What happens when doing what's right for voters puts you at odds with your own political party?

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes faced that question when his office approved a name change request from Arizona's independent party despite political opposition. For Fontes, the decision reflected a larger belief: public officials have a responsibility to uphold the Constitution and serve every voter fairly, regardless of political affiliation.

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Adrian Fontes to discuss Arizona elections, the responsibilities of the Secretary of State, and the challenges of representing voters who don't necessarily identify with either major political party.

Throughout the conversation, Fontes shares what he believes Republicans and Democrats are getting right and wrong, why politicians are often reluctant to challenge their own party, and what it takes to lead with integrity.

But the conversation goes beyond politics. Fontes reflects on the lessons he learned serving in the United States Marine Corps, how his upbringing shaped his respect for the Constitution, and why listening to people with different political beliefs is essential to effective leadership.

With Arizona's 2026 elections approaching, Fontes reflects on losing his 2020 reelection bid for Maricopa County Recorder, the importance of a peaceful transfer of power, and the role of public trust in our democratic institutions.

Can Arizona move beyond partisan politics and restore trust in government?

Hear Adrian Fontes's perspective and decide for yourself.

Have a question for Adrian Fontes? Leave it in the comments. We want to hear what you think.

Chapters:

00:00 - Why Every Voter Deserves Fair Treatment

06:35 - Introducing Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

07:22 - What the Marine Corps Taught Adrian Fontes About Leadership

12:07 - Adrian Fontes Reflects on His Best and Worst Days in the Marines

16:18 - An Oath to the Constitution, Not a Political Leader

18:10 - What Shaped Adrian Fontes' Belief in American Democracy

22:22 - America's Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

25:02 - Respecting People You Politically Disagree With

29:38 - Why Good Leaders Must Be Willing to Listen

32:16 - Why Fontes Supported Arizona's Independent Party Despite Political Risks

33:59 - Putting Integrity Before Political Interests

37:28 - Why Politicians Are Afraid to Challenge Their Own Party

40:05 - Public Office Is a Responsibility, Not an Identity

41:53 - What Republicans and Democrats Get Right and Wrong

46:32 - Why Arizona's Secretary of State Election Matters

49:36 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

How can Arizona make better use of the billions of dollars it already manages, and should partisan politics influence how that money is invested?

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Nick Mansour, Democratic candidate for Arizona State Treasurer, to discuss financial responsibility, education funding, and the growing influence of partisan politics on government decisions.

Nick shares his background, from helping build Arizona College of Nursing into a nationwide institution to the personal experiences that motivated him to run for public office. He also addresses accusations raised during his campaign and explains why he believes his business experience prepares him for the Treasurer's office.

The conversation then turns to Nick's plans for managing Arizona's investments. He outlines his proposal to change how the state's education endowment is invested, potentially generating more funding for public schools without raising taxes. Paul and Nick also discuss whether political ideology should influence investment decisions and how Arizona's state trust land could play a role in education funding and housing affordability.

Beyond the Treasurer's office, they explore the growing political divide, the importance of independent voters, and what Nick believes both Democrats and Republicans are getting wrong. They also discuss the economic pressures facing Americans, uncertainty about the country's future, and whether there is reason to remain optimistic about Arizona and America.

Can Arizona put financial responsibility and the needs of its citizens ahead of partisan politics?

Hear Nick Mansour's perspective and decide for yourself.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Growing Influence of Politics on Taxpayer Money

07:27 - Introduction

08:09 - Who Is Nick Mansour?

10:11 - Building Arizona College of Nursing

13:18 - Why Nick Mansour Is Running for State Treasurer

16:10 - Addressing Campaign Accusations

21:47 - What Does Arizona's State Treasurer Do?

22:57 - Nick's Plan to Change How Arizona Invests Its Money

31:35 - Should Politics Influence State Investments?

39:20 - Nick's Plan to Increase Education Funding

42:03 - State Land and Affordable Housing

44:14 - Bridging Arizona's Political Divide

53:27 - Do Americans Feel Anger or Uncertainty About Today’s Politics

56:03 - What Democrats and Republicans Get Wrong

1:00:45 - Is Nick Optimistic About Arizona and America's Future?

1:01:57 - Final Remarks and Conclusion

What do Democrats and Republicans get wrong about business? And can Arizona's political leaders find common ground despite their differences?

In this episode of New Frontiers, Paul Johnson sits down with Tammy Caputi, former Scottsdale City Councilwoman and Democratic candidate for the Arizona Legislature, for a wide-ranging conversation about small business, public safety, political division, and the challenges of working across party lines.

As the owner of Yale Electric West, Caputi brings firsthand experience to the discussion about the realities of running a small business. She explains what she believes both political parties misunderstand about business owners, the financial pressures entrepreneurs face, and the barriers women continue to encounter in male-dominated industries. She also shares why mentorship and helping the next generation of business leaders succeed have become important parts of her life.

The conversation then turns to her experience on the Scottsdale City Council, where Caputi served as an Independent. She reflects on the importance of compromise, what she learned from Republican and Democratic leaders, and why getting things done often requires finding common ground with people who see issues differently. Paul and Tammy also discuss public safety, the debate over defunding the police, and the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Beyond local government, Paul and Tammy examine how Arizona's partisan election system influences the way candidates campaign and engage with voters. Caputi discusses the differences between running for Scottsdale City Council and the Arizona Legislature, why she makes an effort to speak with voters outside her own party, and how she plans to maintain her independent approach to leadership while running as a Democrat.

The conversation concludes with a more personal discussion about purpose, equal opportunity, and what motivates Caputi to continue serving her community.

Can Arizona's political system make room for leaders who are willing to challenge their own party and work with the other side?

Watch the full conversation and decide for yourself.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:28 - Knocking on More Doors Than Anyone Else

02:31 - What Democrats Get Wrong About Business

05:46 - What Republicans Get Wrong About Business

07:00 - The Hidden Struggles of Owning a Business

09:47 - How Democrats Can Better Connect With Business Owners

12:23 - Women in Business and Overcoming Barriers

14:20 - Why Tammy Caputi Mentors Young Entrepreneurs

15:51 - Lessons From the Scottsdale City Council

21:59 - The Debate Over Defunding the Police

28:13 - How Partisan Elections Change Political Campaigns

33:22 - Can Tammy Stay Independent While Running as a Democrat?

36:15 - Finding Purpose Beyond Politics

41:45 - Final Remarks & Conclusion