The Radio Que Tal Archives

Local Vibes Live: Santana Garcia

12/5/2025

In this reflective episode of Local Vibes Live, hosts Alex Brinkley and Casey Chacón welcome guitarist and composer Santana Garcia, whose intricate finger-style playing creates immersive, meditative soundscapes.

Born and raised near Anthony, New Mexico, Santana shares how growing up among cotton fields and open skies shaped his creative approach to music. Between performances of original pieces, he discusses his evolution from punk and Midwest-emo roots to the expressive acoustic style that defines his solo work today.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Inside Equipment Operations with Paulina Mihelich

12/5/2025

Mike and Brian talk with Paulina Mihelich, NMSU’s Assistant Athletics Director for Equipment Operations, about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Aggie athletics running. Paulina shares how she entered the equipment profession, her path to NMSU, and what it takes to outfit and support a Division I football program - from helmet safety and uniforms to road-game logistics and the new equipment facility.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Joe Roach on Russia, Ukraine, and Shifting Global Power

12/3/2025

Russia analyst and former Marine Joe Roach assessed the state of the war in Ukraine, noting Russia’s enormous casualty rates, the limited value of territorial gains like Pokrovsk, and growing internal pressure on Putin’s leadership. He explained how seasonal conditions and battlefield losses have stalled Moscow’s momentum and intensified the Kremlin “blame game.” Roach also outlined the broader geopolitical consequences, including Europe’s move toward greater nuclear independence and U.S. allies in Asia preparing for a more uncertain American role. He predicted that, despite the devastation, Ukraine could eventually attract major investment after a negotiated armistice.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Bill Wight on December Events at OMDP

12/3/2025

BLM public information officer Bill Wight outlined a full slate of guided hikes and programs planned for December at the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument. He highlighted archaeological walks at La Cueva, paleontology hikes at the Trackways, mountain bike outings, and several Friends-led tours that explore ethnobotany, geology, and local history. Wight also noted strong winter visitation, the impact of this year’s unusually wet weather, and the ongoing need for volunteers and site hosts.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Frank Carril on Accountability in Las Cruces Parks

12/3/2025

Local resident Frank Carril outlined a series of safety, maintenance, and ADA problems he has documented across multiple Las Cruces parks, beginning with the pickleball courts and water fountains at Apodaca Park. Drawing on his construction and government background, he argued that the city lacks a meaningful system for follow-up or public accountability, noting years of unaddressed issues despite repeated outreach to staff and councilors. Carril also discussed unfinished or over-budget projects, missed opportunities to use state and federal funds, and the broader consequences of poor oversight. A caller joined the conversation to echo concerns about transparency, prompting a wider discussion of how residents can press for change through public meetings and direct engagement with city leadership.

Speak Up Las Cruces: Walt & Daisy Talk About the News (December 3, 2025)

12/3/2025

Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with discussions of the week’s top local and national stories. Plus Walt shares some upcoming KTAL events and a special fundraising project.

Café con Leche: The Evolving Art of Leslie Toombs

12/2/2025

Greg Smith talks with artist Leslie Toombs about the new directions her work has taken, especially her recent experiments with looped-wire sculpture inspired by a Ruth Asawa retrospective she visited in New York. Leslie describes how travel, museum visits, and the work of other artists have shaped her approach, along with the materials she’s exploring. She also shares updates on upcoming exhibitions and public art projects that reflect her expanding creative vision.

Walt Rubel Commentary: Legislature’s social calendar gets in the way

12/2/2025

Like all 30-day sessions, next year’s is going to be a busy one for the New Mexico Legislature, starting with the opening day, Jan. 20, when the Democratic Party will host an invitation-only dinner at the La Fonda Hotel.

Jan. 21 is Eastern New Mexico University Day. Jan 22 is Elevate the Spectrum; Autism Day. There are no social events on Jan. 23, as lawmakers traditionally take off the first Friday of each session to allow staff time to print and copy bills.

Think Again: Keith Whelpley on Hope

12/1/2025

Welcome to a delightful, insightful conversation about "Hope" with Keith Whelpley.

Drawing on historical and current sources, we explore differing ideas about what hope is, and perhaps is not. Central to this conversation are the concepts of "muscular hope" and hope as an intentional commitment joined with action. These practices sometimes require disciplined hard work, internally and externally, and are certainly miles away from hope as wishful thinking. It seems relevant in our world today, to think about why hope is so important and how best to practice it.

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Rus Bradburd (Part 2)

11/27/2025

In the second part of their wide-ranging interview, Mike and Brian talk with former college basketball coach, author, and NMSU color analyst Rus Bradburd. Rus reflects on his transition from coaching to writing, the emotional toll of telling painful but necessary stories, and shares candid insights on two legendary coaches close to home: Lou Henson at NMSU and Don Haskins at UTEP.

<<Previous

Local Vibes Live: Santana Garcia

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Inside Equipment Operations with Paulina Mihelich

Speak Up Las Cruces: Joe Roach on Russia, Ukraine, and Shifting Global Power

Speak Up Las Cruces: Bill Wight on December Events at OMDP

Speak Up Las Cruces: Frank Carril on Accountability in Las Cruces Parks

Speak Up Las Cruces: Walt & Daisy Talk About the News (December 3, 2025)

Café con Leche: The Evolving Art of Leslie Toombs

Walt Rubel Commentary: Legislature’s social calendar gets in the way

Think Again: Keith Whelpley on Hope

Mesilla Valley Sports Show: Rus Bradburd (Part 2)

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