Eight, Arizona PBS
We found a place that makes Chihuahuan flavors come alive
- Title
- We found a place that makes Chihuahuan flavors come alive
- Runtime
- 26:50
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- At Joe's Diner, the Check Please guests order up the "best pancakes in Arizona" and indulge in homemade biscuits and gravy. The wood grill takes centerstage at Rusconi's American Kitchen. Prime meats to seafood and even craft cocktails all feel the fire. And, Chihuahuan flavors come alive at Cocina Chiwas where they grill everything from the corn for wood-fired elote to pork for tacos carnitas.
Featured in this episode:
Joe's Diner: https://www.joesdineraz.com
Rusconi's American Kitchen: https://rusconiskitchen.com
Cocina Chiwas: https://www.cocinachiwasaz.com
Connect with us:
Learn more about "Check, Please! Arizona" and sign up for Arizona PBS newsletters: https://azpbs.org/checkplease
You can even sign up to be a guest on the show!
Arizona PBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonapbs
Arizona PBS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonapbs
Support our work: https://azpbs.org/donate...
- Title
- How do you make the perfect steak? #foodie
- Runtime
- 0:30
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- How a person enjoys their steak can cause an all out foodie war. We asked Chef Mark Tarbell what a perfect steak sounds like to him? Would you agree? How do you like your steak?
Check out new episodes of Check, Please! Arizona now #Haveadeliciouslife
- Title
- You'd never know what happened here #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:49
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Home to lush aspen trees, colorful wildflowers and thriving pine trees, Kendrick Peak was previously ravaged by fire more than once. The Pumpkin Fire in 2000 and the Boundary Fire in 2017, both lightning caused, destroyed thousands of acres along the 10,418 foot high peak in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Now, it’s one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the entire state. Trail Mix’d met with wildland firefighter Victor Morfin, who battled the Pumpkin Fire and now teaches at Northern Arizona University, to learn about how fire can be managed as a tool of renewal.
- Title
- #HikingTip 2: Have your tunes AND be aware of your surroundings
- Runtime
- 0:35
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Don't worry, there's a happy medium! Trail Mix'd host Kristen Keogh has the pro tip. #explorearizona
- Title
- Do you know where this statue is? #LOVE
- Runtime
- 0:41
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- You've probably seen versions of Robert Indiana's famous LOVE art before, but did you know we have statue of it here in Arizona? Happy Valentine's Day!
#pbs #az #arizona #valentinesday #photospot #scottsdale #art #history@ScottsdaleArizona
- Title
- What's your hope for the future of the United States?
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- As America approaches its 250th birthday, we asked a big question: What is your hope for America's next 250 years? Here's how Mayor Kate Gallego of Phoenix, Mayor Kevin Hartke of Chandler, and Mayor Corey Woods of Tempe answered. We want to hear from you. What do you hope the future holds?
- Title
- Touch the sky with us on Humphreys Peak trail #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 25:32
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Climb into the alpine world of Flagstaff, Arizona, as we hike the Humphreys Peak Trail, the highest point in the state, and the scenic Kendrick Peak Trail. As the elevation rises, learn essential outdoor tips for high-altitude hiking, including pacing, hydration and preparing for sudden weather shifts that can turn a sunny ascent into a stormy descent. The journey reveals how elevation shapes the landscape, transitioning through distinct environmental biomes from ponderosa pine forests to fragile alpine tundra. Experience the beauty and challenge of Arizona’s rooftop and the unique world that exists where the sky feels close enough to touch.
#exploreArizona #hiking
Featured in this episode:
Kendrick Peak Trail https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/kendrick-peak-trail
Humphreys Peak Trail https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/humphreys-peak
Connect with us:
Learn more about Trail Mix'd and sign up for Arizona PBS news...
- Title
- Doughnut of the day, tacos in a church and Southern-style BBQ
- Runtime
- 26:50
- Date posted
- 3 months ago
- Description
- Neighborhood spots serve up memorable meals. Tucked inside an Ahwatukee strip mall is Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse, where you'll find Southern-style BBQ. An historic church in Central Phoenix has been transformed into Taco Guild where guests enjoy modern Mexican dishes. In the heart of charming Cave Creek, Brunch Kitchen & Cocktails is the spot for brunch items alongside sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
Featured in this episode:
Sweet Magnolia Smokehouse: https://www.sweetmagnoliasmokehouse.com/
Taco Guild: https://tacoguild.com/
Brunch Kitchen & Cocktails: https://brunchcavecreek.com/
Connect with us:
Learn more about "Check, Please! Arizona" and sign up for Arizona PBS newsletters: https://azpbs.org/checkplease
You can even sign up to be a guest on the show!
Arizona PBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonapbs
Arizona PBS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonapbs
Support our work: ...
- Title
- You're hiking. Is that a mountain lion?? What do you DO? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:45
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Do you know what to do if you encounter a big cat on the trail? If you’re a hiker, listen to this advice from Arizona State Parks Ranger Sara Toms. Thanks to @AZStateParks!
- Title
- Why did Apache groups negotiate with the Spanish to settle in "peace camps"?
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The presence of the Spanish in the Southwest in the 1700s wasn't just about battles and establishing dominance, at times, there were moments of peace and even collaboration with the Indigenous people of the land.
Some groups of Apache entered agreements with the Spanish to form "peace camps": The two groups would trade peacefully instead of raiding each other.
The legacy of these Apache peace camps is one of resilience and complexity. They reveal how Indigenous peoples navigated colonial systems with creativity and caution, balancing the need to protect their communities with the desire to remain independent.
Huge thanks to our host @gabegarcia and our partners, @gilarivertv and @HeardMuseum.
- Title
- Is this THE most iconic landscape in Arizona?
- Runtime
- 26:28
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Venture into the heart of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where towering sandstone buttes and endless horizons create one of Arizona’s most awe-inspiring hiking destinations.
The episode follows the Wildcat, Lee Cly and Goulding Arch trails, offering practical hiking tips for navigating desert terrain, extreme temperatures and fragile ecosystems. Learn about the area’s rich cultural and historical significance, including its connection to Navajo Nation heritage and early explorers. The result is a journey blending outdoor know-how, natural science and respect for a landscape that truly feels like the edge of eternity.
#exploreArizona #hiking
Featured in this episode:
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
https://navajonationparks.org/navajo-tribal-parks/monument-valley/
Wildcat Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/wildcat-trail
Lee Cly Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/lee-cly-t...
- Title
- Did you know about uranium mining in Monument Valley? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:14
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- 💍 Did you know that nuclear bombs in World War II contained uranium sourced from Monument Valley? When you hike here, you’re hiking through a dark history that still impacts Indigenous residents here. Families continue to live with the health impacts of uranium mining, including cancer and respiratory illness. Navajo artist and activist Sabrina Manygoats uses her talent to create jewelry using uranium and says it is safe to wear.
Learn more about Sabrina and the ongoing fight against uranium contamination on #TrailMixd tonight at 7:30pm wherever you watch Arizona PBS.
- Title
- Surprising scallops, the BEST fried chicken in Phoenix, and a margarita to ask for by name
- Runtime
- 26:50
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Chef Mark Tarbell and guests enjoy French cuisine at Sel Restaurant where the husband-chef serves innovative dishes inspired by his world travels and his hospitality-driven wife makes sure the experience is crafted to perfection. A mother and son team share their spicy Creole family recipes from CC's on Central, and sixty years of traditional Mexican fare at Manuel's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.
Featured in this episode:
Sel Restaurant https://www.selrestaurant.com
CC's on Central https://ccsoncentral.com
Manuel's Mexican Restaurant & Cantina https://manuelsaz.com
#checkpleaseaz #explorearizona
Connect with us:
Learn more about "Check, Please! Arizona" and sign up for Arizona PBS newsletters: https://azpbs.org/checkplease
You can even sign up to be a guest on the show!
Arizona PBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonapbs
Arizona PBS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonapbs
...
- Title
- Get Ready With Me: 'Check, Please! Arizona' Edition
- Runtime
- 1:00
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Before the plates are served and the cameras roll, this is what a day on Check, Please! Arizona looks like behind the scenes. Join us for makeup touches with Chef and host, Mark Tarbell, and see how the Arizona PBS production crew gets setup. New episodes start this week! #CheckPleaseAZ #BehindtheScenes #Arizonaeats #Publicmedia #localfood
- Title
- What city feels like the heart of America?
- Runtime
- 1:31
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we asked our staff and our friends at @gilarivertv a simple but revealing question: What city feels like the heart of America? From small towns to major metros, their answers reflect history, culture, pride, and personal connection. Together, these voices paint a portrait of how Americans see themselves — and the places that shape us.
- Title
- Understanding the O'odham
- Runtime
- 2:01
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- The Akimel and Tohono O'odham are of the same family but they have cultural, geographic, and historical differences. Cultural teacher Jivik Siik explains the differences – and the commonalities.
A special thanks to the @HuhugamHeritageCenter and our production partners @gilarivertv.
- Title
- Valley Leadership aims to help with reading proficiency
- Runtime
- 4:27
- Date posted
- 4 months ago
- Description
- Education advocacy group Valley Leadership has been putting leaders in classrooms to substitute for teachers once a month to help them complete a mandatory Science of Reading training. The volunteers are professionals who come from different backgrounds such as finance and medical fields and volunteer because they are concerned about education in Arizona.
These leaders come into classrooms, giving teachers time to train, which is a state requirement that arms teachers with new skills backed by years of research to help their students read proficiently.
States like Alabama trained teachers in the reading program, and Alabama went from ranking 49th in the country for 4th grade reading to now ranking 34th. In the Grand Canyon State, the program is in 11 schools after seeing success in the Mesa School District.
“We all know that literacy is a huge issue in the Valley and in the state, and if kids can’t learn to read, they can’t read to learn,”...
- Title
- How did the Gila River shape the communities around it? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:50
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Gila River has long been more than just a body of water in Arizona—it has been a lifeline for the Native communities who have lived along its banks for centuries. For the Akimel O’odham, Pee Posh, and other Indigenous groups, the river provided the essentials for daily life: water for drinking and irrigation, fertile land for crops, and a source of fish and other food. Beyond survival, the Gila River shaped culture, community, and spiritual practices, becoming an integral part of identity and tradition.
However, this vital resource was threatened over the years by encroachment, diversion of water for agriculture and urban development, and government policies that ignored Native communities. These challenges disrupted traditional ways of life, causing significant hardship for people who had relied on the river for generations.
In response, Native leaders and communities organized to protect and reclaim their rights. Through advocacy, legal battles, and ...
- Title
- What was Tovrea Castle originally built to be? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/x-Euee0p8jo
- Title
- What's the most overrated American tradition?
- Runtime
- 0:42
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Got one to add? Tell us in the comments!
- Title
- Sometimes even farmers have to take up war clubs #history
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Traditionally, the Akimel O'odham of central Arizona are farmers, not warriors. But sometimes a people has to protect themselves, and the Akimel O'odham rose to the challenge – and also had ceremonies to help their warriors return to community life.
Thanks to cultural teacher and artist Jivik Siik of the Gila River Indian Community for sharing his perspective, and to our partners at @gilarivertv. Filmed at @HuhugamHeritageCenter.
- Title
- A book club for inmates: What's your first read?
- Runtime
- 1:46
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/55Uh_P6B780
- Title
- Why is this Arizona tribe moving away from the name "Pima"? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:01
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- The Akimel O’odham, or the River People, have been known to outsiders as "Pima" for centuries. Where did the name come from, and why is the community moving away from it today?
Thanks to cultural teacher and artist Jivik Siik of the Gila River Indian Community for sharing his perspective, and to our partners at @gilarivertv. Filmed at @HuhugamHeritageCenter.
- Title
- Can YOU name the 13 colonies? #history #PBSAmericanRevolution
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 5 months ago
- Description
- Can you name the 13 colonies that joined to become the United States? We went out and quizzed these ASU students.
For extra credit, which correct answers were mentioned more than once?
- Title
- Big changes: Scottsdale Center for the Arts in 2025 vs 2015 #explorearizona #arts
- Runtime
- 1:39
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/6yo3gUprqXI
- Title
- How do you trace your ancestors to 1776?
- Runtime
- 0:41
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- How do you trace a family back 250 years? Sarah Ziker of @TodaysDAR – who has found 39 people in her own family tree who fought in the American Revolution – pulls back the curtain on the research process. #americanrevolutionpbs
- Title
- What IS this Phoenix landmark? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:22
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Ever wondered about this wedding cake-looking building while driving the loop 202 in central Phoenix?
The Tovrea Castle was built in 1931 as a hotel, and has also been a private residence. Now visitors can tour this unique landmark.
Learn more about recent renovations to the property with our guest here: https://youtu.be/x-Euee0p8jo
- Title
- If you met an ancestor who fought in the American Revolution, what would you say?
- Runtime
- 1:16
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- What would you say to someone who fought in the American Revolution? A few of our friends from the Arizona chapters of @TodaysDAR and @sar-bmgchapter shared their thoughts. #americanrevolutionpbs
- Title
- How does today's Colorado River look to the wildlife who depend on it? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:50
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/-Q1JCGBNb9Y
- Title
- Which Arizona city is older than the United States? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:45
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Today, Tucson is in southern Arizona, but when it was established in 1775, the Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón was part of a plan to secure the northern frontier of territory claimed by the Spanish. The soldiers and settlers of early Tucson lived at the edge of an empire, shaping a community in ways that still echo through the region today.
As we look back on 250 years of the United States, revolutionary changes were happening here, too, thousands of miles away from the battles at Lexington and Concord.
Follow for more stories each Friday about WHAT HAPPENED IN AZ at the time of the American Revolution.
Thanks to our friends at @azpm for sharing footage of their town, and at @gilarivertv for their production support. Our host is Gabe Garcia.
- Title
- How has Arizona's Gila River changed in 250 years?
- Runtime
- 1:26
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- The Gila River has always been more than water. For the Akimel O’odham, or “River People,” it was the foundation of life, culture, and identity. Once the lifeblood of their farming, culture, and traditions, the river shaped generations and remains central to their story today. A huge thank you to our partners at @gilarivertv for helping us share this story.
Starting today, each Friday we’ll be sharing a peek into the past that shows what life was like here, in what’s now Arizona, at the time of the American Revolution. We’re calling it WHAT HAPPENED IN AZ?
Why are we focusing on the period of the American Revolution? So glad you asked. Because the new #PBS documentary, THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION starts this Sunday, Nov. 16! Check it out on the PBS app. #AmericanRevolutionPBS
- Title
- After-school literacy program hopes to close literacy crisis gap
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 6 months ago
- Description
- Approximately 39% of third graders in Arizona are reading proficient, according to advocacy group Read On Arizona.
West Valley Read Better Be Better (RBBB) is a 10-week literacy program supporting students and families. The group’s mission is to increase literacy, particularly when it comes to students from low-income communities.
An independent study found students who participated in RBBB on average had a 14% increase in their reading comprehension scores. The program was selected to be a partner in the Arizona Literacy Plan 2030, which was created to help improve literacy rates across Arizona.
Reporting by “Arizona Horizon” Education Solutions Reporter Roxanne De La Rosa. Her role is made possible through grant funding from the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund and Report for America.
Learn more about Report for America: https://www.reportforamerica.org
Watch full episodes of "Arizo...
- Title
- Report finds one-third of Arizona high school students chronically absent
- Runtime
- 3:19
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- Since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism continues to be an issue in Arizona, and for the first time, a report has focused on high school students. And the numbers were found to be a bit surprising.
Advocacy group, Helios Education Foundation released their new report at the end of September 2025, which looked at absence rates between 2021 and 2024.
But one Valley high school is hoping to change that. Julio Rubio is the principal at West Valley Carl Hayden Community High School. Last year, the absenteeism rate at his school was a whopping 61%.
About 30 Carl Hayden staff members, along with Rubio, stepped up to mentor chronically absent students. Staff members met with them on a daily basis for six weeks. Part of the program included incentives like gift cards, when students met their academic and attendance goals.
“Our middle name is community. It is Carl Hayden Community High School, so we believe it takes the whole community to ...
- Title
- What can you expect from the new Dorrance Dome at Arizona Science Center? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:04
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/CRYkL53d1hQ
- Title
- Are physical books still popular at Phoenix area libraries?
- Runtime
- 1:06
- Date posted
- 7 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/w-k5f4fudEc
- Title
- What's the lasting impact of the pandemic on Arizona Opera? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:29
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/VjcPO5P0tCo
- Title
- What's the enduring impact of Jane Goodall's career?
- Runtime
- 1:10
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/B9y-LAJG_pM
- Title
- Why are attacks on public education at an all-time high?
- Runtime
- 1:13
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/y9zaVrECv9k
- Title
- What's coming to the Musical Instrument Museum concert series? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:07
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/HdThsycZnrg
- Title
- Where in Phoenix can you see a restored fire truck that served on 9/11? #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:09
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/h0OvEkOHNmw
- Title
- Mural making mentorship program brings new color to Phoenix #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 0:32
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/ZJ1U497FCEc
- Title
- Meet Marko Topchii, champion guitarist and ambassador of Ukrainian music
- Runtime
- 6:50
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Guitarist Marko Topchii, the 2023 winner of the Guitar Foundation of America’s International Concert Artists Competition, visited Arizona State University in January 2025 as part of a concert tour. Arizona PBS spoke with him about his experiences as a competitor and about his resolve to be a representative for Ukraine.
Born into a musical family in Ukraine in 1991, Topchii has earned more than a hundred awards worldwide, including over 50 first prizes in prestigious competitions from Spain to Japan to New York.
Hear more of Marko's music on Arizona Encore Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 7 p.m.: https://azpbs.org/arizonaencore/2025/09/marko-topchii-performance/
How to listen: https://azpbs.org/listen/arizonaencore/
Follow Marko's work: @MarkoTopchii
Support our work: https://azpbs.org/supportmusic
Meet more Ukrainian artists in the documentary "Porcelain War" from @povborders : https://youtu.be/_pLChDrERqU?feature=shared<...
- Title
- What is it like to report on education solutions in Arizona?
- Runtime
- 0:50
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/6xKdmGLo04I
- Title
- What are the top 5 must-visit spots in Arizona? (Tell us yours!) #explorearizona
- Runtime
- 1:42
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/CCevQp2K-B8
- Title
- Save this for Arizona fall adventures 🍂 #explorearizona #trailmixd
- Runtime
- 0:58
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Colorful leaves can be found on full display in mid to late October but Kendrick Mountain is already showing off!
📍 35.40813° N, 111.85097° W
Fall | Arizona | Flagstaff
- Title
- How does the Fiesta Sports Foundation fulfill Wishes for Teachers?
- Runtime
- 0:55
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation:
- Title
- Writing partnerships: Isabella Maldonado and Jeffery Deaver talk about writing mysteries together
- Runtime
- 1:05
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/Bd3_ByK7bGQ
- Title
- How does Phoenix Children's Hospital help young patients just be kids?
- Runtime
- 1:11
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- See the full conversation: https://youtu.be/q9dWphI8rvs
- Title
- This or That with a reverend and a rabbi | Working Forward
- Runtime
- 1:40
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- This month, we're sharing five short documentaries about work, complete with discussions with the filmmakers and local experts. Meet some of our filmmakers, and check out the full episodes @ArizonaPBS
- Title
- Working Forward: The Reverend and The Rabbi
- Runtime
- 26:47
- Date posted
- 8 months ago
- Description
- Arizona’s diverse communities — urban, rural and everything in between — are rich in culture and tradition. Host Kathleen Bade sits down with faith leaders for a deep conversation about uniting people through shared values, purpose and belonging. We explore how fellowship grounded in compassion, justice and spiritual growth is vital to bringing about change.
Watch more episodes of "Working Forward:" https://azpbs.org/workingforward/
Connect with us:
Support our work: https://azpbs.org/donatenow
Sign up for Arizona PBS newsletters: https://azpbs.org
Arizona PBS on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arizonapbs
Arizona PBS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonapbs
