The Forum with Jim Falk

Ask residents of Santa Fe about their greatest concern and the likely response will be public safety. In this program, The Forum goes behind the statistics to discuss with Santa Fe Chief of Police Paul Joye how he and the Police Department are working to make the “city different” the “city safer.” Sergeant Luke Wakefield reminds us how we can make our residences safer to discourage theft.Included among other subjects discussed were the problems associated with recidivism, and homelessness as well as traffic and road safety; the affordability of housing and its effect on officer recruitment; how training places greater emphasis on de-escalation.Host: Jim FalkCo-Host: Eric DavisGuests:· Paul Joye, Chief of Police, City of Santa Fe· Sergeant Luke Wakefield, Detective Sergeant, Property Crimes Unit

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber as he reflects on his time in office and the challenges and opportunities facing the city. As he enters the final year of his second term, Mayor Webber shares insights on his journey from journalism to politics, Santa Fe’s response as a sanctuary city, and pressing issues such as public safety, homelessness, and behavioral healthcare.Will he seek a third term? While no final decision has been made, we explore the factors that will shape his choice.

Shortly after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order putting a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance and development aid. A few days later, some 10,000 employees of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were told that they were being placed on administrative leave. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Agency’s programs would be reviewed and that those that were not cancelled would be managed by the Department of State.The Forum brings together four professionals to discuss the impact of these actions on the beneficiaries of assistance programs funded by the U.S. government, furloughed employees, and, American business and agricultural interests. They discuss whether the charges of corruption and fraud that have been directed towards USAID have any justification. The guests were unanimous in expressing their concern that the withdrawal of U.S. leadership is creating a vacuum that China and other adversaries are celebrating and only so happy to fill.Host: Jim FalkCo-host: Talitha ArnoldGuests:· Ambassador Mark Asquino, Ph.D., former U.S. ambassador to Equatorial Guinea and Deputy Chief of Mission in Sudan· Rebecca Black, USAID mission director in Cambodia and Mali, deputy mission director in Afghanistan· Lisa Ellis, foreign assistance professional; recently consultant & trainer for International Medical Corps in the Middle East and Africa· Kate Schecter, Ph.D., President & CEO, World Neighbors (recorded interview, 2/9/2025)

February has been celebrated for decades as Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our country’s culture, economy and society.The Forum brings together world-renowned musicians to discuss the evolution of spiritual and gospel music and their wide influence on other genres of music and impact on American history.This Saturday, February 8 the United Church of Santa Fe and Coro Lux host the 7th annual FebFest – a workshop for participating vocalists culminating in a concert that is open and free to the public.Host: Jim FalkCo-Host & Contributing Panelist: Talitha ArnoldGuests:· Brandon Boyd, Ph.D., Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music, University of Missouri-Columbia· Bradley Ellingboe, Director of Music, United Church of Santa Fe and Director of Coro Lux· Cecilia Webb, Host of KUNM’s Train to GloryMusic:Come and Go (To That Land) Conducted by Brandon Boyd and performed by the University of Missouri ChoirsSign Me Up Conducted by Brandon Boyd and performed by the Missouri All State Festival ChoirStop the Killing performed by American blues singer, Zac Harmon. Produced by Harmon and Christopher Troy.

February has been celebrated for decades as Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to our country’s culture, economy and society.The Forum brings together world-renowned musicians to discuss the evolution of spiritual and gospel music and their wide influence on other genres of music and impact on American history.This Saturday, February 8 the United Church of Santa Fe and Coro Lux host the 7th annual FebFest – a workshop for participating vocalists culminating in a concert that is open and free to the public.Host: Jim FalkCo-Host & Contributing Panelist: Talitha ArnoldGuests:· Brandon Boyd, Ph.D., Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music, University of Missouri-Columbia· Bradley Ellingboe, Director of Music, United Church of Santa Fe and Director of Coro Lux· Cecilia Webb, Host of KUNM’s Train to GloryMusic:Come and Go (To That Land) Conducted by Brandon Boyd and performed by the University of Missouri ChoirsSign Me Up Conducted by Brandon Boyd and performed by the Missouri All State Festival ChoirStop the Killing performed by American blues singer, Zac Harmon. Produced by Harmon and Christopher Troy.

In this show, co-host Peter Smith discussed with St. John’s president Walter Sterling and Victoria Mora, the president of UWC the characteristics that make these two schools so distinctive. Rounding out the program, students from both schools talked with Jim Falk about what led them to apply to their schools and how they believe the education they are receiving has given them valuable perspectives on the world while preparing them for exciting careers.Host: Peter SmithContributing Panelist: Eric DavisGuests:J. Walter Sterling, president, Saint John’s CollegePhilip Psaledakis, senior, Saint John’s CollegeVictoria Mora, president, UWC-U.S. CampusDanika Prather, 1st year, UWC – U.S. Campu

A Presidential inaugural is about as important and complex of any event imaginable. Requiring the highest security, parades, dinners and balls. All centered around the transfer of power symbolized by the President-Elect taking the Oath of Office as required in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

Santa Fe is famous for the diversity and richness of its arts, museums, restaurants and architecture, less known is the richness of two local colleges. On this Forum, Dr, Robert Martin, president at the Institute of American Indian Arts and Dr. Rebecca Rowley, president of Santa Fe Community College discussed with host Jim Falk and contributing panelist, Peter Smith, the important work taking place to prepare and educate future leaders. Both schools offer degree programs and certificates in numerous fields providing students and professionals exciting, cost-effective paths to advance their careers. In this episode, you will hear how students at IAIA are uniquely placed to work with galleries and museums and how SFCC programs in film and digital technologies are laying the foundation to bring more productions to New Mexico. After listening to this show, you may find yourselves browsing through their continuing education catalogues!

When deep partisanship often rules the day, two New Mexican political leaders show that they often agree and, when they don’t, they listen and discuss the issues with respect.On this Forum, New Mexico State Senator and Majority Leader Peter Wirth and Minority Leader Senator Bill Sharer preview the upcoming session of the state legislature with Forum host Jim Falk and KSFR’s news reporter Rob Hochschild. Everything is on the table: crime and public safety, healthcare, taxation, water policy and more.

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.

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.

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 FalkTalitha Arnold, Co-host and Contributing Panelist, Senior Minister, United Church of Santa FeGuests:· 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

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

Today's topic: Should New Mexico open a public bank? And what are the cons and pros of doing such?Peter Smith, Contributing PanelistSubject Matter Experts: Peter Smith, Contributing Panelist & Board President, Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity Angela Merkert, Executive Director for Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity Harold Dixon, retired Head of NM Credit Union Association & New Mexico’s State Employees Union Jerry Jones, CEO of Anchorum Health Foundation Rick Clayburgh, President & CEO, North Dakota Bankers Association

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 ArnoldToday's Subject Expert: Rev. Benjamin LarzelereToday'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.

Today's panelist: Peter SmithToday's topic: The 2024 Presidential Election and Presidential LeadershipSubject experts: Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato’s Crystal Ball, the University of Virginia Center for Politics’ & Talmage Boston, presidential historian and author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons from Our Top Presidents.

Tonight's Topics: Los Alamos National Labs Electrical Power Capacity Upgrade Project.Tonight's Subject Experts: Stephanie Stringer, Ana Hanson, Rev. Andrew Black, and Jim James.Tonight's Panelist: Rob Hochschild.

Today's topic: Indigenous peoples DayToday's subject matter experts: Attorney Steven Wall & Artist Nocona BurgessToday's panelists: Peter Smith & Eric Davis

Today's topic: Conflicts in the Middle East.Today's subject matter experts: Ambassador Deborah Jones, Dr. Michael Robbins, and Dr. Paul Salem.

Today's panelists: Peter Smith and Eric Davis.Today's subject experts: Miranda Viscoli and Dr. Harry EbertsToday's topics: Gun violence in New Mexico

Tonight's Panelists: Talitha Arnold, Eric Davis, and two subject matter experts: Dr. Miranda Durham, MD, and Andrea Romero.Tonight's Topics: Healthcare in New Mexico & COVID-19.Dr. Miranda Durham, MD, serves as the Chief Medical Officer for the New Mexico Department of Health, while Andrea Romero is the Head of Vaccination for the Department's Public Services Division at NM Dept. of Health.

Today's paneliists are: Eric Davis and Peter Smith.Today's Topics: The current state of the presidential race, the impacts of the debate, and voting accessibility.

Today's guests: Pam Hyde, Dr. Mary Hasbah Russel, and Eric Davis.Today's topic: Mental health

Panelists: Peter Smith, Eric Davis, and Martha Burk.

The Forum returns to KSFR with host Jim Falk. Today's panelists: Peter Smith, Talitha Arnold, Eric Davis. We are also joined by guests: Nancy Pelosi's former Chief of Staff John Lawrence, and Santa Fe Historian/KSFR Host of "Our Santa Fe" Andrew Lovato.

With host Jim Falk