In this episode of Albuquerque NOW!, we sit down with John Emory, director of the Rio Grande Symphonic Band, to explore how this dynamic community ensemble came to life. John shares the inspiring story of the band’s beginnings, what it takes to become a member, and his own musical journey—from his early years as a young musician to his career as a music educator and conductor. Join us for an engaging conversation about the power of music, community, and the enduring spirit of performance in Albuquerque.

Love and Happiness.  A conversation in a pizza and beer setting discusses being the best version of yourself in relationships and your attempts at greatness outside of your comfort zone and appreciation of your partner, whether in your future or the one you have sharing your life.
Acknowledgments to Al Green and Teenie Hodges - Love and Happiness  song by Al Green from his album I'm Still in Love with You (1972)

Albuquerque NOW! Conversation in a pizza and beer setting. Counter to the World's concerns about politics, COVID and returning to the critical task of living.  Are Electro-Volt Vehicles finally a practical solution to the world's changing need for consuming products that are basic to our way of life?   Rubin, an Albuquerque resident and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico, in psychology, joins me on this interesting and informative topic.  

Acknowledgments:  Ozzy Osbourne, “I don't want to Change the World” Album: No More Tears, Label: Epic Records, Released: 1991, ABBA, "Dancing Queen" Album: Arrival Label: Polar; ‎Epic‎; ‎Atlantic Released: 1976

Albuquerque NOW! Conversation in a pizza and beer setting. Counter to the World's concerns about politics, COVID and returning to the critical task of living.  What is a Virtual World War?  Are we in a World War Economy?  When $6/gallon sounds like a steal... US fuel producers are on track to rake in record cash windfalls.  Are we living in a recession? Can our community absorb living with MAGA in politics? These questions are personally confusing.  I interviewed Rubin, an Albuquerque resident and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico, in psychology, and asked him to tackle this topic.  

Acknowledgments:  Ozzy Osbourne, “No More Tears” Album: No More Tears, Label: Epic Records, Released: 1991

Albuquerque NOW! Conversation in a pizza and beer setting. Counter to

the World's concerns about politics, COVID and returning to the

important task of living.  In trying to use tools such as Dream Boards

or Story Boards which are a series of visual life markers and goals, the value can get

lost in the individual's search for quick life fixes, and a search for

values that lack authentic desires or are personally confusing.  I

interview Rubin who is an Albuquerque resident and recent graduate of

the University of New Mexico in psychology and asked him to tackle this

sensitive topic.

Acknowledgments: Dwight Yoakam, A Thousand Miles From Nowhere (This Time, Reprise Records on March 23, 1993)

The challenge to do more.  A conversation in a pizza and beer setting discusses the improvements needed in New Mexico colleges to ensure good outcomes student attendance and reduction in student debt., appreciating our heritage and the icons that started from people who had a passion to protect and improve our unique ethnic experiences and an interview with author  JJ Alexander presents his unique experience relating to helping people.   Acknowledgments to Dan Hartman - Relight My Fire (1979) featuring vocals Loleatta Holloway,  ACDC/Born In Black by Max Power (1976), The Commodores-Brick House (1977)

Albuquerque NOW! Episode 014 House of Cards - happy Father’s Day to all the fathers!

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers.  Overall fathers are there – what if a man is scared to be a father, he is always going to hear fathers aren’t going to be around, but listening to what a good character of the father is, the road to being that good father begins to take shape and a man can see the way to being successful.
1.  Fathers listen to understand they never listen to criticize;
2.  They lead with character and integrity;
3.  A Leader is not telling people what to do but leading by example;
4.  Fathers also are their children’s biggest cheerleaders when their children follow their dreams;
5.  Fathers protect the children spiritually from spiritual warfare, mentally from negative news, and emotionally by bringing order.
Thanks to those who agreed to interview. Acknowledgments: Scorpions: House of Cards, BMI, Scorpions: Born to Touch Your Feelings, ASCAP

This is Albuquerque NOW!.  We're back with Dr. Corey Hill, sharing his thoughts about the stories we were raised with.  His experiences in how they can be applied living in our current world situation, living with the pandemic.

Acknowledgments to Corey Still Ph.D., a citizen of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Director of Scholarship Operations for the American Indian Graduate Center, Pete Seeger In His Own Words: Environment, Civil Rights, Songs, Communism, Science, 1960s (1998), Things Left Unsaid - Disciple; Scars Remain (2006)

Thinking about the stories we were raised with, how have they helped us to relate to one another.  In reading our graphic novels and comic books, the themes show us that we have a need for justice and balance.  In this portion of the interview, Dr. Corey discusses stories, experiences, and the importance of understanding giving back for the purpose of creating good in the community.

Acknowledgments to Corey Still Ph.D., a citizen of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Director of Scholarship Operations for the American Indian Graduate Center, Quiet Mind Cafe-Navajo Prayer As I Walk with Beauty, See What Canyon Life Is Like for a Navajo Pageant Winner-Short Film Showcase Directed and produced by Dana Romanoff and Amy Marquis, Coyote Legends with Lawrence Aripa the Coeur d'Alene Reservation in Idaho, Alan Jackson - When Daddy Let Me Drive

Albuquerque NOW! Conversation in a pizza and beer setting episode 13 discusses origin stories and how we find our place through experiences and stories we learned.  It’s

hard to understand everything about the world, yet we select the information that comes from the knowledge

we already have learned and that's how we build understanding about others and events. Looking

out on the world from my “platform” of view and by adding my own twist and spin on things may

not be clear enough. We want to be successful but it takes a community to step in and help.  We try to understand who our relatives are,

both family members and extended family.  It's important to understand our origins in every decision we make.

Acknowledgments to Corey Still Ph.D., a citizen of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Director of Scholarship Operations for the American Indian Graduate Center, The Creation Story of the Haudenosaunee artist Arnold Jacobs, Duane Hollow Horn Bear - Essential Understanding #5, Robert Lewis - The First Fire, Gregory A. Cajete TEDxABQSalon A Pueblo Story of Sustainability, Joe Cocker - With A Little Help From My Friends (Live)