🔥 DeSimone's Serves Up Conservative Contempt: Gym Owner Calls Tucsonans "Sheep" While Planning His Escape | WAKE UP LIVE
A deep dive into how local conservatives are abandoning the city they claim to love
This is based on Wake Up Live with Chris DeSimone, a MAGA-conservative podcast in Southern Arizona, which was broadcast by Live The Dream Media on 5/13/25.
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
📻 A radio show in Tucson called "Wake Up Live" featured people talking badly about our city and its leaders. 😠 The host, Chris DeSimone, and a gym owner named Danny Sawyer didn't like that the mayor is planting trees 🌳, and they complained about young people 👶 and crime 🚔 a lot. They also talked about a McDonald's 🍔 that doesn't let kids in, which they thought was a good idea 👍. Some other guests talked about honoring soldiers 🎖️ and police officers 👮. They said a lot of mean things about Tucson, even though they live here. 😞 Many people in Tucson actually like the trees 🌲 and work together 🤝 to make our city better for everyone. 🌟
🗝️ Takeaways
🎭 DeSimone and Tucson Strength owner Danny Sawyer revealed their contempt for Tucson, with Sawyer calling residents "sheep" and declaring, "I can't wait to get the hell out of here."
🌳 Mayor Romero's tree initiative was mocked as frivolous despite the critical importance of urban forestry in one of America's hottest cities
💰 Sawyer admitted his business would "be shuttered if I didn't have Raytheon," while simultaneously complaining about government spending
🍔 Both hosts celebrated a McDonald's requiring adults to "ring a doorbell" for entry, showing their preference for exclusion over solving social problems
🇺🇸 Rockin' for Heroes promotes a narrow definition of patriotism centered on military service while ignoring other forms of community contribution
💊 The show uncritically promoted Trump's pharmaceutical executive order while ignoring his administration's actual record on healthcare
Morning Mayhem: DeSimone's Dangerous Conservative Agenda Exposed
If you tuned in to Tuesday’s "Wake Up Live with Chris DeSimone," you were treated to the usual cocktail of conservative fear-mongering, anti-government rhetoric, and thinly-veiled contempt for our diverse Tucson community. Between the backslapping banter and promotional segments, DeSimone and his guests painted a dystopian vision of our city that deserves not just scrutiny but outright rejection.
As I listened to the May 13th episode, I couldn't help but think: Is this really how they see our vibrant, resilient community? Through such a dark, distorted lens?
Today's Cast of Characters & Controversies
The show featured a rotating cast of guests, each contributing to DeSimone's apocalyptic narrative about Tucson:
Danny Sawaya from Tucson Strength gym, who joined DeSimone in bashing local government and declaring Tucson residents "sheep"
Kathy and Pat from Rockin' for Heroes, promoting their military-centric events while reinforcing narrow definitions of patriotism
Steven Levine from RJP Estate Planning, selling services through fear tactics about government overreach
DeSimone sprinkled commentary on national politics between these segments that reveals the dangerous MAGA mindset that continues to poison political discourse in our community and beyond.
The McDonald's Microcosm: When Youth Become the Enemy
One of the most telling segments featured DeSimone highlighting a story about a McDonald's in Fairfax County, Virginia, that now requires customers to be 21+ and ring a doorbell for entry due to youth-involved fights. The news clip described how "young people including some from Thomas Edison [High School] can be seen fighting, heard cursing and standing on tables" which led to the policy.
Rather than asking critical questions about what systemic failures lead to such situations, DeSimone and Sawaya seemed almost gleeful at the prospect of excluding young people:
"I love the idea that there's a 21 or older McDonald's because of violence," DeSimone remarked.
Sawaya enthusiastically added, "McDonald's. I'm there. I'm there, dude."
Really? Your solution to societal problems is just to lock more doors and exclude more people? How progressive.
This exchange perfectly encapsulates the conservative approach to social issues: focus on punishment and exclusion rather than addressing root causes like income inequality, lack of youth programs, or educational inequities. It's the same mentality that leads to supporting police militarization instead of community investment, border walls instead of immigration reform, and prison expansion instead of rehabilitation.
The Protein Propaganda Machine: Masculinity as Politics
In another revealing segment, DeSimone and Sawaya devoted significant airtime to mocking an article from The Atlantic that critiqued America's protein obsession and its connection to right-wing movements.
"It's just like the same story," Sawaya complained. "They said, watch out for those who work out too much because they're, they're, you know, ultra conservatives. Because we like to take care of ourselves, be strong, be independent. You know, it's like, it's like, yeah."
What Sawaya and DeSimone missed (or deliberately ignored) is how far-right groups have indeed weaponized fitness culture as a recruitment tool. From the "clean living" movements of historical fascist regimes to today's online "manosphere" that obsesses over physical strength while demonizing feminist values, the connection isn't imaginary.
Notice how quick they are to equate "being strong and independent" with conservative values? As if progressives want everyone weak and dependent? This false dichotomy reveals the intellectual dishonesty at the heart of their worldview.
The segment inadvertently reinforced the article's premise - that protein fixation has become intertwined with conservative politics, not just health goals. Sawyer even admitted being "anti-carb" in a moment that would be comedic if it weren't so ideologically loaded.
Demonizing Tucson: The Conservative Playbook in Action
Perhaps most disturbing was the duo's relentless attack on Tucson itself and its elected leadership. Their vitriol toward Mayor Regina Romero's tree initiative was particularly revealing:
"She's so proud that she's planting trees in Tucson, and she's not addressing any of the things that we need, right?" Sawaya complained before listing conservative talking points about crime and homelessness.
DeSimone mockingly asked: "What does this mean? I don't understand what she's trying to tell me by every damn town's got trees."
This contempt for environmental initiatives is straight from the standard conservative playbook: dismiss climate action as frivolous while claiming to care about "real issues." But this is a false choice. The climate crisis affects every aspect of urban life, from public health to economic development, and disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-income neighborhoods - the very communities these conservatives claim to be concerned about.
Because God forbid we have shade in one of America's hottest cities, or try to mitigate the urban heat island effect, or create more livable neighborhoods. No, trees are clearly a radical socialist plot.
Sawaya went even further, declaring: "It's a city of sheep. And I'm sorry, Tucson, I grew up here... But when I read that, I said, we are F[--ked]."
This disdain for their fellow Tucsonans was palpable throughout the show. At one point, Sawaya even suggested he was planning to leave Tucson: "I can't wait to get the hell out of here."
DeSimone responded by endorsing the idea of walling off conservative-leaning areas like Oro Valley and Marana from the rest of Tucson: "And again, that's why one of the things that's going to happen in the next couple of years is as I'm running for office and Marana and Oro Valley, we're going to figure out how to do more things that don't are unrelated to the county in the city. Yeah. Right. And we got to put the walls up."
Put up walls. Always with the walls. It's almost like they have no other solutions to complex social problems except barriers, exclusion, and isolation.
The Trump Economic Mythology: Pharma Fantasies
DeSimone devoted significant time to promoting Trump's pharmaceutical executive order, uncritically playing clips from RFK Jr. praising Trump's supposed willingness to "stand up to the oligarchs" - a claim so divorced from reality it would be laughable if it weren't so dangerous.
RFK Jr. claimed: "President Trump was taking money from the pharmaceutical industry, too. I think they gave you $100 million. But he can't be bought, unlike most of the politicians in this country."
Wait, so taking $100 million from the pharmaceutical industry is proof that you CAN'T be bought? Make it make sense.
The segment completely ignored Trump's actual record on healthcare and pharmaceuticals - appointing industry insiders to regulatory positions, failing to deliver on promised drug price negotiations, and repeatedly attempting to dismantle the Affordable Care Act without a replacement plan.
DeSimone also pushed misleading narratives about the Biden administration "faking" job numbers and praised Trump's tariffs without acknowledging how they hurt consumers through higher prices. "So tariffs on the U.S. or Chinese tariffs on the U.S. are now 10 percent lower than they were under Biden. U.S. tariffs on China are now 30 percent higher than they were before Biden."
What DeSimone conveniently failed to mention is that tariffs are essentially taxes paid by American consumers and businesses, not by China. The Economic Policy Institute estimated that Trump's first round of tariffs cost Americans hundreds of thousands of jobs and raised prices on everyday goods.
Rockin' for Heroes: Patriotism as Performance
The segment with Kathy and Pat from Rockin' for Heroes revealed how patriotism has been weaponized by the right. While their stated mission of supporting veterans, first responders, and Gold Star families is commendable, their approach reinforces a narrow, militaristic definition of American values.
Kathy described her motivation: "My dad was a USMC Korea and my oldest brother USMC, Desert Storm. And my dad raised us with, you know, love of a country patriotism, God."
Pat added that they're focused on educating youth about "these hero professions" - military and first responders - while making no mention of other forms of service or community contribution.
There's something deeply troubling about conflating love of country exclusively with military service or police work, as if teachers, social workers, or community organizers aren't also serving the public good.
When DeSimone asked about their favorite musical artists, both quickly named conservative-friendly rock acts and reminisced about concerts - a seemingly innocent exchange that nonetheless reinforced the cultural tribalism that has become a hallmark of MAGA politics.
The Reality Behind the Rhetoric: Tucson's True Challenges
What DeSimone and his guests conveniently ignore is that the greatest threats to Tucson aren't trees or progressive politicians—they're declining wages, unaffordable housing, corporate profiteering, and climate change.
Ironically, both DeSimone and Sawaya complained about high restaurant prices but failed to connect this to corporate consolidation, wage stagnation, and the economic policies they themselves support. At one point, they expressed shock that dining out in San Diego might be cheaper than in Tucson - without considering how California's higher minimum wage might actually create more economic stability for workers and businesses alike.
They lamented job prospects for graduates while supporting politicians who oppose education funding, worker protections, and living wages. They complained about infrastructure while backing tax cuts that starve public investment.
And of course, there was the requisite fearmongering about crime and homelessness - complete with sensationalistic stories about "axe attacks" and "hatchet-wielding" individuals - without any meaningful discussion of mental health resources, affordable housing, or economic opportunity.
It's almost as if they want these problems to persist so they can keep complaining about them rather than actually solving them.
The Raytheon Dependency Trap
One of the most revealing exchanges came when discussing Tucson's economic future. Sawyer admitted: "My business would be shuttered if I didn't have Raytheon, bottom line. Yeah. The way that our members are either aligned, you know, wives of Raytheon, employees of Raytheon, people who own businesses that align with Raytheon, you can't get away from it here."
This candid acknowledgment of Tucson's over-reliance on military contractors should have prompted a discussion about economic diversification, sustainability, and building resilience. Instead, it became another opportunity to bash local leadership for not doing enough to cater to defense contractors.
The cognitive dissonance is staggering: complaining about government spending while depending entirely on government defense contracts. Criticizing "socialism" while benefiting from the most socialized sector of our economy - the military-industrial complex.
Hope Beyond MAGA Mythology: The Tucson We Know and Love
Despite the bleak vision presented on Wake Up Live, Tucson has tremendous potential for progressive change. Our community continues to support affordable housing initiatives, sustainable development, and immigrant rights despite the constant barrage of conservative fearmongering.
The show's fixation on division and decline starkly contrasts the vibrant, diverse community in Tucson—one that celebrates its multicultural heritage, supports environmental sustainability, and works toward economic justice.
While DeSimone and his guests paint a picture of a city in decline, many of us see something different: a community facing real challenges but meeting them with creativity, solidarity, and hope.
We see neighborhoods planting community gardens and creating mutual aid networks
We see young activists fighting for climate justice and affordable housing
We see immigrant rights advocates defending our values as a border community
We see local businesses creating living wage jobs and sustainable economic models
We see artists and cultural workers preserving our rich multicultural heritage
We see educators and parents working to create excellent schools for all children
This is the Tucson that DeSimone and his guests either cannot or will not see - a Tucson that rejects fear and division in favor of community and solidarity.
Keep This Analysis Coming
If you value this kind of critical analysis of local media and politics, please consider supporting The Three Sonorans with a paid subscription to our Substack. Your support helps us continue to provide the progressive perspective that's missing from Tucson's media landscape.
Unlike DeSimone and his corporate sponsors, we don't have deep-pocketed backers - we rely on community support to keep going. Every subscription, share, and comment helps us build the counter-narrative our community needs.
Questions to Consider
How does the constant narrative of fear and decline pushed by shows like Wake Up Live serve corporate and political interests rather than community well-being?
What would a Tucson that works for everyone—not just the wealthy and privileged—actually look like?
How can we build economic models that don't rely on defense contractors or exploit low-wage workers?
What kind of local media would truly serve our community's needs for information, connection, and accountability?
I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below. Despite the negativity promoted by shows like Wake Up Live, our community has the power to create a more just, sustainable, and inclusive Tucson—one that rejects fear and embraces hope, one that celebrates rather than denigrates our diversity, one that invests in our common future rather than retreating behind walls.
Together, we can write a different story about Tucson - not as a city of "sheep," but as a community of engaged citizens working toward a better future for all.
Quotes:
"It's a city of sheep. And I'm sorry, Tucson, I grew up here... But when I read that, I said, we are F[--ked]." - Danny Sawaya, criticizing Tucson residents for supporting progressive initiatives
"I can't wait to get the hell out of here." - Danny Sawaya, expressing his desire to leave Tucson despite owning a business here
"She's so proud that she's planting trees in Tucson, and she's not addressing any of the things that we need, right? The homelessness, the crime, understaffed police department, the crappy roads, poor economic development..." - Danny Sawaya dismissing Mayor Romero's tree initiative
"I love the idea that there's a 21 or older McDonald's because of violence." - Chris DeSimone, celebrating age discrimination at a fast food restaurant
"My business would be shuttered if I didn't have Raytheon bottom line... you can't get away from it here." - Danny Sawaya, admitting his business depends on the military-industrial complex
"We got to put the walls up and we have to say, you know, something we're sick of what's coming up the streets to our communities." - Chris DeSimone, suggesting segregating Oro Valley and Marana from Tucson
"President Trump was taking money from the pharmaceutical industry, too. I think they gave you $100 million. But he can't be bought, unlike most of the politicians in this country." - RFK Jr. (played in clip), making contradictory claims about Trump and pharmaceutical money
People Mentioned
Chris DeSimone - Host of Wake Up Live, expressed desire to "put walls up" between Tucson and suburban communities, celebrated age discrimination at McDonald's, and promoted conservative talking points throughout the show.
Danny Sawyer - Owner of Tucson Strength gym, called Tucson residents "sheep," stated "I can't wait to get the hell out of here" regarding Tucson, admitted his business would be "shuttered if I didn't have Raytheon," and criticized Mayor Romero's tree initiatives.
Regina "Rejina" Romero - Mayor of Tucson, criticized by DeSimone and Sawyer for focusing on tree planting initiatives rather than their preferred priorities. DeSimone mockingly asked, "What does this mean? I don't understand what she's trying to tell me by every damn town's got trees."
Kathy and Pat - Representatives from Rockin' for Heroes, promoting events to honor military personnel, veterans, and first responders. Kathy mentioned her father was "USMC Korea" and raised her with "love of a country patriotism, God."
Steven Levine - Representative from RJP Estate Planning who appeared to discuss trusts and estate planning services.
Donald Trump - Former President, praised by RFK Jr. in clip played on the show as standing up to "oligarchs" despite taking "$100 million" from the pharmaceutical industry.
RFK Jr. - Featured in clip played on show claiming Trump "can't be bought" despite taking pharmaceutical money.
Jay Bhattacharya - Referred to as "my boy Jay Bhattakaira" by DeSimone, described as "one of the leading voices of reason during COVID lockdown madness."
Dr. Oz - Mentioned as "still bouncing around the Trump administration."
Chuck Schumer - Senate Majority Leader, criticized by DeSimone for opposing Trump's China tariffs.
Eric Swalwell - Democratic Congressman, mocked by DeSimone with references to "Fang Fang, the Chinese spy."
Ruben Gallego - Arizona Democratic Senate candidate, criticized by DeSimone who claimed Gallego "has done nothing in 10 years in Congress."
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