Behind the Fence

Today on Behind the Fence, I sit down with Stanley Bissmeyer, who is running for District 1 Supervisor in Mariposa County.This conversation is part of a three-part series featuring each of the candidates in this race. Each candidate was asked the same set of questions, covering their background, priorities, views on key local issues, and what they hope to bring to the role.The goal of this series is to provide a space for longer-form conversations so members of the community can hear directly from each candidate and make informed decisions.Additional candidate interviews will be released throughout the week.

Today on Behind the Fence, I sit down with Adam McLane, who is running for District 1 Supervisor in Mariposa County.This conversation is part of a three-part series featuring each of the candidates in this race. Each candidate was asked the same set of questions, covering their background, priorities, views on key local issues, and what they hope to bring to the role.The goal of this series is to provide a space for longer-form conversations so members of the community can hear directly from each candidate and make informed decisions.Additional candidate interviews will be released throughout the week.

Today on Behind the Fence, I sit down with Lisa Edelheit, who is running for District 1 Supervisor in Mariposa County.This conversation is part of a three-part series featuring each of the candidates in this race. Each candidate was asked the same set of questions, covering their background, priorities, views on key local issues, and what they hope to bring to the role.The goal of this series is to provide a space for longer-form conversations so members of the community can hear directly from each candidate and make informed decisions.Additional candidate interviews will be released throughout the week.

Today on Behind the Fence, I sit down with Andra Kovacs from the Mariposa Arts Council.We talk about how Andra came to Mariposa, her path into the Arts Council, and the role the organization plays in the community. We also explore the various programs and events they support, and why the arts continue to be an important part of life in a small town like ours.Along the way, we touch on how creativity is evolving, including the growing presence of AI and what that means for artists and creative spaces.This was a thoughtful conversation about community, creativity, and the impact the arts can have when they’re supported and shared.

On this episode of Behind the Fence, I sit down with the owner and editor of the Mariposa Gazette, Greg Little.We start by talking about his path to Mariposa, what led him to purchase the paper, and what it’s been like taking on the role of running a local news organization.From there, the conversation expands into a broader discussion around journalism itself — including how stories are covered, the role of local news in a community, and discuss the age old question: Can journalists be unbiased?We also spend time exploring what it means to be part of the press, and how those ideas connect to the First Amendment.

On this episode of Behind the Fence, I sit down with Ken Yager — President and Founder of the Yosemite Climbing Association.Ken has spent decades preserving the history and culture of Yosemite climbing, collecting more than 10,000 artifacts that ultimately led to the creation of the Yosemite Climbing Museum in Mariposa. A famed climber himself, he’s also the organizer of the Yosemite Facelift, now the largest volunteer cleanup effort in any national park.In this conversation, we talk about how Ken got started in climbing, what the culture was like in the early days, how the sport has evolved over time, and what continues to draw people to it. We also touch on some of the more unique stories from Yosemite’s past — including the 1977 plane crash in Lower Merced Pass Lake.This interview was recorded inside the Yosemite Climbing Museum, which can be found at the intersection of Highways 49 and 140 in Mariposa.

In this Mariposa Happenings episode of Behind the Fence, we sit down with Megan Atkinson, Executive Director of Mariposa Safe Families.We talk about the upcoming Safe at Home event (which takes place Saturday, March 28, from 10am-2pm), the work the organization is doing in the community, and Megan’s journey that led her to the role of Executive Director.If you or someone you know is interested in the services available for families in Mariposa County, this is a great place to start.www.mariposasafefamilies.orgFollow the show for more conversations and local stories from around Mariposa County.

In this episode of Behind the Fence, we sit down with Pastor Ben Youngren of First Baptist Church in Mariposa for a conversation about faith and community.Ben shares his background and journey into vocational ministry, along with what life is really like as a pastor — including the highs, the challenges, and the realities that people may not always see. We also talk about relationships, the unique nature of pastoral leadership, and the question of whether pastors can truly have close friendships.We discuss the role churches and faith communities play in small towns like Mariposa, and why they continue to be an important part of supporting and connecting people.Behind the Fence is a local show focused on the people who shape our community.Follow the show to be notified when new conversations are released!

In this episode of Behind the Fence, we sit down with Brian Bullis, who served as the CEO/Manager of the Mariposa Fairgrounds for 21 years before retiring at the end of 2024.Brian shares stories from his time leading one of the most important community spaces in Mariposa County. We talk about the history of the Fairgrounds, the events hosted there each year, and the challenges that come with maintaining and operating a facility that serves so many different purposes.We also discuss the lesser-known role the Fairgrounds plays during major incidents, including serving as a base of operations during large wildfires.Behind the Fence is a local show focused on the people who shape our community.Follow the show to be notified when new conversations are released.

In this episode of Behind the Fence, we sit down with Mariposa County Librarian Matt Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation about the history of our local library and the role it plays in the community today.Matt shares his background and how he came to lead the library, along with stories about its history and growth over the years. We also explore some of the lesser-known resources available to residents — from computers and WiFi access to unique items like bird watching kits.We discuss how libraries are evolving, the importance of reliable information in an age of AI, and why spaces like the library still matter.Behind the Fence is a local show focused on the people who shape our community.Follow the show to be notified when new conversations are released.

In this episode of Behind the Fence, we sit down with MCHS graduate, local business owner, and longtime youth coach Jeremiah Beery for a candid conversation about sports, adversity, and discipline.Jeremiah shares his journey from playing sports in Mariposa to college football — including working through early setbacks before eventually earning a starting role and winning a national championship.We also talk at length about youth sports in our community, the value of handling challenging situations at a young age, and the lessons athletics can teach that extend far beyond the field or court. We explore coaching philosophies and the importance of setting clear expectations for young athletes.Everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours?Follow the show to be notified when new conversations are released!

In this inaugural episode of Behind the Fence, we sit down with Mariposa County District 4 Supervisor Jenni Kiser for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, redemption, dialogue, and community.Jenni shares her journey to becoming a business owner and public servant, along with the realities of balancing her work on the Board of Supervisors while running a business and raising a family. We talk about redemption, community connection, and why long-form conversations are more important than ever.Behind the Fence is a local show focused on the people who shape our community — their stories, their history, and the work happening behind the scenes.If you live in Mariposa County — or care about local leadership — this conversation is for you.Everyone has a story to tell. What’s yours?Follow the show to be notified when new conversations are released.

Welcome to Behind the Fence — a local show built on long-form conversation.In this trailer, get a quick introduction to what the show is about and what’s coming next.Episode 1 drops Tuesday, February 22 at 10 AM.