Grand Canyon Times

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 shared how AI can save educators time while enhancing student engagement and critical thinking.

Looking ahead, Poth said AI will become a routine part of education, with AI literacy emerging as a key workforce skill over the next dec...

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.

He also addressed modern threats to individuality, including social conformity pressures and artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for independent thinking and personal responsibility in a free society. 

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. Drawing from his international academic experience, Thomson compares U.S. polarization to global trends, reflecting on how social media, ideology, and fear of backlash have changed university culture.

 In the wake of the killing of activist Cha...

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 payouts—that go far beyond base salaries. He explains how a lack of transparency leaves both taxpayers and school boards in the dark, and calls for public posting of superintendent contracts as already required in Indiana, Illinois, and Texas. The conve...

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, supporting local businesses, and improving city responsiveness.

He discusses his priorities for increasing patrol presence, addressing homelessness with compassion and firmness, and fostering stronger neighborhood communication.

Calles also outlines his vision for smart budgeting, revi...

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 primary factor in redistricting. He explains how the case highlights the tension between the Voting Rights Act—which requires consideration of race to prevent voter dilution—and the Constitution's prohibition against race-based decision making.

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 campaigns for stronger public access laws. She urged parents to attend board meetings, file detailed records requests, and connect through community networks to demand accountability from local schools

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 government institutions, replacing equal treatment with ideological conformity.

Minella discusses ongoing Goldwater legal actions—such as the case of ASU professor Owen Anderson—state reforms like Idaho's Freedom from Indoctrination Act, and efforts to eliminate mandatory DEI training.

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 payouts—that go far beyond base salaries. He explains how a lack of transparency leaves both taxpayers and school boards in the dark, and calls for public posting of superintendent contracts as already required in Indiana, Illinois, and Texa...

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 engagement. The discussion explores practical steps for influencing education, donor awareness, and cultural change while carrying forward a mission rooted in Christian principles

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 community advocate, writer, and founder of Restore Parental Rights and Education, a grassroots partner for K–12 families focused on district transparency, student safety, and academic success. She appears in the documentary 22 Word...

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 decades in policy and politics.

 She has advised local, state, and federal candidates and partnered with Americans for Prosperity, FreedomWorks, Moms for America, and Arizona Women of Action.

Her...

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 serving his second term after previously serving as Arizona's Attorney General. A longtime advocate for rigorous academics and fact-based curriculum, Horne has worked to remove political indoctrination from classrooms while also launching initiatives to raise...

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 and vice chairman of the House Regulatory Oversight Committee. A graduate of Georgetown University and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Kolodin built a reputation as one of Arizona's leading election attorneys.

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 Arizona. She serves as editor of Intellectual Conservative and writes regularly for The Arizona Sun Times and Townhall.   A longtime advocate for election integrity and government accountability, Alexander draws on her legal background and years as Maricopa County's elections attorney to uncover irregularities, defend free speech...

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 former government teacher and lifeguard who has called Surprise home since 2004. Known for his advocacy to cut taxes, strengthen public safety, and enhance civic engagement, Hastings champions local control over federal micromanagement. He's recognized for his vocal...

 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 a lifelong conservative, business leader, and mother running for Governor of Arizona with the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump. A proud supporter of the America First agenda, she raised over $1 million for President Trump's campaign, hosted events with his family, and b...

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 freedoms. Terry Schilling serves as the president of the American Principles Project, a leading conservative advocacy organization dedicated to promoting pro-family policies. Under his leadership, APP has expanded its influence, notably through the establishment of the Big Family initiative, aiming to position the family as a formidable force...

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 founder and managing editor of Restoration News, a media platform dedicated to investigative journalism supporting the America First Movement. Previously a senior investigative researcher at Capital Research Center, Ludwig holds a Master's in Public Policy from George Mason University. His work e...

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 in several states to ensure lifelong protection for survivors of sexual and domestic violence.   Kozak has helped pass a range of bipartisan victim-focused laws and led efforts behind a landmark ballot initiative imposing natural life sentences for child sex t...

Arizona Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp (R-29) joined the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss: What border security looks like for Arizona in the future. What Prop 314 sets out to accomplish. Her recent meeting with Sec. of Health RFK, Jr and her win in taking chemicals out of school lunches. A former perioperative nurse and nurse manager in the medical field, Shamp was first elected to represent Arizona's 29th Legislative District in Nov. 2022. A resident of Surprise, she graduated from Arizona State University cum laude in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology. She also graduated from Grand Canyon University magna cum laude...

Steve Cortes on illegal immigration and Arizona election integritySteve Cortes, founder and president of the League of American Workers (LAW) joined the Grand Canyon Podcast to discuss: Illegal immigration and the impact on election integrity. Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz) and the provision of drivers licenses to illegal aliens. The America First agenda and Arizona voters. In addition to being the founder of LAW, Cortes is a senior political advisor to CatholicVote. He was a spokesman and advisor to President Donald Trump's 2016 and 2020 campaigns, and previously traded global currencies and interest rates for 25 years for large international hedge funds. He has...

Chloe Cole, a detransitioner and senior fellow at Do No Harm, joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss: Chloe's childhood and process into gender transitioning with her parents and therapists. How quickly she felt she made a mistake after undergoing irreversible surgery. Chloe finding Christ and a renewed purpose as a woman and the work she has been doing to help the irresponsible gender-affirming rhetoric. A 20-year-old woman who said that she had "gender dysphoria" was given "puberty blockers," testosterone and had a double mastectomy at age 12, Cole has since "de-transitioned" and supports bans on the chemical castration of...

J. Christian Adams, president and general counsel of the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss: The 2020 election in Arizona and Donald Trump's loss by less than 10,500 votes. Overview of entertaining short film using current voter roll information that shows registrants using commercial addresses as their address of residence, which is illegal under AZ law. Christian's prediction of how this year's voter integrity will compare to the 2020 election. Adams previously worked in the Voting Section of the U.S. Department of Justice from 2005 to 2010. In 2020, President Donald Trump appointed him to the U.S...

Arizona State Sen. Janae Shamp (R-AZ-29) joined the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss: Border security, housing affordability, and healthcare in Arizona Outreach to young conservative voters in her district Her legislative priorities when re-elected Shamp was first elected to represent Arizona's 29th Legislative District in Nov. 2022. She defeated Democrat David Raymer, winning 59 percent to Raymer's 41 percent.A resident of Surprise, Shamp graduated cum laude from Arizona State University and received her nursing degree, also graduating cum laude, from Grand Canyon University.She is an operating room nurse, and said she was fired from her nursing position for refusing to...

Scot Mussi is President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, a non-profit advocacy organization founded in 2005 which focuses on "advancing a pro-growth, limited government agenda in Arizona." Mussi was born and raised Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University in 2004. He lives in Gilbert with his wife and their three children.

In this episode of the Grand Canyon Times Podcast, he discusses the requirements for Arizona election officials to remove voter registration that do not have proof of U.S. citizenship, as well as other predictions regarding election security this fall.

Ned Ryun, founder of American Majority, appeared on the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss his predictions on potential nominees from both Republican and Democrat parties, as well as the impact of absentee ballots in the upcoming electionRyun is a former writer for President George W. Bush.

Before founding American Majority Action he created Generation Joshua, a civics education program. He also writes weekly opinion pieces for American Greatness, and was previously appointed to the 1776 Commission by President Donald Trump. Ryun lives with his wife and four children in Virginia.

Founded in 2008, American Majority Action f...

Steve Cortes appeared on the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the recent debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, and the impact it will have on Arizona Voters.

Bio:
Cortes is a political advisor and commentator. He previously traded global currencies and interest rates for 25 years for large international hedge funds. He has been an on-air broadcaster for CNBC, Fox News, and CNN. Cortes founded LAW in 2022 to conduct research and develops proposals on public policies impacting American workers and the economy.

Jeff Tobey, candidate for the governing board of Peoria Unified School District, appeared on the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the reasons he's running and his plans to make student and staff safety a priority in the district.

Bio

Tobey is currently running for a seat on the Peoria Unified School District board, which will be on the November 5, 2024 ballot. Tobey is the father of four children in the community, with ages ranging from toddler to high school student. Tobey received his Bachelor's in Communications from Arizona State University. He has served as Safety C...

Austin VanDerHeyden, the Municipal Affairs Liaison at The Goldwater Institute, joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss his organization's new report showing that hundreds of millions of dollars has been spent to "combat homelessness" by the Phoenix and Tucson governments, with little transparency or return on investment.He also discussed a measure that will appear on the 2024 General Election ballot in Arizona, Prop 312, whi

Patrick Brenner, founder and president of the Southwest Public Policy Institute (SPPI), joins the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss public records law, school choice, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In this episode, he covers the institute's pending lawsuits against the city of Scottsdale and Mesa Public Schools related to Arizona's public records law.SPPI is a research organization focused on formulating, promoting, and defending public policy solutions. It operates in eight U.S. states: Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California.This episode can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

H. Sterling Burnett, director of the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy, joins the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the creation of "chief heat officers" within the State of Arizona government and Phoenix city government, the agenda behind those positions, and the way in which "heat related" deaths are reported within Arizona. Dr. Burnett is also the managing editor of The Heartland Institute's Environment & Climate News and previously worked at the National Center for Policy Analysis for 18 years.This episode can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Steve Cortes, founder and president of the League of American Workers (LAW), joined the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the results of a new poll of Arizona voters.

Among other findings, the poll results show:

Former President Donald Trump ( R) leads President Biden (D) by four points among Arizona voters in the 2024 race for the White House: https://grandcanyontimes.com/stories/657187403-trump-leads-biden-by-four-points-in-arizona-poll-shows 

72% of Arizona voters think the federal government is weak at securing the U.S. borders: https://grandcanyontimes.com/stories/657316386-72-of-arizona-voters-think-federal-government-weak-at-securing-u-s-borders-says-new-poll 

56% of Arizona voters think President Joe...

Naomi Lopez, Senior Fellow at the Goldwater Institute, joined the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the need for more transparency in the federal 340b program.

Established in 1992, the 340b program enables eligible hospitals and healthcare organizations to purchase outpatient medications at significantly discounted prices.

Hospitals participating in the 340B program can use the savings to fund for essential services and programs, such as free or low-cost medication assistance, expanded access to healthcare, and community outreach initiatives.

Participating hospitals, however, "often extend their 340B discounts to clinics in well-off communities, where they can...

Since 2021, government records show 186 voter registrants were "involuntarily purged" for citizenship issues in Pima County, ArizonJ. Christian Adams, president of the Public Interest Legal Foundation and founder of the Election Law Center, joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss a new report from his organization which showed that, since 2021, 186 voter registrants were "involuntarily purged" for citizenship issues in Pima County, Arizona.

Kayla Van Soest, the Tucson Market Manager of Children's Entrepreneur's Market (C.E.M.), joins the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the organization. Founded in Utah, CEM helps organize markets in sixteen states, including Arizona, where children can sell their products and learn about entrepreneurship.

CEM operates in various locations, including farmers markets, movie nights, and concerts, partnering with events that attract significant foot traffic to provide kids with greater exposure and sales opportunities. The program allows kids aged 5 to 17 to showcase their entrepreneurial skills and creativity by selling a diverse range of products, from beverages...

U.S. Congressional candidate Blake Masters (R-AZ-8) joined the Grand Canyon Times podcast to discuss his race. Masters is one of four candidates currently running in the Republican primary to represent the 8th Congressional District. 

The district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R), who announced last year that she will be retiring at the end of the current term.

Following is a summary of this episode:

Matt Roeske, founder of Cultivate Elevate, joined the Grand Canyon Times Podcast to discuss the power of Electroculture which, he said, is, "the ancient practice of increasing yields utilizing certain materials to harvest the earth's atmospheric energy."

Learn more: https://cultivateelevate.com/blog/electroculture-gardening-techniques-for-beginners-elevate-your-garden/?ref=lngodh4rpm 

Introduction of Electroculture:  Roeske discussed the concept of electroculture, a method of enhancing plant growth by harnessing atmospheric energy. This practice dates back to 1835 and involves creating antennas from materials like wood and copper to stimulate plant development without the need for harmful pesticides or chemicals.

Hi...