Life Along The Streetcar

What do mountain peaks, underwater escapades, and perfectly pressed shirts have in common? For Kieran McGann, they’re all part of the thrilling world of Extreme Ironing! Known as Ironing Man, AKA Tony Starch, Kieran has turned a mundane household chore into a daring and creative adventure. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, guest host Amanda Mourelatos steps up to the mic for an inspiring and hilarious conversation with Kieran. Discover how a quirky TV segment inspired him to take his ironing board to the most extreme and unconventional locations, from rocky cliffs to breathtaking trails. Learn about the gear, the guts, and the creativity it takes to combine ironing with adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a fan of unique sports, or just love a good laugh, this episode will leave you pressing for more! 💡 Tune in now to learn about Kieran’s journey, his dream ironing destinations, and how he finds inspiration in the absurd. 🎧 Follow us on SoundCloud for more episodes of Life Along the Streetcar, where we explore Tucson's hidden gems, unique personalities, and fascinating stories. 📩 Like what you hear? Drop a comment and let us know! 🔔 Don’t forget to hit the Follow button to stay updated on our latest episodes. 📲 Share this episode with a friend who loves quirky stories or bold adventures! Get ready to laugh, gasp, and maybe even rethink your relationship with your ironing board. Press play now!

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with Crystal Moore, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. With over two decades of experience in real estate and urban development, Crystal shares her unique insights into the evolution of downtown Tucson—from its challenges to its triumphs. Discover how the community has rallied to address the needs of downtown, the role of vibrant holiday festivities like Desert Nights Downtown Lights, and Crystal’s exciting vision for a more pedestrian-friendly, thriving urban core. From clean streets to community engagement, this episode highlights the incredible efforts shaping Tucson’s future. 🎧 Tune in to hear how downtown Tucson continues to evolve, celebrate, and overcome challenges under Crystal Moore's leadership! 💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts—leave us a comment and share your favorite downtown Tucson story. 🔁 Don’t forget to like, repost, and share this episode with your friends! 🔔 Follow us on SoundCloud to stay updated on all future episodes. Let Crystal’s passion and vision inspire you—click play and join the conversation today!

🎙️ In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with noted Tucson artist Mike Berren, whose vibrant digital streetscapes capture the essence of Tucson's urban heart. Discover how Mike transforms iconic landmarks like the Rialto Theatre, Fox Theatre, and Hotel Congress into visually stunning collages that reflect the soul of our city. Through a mix of art, nostalgia, and storytelling, Mike shares how his work became a beacon of connection during the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering community engagement and celebrating Tucson's cultural richness. Learn about his meticulous process, which involves hours of detailed digital painting, and hear how his journey from psychologist to artist continues to inspire. Whether you're a Tucson native or a fan of creative innovation, this episode shines a light on how art can bridge gaps and tell a city's story like nothing else. ✨ Tune in now to explore the beauty of Tucson through Mike's unique perspective! ✨ 💡 Be sure to: Follow us to never miss an episode! Leave a comment and share your favorite Tucson streetscape or memory. Visit our Facebook page for more behind-the-scenes content: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar. Explore past episodes on SoundCloud or visit our website: LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org. Let the stories of Tucson inspire your day—hit play now! 🎧

In this special episode of Life Along The Streetcar, host Tom Heath steps out from behind the mic to chat with our very own producer, James Portis, about the launch of Tucson’s latest creative hub: Show Source Studios! This innovative space in Downtown Tucson is dedicated to empowering local voices and bringing their stories to life. 🌵✨ Show Source Studios isn’t just about providing a studio—it’s about lowering the barriers to storytelling, giving our community a platform to share their unique experiences. From new podcasters to seasoned professionals, we’re here to support creators with top-notch equipment, guidance, and an inviting atmosphere. Whether you want to launch a podcast, capture family stories, or create engaging video content, we’ll handle the technical side so you can focus on what truly matters: connecting with your audience. Listen in as Tom and James dive into the vision behind Show Source Studios, how it helps creators transform their ideas into impactful stories, and why building a local storytelling community is so essential. If you have a story to tell or want to be part of Tucson’s growing creative movement, this episode is your invitation to join the journey! 🚀 Don’t miss this chance to learn more about Show Source Studios and how we’re working to elevate local stories across Tucson! 🚀 🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Show some love with a like, share with friends, and follow us to stay tuned for new releases! 🌟 Drop a comment below to let us know your thoughts, or tell us what stories you’d like to hear next!

Get ready to experience Tucson’s art scene like never before! In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Tony Ray Baker, local real estate agent and co-owner of the Tucson Gallery, to explore the inspiring journey behind the gallery and its mission to make art accessible to all. Tony Ray shares the story of why affordable art matters to him and how his passion for supporting local artists led to the creation of the Tucson Gallery, a space that highlights unique works from talented Tucsonans. Join us as we chat about the upcoming Affordable Art Bustin’ Out to the Open Sale on November 16th, where the Tucson Gallery will be showcasing over 35 local artists and bringing their works out onto the patio for a one-day-only event filled with creativity, community, and fun! From original pieces to affordable prints, stickers, and more, this is your chance to find the perfect piece of Tucson to take home or gift for the holidays. Meet the artists, discover new favorites, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere with food, hands-on art activities, and unique local vendors. Don’t miss out on this celebration of Tucson’s artistic spirit! 🎧 Listen now to hear the full story and get ready for an unforgettable event. 🌟 Like, comment, and share to spread the word! 💬 Follow us for more stories celebrating Tucson’s vibrant culture. Catch all episodes of Life Along the Streetcar on SoundCloud and stay connected with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar

Get ready for a spooky, side-splitting special episode! This week on Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with the multi-talented Sara Mirasola, also known as Sara Sometimes, for an inside look at her upcoming Halloween comedy variety show, And Sometimes WHY?! Join us as we dive into the creative world of Sara Sometimes—a comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, and Tucson’s very own “Pawlitical Cat Lady.” Discover what inspired her Halloween-themed show, get a sneak peek into the hilarious characters she'll bring to the stage, and learn why this performance is the perfect way to spend your Halloween night in Tucson. If you're a fan of comedy, costumes, or simply love Halloween, this episode (and Sara’s show) is one you won’t want to miss. 🎃👻 📅 Sara’s show details: When: Thursday, October 31st at 7 PM Where: Proper Shops Performing Courtyard, 300 E. Congress, Tucson, AZ Tune in for laughs, insights, and everything you need to know about And Sometimes WHY?!—then grab your tickets and join us for a Halloween night filled with humor, creativity, and community. Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes featuring the hidden gems and creative forces shaping Tucson!

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we welcome back Jude Cook, renowned Tucson neon artist and preservationist, to dive into the revitalization of the Sunshine Mile, one of Tucson’s most iconic mid-century modern districts. Jude shares his insights on the restoration efforts, focusing on how neon signage is playing a major role in bringing the Sunshine Mile back to life. Learn how this historic corridor, once threatened by urban development, is being transformed into a vibrant community space where local businesses, like Rocco's Chicago Pizza, are thriving. Listen now to discover: - The history and significance of the Sunshine Mile - The vital role of neon sign restoration in the district’s revitalization - Insights from Jude Cook on Tucson’s mid-century modern preservation efforts We explore the unique challenges and triumphs of preserving Tucson's mid-century charm while infusing it with new energy through collaborative development efforts. With a particular emphasis on neon restoration, Jude details how he and other developers are ensuring that the Sunshine Mile retains its historic glow while evolving for modern use. Tune in for a journey through Tucson’s history, neon artistry, and the future of one of the city’s most beloved areas. 🌟 Don’t forget to hit “Like” and “Follow” for more stories about Tucson’s hidden gems! 💬 Leave a comment below to share your favorite part of the episode or your thoughts on the Sunshine Mile's revitalization. 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes, and share with friends who love Tucson as much as we do!

In this special episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Erin Durband, widow of the late Donovan Durband, to honor his life and legacy. Known for his visionary contributions to Tucson’s urban core, Donovan played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Tucson, transforming it into the vibrant hub we know today. Erin shares personal stories about Donovan’s passion for the city, his work behind the scenes, and the ongoing efforts to memorialize him—such as the movement to rename the Sixth Avenue underpass in his honor. Together, we explore how Donovan’s work continues to influence the community through the Donovan Dean Durband Supports Tucson Foundation, ensuring that his legacy of growth and connection lives on. Listen now to discover the legacy of a Tucson trailblazer, as told by the person who knew him best—his wife, Erin Durband. Follow us on SoundCloud for more episodes celebrating Tucson’s culture, stories, and urban development! 📲 Don’t forget to like, share, and comment to join the conversation. 🔔 Hit the follow button to stay updated on future episodes!

In this illuminating episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath takes us on a journey into the heart of Tucson’s visual and cultural history with Jude Cook, the founder of Ignite Sign Art Museum. Jude has dedicated decades to preserving vintage neon signs that once lit up Tucson’s streets, salvaging these artistic relics and restoring them to their former glory. From his personal collection that began in the 1970s to the museum he opened in 2018, Jude’s mission is to preserve the glowing remnants of Tucson’s commercial past, ensuring these historic signs remain a beacon of the city’s vibrant story. We’ll hear about some of Jude's most memorable restorations, like the iconic signs from long-gone Tucson establishments, and learn how he approaches each project with the care of an archeologist, uncovering the hidden history beneath layers of paint and time. Discover the challenges and joys of neon sign restoration, the fascinating history behind this timeless craft, and why these glowing symbols are more than just advertisements—they’re landmarks of Tucson's unique identity. Tune in to learn why preserving these neon lights is crucial to Tucson's cultural legacy, and find out more about the upcoming event at Ignite Sign Art Museum on October 12th! Listen now to dive into Tucson’s neon-filled history, and don’t forget to follow Life Along the Streetcar for more stories that celebrate the people, places, and culture of Tucson. ⭐ Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to follow us on Facebook and check out past episodes on SoundCloud. 🔔 Subscribe to stay updated on new releases, and share this episode with friends who love Tucson’s rich history!

In this episode of Life Along The Streetcar, we dive into the powerful connection between kindness and well-being, exploring the research-backed benefits of compassion. From its humble beginnings in Tucson, Ben’s Bells has grown into a nationally recognized symbol of intentional kindness, spreading hope and positivity across communities. We’ll revisit an inspiring interview with Helen Gomez, who has led Ben’s Bells since 2019 and recently announced her departure as Executive Director. Discover how the organization’s roots are deeply intertwined with a personal story of healing, when founder Jeanette Mare transformed her grief into a movement that encourages people to practice kindness every day. Learn how the science of kindness is shaping schools, businesses, and communities, and hear real stories of how this simple idea has impacted lives. From Tucson to Phoenix and even Connecticut, Ben’s Bells continues to remind us that small, intentional acts can create big change. Tune in to hear the full story, and discover how you can help spread kindness in your own community! Want more inspiring stories from Tucson? 🔊 Follow us on SoundCloud: Life Along The Streetcar on SoundCloud 👍 Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar 📲 Visit our website for more episodes and local insights: https://www.lifealongthestreetcar.org/

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Gabriel Moreno, the passionate owner of Jaime's Pizza Kitchen. From a family legacy that began on Tucson’s iconic Fourth Avenue to crafting a unique, cold-fermented dough that keeps customers coming back, Gabriel shares his journey of blending tradition with innovation. Listen as he talks about how his love for pizza was born, his years of perfecting the art of pizza-making, and how Jaime's Pizza Kitchen is more than just a restaurant—it's a family affair. Get inspired by Gabriel’s dedication to quality and the values that drive his success. 📌 Don’t forget to like, share, and follow for more stories from the heart of Tucson! 👉 Subscribe to Life Along the Streetcar for new episodes every week! 🎧 Press play to discover the story behind one of Tucson’s beloved pizza spots, Jaime's Pizza Kitchen!

In this episode of Life Along The Streetcar, we dive into the fascinating artistic journey of Rob Waters, a talented Tucson-based artist whose work beautifully captures the essence of our beloved city. From his early days as a freelance graphic designer in New York to his current passion for fine arts, Rob shares the story of how his creative path led him to Tucson. Discover how Rob’s experiences across different cities and mediums have shaped his unique artistic style, and hear his thoughts on the vibrant community that continues to inspire him. Rob's story is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing one's passion, no matter where it leads. Tune in to learn more about his transition from design to fine art, the inspiration behind his captivating pieces, and his contributions to Tucson's thriving art scene. Don't forget to like, share, and follow if you enjoyed this episode! Stay connected with us for more stories celebrating the culture, people, and unique charm of Tucson. For exclusive content and updates, follow us on Facebook at Life Along The Streetcar and subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform.

In this episode of Life Along The Streetcar, we dive into the latest creative ventures from Tucson's beloved musical duo, Ryanhood. Ryan David Green and Cameron Hood have each embarked on exciting solo projects, showcasing their unique artistic voices while staying true to their roots. Join us as we explore Ryan’s solo album, Off and Running, a collection of deeply personal and beautifully crafted songs that highlight his acoustic prowess and lyrical depth. We also take a cosmic journey with Cameron’s Voyagers, a space rock opera that blends music and storytelling in an extraordinary way, inspired by the Voyager space missions. Listen in as we revisit their origins, their return to Tucson, and how this city continues to shape their music and their bond as artists. This episode is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the vibrant community that supports and inspires them. 🎧 Tune in now to discover the latest from Ryanhood, and don't forget to like, share, and comment if you enjoyed the episode! 🔥 Follow us on SoundCloud to stay updated with new episodes of Life Along The Streetcar and be sure to explore our archive for more stories from Tucson's urban core.

In this captivating episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we take you behind the scenes with Robert Alpaugh, the visionary leader who played a crucial role in transforming the Arizona Theater Company during one of its most pivotal eras. Discover how Robert's leadership and dedication not only revitalized the Arizona Theater Company but also brought new life to the iconic Temple of Music and Art in Tucson. Join us as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and cultural impact of Robert Alpaugh's tenure. From overseeing critical renovations to navigating the complexities of theater production, Robert's story is a testament to the power of art in shaping a community. Listen now to hear Robert's reflections on his journey, the legacy he's left behind, and his ongoing love for Tucson's vibrant arts scene. 🎧 Tune in, share, and follow us for more stories about Tucson’s cultural heartbeat. 🔗 For more episodes and updates, visit us on Facebook and explore our full archive on SoundCloud. ❤️ Don't forget to like, repost, and leave a comment to let us know what you think!

In this captivating episode of Life Along the Streetcar, host Tom Heath sits down with Robert Alpaugh, a seasoned performer and dedicated arts advocate, to unravel the rich history of Tucson's iconic Temple of Music and Art. Join us as we explore how this historic venue, originally opened in 1927, has served as a beacon of culture and creativity for nearly a century. Robert Alpaugh shares his unique journey from Broadway to Tucson, shedding light on the Temple's origins, its architectural connections to the Pasadena Playhouse, and the passionate community efforts that saved it from demolition in the 1980s. Through Robert’s eyes, we delve into the concept of theaters as sacred spaces—temples where stories are told, lives are examined, and communities come together. Discover how the Temple of Music and Art has evolved from its early days as a hub for musical performances to its revival as the home of the Arizona Theater Company. This episode is a tribute to the individuals who fought to preserve Tucson’s cultural legacy and to the enduring power of the arts in our community. 🎧 Listen now and immerse yourself in the legacy of Tucson's Temple of Music and Art. 💬 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts! 📢 Share this story with friends and help us spread the word about Tucson’s vibrant arts scene. 📱 Follow us for more stories celebrating Tucson’s cultural heart.

Join us on this inspiring episode of Life Along The Streetcar as we sit down with Kerry Stratford, a visionary brand and marketing strategist who's been a driving force in the revitalization of downtown Tucson. Discover how Kerry's journey, from her early days in Tucson to her influential work with Caliber Group, has shaped the vibrant community we cherish today. Meet Kerry Stratford: From Roots to Caliber Group Dive into Kerry's rich history as a Tucson native and hear about her early projects, including the innovative "Chromophobia" magazine. Learn how her passion for community enhancement led to the creation of Caliber Group, a premier branding agency that's been instrumental in Tucson's urban transformation. Driving Tucson's Growth: Current Projects and Community Impact Explore how Kerry’s leadership continues to influence Tucson. From her involvement in the Festival of Books to the transformative Thrive in Tucson campaign, Kerry's projects breathe life into our cultural hub. Her work in restoring the Fox Theater and developing artist live-work spaces has been pivotal in making downtown Tucson a thriving, dynamic area. Shaping Tucson’s Future: Exciting Projects on the Horizon Get a sneak peek into Kerry’s exciting future projects, like the Mosaic Quarter sports complex, which promises state-of-the-art facilities for Tucson residents. Learn about her ongoing efforts with Sun Corridor to attract young talent to our city, showcasing Tucson's unique lifestyle and affordability. Discover why Kerry’s forward-thinking approach is essential for our city’s continued growth and prosperity. Be Part of Tucson’s Tomorrow As Tom Heath reflects on Kerry’s incredible contributions, we’re reminded of the power of community and innovation. To learn more about Kerry Stratford and her work, visit Caliber Group. Know someone making a difference in Tucson? Contact Tom Heath to nominate them for a future episode. Let’s celebrate and support those who are building a brighter tomorrow for Tucson! Tune in now and be inspired by Kerry Stratford's vision for Tucson's tomorrow!

Join us in this special episode of "Life Along The Streetcar" as we commemorate the 10th anniversary of Tucson’s modern streetcar. 🎂🎈 Episode Highlights: 🔹 Steve Farley’s Vision and Advocacy: Dive into the incredible story of Steve Farley, the "godfather of the streetcar," and his relentless efforts that brought the streetcar to life in Tucson. 🚏 🔹 Historical Milestones: Explore the journey from initial setbacks in the 90s to the triumphant launch in 2014, driven by community support and strategic planning. 📅 🔹 Economic and Social Impact: Discover how the streetcar has transformed downtown Tucson, boosting economic growth and fostering a strong sense of community. 🌇 🔹 Personal Stories and Anecdotes: Relive memorable moments and hear firsthand accounts of how the streetcar has impacted lives and reshaped our city. 🗣️ Tune In to Hear: Steve Farley's early vision and advocacy for public transit Pivotal moments and challenges overcome to launch the streetcar Economic revitalization stories from downtown Tucson Community connections strengthened through the streetcar system Don't miss out on this engaging and nostalgic journey through Tucson’s urban transformation! Hit play now to celebrate with us and share your thoughts in the comments below. 🎧 Connect with Us: Follow us on Facebook for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Visit our website for more episodes and exclusive interviews. Calls to Action: 🔔 Follow Us: Stay updated with our latest episodes and stories. 👍 Like & Share: Spread the word and share this special episode with your friends and family. 💬 Join the Conversation: Leave a comment below and share your favorite streetcar memories. 🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, iTunes, iHeartRadio, or simply ask your smart speaker to play "Life Along The Streetcar" podcast. Celebrate a decade of progress and community spirit with Tucson’s streetcar! 🚋✨

Join us in celebrating a monumental milestone with the second part of our 300th episode, featuring a heartfelt farewell to a Downtown Tucson legend, David Slutes. 🌟 In this special episode, we begin with an emotional scene from David's farewell party at Hotel Congress, capturing the profound impact he's had on the community. As we delve into his remarkable 27-year legacy, you'll hear about his instrumental role in shaping the cultural fabric of Downtown Tucson. David Slutes' Hotel Congress Legacy: Founding Second Saturdays: Discover how David co-founded this vibrant event, bringing life and energy to downtown every month. Creating HoCo Fest: Learn about the origins of this iconic festival that turned Labor Day weekend into a local celebration of music and community. Launching SAMHA: Explore David's efforts to support artists and musicians through the Southern Arizona Musicians and Artists Healthcare Alliance. David's vision for Downtown Tucson extends beyond his past achievements. We also touch on his exciting new ventures and future plans, highlighting his unwavering commitment to our community's growth and creativity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with David Slutes as we honor his legacy and look forward to the next chapter. 🎧 Missed Part 1? Be sure to listen to the first part of this engaging interview to get the full story of David's incredible journey and contributions. 👉 Don't miss this special episode! Listen now on Spotify, iTunes, iHeart Radio, and more. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram.

Join us for a special episode of Life Along the Streetcar as we celebrate the incredible legacy of David Slutes, a true Tucson icon. In this first installment of a two-part interview, we dive deep into David’s 27-year journey with Hotel Congress, exploring his pivotal role in transforming this historic venue into a cultural hub. From the early days of an internet cafe to the vibrant multi-stage entertainment center it is today, hear how David's visionary leadership and passion for music and community have left an indelible mark on Tucson. This episode is a tribute to David's contributions and a testament to the evolution of Hotel Congress, a cornerstone of the city’s urban core. And stay tuned, because David's story isn't over yet! We build anticipation for his next exciting venture, details of which will be revealed soon. You won't want to miss this captivating conversation that honors the past while looking forward to the future. Tune In and Connect: 🎧 Listen now and get inspired by David’s incredible journey! 📌 Follow us for updates on part two of this interview and more Tucson stories. 👍 Like, share, and comment to let us know your thoughts! 📲 Stay connected with us on Facebook at Life Along The Streetcar and on Instagram. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more episodes celebrating the vibrant culture of Tucson! Thank you for being part of our community!

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we dive into the fascinating journey of Timber Tote, a unique wooden purse that has taken Tucson by storm. Join us as we sit down with the creative minds behind this innovative product: fashion designer Chelsea Alder and woodworker Jason Robinson. Discover how these two talented entrepreneurs combined their skills to create something truly extraordinary. Chelsea and Jason's story is one of creativity, resilience, and collaboration. From their initial meeting at the Proper Shops in Downtown Tucson to the moment of inspiration that led to the creation of Timber Tote, their journey is a testament to the power of community and the magic that happens when diverse talents unite. Learn about the innovative laser cutting technique that allows wood to bend and form the stylish Timber Tote, and how their partnership has resulted in a product that is not only functional but also a work of art. But the story doesn't stop there. Timber Tote is more than just a wooden purse; it’s a blend of tradition and modernity. Chelsea and Jason have perfected a process of adhering fabric to wood, making each purse a unique piece with vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are even exploring custom prints and exclusive collaborations with local artists, ensuring that Timber Tote continues to captivate and inspire. If you're excited to get your hands on a Timber Tote, you're in luck! Visit their website at timbertotepurse.com or follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @timbertotepurse. You can also find Timber Tote at select local retailers, with exclusive designs available at specific locations. Tune in to hear the full story behind Timber Tote and find out how you can support these local artisans. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast on SoundCloud for more inspiring stories from Tucson's urban core. Like, comment, and share to help us spread the word about the amazing talent in our community! Listen now and join us in celebrating the creativity and innovation that make Tucson unique!