Around the Districts Podcast

2026: Why Your AZ Vote Matters More This Year Than Ever Before

2026 is a critical year for Arizona voters. This episode breaks down why local elections matter more than ever—from city council and school boards to the SRP Board and state legislature. Learn key dates, why turnout matters, and how your vote influences policies on housing, education, water, and safety.
Voting is a right earned through sacrifice, not a convenience. People fought—and died—for the right to vote. Your participation is non-negotiable.
Watch now and prepare to engage early.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/2026-az-election-info
== Resources for AZ Voters ==
https://BeBallotReady.vote
https://Elections.Maricopa.gov
https://Vote411.org
SRP Election - https://www.srpnet.com/about/governance-leadership/elections/how-to-vote
Tempe City Council candidate panel - https://www.mobilize.us/azld12democrats/event/870198/

Dr. Raquel "Rockee" Armstrong on the Healthcare Crisis, Economic Stress, and the State’s Role

In Part 2 of our series with Dr. Raquel 'Rockee' Armstrong, we dive into the healthcare premium crisis and economic pressures facing Arizona families. This is about more than policy—it’s about survival. Watch now and join the movement for a healthier Arizona.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-raquel-rockee-armstrong
== Connect with Dr. Raquel “Rockee” Armstrong ==Website: https://rockee4az.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockee4AZ/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockee4azX: https://x.com/Rockee4AZ

Dr. Raquel "Rockee" Armstrong on Fixing Education, Tackling Affordability, and the Future of LD13

In this first part of our conversation with Dr. Armstrong, we explore the critical challenges facing Legislative District 13 and Arizona at large—education funding, affordability, and smart growth policies. Dr. Armstrong, an assistant professor of Educational Leadership and candidate for State Representative, shares her frontline experience and policy insights on how these issues intersect and impact everyday lives.
Topics covered include the strain of rising housing and childcare costs, the real toll on teachers beyond salary concerns, the controversy around the ESA voucher program, and the urgent need for public accountability and investment in communities.
LD13 voters face a rare open seat and a crucial choice that will shape the district’s future. This episode is a call to action to register, vote, and demand representatives who prioritize real solutions over distraction politics.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-raquel-rockee-armstrong
== Learn more about Dr. Rockee Armstrong ==Website: https://rockee4az.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockee4AZ/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockee4azX: https://x.com/Rockee4AZ

Armando Montero on Breaking the Gridlock and the Power of Local Engagement

Armando Montero’s approach is simple: put down the performative politics and pick up real dialogue. Bridging divides and fighting voter apathy starts with listening and acting.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-3-armando-montero
== Connect with Armando Montero ==Website: https://monteroforaz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandomonteroaz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-a-montero/

The Fight for Arizona's Schools: Why We Need a Revamped Funding Formula and Real Accountability

In Part 2 of our series with Tempe Union School Board President and State Representative candidate Armando Montero we discuss Arizona’s broken public school funding system and the damaging effects of the universal voucher program. Discover why structural reform and accountability are urgent for Arizona’s students and communities.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-armando-montero
== Learn more about Armando Montero ==Website: https://monteroforaz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandomonteroaz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-a-montero/

From Student Activist to School Board President: Armando Montero’s Fight for Tempe’s Youth

Join us on Around the Districts as we dive into the inspiring story of Armando Montero, Tempe Union High School District Board President. From student activism to policy wins on mental health and education, Armando is now running for State Representative to tackle Arizona's systemic challenges. Watch to learn about the real stakes for public education and youth advocacy in our state.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-armando-montero
== Connect with Armando Montero ==Website: https://monteroforaz.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandomonteroazInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandomonteroaz/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-a-montero/

Tariffs Are Squeezing Small Businesses and Undercutting Consumer Confidence

In this episode, Gabi Mazar talks with AJ Kurdoglu, owner of Home Mart Interiors in Chandler, about how tariffs are squeezing small businesses and shaking consumer confidence in Arizona. With imports driving costs up, local businesses are on the frontlines of a self-inflicted economic crisis impacting our whole community.
Discover why supporting local businesses has never been more critical to keeping our economy resilient and neighbors thriving.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/tariffs-squeeze-small-business

Trauma and Compassion Shape Karyn Lathan’s Approach

In this episode, we dive into the rare intersection of trauma, compassion, and law enforcement with Constable Karyn Lathan of the University Lakes Justice Precinct. Focused on eviction enforcement, Lathan’s trauma-informed, human-centered approach rejects the cold, cut-and-dry norm. 
She shares her lived experience of trauma and how it fuels her relentless compassion—bringing dignity to families on their hardest days. This is a call for systemic eviction reform and a new model of public service.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-2-karyn-lathan-constable
== Learn About and Support Karyn Lathan ==Website: https://constablekaryn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstableKaryn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constablekaryn

The Power of the People: the Growing Momentum of the "No Kings" Protests

The "No Kings" protests are surging across America, a powerful grassroots response to the threat of authoritarianism. Join Gabi in conversation with AJ Kurdoglu, leader of Chandler Gilbert Indivisible, as they talk about the significance of these millions-strong, peaceful demonstrations. This movement is about people reclaiming democracy when institutions fail.
With 7 million already in the streets, we’re more than halfway to the tipping point, the call is clear: organize, show up, and resist. Find your local Indivisible chapter and join the fight to defend democracy.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/power-of-people-no-kings-2
== More About Chandler Gilbert Indivisible ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ban4tdtnD/

How One Constable Acts as a "Cushion Between Housed and Unhoused"

Dive deep into the life and work of Karyn Lathan, the elected Constable of Tempe’s University Lakes Justice Precinct. In this episode, Gabi interviews Constable Lathan about the complex, emotionally taxing duties she performs daily, especially around evictions and homelessness prevention. This role is far from the Old West image — it’s a modern, compassionate frontline between the housed and unhoused, balancing legal authority with restorative justice and community care.
Learn how Constable Lathan uses empathy, mediation, and resource connection to serve those facing their hardest days. This is a story about hope, pain, and the crucial need for compassion in law enforcement.
Check us out on Substack: https://aroundthedistricts.substack.com/p/part-1-karyn-lathan-constable
== Get to Know Karyn Lathan ==Website: https://constablekaryn.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConstableKaryn/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constablekaryn