Rural Builds launches with a candid conversation on what it really takes to strengthen rural communities—and why traditional, metro-designed solutions often fall short. Hosts Rob "Birdman" Hephner and Allison Hephner explore how rural community champions are addressing social determinants of health like housing, food access, workforce, childcare, and substance use with limited resources but deep local commitment.

This episode centers on a critical shift in rural impact work: moving people from survival to thriving. Through real stories from rural Arizona, the conversation examines how well-intentioned systems can unintentionally trap families in poverty, why policy cliffs and rigid eligibility thresholds undermine upward mobility, and how rural partnerships are designing smarter, more human-centered pathways out. The episode sets the foundation for the podcast's mission—amplifying rural builders, elevating lived experience, and showing funders and policymakers what's possible when rural communities are trusted to lead.

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

Mountain Retreat Realty Experts