The Forum with Jim Falk

Memorial Day with General James Williams, Bill Jennings, and Chris Cassidy

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 b...

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, resurgen...

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 r...

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. Toda...

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 T...

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...

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....

This April marks a rare confluence of these sacred observances. In this special program, co-host Talitha Arnold, Senior Minister at the United Church of Santa Fe, leads a conversation with local faith leaders about the history and significance of Passover (also called Pesach) and Easter. Rabbi Neil recounts the story of the Seder, highlighting the symbolism and historical meaning behind each of th...

Deb Haaland on The Forum: Leadership, Legacy, and New Mexico’s Future On April 4, The Forum recorded an interview at KSFR with Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Cabinet and now a Democratic candidate for governor of New Mexico. In a wide-ranging conversation, Haaland reflected on her New Mexico upbringing, her service as Secretary of the Interior, and the policies she wou...

In January, former President Trump removed 17 inspectors general from key government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among them was Michael Missal, who had served as the VA’s independent watchdog for nearly a decade. His dismissal, along with others, may have violated a 2022 law requiring notice and justification for such terminations. Missal joins us to discuss the vital r...

Diplomat Firestein and businessman Jenevein took vastly different paths to China, but both offer unique insights into its evolving political landscape. This program examines how Xi Jinping’s leadership marks a sharp departure from his predecessors and what that means for the United States and its allies. Meanwhile, China’s "no limits" partnership with Russia is showing signs of strain—potentially...

Jeffrey Toobin, Live from CCA co-sponsored by Global Santa Fe

In this program, the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is discussed with special attention focused on what we might learn today from his opposition to Hitler. In 1930, the young scholar arrived in the United States to study at New York’s Union Theological Seminary. This introduction to America exposed him to racism and social injustices that existed especially towards African-Americans. Interestingly, t...

The Nation’s Report Card, published at the end of January, again ranked New Mexico student achievement last among all 50 states with scores trending down. Compounding the problem, Santa Fe Public Schools are now faced with Larry Chavez’ resignation resulting from charges against him of sexual harassment. While the Santa Fe School Board aims to have the position filled by the end of June, the vacan...

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...

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 health...

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...

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 Chur...

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 Chur...

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...

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 plac...

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 Hoch...

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 debat...