investor-owned utilities and reviewing the rates customers pay for electricity, gas, and water. The group also discusses some of the other responsibilities of the Commission, including business registrations, securities regulation, and railroad and pipeline safety.

⚡ UTILITY BILLS & AFFORDABILITY

Jonathon and Clara explain how utility rate increases are reviewed by the Commission and why decisions made by five statewide elected commissioners can ultimately affect household budgets across Arizona.

💻 DATA CENTERS & ARIZONA’S GROWTH

With data centers expanding across Arizona, the group discusses who should pay for the new electrical infrastructure needed to serve these enormous energy users — and the concern that ordinary ratepayers could ultimately bear some of those costs.

☀️ SOLAR & ARIZONA’S ENERGY FUTURE

The conversation turns to rooftop solar, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and what homeowners receive when the electricity they generate flows back onto the grid.

💧 WATER & INFRASTRUCTURE

Water also enters the discussion as Jonathon explains how his background in geology could inform decisions involving groundwater and water utilities, while Clara discusses her experience working on energy and infrastructure projects in rural and tribal communities.

🚀 TWO VERY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS

Jonathon is an engineer and geologist who has spent years at Arizona State University working on NASA missions involving Mars, Jupiter, and asteroids.

Clara, a member of the Navajo Nation, brings a background in public policy, economic development, infrastructure, and renewable energy. She also discusses her work helping bring electricity to hundreds of homes on tribal lands.

Together, the guests explain why they believe the Arizona Corporation Commission deserves far more attention from voters — and why issues involving electricity, water, infrastructure, and affordability reach across political and geographic lines.

It’s another wide-ranging Arizona Unscripted conversation about an often-overlooked part of Arizona government and the decisions that can directly affect our homes, communities, and monthly bills.

More information about the candidates:

Jonathon Hill: https://www.votehillaz.com

Clare Pratte: https://www.claraforaz.com

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