In a rare convergence of sacred seasons, Muslims began Ramadan on February 17, a month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal; just one day later Christians entered Lent, the forty-day period of preparation for Easter, also marked by fasting, abstinence, and reflection.On this episode of The Forum, retired Lutheran minister Benjamin Larzelere joins co-host Reverend Talitha Arnold in a discussion exploring the history and meaning of Lent, and how the act of “giving something up” can deepen faith and sharpen spiritual awareness. In the second half of the program, Muslim Americans Ahmed Yanouri and Fouzia Ayachi share how Ramadan is observed in their homes, from the daily fast to the cherished tradition of Iftar, the breaking of the fast, and reflect on the rhythm and communal spirit of a holy month observed by nearly 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.

On this episode of The Forum, Reverend Talitha Arnold speaks with two remarkable New Mexicans who, through history and music, are helping keep Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream alive today.After a distinguished career as a physician, Bettye Kearse answered her mother’s call to tell their family’s story—one that reaches back to enslavement at Montpelier, the plantation of President James Madison. She reflects on the power of storytelling across generations and why an honest reckoning with history is essential to preserving both truth and dignity.Later in the program, longtime radio host Cecilia Webb shares how she came to the airwaves to lead Train to Glory for 28 years. She and Talitha explore the vital role of music in the Civil Rights Movement and how those spirituals and gospel songs continue to inspire protest movements across the country today.

On this episode of The Forum, two leading foreign policy experts examine the first year of President Trump’s second term and what it signals for the remaining three years of his administration.Beth Sanner, former Deputy Director of National Intelligence and the President’s daily intelligence briefer, brings decades of experience at the highest levels of national security. She is currently a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Belfer Center and a CNN National Security Contributor. Ambassador Charles Shapiro, now a professor of international affairs at Georgia Tech, previously served as U.S. ambassador to Venezuela and devoted much of his diplomatic career to the Western Hemisphere, with particular expertise on Cuba.

The day of his announcement to withdraw from the Democratic Party’s June 2 primary, Ken Miyagishima joined The Forum Plus to explain why he believes many New Mexicans are looking for an option outside the two-party system. This interview was recorded on Monday, February 2, 2026.In the conversation, Miyagishima outlines where his positions on medical malpractice reform, energy, and education differ from those of the Democratic contenders, Deb Haaland and Sam Bregman.KSFR is committed to offering listeners the opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking public office. The link to previous Forum interviews with Sam Bregman and Deb Haaland is available in the show notes.

In this show, William Hartung, senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, takes a hard, unvarnished look at the extraordinary growth of the U.S. defense budget. Now just under $1 trillion, President Trump is requesting a 50 percent increase for FY 2027—pushing defense spending to $1.5 trillion.Hartung explains how, despite hopes to the contrary, the end of the Cold War led not to a peace dividend but to continued and accelerating military spending. He examines how consolidation within the defense industry, now dominated by five major corporations, has fueled cost overruns, reduced competition, and weakened accountability.

For a growing number of Americans, the question is no longer ‘Should I leave?’ but ‘Why stay?’”Americans are increasingly not just thinking about leaving the United States permanently—they’re doing it. As our guests explain, the reasons vary widely, from concerns about gun violence and the rising cost of living to access to affordable healthcare.In a recent New York Times column, Jessica Grose cited a Gallup survey finding that 40 percent of American women ages 15 to 45 say they would like to move abroad.On this episode, we’re joined by two women who have already made that choice. Gail Warrior, who moved to Panama five years ago, now advises and assists global clients as they navigate the decision to relocate and the logistics of doing so. Kirsten Weissert, who recently moved to Thailand with her two young children, discusses what drove her decision, how she broke the news to family and friends, and how she continues to run her physical training business while working across a 14-hour time difference.

In just over five months, New Mexicans will head to the polls for the state’s primary election, setting the stage for one of the most consequential races on the November ballot: the contest to elect the next governor to succeed incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham.On this program, the two leading Democratic candidates—former congresswoman and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Bernalillo County District Attorney Samuel Bregman—join Forum hosts Jim Falk and Peter Smith in separate interviews. To allow listeners to compare their views, the same questions were posed to each candidate whenever possible.

For many years, the Midtown Campus, a 64-acre, city-owned property in the heart of Santa Fe, has fallen short of the expectations of both residents and city leaders. In recent months, however, a renewed sense of optimism has emerged as a growing number of companies, developers, and investors recognize the site’s long-untapped potential. There is now tangible momentum behind efforts to create a vibrant, mixed-use district envisioned as a creative hub with new opportunities for residents, businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations.

In our first program of 2026, The Forum featured conversations with Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández and Senator Ben Ray Luján on their legislative priorities and the issues they see as most critical for New Mexico and the nation as the midterm elections approach.The discussion with Congresswoman Leger Fernández was recorded live in the KSFR studio on January 5, while the conversation with Senator Luján was recorded via Zoom on December 18. Both leaders addressed the anticipated impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” expressing concern about its consequences for New Mexican families, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.

For several years, Forum host Jim Falk has interviewed Tom Standage, editor of The Economist’s annual predictive issue, The World Ahead, a wide-ranging collection of articles and guest columns exploring the year to come. Always fast-paced and entertaining, these conversations have become among the most popular programs offered to members of World Affairs Councils nationwide. We are grateful to Tom Standage for granting KSFR permission to rebroadcast this conversation.Standage was a guest on WorldNow with Jim Falk on December 8, a program hosted by the World Affairs Councils of America. During the discussion, he outlined his “Top 10 Trends” for the year ahead, including reflections on America’s 250th anniversary, mounting challenges for Europe, China’s opportunities, and growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence.