Birdman on The Mountain

The official community podcast for Birdman Media™️

  1. 6 MAY

    Taber Heisler on Pinetop-Lakeside's Future: Accountability, Growth, and Getting the Town Back on Track

    Birdman sits down with Pinetop-Lakeside mayoral candidate Taber Heisler at Pinetop Coffee and Roasting Company for an in-depth conversation about why he is running, his time on town council, and the financial and management issues he says pushed him to seek the mayor's seat.   Heisler explains that he first got involved because he did not want to simply complain from the sidelines. He wanted to understand how the town worked and help improve basic services like roads, maintenance, budgeting, and accountability. Much of the discussion centers on the town's recent budget shortfall, concerns over spending practices, employee raises, financial oversight, public transparency, and the need for stronger long-term planning.   Heisler says his goal is to help stabilize town government, improve communication with residents, support professional management, and make sure Pinetop-Lakeside focuses on maintaining what it already has before taking on new growth. He also discusses infrastructure challenges, including water and sewer limitations, and says future growth must be built on a solid foundation.   The interview closes with Heisler making his case to voters as a straight shooter who is willing to meet with residents, have difficult conversations, and work with the council to move the town forward. 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: Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    1hr 9min
  2. 6 APR

    From 100° in Phoenix to Packed Coffee Shops: The Hidden Economics of Climate

    From inside Pinetop Coffee House & Roasting Company, Birdman sits down with Mike Moffenbeyer to break down the business of climate—and how everything from Arizona heat waves to global supply chains impacts a small mountain town.   In this episode of Birdman on the Mountain, you'll hear how temperatures in Phoenix and Tucson directly drive tourism in the White Mountains. When the Valley hits 100 degrees, visitors head uphill—fueling local businesses, second-home traffic, and the seasonal economy.   But this year? No snow. No true winter. And that shift is changing how businesses prepare for the season.   The conversation expands beyond local weather into the global coffee trade, where droughts in major producing countries, disruptions in the Panama Canal, and geopolitical tensions are driving up costs and tightening supply. Mike shares what it really takes to keep coffee flowing—managing volatile pricing, sourcing from around the world, and adapting in real time.   You'll also hear about:   How climate patterns affect tourism in Arizona's White Mountains Why coffee is one of the most volatile global commodities The real impact of supply chain disruptions on small businesses Navigating political conversations in a community coffee shop "Coffee with the Council" and creating space for local dialogue Efforts to grow tourism and keep visitors in town longer     This episode blends local insight with global perspective, showing how weather, economics, and community all intersect in everyday life.   🎙️ Birdman on the Mountain — real conversations, small-town business, and the bigger picture behind it all.   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 Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    11 min
  3. 2 APR

    Why Everyone's Coming to the Mountain Right Now (And What You Can't Miss This Week)

    Join Carin of Carin Rubin - State Farm and Jacquelyn as they update you on what's happening in the Arizona White Mountains.   It's another lively edition of Mountain Talk inside the Mountain Retreat Realty Expert Studio, where Birdman and Karen break down a packed week of events across the White Mountains — with everything from community celebrations to dance floors, art classes, and family-friendly fun.   Birdman, juggling roles as always, joins Karen for a fast-moving, humor-filled rundown of what's happening around town — but not before giving major props to one of the most meaningful community events of the season.   The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, alongside the Rotary Club of the White Mountains and local businesses, pulled off a completely free Easter celebration — complete with egg hunts, toys, candy, and even a full lunch for families. It's the kind of event that defines mountain living: generous, community-driven, and all about bringing people together.   From there, it's a whirlwind tour of the week ahead — Tai Chi, Zumba, STEM programs, art workshops, food trucks, craft fairs, and even country swing dance classes. Whether you're into fitness, creativity, family outings, or just grabbing a London Fog and soaking in the mountain vibe, there's something happening every single day.   Through it all, Birdman and Karen keep it real, funny, and grounded in what matters most — supporting local businesses, showing up for your community, and remembering why life on the mountain just hits different.   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 Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    12 min
  4. 19 MAR

    "Mountain Talk: Not Carin, Definitely Fun"

    Join Carin of Carin Rubin - State Farm and Jacquelyn as they update you on what's happening in the Arizona White Mountains.   Hosted by Birdman and Jacqueline (who is definitely not Carin), this episode of Mountain Talk brings a lively mix of community updates, local events, and real-life stories from the White Mountains.   Dressed in green for St. Patrick's Day (and avoiding childhood-style pinching trauma), the duo kicks things off with laughs, school memories, and a quick check-in from spring break adventures—including a shoutout to Elite Appliance Repair for saving the day while Birdman was out of town.   From there, it's a packed rundown of local happenings: art classes, fitness sessions, library programs, live music, workshops, and everything in between. Whether you're into Tai Chi, Lego Club, paint nights, or glow-in-the-dark egg hunts (yes, for adults), there's something for everyone.   The episode highlights the charm of small-town life—supporting local businesses, connecting through community events, and finding fun in unexpected places. Plus, Jacqueline shares details about her upcoming in-store event featuring a cooking demo and centerpiece workshop.   It all wraps up with a nod to upcoming celebrations, a birthday shoutout, and a reminder to get out, get involved, and enjoy everything the mountain community has to offer. 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 Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    12 min
  5. 12 MAR

    Blazing Saddles Returns to the Big Screen — And Why Movie Theaters Still Matter

    Birdman heads back inside the theater to catch up with Lanny for another installment of Birdman On The Mountain, diving into everything happening at the local cinema — from blockbuster holdovers to cult classic throwbacks.   As awards season buzzes in the background and the world outside seems chaotic, Birdman and Lanny talk about the one place where drama actually belongs: the movie theater. From the long theatrical run of Avatar finally wrapping up to family favorites like Zootopia, the lineup keeps evolving.   The conversation ranges from animated sci-fi adventures like Hoppers and family films like Goat, to the ongoing debate about why Oscar-season movies often struggle to connect with smaller communities — even when they dominate the national box office.   But the real excitement comes from the return of legendary films to the big screen. Lanny reveals upcoming special screenings including Mel Brooks' classic Blazing Saddles, Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, and Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction — reminding audiences why some movies are meant to be experienced in a theater with a crowd.   Looking ahead, they tease fan-favorite re-releases like The Fifth Element, the return of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back, and the ongoing expansion of cinematic universes that keep fans speculating about future events like Avengers: Doomsday.   Through it all, Lanny delivers a simple reminder: sometimes the best escape from the chaos of the world is grabbing popcorn and watching a great movie on the big screen.   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 Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    9 min
  6. 5 MAR

    Mountain Talk for 3-5-26

    Join Carin of Carin Rubin - State Farm and Jacquelyn as they update you on what's happening in the Arizona White Mountains.   Mar 5th – Mar 18th        Thursday Mar 5th & 12th Tai Chi at Arts Alliance 830am Thursday Mar 5th & 12th Art with Friends at Arts Alliance 10am Thursday Mar 5th & 12th Art from the Heart at Navajo County Family Advocacy Center 4pm Thursday Mar 5th & 12th & Tuesday Mar 10th & 17th Geri Fit at Show Low Library 9:10am & 10:10am Thursday Mar 5th & 12th Zumba at New City of Show Low Recreation Building 6pm Friday Mar 6th Painting for Kids at Arts Alliance 230pm Saturday Mar 7th & 14th  Tai Chi at Arts Alliance 9am Saturday Mar 7th & 14th Collage: Code at Arts Alliance 4pm Monday Mar 9th & 16th Tai Chi at Arts Alliance 830am Monday Mar 9th & 16th Story Time at Show Low Library 10am & 11am Monday Mar 9th & Mar 16th and Wednesday Mar 11th & 18th The Human Reformer Beginner Pilates Class at Show  Tuesday Mar 10th & Mar 17th Line Dancing at Arts Alliance 10am  Tuesday Mar 10th & Mar 17th Draw Now and Again at Arts Alliance 3pm Tuesday Mar 10th & 17th Early Stem at Show Low Library 10am Tuesday Mar 10th & 17th LEGO Club at Show Low Library 4pm Tuesday Mar 10th & Mar 17th Chair Yoga at Pinetop-Lakeside Library 11am Wednesday Mar 11th & Mar 18th Baby Time at Pinetop-Lakeside Library 10am Wednesday Mar 11th & Mar 18th Story Time at Pinetop-Lakeside Library 11am Thursday Mar 5th Community Innovation Forum "Building Rural Solution Together" at Our Lady of the Snow in Snowflake 9am  Friday Mar 6th Dungeons and Dragons at Show Low Library 1pm Friday Mar 6th Beginning Crochet at Crafters Corner 33pm Friday Mar 6th – 7th Woodlan Treasure Chest Winter Indoor Craft Fair 727 N Woodland Rd 10am Saturday Mar 7th Glass Wind Chime Workshop at Arts Alliance 11am Saturday Mar 7th Dr Seuss Birthday Celebration at WM Nature Center 12pm Saturday Mar 7th Barn (Phase 2) Paint Event at AZ Mountain Coffee 2pm Monday Mar 9th Book Club at Show Low Library 1030am Monday Mar 9th – 20th Gnomes in the Park Scavenger Hunt with Show Low Family Aquatic Center  Tuesday Mar 10th Library Digital Catalog Class at Show Low Library 930am Tuesday Mar 10th Beginning Crochet at Crafters Corner 4pm Wednesday Mar 11th Bad Art at Show Low Library 11am Friday Mar 13th – 15th Craft Swap at Arts Alliance 10am Friday Mar 13th & 14th Chris Kane Trio at Lions Den 7pm Saturday Mar 14th Dungeons and Dragons at Show Low Library 12pm Saturday Mar 14th Chris Bennett Comedy & Aliberto's Present: Eric Shchwartz Live at Elks Lodge 630pm Saturday Mar 14th White Mountain Stillness at Wise Owl Wellness in the Woods 630pm Monday Mar 16th Cookbook Book Club "The Complete Irish Pub Cookbook" at Pinetop-Lakeside Library 11am Wednesday Mar 18th White Mountain Business Owners Roundtable (WMBORT) at Torreon 1130am Wednesday Mar 18th Homeschool Connection at Show Low Library 11am   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 Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    15 min
  7. 20 FEB

    From 7th Grade Science Fair to Master's Degree: Why STEM Still Matters in Northeast Arizona

    On a chilly, snow-kissed morning at Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company, Birdman sits down with community powerhouse Mrs. Lynn Krigbaum to talk about one of the most inspiring grassroots events in the White Mountains — the Northeast Arizona Science Fair.   At 84 years young, with a master's degree in bacteriology and immunology sparked by her own 7th grade science fair project, Lynn embodies what this event represents: curiosity, discipline, and the long arc of learning. From trifold boards to state-level competition dreams, this regional gathering at Nicholas Homestead School in Show Low brings together over 100 student projects from across Apache and Navajo Counties — from Pinetop-Lakeside to Tuba City.   But this isn't just a judging event — it's a full-on STEM Fest. Judges trained with structured rubrics. Community booths. Hands-on exhibits. Public engagement from 2 to 4 PM. Scholarships and pathways to the state science fair in Phoenix.   Birdman explores how a simple science fair can shape futures, strengthen community ties, and remind us why investing in young minds still matters.   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 Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation   Darbi's Cafe The House Restaurant Nexus Coalition for Drug Prevention Pinetop Coffee House and Roasting Company Pour Station - White Mountain Purified Water St. Anthony's School Adventure Pest and Wildlife WME Theaters

    8 min

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The official community podcast for Birdman Media™️

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