New Mexico is the only state in the nation to lose doctors since 2019 — and the crisis is deepening. In this in-depth conversation hosted by the New Mexico Sun, Fred Nathan (Think New Mexico) and Paul Gessing (Rio Grande Foundation) break down the root causes of the state’s healthcare worker shortage: high malpractice premiums, low Medicaid reimbursement, and taxes on medical services. Despite their ideological differences, both offer clear, compelling solutions — including the controversial SB 88, which created a Medicaid trust fund. This is the conversation New Mexico needs to hear.

Learn more:

Think New Mexico: https://www.thinknewmexico.org/

Rio Grande Foundation: https://riograndefoundation.org/

New Mexico Sun: https://newmexicosun.com/

Certified Financial Planner Brian Cochran, President & CEO of John Moore Associates, breaks down the One Big Beautiful Bill and what it really means for everyday Americans. From tax breaks on tips and overtime pay to new deductions for seniors, car loan interest, and charitable giving, Cochran explains how this bill impacts working families, retirees, and small businesses.

We also cover succession planning, estate transfers, and how biblical financial principles shape John Moore Associates’ approach to wealth stewardship. Whether you’re a retiree looking at Social Security, a family navigating child tax credits, or a small business preparing for succession, this conversation offers clarity on one of the most important pieces of legislation in recent years

In this episode of The New Mexico Suncast, host Jim Williams sits down with Jeff Apodaca and Lawrence Chavez—two outspoken advocates for building New Mexico’s economy from within. They break down why New Mexico is one of the wealthiest states on paper but continues to live like a poor one. From the untapped potential of the State Investment Council’s $63 billion fund to why we keep losing homegrown tech to places like San Diego, this conversation hits hard on infrastructure, venture capital, and the urgent need for bold leadership. If you care about jobs, startups, or keeping our kids from leaving the state, this is the episode to hear.

In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Juan Garcia, chairman of the Coalition of Conservatives in Action. Broadcasting from Las Cruces, Juan shares why he got involved in politics, his thoughts on civic apathy, and how faith communities can—and should—step into the public square. The conversation touches on border security, crime, economic development, and the controversial removal of prayer at county meetings. Garcia calls for greater engagement from all New Mexicans, regardless of background, in shaping a safer, freer future for the state.

Welcome to the weekly headline roundup from the New Mexico Suncast. In this July 18 edition, host Jim Williams and correspondent Joaquin Romero break down the biggest stories across the state—from deadly floods in Ruidoso and fire evacuations across Grant and Valencia Counties, to boil water advisories and food assistance challenges. They also dig into corruption allegations in Española and the launch of a new local chapter of the America First Policy Institute. If you want the real pulse of New Mexico—unfiltered and urgent—this is your briefing.

Connie Vigil is a citizen advocate and grassroots lobbyist who helped transform New Mexico's approach to homelessness and mental health. In this powerful interview, she shares her personal journey, explains the bipartisan effort behind Senate Bill 1, and outlines how the Miami-Dade model could reshape treatment—not incarceration—for vulnerable populations across the state. From coffee shop conversations to Capitol Hill, Connie proves that one determined voice can ignite statewide change.

If you're interested in real solutions to substance abuse, chronic homelessness, and justice reform—this is the conversation New Mexico needs.

🎓 Learn more about the Miami-Dade Criminal Mental Health Project

📩 Contact Connie: [email protected]

🗳️ Demand your local leaders get educated and act

Zachary Fort, President of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, joins the New Mexico SunCast to discuss the rise of youth shooting sports, challenges in firearm legislation, and the link between criminal justice failures and gun crime. Fort shares his personal journey into advocacy, urges civic engagement, and explains why discipline and safety training—not bans—are the key to a safer state. Whether you're a gun owner or a skeptic, this interview brings clarity to the debate around Second Amendment rights in New Mexico.

📱 Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thenmsuncast/

📰 Check out New Mexico Sun

http://newmexicosun.com

In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams sits down with leaders from the New Mexico Dream Center and Basin Dream Center in Midland, Texas, to expose the hidden crisis of human trafficking across the Southwest. Survivors, outreach workers, and law enforcement allies discuss how vulnerable youth are preyed upon, the urgent need for public awareness, and what communities can do to fight back. From familial trafficking to AI-driven intervention tools, this conversation cuts through the myths and shows how we can all take action.

Four-term Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima joins the New Mexico Sun Cast to share his gubernatorial vision for 2026. With deep roots in the state and a unique multicultural background, Miyagashima discusses everything from geothermal desalination and housing reform to public safety, economic development, and his personal journey from small business owner to city leader. Learn how his experience in both the private and public sectors drives his data-informed, business-savvy approach to government. This is not your average campaign pitch—Miyagashima lays out real plans for water independence, criminal justice reform, and tackling New Mexico’s healthcare crisis.

🔗 Explore more:

📍 KenForNewMexico.com

📍 KenNM.info

📌 Highlights Include:

- Plan to use geothermal power for statewide desalination

- Prison-to-profession pipeline for affordable housing

- Fixing the state’s broken medical malpractice laws

- Metro police proposal to combat crime in Albuquerque

- Firsthand experience with the U.S.–Mexico border

At just 23, Marcus Lujan is already shaping state policy as Field Director for Think New Mexico. In this powerful interview, Lujan walks us through his efforts to recruit real voices for real legislative impact—from expanding Medicaid reimbursements to tackling New Mexico’s healthcare worker shortage. With insight into bridging political divides and a passion rooted in local Catholic education, Marcus shows what it means to lead with both humility and purpose.