Suncast

Latest Episodes:

Behind the Curtain: Susan Martin on Arts, Admin, and the Soul of Think New Mexico Jun 26, 2025

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In this episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Susan Martin, the business manager of Think New Mexico, to explore her unexpected path from theater major to nonprofit operations expert. Broadcasting from Santa Fe, they discuss the many hats she wears—from HR to property management—and how her years at the Santa Fe Opera shaped her love for behind-the-scenes work. It’s a candid conversation about dedication, arts, and the quiet engines that keep mission-driven work alive. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Fixing New Mexico’s Future: Katie Gutierrez on Tax Reform, Health Equity, and Smarter Budgets Jun 26, 2025

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On this episode of the New Mexico Suncast, host Jim Williams interviews Katie Gutierrez, the dynamic tax, budget, and economic reform director at Think New Mexico. From her roots in the East Mountains to shaping state-level policy, Gutierrez shares a forward-thinking vision for economic justice, food security, and how smart public investment can lift entire communities. The conversation tackles healthcare deserts, regressive tax structures, and the need for flexible infrastructure funds. A clear-eyed look at the trade-offs—and hope—within state policy today. 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenmsuncast/ 📰 Check out New Mexico Sun http://newmexicosun.com Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Building a Better Politics: Bob Perls and the Forward Party in New Mexico Jun 19, 2025

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Former state legislator, U.S. diplomat, and entrepreneur Bob Perls joins the New Mexico Sun Cast to talk about leading the Forward Party in New Mexico. In this powerful conversation, Perls shares why he’s stayed rooted in New Mexico, his long fight for open primaries, and his mission to unite voters across the political spectrum. He discusses the broken duopoly of American politics, the urgent need for electoral reform, and how the Forward Party offers a commonsense, community-driven alternative that refuses to play by partisan rules. With New Mexico’s political future in the balance, Perls lays out the roadmap for meaningful change—and how you can help build it. 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thenmsuncast/ 📰 Check out New Mexico Sun http://newmexicosun.com Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Tackling New Mexico’s Education Crisis: Mandi Torrez on Solutions That Work Jun 05, 2025

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Jim Williams sits down with Mandi Torrez, Education Reform Director at Think New Mexico and 2020 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, to discuss the deep challenges and promising solutions in New Mexico’s public education system. From class size caps to teacher residencies and literacy reform, Torres explains how sustainable, thoughtful change—modeled on real successes in states like Mississippi—could elevate education outcomes for all New Mexicans. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Fixing New Mexico’s Economy: Jeff Apodaca on Jobs, Investment & Accountability May 29, 2025

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In this episode of Suncast, host Jim Williams sits down with businessman and former gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca for a blunt and data-driven conversation on what’s holding New Mexico back—and how to fix it. Apodaca, drawing on both private-sector experience and deep family political roots, lays out a vision for job creation, investment in rural communities, and breaking the cycle of poverty through economic accountability. From underutilized state funds to missed opportunities in tech, healthcare, and cannabis, Apodaca critiques the status quo while offering practical, bipartisan strategies to unleash New Mexico’s full potential. 🔍 Topics discussed: - Mismanagement of state investment funds - Growing jobs through private-public partnerships - New Mexico’s leadership crisis - The cannabis economy and beyond - Lessons from the Apodaca family legacy Whether you're a voter, policymaker, or business leader, this episode is a wake-up call for bold, accountable economic leadership in the Land of Enchantment. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Why New Mexico Is Losing Doctors — Fred Nathan of Think New Mexico Explains May 28, 2025

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Fred Nathan, founder and executive director of Think New Mexico, joins host Jim Williams to break down the alarming doctor shortage in New Mexico. In this revealing conversation, Nathan outlines the root causes—from soaring medical malpractice premiums to burdensome taxes on healthcare services—and shares bipartisan solutions that nearly passed in the 2025 legislative session. Learn about Think New Mexico’s successful push for a Medicaid trust fund, the impact of punitive damage lawsuits, and how licensing reforms could bring back critical healthcare providers. This is a must-watch for anyone concerned with healthcare access and policy reform in the state. 🔗 Learn more at: https://www.thinknewmexico.org Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

33 Years of Special Olympics New Mexico with Randy Mascorella May 19, 2025

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In this heartwarming episode of the New Mexico Sun podcast, host Jim Williams sits down with Randy Mascorella, Executive Director of Special Olympics New Mexico, to explore her powerful journey of more than 30 years advocating for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Randy shares how her experience as a coach led to a life-changing calling, the importance of sports in building confidence and inclusion, and how Special Olympics transforms lives—not just for athletes, but for families, volunteers, and entire communities. Discover the year-round mission of Special Olympics New Mexico, the incredible courage of its athletes, and how YOU can get involved through coaching, volunteering, or donating. Whether you're a parent, teacher, business leader, or community member, this conversation will inspire you to see the full humanity and potential in every person. 📞 Volunteer or donate: https://sonm.org 📧 Contact: (505) 856-0342 Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Ep. 14 - Paul Gessing May 01, 2025

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In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams sits down with Paul Gessing, President of the Rio Grande Foundation, to unpack the root causes of New Mexico’s most pressing issues—from failing public schools and economic stagnation to outmigration and health care challenges. Gessing, a longtime advocate for free markets and limited government, shares candid insights on the state’s political leadership, missed opportunities in Santa Fe, and practical reforms that could pave the way for a better future. Tune in to hear about the impact of school choice, constitutional liberties, oil revenue mismanagement, and how everyday New Mexicans can get involved to drive change. 🔗 Learn more at RioGrandeFoundation.org and ErrorsOfEnchantment.com Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Ep. 13 - Jean Bernstein (Flying Star Cafe) Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

Join Jim Williams and Carla Sonntag as they sit down with Jean Bernstein, co-founder of Flying Star Cafe, to talk about the incredible journey of building one of Albuquerque’s most beloved local restaurant chains. From her early days as a teacher to managing over 400 employees, Jean shares the inspiration behind Flying Star, the secrets to its iconic menu, and what it takes to run a values-driven business in a challenging economic and political environment. This episode also dives deep into: - The evolution of local neighborhoods and the restaurant industry - The real cost of doing business in New Mexico - The effects of legislation like the Paid Family Leave Act on small businesses - The importance of community, employee care, and creating welcoming spaces Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or local food lover, this episode offers valuable insight into what it takes to thrive in the Land of Enchantment. 🔗 Visit Flying Star Cafe: flyingstarcafe.com 🌐 Learn more about Better Together NM: bettertogethernewmexico.org Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

Ep. 12 - Don & Damara Andrade Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Don and Damara Andrade—parents, Christian apologists, and creators of A Parent’s Guide to 125+ Explicit Books in Albuquerque Public Schools. Together, they break down their findings on graphic sexual content embedded in K-12 school libraries, the dangers of early exposure, and the growing movement of concerned parents pushing back. This conversation isn’t about banning ideas—it’s about protecting innocence, restoring common sense, and respecting parental rights in a culture where kids are often left defenseless. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, or just someone who cares about kids—you’ll want to hear this. 🌐 Download the free PDF at thehitchapologists.com Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

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