Andrew Gould on the Courts, Mike Garcia on Women’s Sports, Sophie Cunningham, Charlie Kirk Trial Costs, and The Science of Stripper Tips

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Chuck Warren and Sam Stone are joined by former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould, former Congressman Mike Garcia, comedian Lou Perez, and Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner. Plus, B breaks down the ongoing search for accused murderer Isabella Rose Johnson in this week’s B’s Crime Corner.

Andrew Gould, a partner at Holtzman Vogel and former justice of the Arizona Supreme Court, joins the show to explain the major differences between serving as a judge and working as a litigator. While litigators advocate for a specific client or interest, judges are required to remain neutral, follow the Constitution, and apply the law regardless of political pressure.

Gould discusses his transition between the bench and private practice and shares his concerns about the increasing politicization of the judiciary. He explains why judges should not be attacked for following the Constitution and addresses recent cases in which state and federal courts have been accused of resisting or defying Supreme Court rulings.

The conversation also examines claims that the Trump administration has ignored court orders. Gould argues that while the administration has pushed the boundaries of executive authority, it has followed court decisions after losing its legal challenges.

Gould also discusses a major Supreme Court campaign-finance case involving mandatory donor disclosure. He explains how forcing organizations to reveal their donors can expose individuals to harassment, retaliation, and political intimidation.

The discussion expands into the importance of anonymous political speech, from the Federalist Papers to the Supreme Court’s decision in NAACP v. Alabama. Gould also raises concerns about threats against conservative Supreme Court justices and the growing impact of government surveillance, private data collection, drones, and new technology on Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights.

Learn more about Andrew Gould and his work at Holtzman Vogel.

Mike Garcia, chair of the California State Chapter for the America First Policy Institute and former U.S. representative for California’s 27th Congressional District, joins the show to discuss biological males competing in women’s sports, the political pressure driving Democrats further left, and why Republicans must move beyond social media and connect directly with voters through town halls, door knocking, and grassroots outreach. He also explains AFPI’s role in developing policy and influencing White House executive orders.

Follow Mike Garcia on X: @mikegarcia1776

In this week’s B’s Crime Corner, B examines the ongoing manhunt for Isabella Rose Johnson, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Jason Coulthart.

Authorities say Johnson remains on the run and may be using aliases to conceal her identity. Five people accused of helping her avoid capture have now been arrested. As the search continues, the reward for information leading to her arrest has increased to $11,000.

Comedian, producer, and author Lou Perez returns to the show to discuss the controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s comments about transgender athletes competing in women’s sports.

Lou examines the WNBA’s position on the issue and points out that the league currently has no transgender women playing in it.

The conversation then takes an unexpected turn as Lou breaks down a 2007 University of New Mexico study examining whether a lap dancer’s ovulatory cycle affected her earnings. The study found that dancers earned more money in tips while ovulating, raising questions about biology, attraction, and whether customers were responding to subtle signals without realizing it.

Lou also previews his upcoming “Parental Advisory” comedy show in New York City on July 30.

Follow Lou Perez on X: @LouPerez
Book: THAT JOKE ISN’T FUNNY ANYMORE: ON THE DEATH AND REBIRTH OF COMEDY

Finally, Utah County Commissioner Amelia Powers Gardner joins the show to discuss the massive financial and logistical burden the Charlie Kirk murder trial is placing on Utah County.

Gardner estimates that security, staffing, court operations, and other trial-related expenses could cost the county between $2 million and $2.5 million through 2028. She explains how a nationally watched murder trial can strain local resources for years and why taxpayers may ultimately be responsible for much of the cost.

Follow Amelia Powers Gardner on X: @Amelia4Utah

Listen now to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering Arizona politics, campus unrest, election integrity, national campaigns, and the true crime cases everyone is talking about.

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