A few months after Bill Church took leadership of Santa Fe's paper of record, the veteran journalist fields questions on the final Forum episode of 2024.

Forum host Jim Falk and news reporter Rob Hochschild talk with the Santa Fe New Mexican's new Executive Editor, Bill Church. The conversation with Bill Church was recorded on December 17, and touched on a range of topics, including his future plans for the covering the city and state, the specter of SLAPP lawsuits, and the benefits of family-owned newspapering.

As 2024 draws to a close, host Jim Falk and news reporter, Rob Hochschild talk with two leaders of the Santa Fe community about their work and hopes for the New Year: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández of NM Congressional District 3, and The Santa Fe New Mexican's new Executive Editor Bill Church. The interview with Rep. Leger Fernández was recorded on December 20 while the House of Representatives debated the Bill to extend the budget or risk a partial government shutdown. The conversation with Bill Church was recorded on December 17.

Singing and listening to Christmas carols, whether in church, mall or around the hearth evoke nostalgic memories and affirm the religious importance of Christmas. In this program host Jim Falk and co-host and contributing panelist Rev. Talitha Arnold, talk with two of Santa Fe’s distinguished musicians who describe the history of some of the world’s most iconic carols. For your listening enjoyment, several of the guests’ favorites are incorporated into the show including “Silent Night,” “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “All Loveliness New-born” composed by Bradley Ellingboe.

Host: Jim Falk

Talitha Arnold, Co-host and Contributing Panelist, Senior Minister, United Church of Santa Fe

Guests:

· Bradley Ellingboe, Coro Lux Artistic Director and Director of Music, United Church of Santa Fe

· Carmen Flores-Mansi, Choral Director, Santa Fe Symphony and Pastoral Associate of Music Cathedral Basilica of St. Frances

Today's Panelists: Talitha Arnold & Rabbi Martin Levy. Today’s topics: "When the Holidays are Different" and a brief interview with Dr. Michael Robbins on Syria

While for many the holidays are a time for family gatherings, religious celebration and merriment, others may experience the “holiday blues.” In fact, according to the American Psychiatric Association, 31% of adults expect to feel more stressed this year than last. Contributing panelist Talitha Arnold, the senior minister at the United Church of Santa Fe along with Rabbi Martin Levi, the spiritual leader of Beit Tikva Congregation, share their insights and discuss ways to enjoy the holidays and support those who may be facing challenges brought on by unemployment, illness or loss of a loved one.

This program also features a recorded interview with Dr. Michael Robbins, the director of the Arab Barometer, a U.S. based organization that conducts public opinion surveys across the Middle East. Robbins shares his thoughts on whether Syria can emerge peacefully after the abrupt and surprising toppling of President Bashir al-Assad.

The Forum Plus, a “once in a while” spotlight on interesting people and events. The Forum spotlight is cast on Stephen Moore and his new book "Beyond the Call of Duty: The Life of Colonel Robert Howard, America's Most Decorated Green Beret" This book takes readers into the heart of the Vietnam War’s covert Special Ops jungle warfare in this immersive, suspenseful read.

For more information visit: stephenlmoore.com

Today's topic: Should New Mexico open a public bank? And what are the cons and pros of doing such?

Peter Smith, Contributing Panelist

Subject Matter Experts:

The Forum Plus, a “once in a while” spotlight on interesting people and events.

The Forum spotlight is cast on the Santa Fe Women’s Ensemble, now in its 44th year. Linda Raney, music director and Terrell Falk, the Ensemble’s president, discuss the organization’s history, mission and highlight Winterscapes—a not-to-be missed holiday concert series.

Learn more at SFWE.org

Today's Panelist: Rev. Talitha Arnold

Today's Subject Expert:  Rev. Benjamin Larzelere

Today's Topic: The so called "War on Christmas"

This special Forum production includes a sit-down interview Jim Falk did with Gregg Jones, an award-winning author, historian, and journalist, about his new book Most Honorable Son, a captivating biography that introduces readers to the life of Ben Kuroki, a Japanese American war hero of World War II.

Today's panelists & subject experts: Rob Hochschild, the News director here at KSFR. Steven L. Herman a journalist and author, and, Voice of America's chief national correspondent. From 2017 through 2021, Herman was senior White House correspondent and subsequently VOA's White House bureau chief. John Lawrence, who served as Nancy Pelosi's chief of staff from 2005–2012. Michael Robbins who serves as the director and co-principal investigator of Arab Barometer.