Politics Unplugged Podcast: Wayne Schutsky on guns & protests

0 February 2, 2026 10:00

KJZZ politics reporter Wayne Schutsky talks about the hot-button issue of guns at protests following the shooting incident of Alex Preddy. Listen to an engaging discussion about Arizona’s unique gun culture, political reactions, and interviews with key political figures like House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen. In the second half, Dennis speaks with Arizona’s Family anchor Nicole Crites about the evolving challenges in journalism, the role of AI and social media in shaping public opinion, and how news coverage impacts societal behavior. Don’t miss their candid take on these pressing issues and personal insights into life and media!
00:00 Introduction and Opening Banter
00:24 Politics Unplugged Podcast Introduction
01:19 Guns and Protests in Arizona
02:23 Interviews with Politicians on Gun Rights
03:58 Democratic and Republican Perspectives on Gun Culture
09:53 Kris Mayes vs. Governor Katie Hobbs
19:15 Light Rail Controversy in Arizona
24:59 Pop Culture and Closing Remarks
25:25 Weekend Music Vibes
25:49 Welcoming Nicole Crites
26:21 Challenges in Modern Journalism
27:56 The Impact of Social Media and AI
29:27 Navigating News Authenticity
30:36 Polarization and News Consumption
34:19 Law Enforcement and Media Coverage
44:31 Balancing Personal Life and Media
48:16 Pop Culture Picks
50:50 Closing Remarks