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