Recorded at Hotel Santa Fe (June 3, 2025)

The Forum Plus — An occasional spotlight on compelling people, timely issues and noteworthy events hosted by Jim Falk

The vision of American volunteers serving abroad remains one of President John F. Kennedy’s most enduring and admired legacies. Since its founding in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in over 144 countries through the Peace Corps, fostering cross-cultural understanding and development.As the federal government continues to explore ways to reduce spending, the Peace Corps faces the possibility of funding cuts. In this episode of The Forum, two New Mexicans reflect on their years of service and the lasting impact it had on their lives and communities. In the second half of the program, we’re joined by the Vice President of the National Peace Corps Association, who shares the purpose of her visit to New Mexico and underscores how the Peace Corps’ mission not only spans the globe but also enriches life here at home

Memorial Day — often seen as the unofficial start of summer — is, above all, a solemn occasion to honor the military personnel who gave their lives in service to our nation.In this special Memorial Day episode of The Forum, co-host Talitha Arnold and host Jim Falk speak with two U.S. military veterans about the personal significance of the holiday. The conversation explores not only remembrance but also the potential impact of proposed budget cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly how they might affect essential services like mental health care and disability benefits.In the second half of the program, Chris Cassidy, president and CEO of the newly opened National Medal of Honor Museum, shares what visitors can expect from the museum’s exhibits and how the recognizes recipients of the nation’s highest military decoration.

Adam Weymouth is an award-winning journalist and author, best known for his 2018 debut Kings of the Yukon, which garnered critical acclaim, including The Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year and Lonely Planet’s Adventure Travel Book of the Year.

In this episode of The Forum, KSFR news reporter Rob Hochschild joins host Jim Falk for a conversation with two key Santa Fe city leaders: City Manager Mark Scott and Fire Chief Brian Moya.

Access to quality healthcare is a cornerstone of quality of life—but in New Mexico, that access is under threat due to a critical shortage of healthcare workers across the system. In this episode, we explore the scope of the crisis and possible paths forward.Dr. David Gonzales, Chief Medical Officer at CHRISTUS St. Vincent, and Fred Nathan, Executive Director of Think New Mexico join the program to discuss How to Solve New Mexico’s Health Care Worker Shortage, a policy report recently published by Think New Mexico. Together, they highlight the urgency of the issue—from the lack of X-ray technicians and nurses to a statewide physician shortfall—and outline practical, evidence-based solutions aimed at reversing the trend and strengthening New Mexico’s healthcare infrastructure.

Sharing a 179-mile border, New Mexico maintains a unique and close relationship with its southern neighbor. As Cinco de Mayo was celebrated, tensions in U.S.–Mexico relations made headlines. President Trump’s recent comments about sending U.S. troops into Mexico prompted a firm response from President Claudia Sheinbaum, who vowed to defend Mexico’s sovereignty. In this timely episode, Ambassador Tony Garza and Consul Patricia Pinzón Sánchez discuss Sheinbaum’s leadership, growing border security measures, and the essential role of the Consulate in supporting Mexican citizens. They highlight how trade, culture, and education continue to bind our two nations together.

As President Trump marks his first 100 days in office, his approval rating stands at just 42%—the lowest of any recent president. A key factor behind this decline is the administration’s controversial trade policy, particularly the reciprocal tariffs announced on April 2, now called “Liberation Day” by the President. In this episode, Ambassador Robert Holleyman, former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, and Edward (Ted) Alden, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, examine what has become the defining issue of Trump’s early presidency.

For a change of pace, The Forum invites you to listen to conversations with two bestselling authors Anne Hillerman and Chris Whipple as they discuss their recently published books. “Shadow of the Solstice is the 10th in Hillerman’s acclaimed mystery series. Whipple’s “Uncharted” is the fly-on-the-wall story of the 2024 presidential campaign.