The Jeff Kennedy Show

Dr. Alexander William Salter joins The Jeff Kennedy Show, to discuss his recent op-ed: 'What is Central Bank Independence'. Dr. Salter discusses what exactly central bank independence is and why it is considered so crucial to a healthy economy. The conversation leads into where the Fed currently stands on the four types of independence - goal, instrument, financial, and personnel. Dr. Salter notes that monetary policy is all about incentives and what role the rule of law plays in whether central bank independence actually leads to good outcomes.

Young Voices Contributor, Kyle Moran, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss his recent op-ed: 'Rising Lion: Israel's Bold Move Against Tehran'. Moran talks how Operation Rising Lion is a pivotal turning point, and what Israel's objective was. Moran discusses that Iran's air defense crumbled during the assault, and tells Jeff and Monica about the state of Iran's military readiness and how that might influence its strategic posture moving forward.

Marketing and Media Relations Manager for Discover Flagstaff, Lori Pappas, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss how to celebrate the Fourth of July in Flagstaff! The Fourth of July Drone Show begins at 9:10pm, with 350 drones lighting up the sky to patriotic music! Drone show audio will be available to listen on 92.9 KAFF Country, Hits 106.1 and 93.9 The Mountain at 9:10pm on 7/4. 

Lowell Observatory PIO & Historian, Kevin Schindler, joins The Jeff Kennedy show to discuss World Asteroid Day happening on June 30th. Lowell Observatory is teaming up with Meteor Crater on Monday to offer viewers and visitors the opportunity to learn about asteroids and planetary defense. World Asteroid Day takes place on June 30th due to the Tunguska event of 1908, and Lowell as well as Meteor Crater are preparing to raise public awareness about asteroids and how, internationally, these events are monitored and prevented.

Dave Rosenburg and Susan Gorrell co-creators of the upcoming documentary, Bridging the Gap, join The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss the goal and premise of their movie. The two are working their way across the US to have conversations with Americans - unveiling the power of unity that is still present in our country. The documentary encompasses heartfelt interviews and respectful dialogue, featuring everyday Americans.

NAVAHCS Rural Coordinator Joshua Wear visits The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss outreach programs available to both Native and non-Native Veterans. Outreach events in more rural locations like Many Farms, Rock Point, Shonto can expect enrollment programs, mental health and behavioral health programs, on-site mobile health units and educational opportunities for both Veterans and their families. For more information reach out to Josh at joshua.wear@va.gov

Director of Public Works, Scott Overton, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss post-wildfire flood mitigation and what Public Works does to prepare for Monsoon Season. Scott covers short-term mitigation including things like sandbags, to pipeline infrastructure following the impacts of the Museum Fire. Meet in the Street events are taking place today and tomorrow, June 25th and 26th, for the public to learn about ongoing projects and changes.

Coconino County Manager, Andy Bertelsen, visits The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss the FY26 Property Taxes and the County Budget. County Manager Bertelsen covers the basics and discusses why property taxes are a key part of funding the County's FY26 budget. Bertelsen discusses Truth in Taxation and some residents will be seeing small increase in taxes, and residents will see slight increases in the Public Health and Flood Control District taxes, and what causes the increases. The public hearing is scheduled for June 24th with the Board of Supervisors. 

Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss the 2025 Crime Reduction Plan and what success looks like. Under this plan, the Flagstaff Police Department will monitor specific data to reverse the trends found in 2024 of a 52% increase in violent crime and 5% in property crime. Chief Connolly mentions that we cannot have collaboration in the community without trust, and that is how we gain public engagement to address root issues. The plan emphasizes addressing behavioral health, addiction, homelessness and repeat offenders. To have success, utilization of this plan would like like an 8% decrease in violent crime...

Northern Arizona Director for US Senator Mark Kelly, Dr. Coral Evans co-hosts The Jeff Kennedy Show with Monica Burres, joined over the phone with Raymond Hammon. Ray owns the Edge of the World Brewery and Short Creek Distillery in Colorado City, Arizona - very close to Zion National Park. Ray touches on everything from what inspired him to open Edge of the World Brewery, to his favorite brews and even the story of the "Three Pillars" - how he and two of his friends and family collaborated to make this dream come to life. Ray even delves into what...

Dr. Coral Evans and Monica Burres host The Jeff Kennedy Show, joined by rural water expert and Mohave County Chair, Travis Lingenfelter. The trio discuss what the water crisis looks like on the ground right now in Mohave County and other rural areas. Chairman Lingenfelter talks how the crisis is affecting property values, small businesses, and young families trying to build a future in rural Arizona and more. 

Founder of I&A Communications and Young Voices Contributor, Iulia Lupse, joins the Jeff Kennedy Show to chat with Monica and Casey regarding her op-ed: "How Trade Schools Can Beat a Four-Year Degree". Iulia goes over the long-held assumption that a four-year college degree is the only ticket to success, and how she feels that is not the case. Student loan debt is now over $1.7 trillion, and Iulia talks how this growing financial burden changed how younger generations think about college. Vocational programs often cost less and take less time, yet they still face stigma. Iulia discusses what needs...

Young Voices contributor, Sam Raus, joins the Jeff Kennedy Show to talk with Monica and Casey regarding Trump's Big Beautiful Bill AI Moratorium. Sam is in support of the ten-year AI moratorium as it's written in the Big Beautiful Bill, stating that it is a nationwide issue that deserves time to develop. Sam Raus asks, 'Where is line drawn to prevent crime or individual liberties being stripped?' while talking facial recognition and algorithmic bias. Ultimately, Sam feels as though American AI, in comparison to AI coming out of China, is open of democratic ideals and allows for creativity...

Director of Public Works, Scott Overton, joins the Jeff Kennedy show to talk about the current Monsoon season. Scott covers how community members can do their part, how Public Works crews work together with NWS and other organizations to prepare and manage events stemming from Monsoon storms, and what Flagstaff's infrastructure does for the 'before', 'during' and 'after' a Monsoon event. We will be covering infrastructure more heavily during next week's Public Works segment.

Victoria Churchill, Young Voices Contributor and political reporter for the Daily Mail, visits with Casey and Monica on The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss her op-ed: 'DHS Pulls Taxpayer Dollars from Group Linked to LA Riots'. Victoria explains how taxpayer dollars ended up in the hands of groups like CHIRLA (Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights) - which have now been linked to violent protests against ICE in Los Angeles. Victoria covers how she feels that the CHIRLA case raises broader concerns, and is part of a larger pattern of government grants funding politically radical or disruptive groups. Victoria discusses...

Ethan visits The Jeff Kennedy Show, and chats with Casey and Monica regarding his most recent op-ed: Who Killed the High-Trust Space? Ethan describes Gen Z as the first true digital natives, and discusses how he thinks this digital immersion has shaped our generation's sense of trust and community. Ethan states that he is hopeful that this level of trust is recoverable today, through small, even trivial things. Ethan traces the decline of high-trust society back to the ideological upheavals of the 1960's and unpacks how classical liberalism was weakened during that time. Ethan also touches on his idea...

Monica and Casey visit with Gina Byars with Rugged Nature Productions and the Flagstaff Beer Festival. The Festival takes place this Saturday the 21st at Ft. Tuthill County Park! There are 70 different breweries in attendance at the Flagstaff Beer Festival, a wide variety of food vendors and trucks as well activities to participate in throughout the day. This year's proceeds go to Flagstaff's STEM City, and there will be a shuttle at Kohls from 11-6 so that you do not have to worry about safe transportation to and from this event. 

Monica and Casey visit with NACA CEO Chris David, and Marketing & Public Relations Officer of NACA Almalia Berrios-Payton to discuss the Open House happening on September 4th. Chris and Almalia are looking forward to gaining new partnerships, and addressing mental health issues and health disparities with new connections and spreading the word of the services NACA has to offer.

Jeff and Monica visit with Walter Crutchfield of Vintage Partners to discuss how Vintage Partners got involved with the Habitat for Humanity Northern Arizona Starter Home project at Timber Sky, and what made this the right fit for his team. Donating land is a major contribution, and Walter discusses the value in considering the needs of others as more important than your own. This project is being hailed as a model for how private developers can partner with nonprofits to tackle affordable housing, and Walter touches on the lessons he thinks this partnership could offer other communities.

Program Coordinator for Healthcare for Homeless Veterans at NAVAHCS joins The Jeff Kennedy show to discuss how the VA works to address the aid and support available to homeless veterans within Northern Arizona. Jessica covers the 'housing first model' and the immediate supports available through the VA for a veteran who is experiencing homelessness or is at risk, things like shelter, food, or urgent medical care. Jessica mentions that landlords and property managers in Flagstaff partner with the VA to help house homeless veterans, and for anyone who needs assistance or would like to join the cause, can visit...

Little America trails will soon be closed to public use, and Tony O'Brien, Little America VP, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss the upcoming changes. The decision to restrict public access was not taken lightly, and the decision stems from a growing combination of environmental, safety, and liability concerns including: illegal camping, unregulated trail use, 911 emergency calls, and legal liability. Little America sees this trail closure as a proactive way to reduce fire danger, minimize emergency call, and support overburdened first responders during fire season. Hotel guests will continue to have access to the private trails, the intent...

It's Public Works Wednesday, and The Jeff Kennedy Show visited with Scott Overton, Director of Public Works at the City of Flagstaff and Jen Brown, PW Section Director to discuss the exciting project underway in the city buildings. The projects include: the City Hall HR remodel and ADA update of restrooms, Aquaplex Siding, and City Hall HVAC. Jen covers the scope and scale of the Facilities team's work across the City of Flagstaff, and Scott covers the department plan and program large-scale facility repairs and upgrades. 

Kim Robinson, Project Coordinator for the LBE, visits with The Jeff Kennedy Show to share about the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration. The Juneteenth Celebration in in downtown Flagstaff is set for June 22nd, and visitors can expect live music, poetry, vendors, local artists and performers and more! Juneteenth has gained more national recognition in recent years and Kim has noticed more growing awareness and participation here in Flagstaff. Kim further discusses how the community can get involved by volunteering, attending, or even setting up a vendor booth.

Jeff and Monica visit with Artistic Director of the Flagstaff Piano Festival, Silvan Negrutiu, to discuss the upcoming festival. June 21st through June 28th, participants can expect musical training, sessions on performance anxiety, competition prep, and even career development. June 22nd there will be a performance up at Lowell Observatory and then on June 28th there will be a performance up at Arizona Snowbowl. Dr. Negrutiu discusses some of his personal experiences and lessons in performance anxiety, and how to use those tools in day to day life. 

Jeff and Monica visit with Director of Clinical Partnerships, Kimberly Frick and Dr. Heather Ashby of the NAU Nursing Exploration Camp. The event is June 25th through June 27th at Northern Arizona University for high school students looking to explore the possibility of Nursing as a profession. Students can see what to expect in the profession, how many varieties of nursing there are as well as hands-on scenarios. NAU's vision also includes preparing nurses for a complex and ever-changing healthcare environment, and campers will be able to get a taste of that personal, connected learning environment during their visit...

Young Voices contributor, Victoria Churchill, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss how the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to assault-style weapons bans in Maryland and Rhode Island - effectively allowing those bans to stand. Many gun rights advocates are calling this decision a silent endorsement or state-level bans, we discuss with Victoria her view regarding this, and if she feels the Court's inaction sets a precedent, or if this is more of a strategic pause. 

Jeff and Monica discuss the LASS & CAP Projects with Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett. We delve into the overall vision behind 'Framing our Future Together' and why it is important to host this kind of community conversation. The public talk will include current zoning, what is around particular parcels and ways the city might want to partner in the future, considering gentle density. The conversation moves to affordable housing, Habitat projects and the Starter Home initiatives as well as SNAP cuts and how that will affect local food insecurity. 

Jeff and Monica visit with Young Voices contributor, William Barclay, to discuss his recent op-ed: "Liberals Embrace Islamic Extremism in Canada". Canadian immigration policies have created vulnerabilities not only for Canada but for the U.S. as well, and Barclay explains how these policies are enabling extremists to reach American soil. William Barclay discusses how we should now be equally concerned about our northern border - and what that means for places like Flagstaff, Phoenix, and the Four Corners region.

Jeff and Monica sit down with Wildland Fire Captain, Neil Chapman, to talk about fixing forests and fighting fire. Neil Chapman covers the issue of how the suppression of fire has changed the structure of our forests, and how low intensity frequent fires can aid in the proactive strategy of maintenance. You can receive a free fire risk assessment by reaching the fire admin office at 928-213-2500. The team will teach you ways that you can be fire-wise with your home, aiding in the insurability of your home.

Jeff and Monica visit with Executive Director of Sunshine Rescue Mission, Kathie Knapp, to discuss the reopening of Sunshine Rescue Mission. Monday June 2nd the Mission reopened for use, and Kathie discussed the importance of having a deep heart for the brokenhearted, why the focus of the Mission has always been on life change and helping people up and out of homelessness.

Jeff and Monica visit with Coconino Community College President, Dr. Eric Heiser to discuss the proposed $100 million general obligation bond that will be on the November 4th, 2025 ballot. This is the first time in 25 years that CCC is seeking voter approval for a bond, and Dr. Heiser goes into what has changed over time to make this initiative necessary. A large piece of this proposal involves creating a new state-of-the-art healthcare campus in Flagstaff, revamping the Fourth Street Campus into a modern learning and community hub, and an investment in both student housing and new programs for the CCC...

Young Voices contributor, Neetu Arnold, visits the Jeff Kennedy show to discuss her recent op-ed: 'Trump is Right to Target Colleges, He's Doing it the Completely Wrong Way'. Neetu gives examples of the trend of the 'ideological capture of universities' and how it has impacted campus life and academic credibility. Neetu delves into the Trump administration's push for reform, how she feels it is the right move, but that its current approach is reckless and politically self-defeating.

For this Wednesday's Public Works segment, Jeff and Monica are joined by Scott Overton, Director of Public Works, Sam Beckett, PW Streets Director and Jarrett Nelson, PW Senior Project Manager. Jarrett gives the full overview of the Road Repair and Street Safety Program, and Sam Beckett joins the conversation to discuss how the dedicated sales tax approved by voters in 2014 has been used to improve and treat roads across the city. If you are interested in seeing which streets are up for treatment next, you can visit the City of Flagstaff webpage and choose the Road Repair and Street...

Jeff and Monica visit with Young Voices contributor, David McGarry, to discuss his op-ed: "What's at Stake as Age Verification Comes Before the Supreme Court". Several states - including Arizona - have advanced age verification laws and Texas recently enacted a law requiring app stores to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for minors downloading apps. David McGarry discusses privacy and security concerns associated with digital verification and involving biometric data.

Jeff and Monica visit with RN CMTE Program Director of Guardian Air Transport, Dustin Windle, to discuss Flagstaff being selected as a stop on the National EMS Memorial Moving Honors Procession. Memorial events like this impact the moral and mental health of crews who face danger every day, and the REMEMBERship program aims to honor the fallen and support their families.

Monica and Casey visit with Young Voices contributor, Sofia Hamilton, to cover her op-ed, "Combating Mis'zyn'formation on Nicotine Pouches". Sofia unpacks what she means that 'teen Zyn use may actually represent harm reduction rather than a public health crisis', and discusses how lessons are to be learned by lawmakers from the Juul-era bans, as Sofia makes a strong comparison between current U.S. policy on nicotine pouches. Sofia touches on how Sweden's 'smoke-free' status should be used as a model that could allow American policymakers to replicate their success.

Monica and Casey chat with Mike Felts, owner of Advanced Fire Defense. Mike Felts is a Flagstaff native, currently serving as a Fire Captain and Paramedic with a Northern Arizona Fire Department. We go over the motivation to start Advanced Fire Defense, and how unique it is to have a team including current and retired firefighters. Fireproofing services begin with a fully property survey and assessment and homeowners are offered a "report card" after every spray. The science of Komodo fire retardant was discovered after searching for the reason a Christmas Tree was unable to burn after a celebration...

Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Patrice Horstman, and Deputy County Manager and Flood Control Administrator, Lucinda Andreani, visit with Jeff and Monica to explore the stakes of the wildfire/insurance crisis, and highlight the goals of the upcoming public work sessions. A Public Works session will be held on June 3rd at 219 E. Cherry at 1:15 that is open to the public. There will be speakers, such as Dr. Kimiko Barret, to educate the pubic on proactive solutions that are working in other counties. There are ways to become a responsible homeowner and fire harden one's home...

Matt Cookson, Young Voices contributor, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss his latest op-ed: 'In Light of Congressional Testimony, Congress Should Defund NPR and PBS'. Matt walks us through his interpretation of why public broadcasting falls outside of the federal government's constitutional authority and why he believes that the argument of 'Congress has funded public broadcasting under its power to promote the general welfare' does not hold up constitutionally. Matt goes over that while NPR states that it receives only about 1% of its funding from the federal government, it actually receives 20-30% and that NPR continues to seek...

Co-Directors of the Flagstaff Folk Festival, Gretchen Vollbrecht and Amy Horn, visit The Jeff Kennedy Show to talk about the upcoming festival. This year they have added a 6th stage due to overwhelming interest from performers, and there will be over 160 performances and 28 workshops! You can show up with your own instrument, or join a workshop to learn from others how to play. This is a family-friendly weekend long festival at Coconino Center for the Arts and Pioneer Museum on June 14th and 15th.