Birdman Media

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Channel • 4 Shows

News Commentary

News Commentary

Every two weeks
Politics

Politics

Updated 4 days ago
Automotive

Automotive

Updated weekly
Non-Profit

Non-Profit

Updated twice weekly

12/06/2025

Mountain Talk - 6-12-25 - Events and Happenings

Join Carin and Caitlyn of Carin Rubin - State Farm as they update you on what's happening in the Arizona White Mountains. Friday June 13th Show Low Days at Frontier Park 9am Friday June 13th Larry Bruce at the Arts Alliance 6pm Saturday June 14th "Doubles for a Cause" Disc Golf Event at Mountain Meadows Recreation Park Saturday June 14th Guided Hikes at the White Mountain Nature Center 830am Saturday June 14th Show Low Days at Frontier Park 9am Saturday June 14th Mainstreet Farmers Market Downtown Show Low 9am Saturday June 14th WM Saturday Market at WME Theatres Pinetop 9am Satuday June 14th Mommy and Mini Paint Event at Kittles Art & Supply 10am Saturday June 14th Flag Day Ceremony by VFW Post 2364 Pinetop-Lakeside at 11am Veteran's Memorial Park Saturday June 14th Pre-Cut Stained Glass Heart Class at Arts Alliance 11am Saturday June 14th Saturday Social at WM Dance Studio 630pm Tuesday June 17th Access to Capital for Small Businesses by NBAZ Online Event at 330pm Wednesday June 18th Cactus Garden Class at Arts Alliance at 10am Thursday June 19th Thrive Mountain Ribbon Cutting & Mixer at 5pm Friday June 20th & Saturday June 21st 13th Annual White Mountain Bike Rally at Hon-Dah Friday June 20th Pinetop-Lakeside's Summer Nights at Mountain Meadow Recreation Park 5pm Saturday June 21st Mainstreet Farmers Market Downtown Show Low 9am Saturday June 21st WM Saturday Market at WME Theatres Pinetop 9am Saturday June 21st Dog Days of Summer with Tails of Love Rescue at Horne Auto Center 10am Saturday June 21st Pinetop-Lakeside's Summer Nights at Mountain Meadow Recreation Park 4pm Saturday June 21st The International Western Music Association Concert at Arts Alliance 5pm Upcoming: July 12th Derby Down the Deuce July 11th- 13th Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire July 19th St Anthonys Starlit Soiree The following are the sponsors of Birdman Media Podcasts; please visit them and support them when you can, as they make this show possible. Premier Sponsors: Carin Rubin - State Farm Mountain Retreat Realty Experts Alberito's Buffalo Bill's Tavern and Grill Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant The Hub La Casita Cafe Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water Solterra Senior Living St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

12/06/2025

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11 min
31/07/2025

Meet the Brewer - Buffalo Nickel Brewery - Chuck Croix

You know Buffalo Bill's, but did you know they have their own brewery? Listen as Chuck Croix the brewer extrodinare talks about his past, the present and where things are headed at the Buffalo Nickel Brewery. The following are the sponsors of Birdman Media Podcasts; please visit them and support them when you can, as they make this show possible. Premier Sponsors: Carin Rubin - State Farm Mountain Retreat Realty Experts Alberito's Buffalo Bill's Tavern and Grill Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant The Hub La Casita Cafe Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water Solterra Senior Living St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

31/07/2025

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4 min
23 JAN

Escrow Explained: How Funds Stay Safe in a Real Estate Transaction

In this episode of the Realty Terms series, Birdman is joined by Mountain Retreat Realty Experts and Stephanie Crane to break down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—real estate terms: escrow. Stephanie explains how escrow works as a neutral third party that protects both buyers and sellers by securely handling all funds involved in a transaction. From earnest money and down payments to repairs and closing costs, learn why opening escrow is the standard and safest way to complete a real estate deal, and how it helps prevent disputes and financial risk for everyone involved. What Is Escrow? Escrow is a neutral, third-party account used during a real estate transaction to safely hold and manage all funds until the deal officially closes. Rather than money being exchanged directly between the buyer and seller, everything flows through escrow to ensure fairness, security, and transparency. In this episode, Stephanie explains that opening escrow is the standard method used by Mountain Retreat Realty Experts and is the preferred way to handle transactions. How Escrow Works Once a contract is accepted: The buyer's earnest money deposit is placed into escrow Funds related to financing, down payments, and closing costs are routed through escrow Any negotiated repairs or credits that must be paid at closing are handled by the escrow officer At closing, escrow distributes funds appropriately and records the transaction This process removes the risk of one party directly handing money to another and ensures all contract terms are met before funds are released. Why Escrow Is So Important Escrow acts as an unbiased third party, meaning: Neither the buyer nor the seller controls the funds Money is only released according to the contract Disputes—such as disagreements over earnest money if a contract is canceled—are handled impartially If both parties disagree, escrow holds the funds securely until the issue is resolved, protecting everyone involved. Who Opens Escrow? Escrow is opened for both parties at the same time once the transaction begins. Buyers and sellers do not open separate accounts—escrow serves the entire transaction from start to finish. The Bottom Line Escrow is a critical safeguard in real estate transactions. It ensures that all money is handled professionally, securely, and fairly—giving buyers and sellers peace of mind throughout the process and at closing. House Keys is brought to you by Mountain Retreat Realty Experts https://mtnretreatrealty.com House Keys is produced by Birdman Media™

23 Jan

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2 min
2 FEB

What Does "Rural" Really Mean? Rep. Kevin Volk on Housing, Broadband, and Arizona's Future

Broadcasting from the members' lounge at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman sits down with Kevin Volk, a Democratic lawmaker representing Legislative District 17, which spans urban Tucson, rapidly growing suburban areas, and distinctly rural communities reaching into Pinal and Pima Counties. The conversation opens with a bipartisan success story: Volk's legislation allowing electric vehicle owners to choose specialty license plates rather than being restricted to the standard cloud design. The change restored personal choice while preserving critical funding streams for nonprofits, universities, public safety organizations, and conservation efforts that rely on specialty plate revenue—an example of practical policymaking with real community impact. Birdman and Volk then dive into rural housing challenges, highlighting a teacher housing project in Pinetop-Lakesidethat uses container homes on surplus school district land. Volk explains how limited housing inventory in rural communities has made it increasingly difficult to recruit teachers, first responders, and other essential workers. By providing affordable, close-to-work housing, the project helps educators establish themselves in the community while creating pathways to long-term stability. The discussion broadens to Volk's role on the House Committee on Rural Economic Development and Innovation, chaired by Teresa Martinez. Volk emphasizes that rural Arizona exists on a spectrum—from "rural-adjacent" suburban communities to deeply remote areas, including tribal lands where residents may travel hours for basic services. Defining "rural" accurately, he argues, is essential for making smart policy and funding decisions. Addressing early committee votes, Volk explains that rural advocacy isn't about approving every request, but about balancing localized needs with statewide benefit. He references collaborative discussions with colleagues such as Walt Blackman, noting that disagreement does not preclude cooperation—especially when the goal is expanding broadband access, housing availability, and long-term economic opportunity. The episode concludes with a look ahead to Arizona's budget process, federal broadband investments, and the importance of sustained bipartisan dialogue in solving the state's most persistent rural challenges. This conversation provides valuable insight into Arizona politics, rural housing solutions, broadband expansion, economic development, and bipartisan governance. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. 🌐 Official Site: https://birdman.media Support Our Sponsors This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor: Mountain Retreat Realty Experts Trusted Arizona real estate professionals specializing in buying, selling, and market expertise across the state. 🔗 https://mtnretreatrealty.com Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't. © Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

2 Feb

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12 min
29 JAN

From Housing to Jobs: The Data Communities Need but Never Had

How do communities actually solve complex problems like poverty, housing instability, and workforce readiness—without wasting money on studies that sit on a shelf? In this episode of Rural Builds, host Rob Birdman Hephner sits down with Richard Taylor, Vice President of eTransX, to unpack a platform designed to help communities work smarter, not harder. Recorded at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the conversation explores why most communities struggle to coordinate services across nonprofits, churches, healthcare providers, and local government—and how eTransX was built to fix that. Taylor explains how the Well-Being Care Community Platform connects people, households, and service providers in one shared, person-centered system that addresses housing, food access, transportation, jobs, and other social drivers of health. The episode explains why this kind of data sharing hasn't happened sooner, how privacy and consent are protected, and what it really costs a town or region to implement a system like this. More importantly, it shows how real-time, community-owned data can replace expensive studies, reduce duplication of effort, and help leaders make better decisions that actually improve lives. This is a practical, plain-spoken conversation about technology as a tool—not the solution—to help rural and local communities move the needle on poverty, health, and economic development. RURAL BUILDS is brought to you by Birdman Media™ and supported by the following sponsors; Please visit their sites for more information and support them when you can. Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

29 Jan

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10 min
25/11/2025

Main Street Money: Mark Matson's First Steps Toward the American Dream

In this episode of Birdman on the Mountain, Rob sits down with Paul Barry of Stone Wealth Strategies to begin a new series centered around Mark Matson's financial philosophy. Before diving into Matson's more recent book, Experiencing the American Dream, Paul takes listeners back to the beginning: Matson's original publication, Main Street Money. Paul shares the story of Matson's early writing efforts—how Main Street Money took years to assemble, and how writing wasn't something Matson naturally enjoyed. For his second book, he even rented an Airstream trailer and parked it near McDowell to isolate himself long enough to complete the manuscript. That dedication resulted in the polished, modern framework that Matson Money advisors now use as a foundational teaching tool. The episode highlights one of the key themes in Main Street Money: having a clearly defined purpose. Paul explains how purpose gives meaning to earning and investing, and why wealth without a purpose often leads to confusion or fear. He shares his own purpose—creating for himself and others the freedom to live without fear—and tells a powerful and personal story of how he fulfilled that purpose for his late wife during her battle with ALS. Rob and Paul also explore the scientific backbone of the Matson investing approach, grounded in Nobel Prize–winning economic research. They discuss Harry Markowitz's modern portfolio theory, global diversification across tens of thousands of holdings, and why concentrating only in the S&P 500—or the "Magnificent Seven"—is not true diversification. Main Street Money provides the origins of the philosophy and science that Mark Matson later refined in Experiencing the American Dream. In upcoming episodes, Rob and Paul will dive deeper into that second book, breaking it down chapter by chapter to help listeners understand the full Matson method for building a purposeful, evidence-based financial life. The following are the sponsors of Birdman Media Podcasts; please visit them and support them when you can, as they make this show possible. Premier Sponsors: Carin Rubin - State Farm Mountain Retreat Realty Experts Alberito's Buffalo Bill's Tavern and Grill Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant The Hub La Casita Cafe Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water Solterra Senior Living St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

25/11/2025

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16 min
16/12/2025

From the Hollers to the American Dream

Birdman and Paul Berry kick off the episode at Stone Wealth Strategies on a cold mountain morning, reflecting on the seasonal shift, the coming winter, and the simple rhythm of cutting wood, lighting fires, and slowing down enough to read and reflect. That reflective mood sets the tone as they continue their ongoing conversation around Mark Matson's book, Experiencing the American Dream. After previously discussing the foreword—written by Rob Lowe—the conversation moves into the preface, where Matson lays the foundation of his story through his family's past. Paul walks through two pivotal figures in Mark's early life: his grandfather George and father Joe, both raised in the "hollers" of West Virginia—narrow ravines between ridges where families lived not for views, but for survival. The episode paints a vivid picture of life in the hollers: dirt-floor homes, slatted walls with no insulation, harsh winters, and limited opportunity. Coal mining dominated the economy, with later employment from companies like Union Carbide offering some stability, but life remained hard and unforgiving. These weren't stories of comfort—they were stories of endurance. Paul explains how Mark's father eventually made the difficult decision to leave West Virginia and move to Cincinnati in search of a better life, a pivotal moment that reshaped the family's future. One of the book's most powerful moments—and a focal point of this episode—is the journey Mark takes as a child with his father back to visit his grandfather, confronting firsthand the environment his family came from. Birdman and Paul reflect on how understanding where you come from shapes how you view opportunity, success, and responsibility. The conversation underscores a central theme of the book: the American Dream isn't handed down—it's built, often starting in places defined by hardship, sacrifice, and difficult choices. This episode serves as a grounding moment in the series, reminding listeners that before discussions of money, investing, and strategy, there is story—family, roots, and the determination to create something better for the next generation. The following are the sponsors of Birdman Media Podcasts; please visit them and support them when you can, as they make this show possible. Premier Sponsors: Carin Rubin - State Farm Mountain Retreat Realty Experts Alberito's Buffalo Bill's Tavern and Grill Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant The Hub La Casita Cafe Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water Solterra Senior Living St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

16/12/2025

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24 min
05/08/2025

The Anxiety and Horror of Gas Stops - And The OH S%^T Moment!

😰 Why It Feels Stressful: • Tight turning space and low clearance • Other drivers being impatient or in your blind spots • Not knowing if you'll be able to get out once you're in • Feeling pressure from people waiting behind you • Fuel pumps being in awkward locations or too close together ⸻ ✅ Tips to Reduce RV Fuel Stop Stress: 1. Plan Fuel Stops in Advance Use apps like: • GasBuddy – to compare prices • RV Life, Togo RV, or iExit – to find RV-friendly stops with room to maneuver • TruckMap – helpful if you use diesel and want large pull-through bays Look for truck stops (like Pilot, Love's, TA, Buc-ee's)—they often have more space, higher clearances, and easier entry/exit. ⸻ 2. Aim for Pull-Through Pumps • Look for pumps parallel to the store (not perpendicular) or on outer lanes. • Avoid older gas stations in town centers—they're often too tight. ⸻ 3. Fuel When It's Less Busy • Early mornings or late evenings are quieter • Weekdays are usually better than weekends or holidays ⸻ 4. Do a Visual Check Before Pulling In If you're unsure: • Park nearby and walk the layout before committing. • Check for clear exit paths, pole placement, and ceiling overhangs. ⸻ 5. Use a Spotter if Needed If you're traveling with someone, have them hop out and guide you in tight spots. ⸻ 6. Practice Backing and Turning (When toad is uphooked) Confidence comes with familiarity. Practice in an empty parking lot or use cones to get used to your turning radius and length. ⸻ 7. Give Yourself Grace Everyone who drives a big rig or RV has had an awkward gas stop. Most people around you are more curious than annoyed—and the impatient ones? You'll never see them again. ⸻ 🧠 Mindset Shift: Think of fuel stops as part of the adventure, not a test. You're piloting a mobile house—respect! You're allowed to take your time, breathe, and move at your pace. CampH54 is a production of Birdman Media™ www.birdman.media

05/08/2025

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10 min
27/08/2025

Final Stop on the Chicago Trip Home - Albuquerque KOA

Our last stop gave us another swim and was a relaxing oasis in the middle of what were certain wasn't going to be such a great place as we rolled in. https://koa.com/campgrounds/albuquerque/ Albuquerque KOA Journey – At a Glance Location & Overview • Address: 12400 Skyline Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123 • Setting: Conveniently located near the Sandia Mountains, Route 66, and not far from attractions like the Balloon Fiesta Park, Expo New Mexico, Old Town, aquarium, zoo, and museums . • Site Options: Offers a mix of accommodations including RV sites, deluxe cabins, camping cabins, and tent sites . • Site Counts: Approximately 149 RV sites, 4 deluxe cabins, 8 camping cabins, and 8 tent sites . ⸻ Site Types & Amenities RV Sites • Pull‑through RV Sites with 50/30 AMP service, full hookups, and level paved pads . • Extra‑long Pull‑throughs allow most towing RVs to stay attached . • KOA Patio® Paw Pen Sites include a shaded pergola, patio furniture, grill, custom fire pit, and a private fenced pet area—great for pet owners . Cabins & Tent Sites • Deluxe Cabins: Sleep up to 6, include partial kitchen, full bathroom, patio, outdoor fire feature; linens and cookware provided . • Camping Cabins: Rustic, studio-style, sleep up to 4 or 6 depending on layout—near restrooms/playground, pet-friendly (fee), with TV, fridge, fireplace, fire pit, grill (bring your linens) . • Tent Sites: Simple spots for traditional camping . ⸻ Onsite Amenities & Recreation • Essentials: General store stocked with RV supplies, groceries, firewood, propane refill station . • Connected & Entertaining: Free cable TV, Wi‑Fi (upgraded available), bike rentals, mini-golf, camp pavilion, and lawn games . • Water Fun: Heated outdoor pool (open May–Nov, 9 AM–9 PM) and indoor adult-only hot tub accessible 24/7 . • Dog-Friendly Features: Multiple KampK9 off-leash pet parks and dog-washing station . • Other Recreation: Playground, sauna, jump zone, self-guided games like cornhole and ladder golf, plus indoor lounge areas . ⸻ Practical Info & Perks • Check-In/Out: • RV & Tent Sites: Check-in at 1:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM • Accommodations: Check-in at 3:00 PM, check-out by 11:00 AM • Late check-out (if available): $25 until 2:00 PM . • Store Hours: • Spring/Summer: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM • Fall/Winter: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM • Laundry is open 24/7; quiet hours are 10:00 PM–7:00 AM . • Fire Safety: Only burn firewood; follow specific fire ring guidelines at the registration office . • Deals & Rewards: • Stay 5+ nights? Save 30% (valid between March 15 and December 19, 2025) . • KOA Rewards members get a 10% check-out discount . • Special discounts for military, first responders, and more . ⸻ Why Choose Albuquerque KOA Journey? • Location: Ideal for accessing iconic Albuquerque attractions like the International Balloon Fiesta, Expo Fairgrounds, Old Town, and museum districts . • Diverse Stays: Options for RVers, pet owners, cabin lovers, and traditional campers. • Amenities: From swimming and spa relaxation to pet zones and recreation, there's something for everyone. • Convenience: Full-service store, propane, laundry, Wi-Fi, and easy check-in/out policies make your stay carefree. This Episode is additionally supported by the support of the following sponsors Buffalo Bills Tavern and Museum / Buffalo Nickel Brewery and Grill CampH54 is a production of Birdman Media™ www.birdman.media

27/08/2025

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13 min
11/09/2025

What is Earnest Money?

💵 What is Earnest Money? Earnest money (sometimes called a good faith deposit) is the money a buyer puts down when making an offer on a home to show the seller they're serious about purchasing. It's like a security deposit for your offer — proving you're committed while the sale process moves forward. 📊 Typical Amount Usually 1%–3% of the purchase price (but can be higher in competitive markets). Example: On a $300,000 home, earnest money might be $3,000–$9,000. 🏦 Where Does the Money Go? It's not paid directly to the seller upfront. It's held in an escrow account (by a title company, escrow company, or broker). At closing, the earnest money is applied toward your down payment or closing costs. ⚖️ What Happens to It? If the deal closes → It goes toward the buyer's purchase costs. If the buyer backs out for a valid reason (like issues found during inspections, financing falls through, or appraisal problems under contract terms) → The money is usually refunded. If the buyer backs out without a valid reason (outside the contract protections) → The seller may keep the earnest money as compensation for taking the home off the market. 🔑 Why It Matters Shows the seller you're committed. Strengthens your offer in competitive markets. Protects the seller from wasted time if a buyer walks away without cause. 👉 In short: Earnest money = the buyer's "good faith" deposit that says, "I'm serious about this purchase," and it eventually gets credited back to the buyer if the sale goes through. House Keys is brought to you by Mountain Retreat Realty Experts https://mtnretreatrealty.com House Keys is produced by Birdman Media™ This Episode is additionally supported by the support of the following sponsors Buffalo Bills Tavern and Museum / Buffalo Nickel Brewery and Grill

11/09/2025

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2 min

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