On June 3, 2025, Mexico’s Ambassador to the United States, Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, joined Jim Falk for an insightful conversation on U.S.–Mexico relations. The interview took place during the World Affairs Councils of America’s Annual Leadership Conference, hosted this year by Global Santa Fe, where Ambassador Moctezuma was the keynote speaker.

The ambassador voiced his government’s serious concerns about a proposed 5% excise tax on remittances, emphasizing the potential harm such a measure could cause to millions of Mexican families who depend on these payments. Other topics included the growing problem of illegal firearms flowing into Mexico from the U.S., President Claudia Sheinbaum’s approach to confronting drug cartels—recently designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government and the economic consequences of tariffs on cross-border trade.

This timely conversation offers critical insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the bilateral relationship.

Host: Jim Falk

Guest: His Excellency Esteban Moctezuma Barragán, Ambassador of Mexico to the United States

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.

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Early in the morning on October 14, 1960, at the University of Michigan, then-presidential candidate John F. Kennedy posed a bold question to a crowd of students: Would they be willing to serve their country by sharing their skills in developing nations? That impromptu challenge, delivered from the steps of the Michigan Union, marked the genesis of what would become the Peace Corps. Just a few months after Kennedy’s inauguration, in March 1961, the Peace Corps was officially established as a Congressionally-approved government agency.

On this edition of The Forum, we revisit that moment in history by hearing Kennedy’s original remarks and exploring how the spirit of his call to service endures.

Santa Fe resident Tom Gee was there from the beginning. He worked closely with the Peace Corps’ first director, Sargent Shriver, and shares vivid recollections of those formative years. His reflections offer insight into the hope and optimism that defined the early days of the Kennedy administration.

We also hear from Kelly Pearce, who taught English in Armenia from 2001 to 2003. She recently returned to Yerevan, the capital, and reflects on how her Peace Corps experience continues to shape her personal and professional life.

In the second half-hour, Carla Brown—also a returned Peace Corps volunteer—joins us to discuss her current work with the National Peace Corps Association. She shares how she and fellow RPCVs (Returned Peace Corps Volunteers) are traveling across the country to engage with alumni, the media, and elected officials to strengthen support for the Peace Corps and its mission.

Host: Jim Falk

Co-host: Peter Smith

Guests: Tom Gee, Peace Corps Staff, Washington, D.C. (1962-1965)

Kelly Pearce, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Armenia, 2001-2003)

Media Manager, Teach+Plus, Albuquerque

Carla Brown, Vice President, National Peace Corps Association

Show Notes: Peace Corps 

National Peace Corps Association 

Teach+Plus

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.

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Marine Major General James Williams (Ret.) and Army veteran William (“Bill”) Jennings each devoted more than 30 years to distinguished military careers. Today, both continue to serve their fellow veterans through active volunteer work. During the conversation, they voiced growing concern over recently announced budget and staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs, warning that such reductions could negatively impact essential services relied upon by veterans — as well as hinder military recruitment efforts.

When asked about the recent removal of certain books from the libraries of U.S. military academies, including West Point and the Naval Academy, General Williams cautioned against the dangers of obscuring or rewriting history. On a lighter note, when asked to share their favorite military-themed films, Williams selected The Guns of Navarone, while Jennings chose Saving Private Ryan.

Host: Jim Falk

Co-host: Talitha Arnold

Guests: Major General James L. Williams (ret.) U.S. Marines

William Jennings, Commander, New Mexico American Legion

In his latest work, Lone Wolf, Weymouth traces the remarkable true story of Slavc, a European wolf who, in 2012, embarked on an epic 1,000-mile journey from Slovenia to the mountains north of Verona, Italy. But Lone Wolf is much more than a wildlife odyssey—it is a profound reflection on our relationship with the natural world, and with one another, in an era shaped by political division, resurgent nationalism, and growing ecological anxiety.

Host: Jim Falk Guest: Adam Weymouth, Author & Journalist

Show Notes: New Mexico Wild International Wolf Center Adam Weymouth

Mark Scott, who began his role in February, is a seasoned professional, having served as a city manager or interim city manager since 1990 in a wide range of cities—from Beverly Hills, California, to Spartanburg, South Carolina. In the interview, Scott shares why he was enthusiastic about coming to Santa Fe and what he hopes to accomplish. The discussion touches on challenges like recruiting and retaining high-quality staff, as well as strategies for providing affordable housing.

In the second half of the program, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya outlines critical steps residents can take to protect themselves and their property from wildfire risks. The Fire Department’s Wildland Division offers homeowners information, support, and recommendations—which may include removing fire hazards like tree limbs and brush from their property.

As the race for Santa Fe’s next mayor begins to take shape—especially following Mayor Alan Webber’s recent announcement that he will not seek a third term—this timely episode of The Forum features valuable insights from two of the city’s top officials.

City Manager Mark Scott shares his perspective on what is realistically achievable in Santa Fe, offering context that may prove useful as mayoral candidates begin presenting their visions for the city. With a significant number of vacancies across many city departments, Scott underscores the difficulty of delivering essential services without adequate staffing. Drawing on his decades of experience working under various models of municipal governance, Scott also reflects on the pros and cons of different city management structures. He offers several thoughtful recommendations aimed at improving the City’s overall efficiency.

In the second half of the program, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya delivers practical, timely advice for homeowners on how to better protect their properties from wildfires. He emphasizes that fire season is no longer confined to the summer months, but has become a year-round concern due to climate change, increased winds, reduced rainfall, and drier landscapes. Chief Moya also highlights the strong collaboration between the City’s Fire Department, Santa Fe County, and surrounding municipalities—an essential component of regional emergency response.

Host: Jim Falk

Co-host: Rob Hochschild, News Reporter, KSFR

Guests: Mark Scott, City Manager, City of Santa Fe

Brian Moya, Fire Chief, Santa Fe Fire Department (SFFD)

Show Notes: FireWise Wildfire Prevention Page 

                       Ready Set Go Wildfire Action Plan

In this powerful episode, we confront one of the most urgent issues facing New Mexico today: a deepening shortage of healthcare workers that threatens the wellbeing of communities across the state.

The evidence is overwhelming. New Mexico is the only state in the country to experience a decline in practicing physicians—losing a staggering 30% of its primary care doctors between 2017 and 2021. Today, 32 of New Mexico’s 33 counties are designated as “Health Professional Shortage Areas.”

A major factor behind this trend is the state’s soaring malpractice insurance costs. According to the American Medical Association, New Mexico had the second-largest increase in malpractice insurance premiums in the U.S. from 2021 to 2022 and ranks second in the nation for the number of medical malpractice lawsuits per capita. These conditions have made it extremely difficult to recruit new providers—and are prompting many current physicians to retire early or relocate.

At the same time, New Mexico’s population is aging, placing increased demand on a shrinking healthcare workforce. Without bold intervention, access to care will continue to erode.

The policy report offers concrete, achievable reforms, including:

· Capping legal fees in malpractice cases to control insurance costs

· Providing debt relief to attract and retain medical graduates

· Joining interstate medical licensure compacts, allowing providers from other states to practice more easily in New Mexico

As the episode draws to a close, Nathan and Gonzales issue a call to action: New Mexicans must make their voices heard. They stress that reversing this crisis requires public

engagement and pressure on state lawmakers to move beyond the status quo and take decisive steps to safeguard access to healthcare.

Host: Jim Falk

Co-host: Peter Smith

Guests: David Gonzales, MD, Chief Medical Officer, CHRISTUS St. Vincent

Fred Nathan, Founder & Executive Director, Think New Mexico

Show Notes: “How to Solve New Mexico’s Health Care Worker Shortage”

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 Mexicans and Americans came together to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the timing was fitting for a thoughtful discussion on the increasingly complex U.S.–Mexico relationship. The bilateral ties have come under renewed pressure following President Donald Trump’s recent suggestion of deploying U.S. troops into Mexico to combat drug cartels. In response, Mexico’s first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, firmly asserted her commitment to protecting the nation’s sovereignty.

Amid rising tensions, a narrow military buffer zone has been established along parts of the border, with stricter penalties for unauthorized entry. In this episode, Ambassador Tony Garza and Consul Patricia Pinzón Sánchez offer insights into President Sheinbaum’s early leadership, her strong domestic support, and the broader implications for diplomacy between the two countries.

Consul Pinzón also emphasized the critical role of the Consulate in assisting Mexican citizens abroad, encouraging individuals to reach out with any questions or concerns. Both experts underscored the enduring importance of the U.S.–Mexico relationship across key areas—including trade, culture, education, and mutual security.

Host: Jim Falk
Co-host: Peter Smith

Guests:
The Honorable Tony Garza, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico (2002-2009, Senior Advisor, White & Case
Patricia Pinzón Sánchez, Consul of Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Additional Notes:

The Mexican Consulate
1610 4th Street, NW
Albuquerque, NM 87102

www.consulmex.sre.gob.mx/albuquerque/

A newly released Gallup poll reflects broad public skepticism: 89% of Americans believe the tariffs will lead to higher prices, stoke inflation, and fail to meet the administration’s goals of boosting revenue and revitalizing domestic manufacturing. Most economists agree, warning that the policy could damage the U.S. economy and have destabilizing global effects.

Ambassador Holleyman and Ted Alden argue that the President’s trade strategy is deeply flawed and unlikely to succeed. They also provide a vital historical context to the U.S.-China trade relationship, warning of the serious risks if the two powers cannot reach a workable agreement.

Ambassador Holleyman, now a Santa Fe resident, served in the Obama administration with lead responsibility for U.S. trade and investment relations in Asia. His insider perspective offers a rare look at the complexities of international trade policy in a time of rising tensions.

Edward Alden is a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, where he specializes in U.S. economic competitiveness, trade and immigration policy. His latest book is When the World Closed Its Doors: The Covid-19 Tragedy and the Future of Borders.

Host: Jim Falk

Co-Host: Peter Smith

Guests Ambassador Robert Holleyman, U.S. Deputy Trade Representative (Sept. 2014-Jan. 2017)

Edward Alden, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations

Talitha Arnold and Anne Hillerman’s friendship shines through in this engaging interview, where they delve into Hillerman’s latest novel, Shadow of the Solstice (available April 22), and reflect on how her early career in journalism helped shape her fiction writing. Like her father, the legendary Tony Hillerman, Anne brings New Mexico’s vivid and diverse landscapes to life with exceptional skill. In a shift, this new book weaves in darker, real-world events—such as uranium transport through Navajo lands and the Medicaid fraud scandal that rocked Phoenix—adding depth to her signature storytelling.

Meanwhile, acclaimed journalist and author Chris Whipple returns with Uncharted, now #6 on the NYT combined non-fiction bestseller list. Drawing from in-depth interviews with key players from both 2024 presidential campaigns, Whipple reveals previously unreported insights, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s private visit to the White House, where she urged the president to reconsider his reelection bid for the sake of his legacy.

Host: Jim Falk

Co-host: Talitha Arnold

Guests: Anne Hillerman, author, “Shadow of the Solstice: A Leaphorn, Chee & Manuelito Novel”

Chris Whipple, Author, “Unchartered: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History”