Suncast

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Exploring New Mexico’s Wild Beauty with Karina Armijo Oct 22, 2025

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In this episode of The New Mexico Suncast, host Jim Williams sits down with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to talk about the state’s breathtaking landscapes, outdoor equity programs, and how outdoor recreation boosts local economies. From fly fishing in Taos to new trail investments and the upcoming Adventure Pitch Fest, Armijo shares her mission to connect every New Mexican to nature—and why slowing down outdoors can transform lives.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Crime, Business, and Leadership: Carla & Larry Sonntag on Albuquerque’s Future Oct 02, 2025

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In this episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, Carla Sonntag (CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition and Better Together New Mexico) and Larry Sonntag (former APD officer and chief of staff) share candid insights about crime, policing, and business in Albuquerque. They discuss how rising crime impacts small businesses, why police morale and recruitment are struggling, and what leadership changes are needed as the mayoral election approaches. This conversation highlights both the challenges and the opportunities for building a safer, more prosperous New Mexico.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Former APD Leaders Expose Crime, Politics, and Failed Promises in Albuquerque Sep 25, 2025

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Former Albuquerque Police Department officers and Chief Mike Geier speak candidly about rising crime, failed leadership, and the politicization of policing in New Mexico. From broken promises on hiring more officers to stories of unethical directives from city leadership, this in-depth discussion highlights how Albuquerque ended up at the top of the nation’s crime lists. The conversation also addresses DOJ oversight, officer morale, juvenile crime, and what real leadership would require to restore public safety. A must-watch for voters, policymakers, and anyone concerned about crime in New Mexico.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Fighting Childhood Hunger in New Mexico | Feed NM Kids with Tracy Rodden Sep 24, 2025

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In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Tracy Rodden, Executive Director of Feed New Mexico Kids, to talk about the harsh reality of childhood hunger across the state. Tracy shares her own story of growing up food insecure, how the organization provides thousands of weekend snack packs to children, and why hunger is tied to bigger issues like education, poverty, and even trafficking.

Learn how 90,000 children in New Mexico face food insecurity, what it takes to provide a simple $5 snack pack, and how local communities, churches, and businesses are stepping up to fill the gap. Tracy also explains how volunteers and donors can make a direct impact—whether by adopting a school, packing food, or simply giving up one coffee a week to support a child in need.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a difference in your own backyard, this conversation will inspire you to take action.

🔗 Learn more at feednmkids.org

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Mayling Armijo on Crime, Homelessness, and Leadership in Albuquerque’s 2025 Mayoral Race Sep 16, 2025

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In this episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams interviews Mayling Armijo, candidate for mayor of Albuquerque in the 2025 election. Armijo discusses her background in economic development, her Navy service, and why she left a successful career to enter politics. She outlines her vision for tackling crime, homelessness, and economic stagnation, emphasizing leadership, accountability, and restoring public trust. From her family roots in Albuquerque to her track record of bringing $1.4 billion in private investment to Bernalillo County, Armijo makes her case for a safer, more business-friendly city.

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

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Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Bob Perls on Fixing New Mexico Politics: Forward Party, Open Primaries & Civil Discourse Sep 12, 2025

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Former New Mexico State Representative and U.S. diplomat Bob Perls returns to the New Mexico Suncast to talk about building a new political path forward. As chair of the Forward Party of New Mexico, Perls explains how open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and civil discourse can break the toxic two-party gridlock.

From his background in politics and diplomacy to his leadership in New Mexico Open Elections, Perls outlines why independents now make up nearly half of American voters and how that shift could reshape democracy in the state. He also shares concrete steps for volunteers, candidates, and everyday citizens to get involved in creating more competitive, accountable elections.

If you care about political reform, voter empowerment, or the future of democracy in New Mexico, this conversation is a must-listen.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Mexican Gray Wolf Controversy in New Mexico: Senator Crystal Brantley Speaks Out Sep 11, 2025

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In this episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams sits down with Senator Crystal Brantley (District 35) to discuss the heated debate over the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program. Senator Brantley shares firsthand experiences from life in rural New Mexico, the challenges faced by ranchers and families, and the economic toll of wolf depredations. From emergency declarations in Catron County to calls for federal de-listing, this conversation dives deep into the clash between conservation efforts, public safety, and the livelihoods of rural communities.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Fixing New Mexico’s Healthcare Crisis: Medicaid, Malpractice & Medical Compacts Sep 08, 2025

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In part three of our series on bringing healthcare workers back to New Mexico, Think New Mexico’s Fred Nathan and Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing tackle the state’s most urgent challenges. From Medicaid reimbursement reform and medical malpractice caps to joining interstate compacts, education incentives, and tax reform—this discussion lays out real solutions to fix New Mexico’s doctor shortage. Hear why bipartisan support is growing, what policies are on the table, and how citizens can push lawmakers to act.

Learn more:

Think New Mexico: https://www.thinknewmexico.org/

Rio Grande Foundation: https://riograndefoundation.org/

New Mexico Sun: https://newmexicosun.com/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenmsuncast/

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Bringing Back Doctors to New Mexico: Malpractice Reform & Healthcare Solutions Sep 03, 2025

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In part 2 of the Suncast's Code Blue series, Jim Williams once again speaks with Think New Mexico’s Fred Nathan and Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing about the state’s growing doctor shortage. They tackle the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance, attorney fee reform, gross receipts taxes on medical services, and how these issues are driving providers away. The discussion highlights bipartisan solutions, the role of trial lawyers, and how ordinary New Mexicans can push for meaningful healthcare reform. Learn more: Think New Mexico: https://www.thinknewmexico.org/ Rio Grande Foundation: https://riograndefoundation.org/ New Mexico Sun: https://newmexicosun.com/ 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenmsuncast/ Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Why New Mexico Is Losing Doctors — And How to Bring Them Back | Think New Mexico & Rio Grande Foundation Aug 28, 2025

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New Mexico is the only state in the nation to lose doctors since 2019 — and the crisis is deepening. In this in-depth conversation hosted by the New Mexico Sun, Fred Nathan (Think New Mexico) and Paul Gessing (Rio Grande Foundation) break down the root causes of the state’s healthcare worker shortage: high malpractice premiums, low Medicaid reimbursement, and taxes on medical services. Despite their ideological differences, both offer clear, compelling solutions — including the controversial SB 88, which created a Medicaid trust fund. This is the conversation New Mexico needs to hear. Learn more: Think New Mexico: https://www.thinknewmexico.org/ Rio Grande Foundation: https://riograndefoundation.org/ New Mexico Sun: https://newmexicosun.com/ Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

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