Suncast

Recorded at the New Mexico State Capitol, this episode of the New Mexico Sun features Marty Saiz discussing the New Mexico Inspiration & Achievement Center—a long-term project designed to inspire students, preserve New Mexico’s legacy of achievement, and drive economic development. Drawing inspiration from institutions like the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the National WWII Museum, the pro...

In this exclusive interview from the New Mexico SunCast, Senator David Gallegos shares why he's running for lieutenant governor, the urgent need for leadership change, and his top priorities for New Mexico—from fixing tort reform to revitalizing rural healthcare access and defending energy industries. He speaks candidly about legislative challenges, local business success stories, and why public e...

In this in-depth interview, retired engineer Kevin Lorenzen shares a deeply personal and scientifically grounded account of electromagnetic radiation syndrome (EMR/EHS) and its devastating impact on his wife’s health. Drawing on decades of experience in engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, and health systems, Lorenzen explains how everyday technologies—cell phones, Wi-Fi routers, smart meters...

Michael Perry, candidate for New Mexico Land Commissioner, joins the New Mexico Suncast to discuss conservation vs. preservation, wildfire prevention, habitat restoration, oil and gas revenues, renewable energy fairness, and how state trust lands fund public schools. Drawing on decades as a game warden, state land official, and county commissioner, Perry outlines a practical, resource-driven visio...

Casey Parker, founder of the American Rancher Alliance, explains how independent ranchers are challenging Big Meat monopolies, lowering beef prices, restoring transparency, and rebuilding a fair, American-owned supply chain from ranch to grocery store. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

In this extended New Mexico Suncast interview, Nikkie McCarty, State Director of Concerned Women for America of New Mexico, discusses faith-driven advocacy, women’s sports, parental rights, SNAP dependency, education failures, digital dangers for children, and the future of New Mexico’s families and culture. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@NewMexicoSunPodcasts

This New Mexico Sun Cast interview highlights how the Rio Grande Food Project—Albuquerque’s largest west-side food pantry—fights hunger through weekly food distribution, a thriving community garden, volunteer programs, and long-term support services. Development Director Kathi Cunningham explains how the organization tackles food insecurity, teaches families to grow their own produce, connects res...

In this episode of The New Mexico Sun Cast , citizen advocate Connie Vigil joins host Jim Williams to discuss Albuquerque’s homelessness and mental-health crisis. Drawing on her background in medical research and public policy, Vigil explains how Miami-Dade County’s integrated approach—uniting law enforcement, judges, and healthcare providers—could be replicated in New Mexico. She also details her...

Albuquerque City Councilor Louie Sanchez joins the New Mexico Sun Cast to discuss his 2025 mayoral campaign. Drawing on his 26 years in law enforcement and experience as a small business owner, Sanchez outlines his plans to tackle rising crime, homelessness, and government inefficiency. He shares his vision for restoring trust in city leadership, rebuilding the police force, improving city service...

In this episode of New Mexico Suncast , Representative Gail Armstrong shares her journey from ranch life to state leadership as New Mexico’s first female Republican House Leader. She discusses the volunteer demands of public service, small-town roots, media misrepresentation of her op-ed, and her priorities for restoring balance in state politics—from healthcare and crime reform to protecting smal...

In this episode of The New Mexico Suncast , host Jim Williams sits down with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to talk about the state’s breathtaking landscapes, outdoor equity programs, and how outdoor recreation boosts local economies. From fly fishing in Taos to new trail investments and the upcoming Adventure Pitch Fest, Armijo shares her mission to connect...

In this episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast , Carla Sonntag (CEO of the New Mexico Business Coalition and Better Together New Mexico) and Larry Sonntag (former APD officer and chief of staff) share candid insights about crime, policing, and business in Albuquerque. They discuss how rising crime impacts small businesses, why police morale and recruitment are struggling, and what leadership changes a...

Former Albuquerque Police Department officers and Chief Mike Geier speak candidly about rising crime, failed leadership, and the politicization of policing in New Mexico. From broken promises on hiring more officers to stories of unethical directives from city leadership, this in-depth discussion highlights how Albuquerque ended up at the top of the nation’s crime lists. The conversation also addr...

In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Tracy Rodden , Executive Director of Feed New Mexico Kids , to talk about the harsh reality of childhood hunger across the state. Tracy shares her own story of growing up food insecure, how the organization provides thousands of weekend snack packs to children, and why hunger is tied to bigger issues like education, po...

In this episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast , host Jim Williams interviews Mayling Armijo, candidate for mayor of Albuquerque in the 2025 election. Armijo discusses her background in economic development, her Navy service, and why she left a successful career to enter politics. She outlines her vision for tackling crime, homelessness, and economic stagnation, emphasizing leadership, accountability,...

Former New Mexico State Representative and U.S. diplomat Bob Perls returns to the New Mexico Suncast to talk about building a new political path forward. As chair of the Forward Party of New Mexico , Perls explains how open primaries, ranked-choice voting, and civil discourse can break the toxic two-party gridlock. From his background in politics and diplomacy to his leadership in New Mexico Open...

In this episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast , host Jim Williams sits down with Senator Crystal Brantley (District 35) to discuss the heated debate over the Mexican gray wolf reintroduction program. Senator Brantley shares firsthand experiences from life in rural New Mexico, the challenges faced by ranchers and families, and the economic toll of wolf depredations. From emergency declarations in Catr...

In part three of our series on bringing healthcare workers back to New Mexico, Think New Mexico’s Fred Nathan and Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing tackle the state’s most urgent challenges. From Medicaid reimbursement reform and medical malpractice caps to joining interstate compacts, education incentives, and tax reform—this discussion lays out real solutions to fix New Mexico’s doctor shorta...

In part 2 of the Suncast's Code Blue series, Jim Williams once again speaks with Think New Mexico’s Fred Nathan and Rio Grande Foundation’s Paul Gessing about the state’s growing doctor shortage. They tackle the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance, attorney fee reform, gross receipts taxes on medical services, and how these issues are driving providers away. The discussion highlights bipa...

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 the...

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...

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 homegrow...

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 la...

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...

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 convers...