Pass the Sopapillas

Recorded at the Obama Presidential Center, this special episode of "Pass the Sopapillas" brings together four inspiring youth leaders for a powerful conversation about mentorship, opportunity and the importance of giving young people a voice in decisions that shape their lives. Together, they challenge us to move beyond simply listening to young people and start empowering them to lead.

In this special episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” host Manuel González travels to Chicago for the Every Child Thrives Festival, where four young leaders and advocates explore what meaningful youth engagement really looks like, and what happens when adults make room for youth voices.

Health equity means giving every New Mexican an equal shot at being their healthiest self. In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” Manuel González talks with advocates and community leaders about health care access, maternal and child health, culturally grounded care and what it takes to build healthier families across New Mexico.

Former Cochiti Pueblo Governor Regis Pecos joins "Pass the Sopapillas" to share how the wisdom of his grandfather transformed pain and anger into a lifelong commitment to justice, compassion and service. In conversation with host Manuel González, Pecos reflects on Indigenous core values and the responsibility to create a more loving and equitable future for generations to come.

In this episode, host Manuel González welcomes Michelle Otero, Casey Douma, Dulcinea Lara and Loretta Trujillo for a conversation about racial healing in New Mexico, exploring how truth-telling, community, education and relationships can help heal generations of trauma. Through personal stories and reflections on culture, land, language and belonging, the guests share a vision for building stronger communities rooted in understanding, courage and shared humanity.

The conversation continues. In this bonus episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” audience members join host Manuel González and guests Dr. Finnie Coleman, Rayna Dineen, Carlos Carranza and Julie Lucero to explore storytelling, multilingual education and expanding literacy opportunities across New Mexico. Together, they discuss how community, culture and education help create brighter futures for learners of every age.

Recorded live at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, New Mexico State Poet Laureate Manuel González welcomes United States Youth Poet Laureate Emeritus Amanda Gorman for a rare conversation about poetry, purpose and the courage to find your authentic voice. Together, they explore how words become medicine, helping people heal from trauma, build empathy and inspire the next generation to lead with creativity, compassion and hope.

After years spent in prison, Josh Hernandez, Eric Ontiveros and Jesse Prieto are helping transform lives across southern New Mexico through Somos o No Somos. In this bonus episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” they join host Manuel González to share powerful stories of incarceration, healing, hope and second chances — and explain why believing in people may be one of the strongest investments a community can make.

In this episode, host Manuel González travels to Las Cruces to explore how workforce development, philanthropy and economic innovation are expanding opportunities for families across Southern New Mexico. Guests Mary Ulrich, Dr. Terra V. Winter, Teresa Madrid and Howard Logan discuss good jobs, community investment, guaranteed basic income and baby bonds as tools to build long-term economic security.

When the microphones stayed on after our live recording, the conversation continued. In this special bonus episode of "Pass the Sopapillas," audience members ask thoughtful questions about youth leadership, authenticity, community healing and what it means to become better ancestors for the next generation.