Tucson photographer Steven Meckler joins Life Along the Streetcar to talk about photography, storytelling, and life in downtown Tucson. Living and working in the urban core since the early 1980s, Meckler has documented Tucson’s makers, musicians, architects, and cultural moments with an eye for narrative and environment. In this conversation, host Tom Heath explores how Meckler approaches environmental portraiture, why every image begins with a story, and how some of his most iconic photos—especially those created for the Tucson Jazz Festival—are carefully planned, staged, and assembled. From Brooklyn roots to Tucson streets, this episode offers insight into how photography can be both commercial and deeply artistic—and how images help preserve the evolving story of a city. 🎙 Life Along the Streetcar airs on Downtown Radio 99.1 FM and is available as a podcast wherever you listen. 📸 More about Steven Meckler: https://mecklerphotography.com 🌵 More episodes: https://lifealongthestreetcar.org Music by Ryanhood Hosted by Tom Heath

In Part 2 of our conversation with Krystal Popov, founder of FuturePreneur, we explore how her hands-on business kits and upcoming FuturePreneur Live event are helping kids—starting as young as seven—discover their creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial spark. Krystal shares how parents and children learn together, why real-world skills matter, and what families can expect at the February FuturePreneur Live event hosted by the University of Arizona’s McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship. A powerful conversation for parents, educators, and anyone who believes in empowering the next generation of creators. Learn more: FuturePreneur.com FuturePreneurLive.com

Krystal Popov joins us for Part 1 of a fascinating two-part interview. As the founder of Proper Shops and now the powerhouse behind FuturePreneur, Krystal shares her journey from engineer to entrepreneur — and her passion for making business dreams accessible to all, especially kids. FuturePreneur is a movement: hands-on business kits for youth aged 7–14 that teach real-world entrepreneurship through creativity and play. From mini bakeries to custom t-shirt shops, Krystal’s approach is reshaping how we think about childhood education, purpose, and financial empowerment. 🎙️ Also in this episode: → The story behind Tucson Gallery and its humble beginnings → How Proper Shops helped lower the barrier to entry for local retailers → Why entrepreneurship is the key to fulfillment — at any age Catch the full episode and be sure to join us next week for Part 2! 🔗 Connect with us: Website: https://lifealongthestreetcar.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar

We're shifting gears this week and diving into a major topic that’s shaping Downtown Tucson’s future — affordable homeownership and urban density. Host Tom Heath sits down with Louis Parrish of United Realty Specialists to explore a new condo development project that could transform the residential landscape in the heart of the city. Whether you're a real estate enthusiast, a hopeful homeowner, or someone passionate about Tucson’s growth, this episode brings insight, energy, and a fresh perspective on what it means to build community through housing. 🎙️ Learn how economic development meets culture on Tucson’s streets!

What does it take to lead a movement rooted in compassion, equity, and community healing? In this powerful episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Anna Harper, the newly appointed CEO of the Emerge Center Against Domestic Abuse. She reflects on her 26-year journey from earning $9 an hour as a frontline advocate to now leading one of Tucson’s most vital organizations. Anna shares deeply personal insights into what fuels her passion, why she never planned to become CEO, and how Emerge Tucson is redefining the conversation around domestic abuse. This episode dives into the complexity of survivor care, the realities of generational trauma, and the bold inclusion of men in prevention efforts through transformative programs. We also explore: How equity shapes Emerge’s services across diverse communities The creation of a helpline for men on the edge of violence Why traditional systems like courts and law enforcement aren’t always the safest solutions How Emerge is embedding healing throughout Tucson, from shelters to youth centers 💜 Join Emerge Tucson as they celebrate 50 years of community impact 📅 Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 3–5 PM 📍 ASB (Armory Senior) Center, Tucson, AZ 🎟️ Tickets: $50 (with free registration option available) 🎤 Featuring live storytelling, music by Sue Claussen, community honors, and a reception 👉 Register and learn more at: emergecenter.org 🎙️ Enjoyed the episode? 👍 Like 💬 Leave a comment to share your thoughts 🔁 Repost to spread the word 🔔 Follow Life Along the Streetcar for more stories from Tucson’s urban core More content at lifealongthestreetcar.org Follow us on Facebook and SoundCloud

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, we welcome the inspiring Camila Ibarra—a civil engineer-turned-muralist who's transforming Tucson's walls with color and culture. Camila shares how she transitioned from technical work to full-time artistry, the story behind her massive 250th birthday mural for Tucson, and why art in public spaces matters. Whether you're a mural enthusiast, a fellow creative, or just love the spirit of Tucson, you won't want to miss this episode! 🔗 Listen and share: https://soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar 📘 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar

🎙️ This week on Life Along The Streetcar – we're diving into the vibrant pulse of Tucson's urban core as it comes alive this November! No guest this time—just you and me exploring the can’t-miss festivals, cultural celebrations, and community experiences that make Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods truly shine. From street fairs to local art, food, and music events, we’re highlighting everything that makes this season in Tucson unforgettable. 🌵✨ Catch the episode now and get inspired to explore your city like never before! 📍 Follow us on Facebook for even more local flavor

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, we dive into the silver-lined world of Erik Buckley, founder of ENB Jewelry, whose handcrafted pieces are inspired by Tucson’s vibrant art culture and enriched by century-old design traditions. From cutting rough turquoise like a loaf of bread to using 1800s-era impression dies, Erik walks us through his fascinating process, his family’s artistic roots, and the cultural significance of the Arizona bolo tie. You’ll also get the inside scoop on where to find his work this holiday season. 📍 Recorded in the heart of Downtown Tucson 🎧 Originally aired on Downtown Radio 99.1 FM 🌐 Website: https://lifealongthestreetcar.org 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar 📸 Guest Instagram: @enb_jewelry 🎨 Tucson Gallery: https://thetucsongallery.com

On this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Michael Kramkowski, the driving force behind IBT’s Bar + Food, one of Tucson’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues. He is nowthe visionary behind Nathan’s Famous and The Blind Tiger on Fourth Avenue. As IBT’s approaches its 40th anniversary, Michael shares how he's blending historic Tucson flavor with fresh ideas. From bringing the legendary Nathan’s hot dogs to town, to creating a hidden speakeasy that adds a modern twist to the Avenue’s nightlife, Michael has ambition designs. We talk business evolution, community resilience, and what it means to grow without losing your roots. If you're hungry for a taste of what's next for Fourth Avenue, this episode's got all the fixings. 🌭 Fourth Ave is sizzling, and Michael's just getting started. 🔊 Listen now, follow for more, and share with your Tucson crew! ❤️ Like what you hear? Hit that heart. 🔁 Repost to spread the word. 📲 Follow Life Along the Streetcar for weekly stories that celebrate Tucson’s people, culture, and creativity. 📡 More episodes at: https://lifealongthestreetcar.org 🔗 Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar

After a five-year hiatus, the Tucson Greek Festival is back, and it's bringing the spirit of Greece straight to the heart of Downtown! In this episode, we sit down with Peter Anadranistakis, one of the driving forces behind the festival’s return, to explore how this beloved tradition is being reimagined for a new generation and a new location. Hosted by Tom Heath, this lively conversation covers: - Why the festival left Fort Lowell and how it found a new home on Congress Street - The cultural energy and community spirit behind the event - What to expect from this year’s lineup of food, music, and interactive installations (don’t miss the YiaYia House!) - The vision for Tucson as a future center of Hellenism in North America This episode is full of “kefi”, that unmistakable zest for life, and showcases the kind of local storytelling you only get on Life Along the Streetcar. 🔗 Learn more about the festival, volunteer, or grab tickets: https://www.tucsongreekfestival.com/ 🎙️ More episodes & local stories: https://lifealongthestreetcar.org 📍 Follow us for more on Tucson's hidden gems: Facebook: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar 👉 Like this episode? Hit the 💛, repost, and share with a friend who loves Tucson! 🔔 Follow us on SoundCloud to never miss a new story from the heart of the Old Pueblo.

The Tucson Gallery is back—and it's more vibrant than ever. In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we’re celebrating the grand reopening of the Tucson Gallery in its brand-new location at 245 E Congress St, Suite 101, right next to the Ronstadt Center in downtown Tucson. To mark this exciting moment, we’re revisiting a powerful interview with Jessica Gonzales, one of Tucson’s most acclaimed muralists whose bold, expressive style now graces the walls of the newly expanded gallery. From pandemic-era murals that brought the city together to a Netflix stage collaboration, Jessica’s journey is a testament to the power of public art and personal expression. 🎨 Hear how the Tucson Gallery is reconnecting artists with the community, and why Jessica’s return to the studio marks a beautiful new chapter in her career, and for Tucson’s art scene. 📍 Tucson Gallery Grand Reopening 🗓️ Friday, October 3rd - Sunday October 5th 📍 245 E Congress St, Suite 101 🖼️ Featuring Jessica Gonzales and other celebrated local artists 💬 Like what you hear? 👍 Follow us for new episodes every Sunday 🔁 Repost to share Tucson’s creative heartbeat 📲 Stream past episodes & discover more at LifeAlongTheStreetcar.org 🎧 Listen. Learn. Love where you live.

Get ready for goosebumps as guest host Amanda Mourelatos steps into the eerie streets of downtown Tucson with Sully McGinnis, a passionate guide with Freaky Foot Tours. In this episode, we explore the spine-tingling blend of local lore, haunted history, and heartfelt storytelling that makes Tucson one of Arizona’s most paranormally charged cities. From chilling encounters during home renovations to mysterious chuckles on late-night tours, Sully shares firsthand accounts that will make you see our desert city in a whole new light. This story is about community, memory, and the voices that linger in the walls of our historic core. You’ll also hear how Freaky Foot Tours is building a deeper appreciation for Tucson's past through engaging walking tours and local storytelling. ✨ Whether you’re a lifelong Tucsonan or just passing through, this episode is your ticket to the shadowy side of the Old Pueblo. 🎙️ Listen now to hear: Sully’s personal paranormal experiences 👁️ Why the Pioneer Hotel still sends shivers 💀 How Tucson’s ghosts connect us to deeper cultural roots 🌵 The magic of storytelling on a haunted downtown walk 🕯️ 🔗 Follow Freaky Foot Tours: https://freakyfoottours.com/us/arizona/tucson 📱 Follow us for more Tucson stories: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar 🎧 Don’t forget to like, repost, and follow for more hyper-local stories from the heart of Tucson! #Tucson #FreakyFootTours #SullyMcGinnis #HauntedTucson #GhostTour #DowntownTucson #LifeAlongTheStreetcar #TucsonHistory #ParanormalArizona

Tucson just turned 250 and we’re marking the milestone with a cannon blast and a return to where it all began. In this special episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we revisit a 2017 interview with historian and volunteer Rick Collins at the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, the original Spanish fort that gave rise to the city we now call home. From blacksmith demonstrations to tortilla-making, tin smithing, and full-uniform reenactments, Rick shares how the Presidio Museum brings Tucson’s rich, multicultural history to life. It’s a living history experience that spans from Indigenous settlements through Spanish colonial days, into the Mexican era, and on through statehood. This episode was recorded live during a Living History Day event, complete with cannon fire, music from the era, and the sounds of a community keeping its past alive. As Tucson celebrates 250 years since its founding in 1775, we look back at the stories, volunteers, and cultural layers that still echo through the Presidio’s adobe walls. 🎧 Like what you hear? Let’s keep the history alive: Follow us on SoundCloud for more Tucson stories! Share this episode with someone who loves the Old Pueblo. Visit us at lifealongthestreetcar.org Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar

In this inspiring episode of Life Along the Streetcar, guest host Brittany Battle sits down with Ricky Hunley — College Football Hall of Famer, two-time consensus All-American, and the highest draft pick in University of Arizona history. Ricky opens up about his humble beginnings in Virginia, how a twist of fate (and some sunny Tucson weather) led him to Arizona, and how his time as a Wildcat shaped not just his career, but his life. From the challenges of being a homesick freshman to suiting up against top-ranked teams — this is a story of perseverance, pride, and the power of community. Now back at UArizona, Ricky shares what it means to give back, mentor today’s players, and be part of a team building toward greatness once again. Plus, he reveals what to expect this season and why Tucson’s support from the stands truly makes a difference. 🔥 Whether you're a Wildcat fan, a Tucson local, or just love a good comeback story — this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and experience the heart of Wildcat football. 🔔 Follow us for more stories from the streets of Tucson. 💬 Drop a comment and let us know your favorite Ricky Hunley moment! 📲 Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar 🎙️ Full archive & extras: lifealongthestreetcar.org

What happens when leaders, artists, athletes, and neighbors all come together with one mission, Service Above Self? In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we step inside Rotary Club Tucson, Arizona’s largest and one of its most historic service clubs. Discover how Rotary builds lasting friendships, supports local nonprofits, and creates ripple effects that strengthen Tucson’s community. From hosting the iconic Tucson Classic Car Show to volunteering on projects that uplift thousands, Rotary shows how powerful connections can transform a city. ✨ Whether you’ve heard of Rotary before or are learning about it for the first time, this conversation reveals why so many people call it a family, and why “service” and “connection” go hand in hand. 🔗 More from Life Along the Streetcar - Explore past episodes & stories: lifealongthestreetcar.org - Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @LifeAlongTheStreetcar - Support Downtown Radio Tucson: downtownradio.org 💬 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to: 👍 Like the track ↻ Repost to share with friends 💾 Add to your playlists 💬 Drop a comment — we’d love to hear your thoughts!

What happens when a downtown musician trades the mic for a mash tun? James Owens, co-founder of Brick Box Brewery, takes us on his journey from performing on Tucson’s beloved stages to creating one of the city’s most versatile and community-driven spaces. We explore how James' years in the local music scene shaped his vision for a brewery that’s a place where artists, musicians, and creators can gather, perform, and thrive. From inheriting the Thunder Canyon legacy to building a space with flexible, affordable access for performers, Jim shares the challenges, creativity, and resilience that keep Brick Box’s doors wide open. Whether you love Tucson history, live music, craft beer, or stories of reinvention, this episode will leave you inspired and thirsty. 📍 Listen now and discover how Brick Box Brewery is brewing community. 🎧 Enjoy the show? - Tap Follow to catch every new episode of Life Along the Streetcar. - Hit the ❤️ to like and help others discover the show. - Leave a comment below—what’s YOUR favorite downtown community space? - Share this episode with friends who love Tucson, music, or craft beer culture.

In this milestone 350th episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we revisit the story that launched the show, Mission Garden, but with a fresh and powerful perspective. Our guest is Alyce Sadongei, the current director of Mission Garden and a nationally recognized voice in Indigenous cultural preservation. With a background that includes years at the Smithsonian Institution, where she supported tribal communities in building museums and protecting native languages, Alyce brings deep expertise, vision, and heart to her work in Tucson. In this conversation, Alyce shares how her leadership is helping Mission Garden evolve from a historical site into a living, breathing space for education, community, sustainability, and cultural connection. From waffle gardens and heirloom fruit trees to endangered aquatic plants and the surprising arrival of a mud turtle, this episode reveals how one garden is telling thousands of years of Tucson’s story under the guidance of someone uniquely qualified to do so. 🎧 Listen now to hear: - Why Mission Garden is more than a museum, it’s a cultural timeline - How Alyce's national work in tribal heritage brought her back to the Sonoran Desert - The untold stories behind Tucson’s designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy - What’s growing next at the garden and why it matters for all of us 🔗 Connect with us: - Explore more stories at: lifealongthestreetcar.org - Join the conversation on Facebook: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar 📱 Don’t forget to: ❤️ Like 🔁 Repost 🔔 Follow for new episodes every week celebrating the culture, people, and history of Tucson’s urban core. #LifeAlongTheStreetcar #Tucson #MissionGarden #IndigenousPreservation #Smithsonian #CulturalLeadership #DowntownTucson #UNESCOCityOfGastronomy #TucsonHistory #AlyceSadongei

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we meet Pen Macias, the vibrant muralist and creative force known as Desert Pen. From painting her parents’ walls as a teenager to transforming public spaces across Tucson, Pen’s journey is one of passion, place, and profound artistic vision. We talk about how a pandemic project launched a career, how Fourth Avenue felt like home at first sight, and how she’s using both virtual reality and vinyl wraps to shape the future of public art. Pen also opens up about her role in the Tucson 250+ celebration and how her mural honors the powerful women woven into Tucson’s history. With humor, heart, and (of course) giant earrings, Pen brings color to our city and to this conversation. 🌵 Whether you’re a mural fan, a Tucson local, or just love a good creative origin story, this episode is for you. 🔗 Follow Life Along the Streetcar 🎧 More episodes: https://lifealongthestreetcar.org 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar 🎵 SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar 👍 Like what you hear? 💬 Leave a comment to tell us your favorite mural in Tucson! 🔁 Repost to spread the word about local art! 📥 Follow us for new episodes every week celebrating the people, places, and stories that shape Tucson.

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we dive into the inspiring journey of Riva Mackie, a world-ranked padel athlete whose passion for the game spans continents and decades. From her early racquet-sport roots in Canada to intensive training in Monaco and years on the competitive circuit, Riva has lived and breathed padel. Now, that passion has a new home, The Pad Tucson, a state-of-the-art indoor racket sports club located in the heart of Downtown. But The Pad is more than just a venue. It’s Riva’s mission in motion: a place to introduce Tucsonans to the global sensation of padel, to build community through movement, and to lower the barriers to play for people of all backgrounds and abilities. We talk with Riva about: - Her unexpected journey from camper-living athlete to Tucson entrepreneur - Why she chose Tucson over a dozen other cities across the U.S. - The rise of padel and pickleball, and how they’re changing the social fabric of downtown life - How The Pad blends sport, socializing, and fun to create something entirely new Whether you're a lifelong athlete or just racket-curious, this story might just inspire your next serve. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Catch this and all episodes of Life Along the Streetcar wherever you stream podcasts. We share the voices shaping Tucson’s urban core every Sunday (Streaming on Monday). 🔗 Explore More: 👉 The Pad Tucson: https://www.thepadtucson.com 👉 Podcast Hub: https://soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar 👉 Behind-the-scenes & local highlights: https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar 🎾 Come for the courts. Stay for the community. And discover how one woman’s love for a sport is reshaping the heart of Tucson.

In this episode of Life Along the Streetcar, we sit down with Drew Humphrey, CEO and Producing Artistic Director of Saguaro City Music Theatre, a bold new voice in Tucson’s performing arts scene. Drew shares how his company is building a Tucson-rooted cultural hub by producing full-scale musicals, supporting local artists, and offering tuition-free arts education that is both inclusive and accessible. From reimagining space-age rock operas like Voyagers to creating meaningful partnerships with Pima Community College and the University of Arizona, Saguaro City is crafting a uniquely Tucsonan approach to musical theatre that blends innovation with heart. Tune in to discover how Drew and his team are breaking boundaries and creating opportunities across the Old Pueblo, all while inspiring the next generation of performers and theatre lovers. Follow us for more stories celebrating Tucson’s vibrant culture and people Listen to more episodes at https://soundcloud.com/lifealongthestreetcar Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LifeAlongTheStreetcar Visit our website at https://lifealongthestreetcar.org for past episodes and news Stream, like, share and comment to support local voices and stay connected to Tucson’s creative pulse.