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 stronge...

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 learne...

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...

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 commun...

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 securit...

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.

In this special bonus episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” host Manuel González continues the conversation sparked by audience questions following the "Our Land" episode with Aaron Lowden, Virginia Necochea and Eli Cuna. Together, they discuss environmental stewardship, community healing, youth empowerment and the importance of protecting New Mexico’s land, culture and future.

New Mexico is becoming a national leader in early childhood education through bold investments in child care, pre-K and family support systems. In this episode, host Manuel González speaks with policy advocates and early childhood educators about how these efforts are transforming opportunities for children, families and communities across the state.

This episode of “Pass the Sopapillas” examines literacy in New Mexico through conversations with educators, advocates and community leaders working to expand access to reading and learning opportunities. Host Manuel González and his guests discuss the science of reading, the importance of representation in education and the need to support students and teachers as they build stronger communities t...

In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” host Manuel González explores how culture, art and community create healing and resilience across New Mexico. Guests from La Plazita Institute and Vital Spaces discuss identity, creativity, youth empowerment and the transformative power of culture to heal – a truism recognized in New Mexico as “la cultura cura.”

In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” we share a conversation with New Mexican environmental advocates who are working to protect air quality, defend water rights, restore Indigenous seed sovereignty and erase environmental racism. Learn how these changemakers are helping build healthier communities for New Mexico families and children.