Writer and editor Barry Pearce joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman to discuss his new short story collection, Plan of Chicago, a linked set of nine stories set in different neighborhoods across the city. Pearce described using Chicago as a microcosm of the United States, populating the book with characters from diverse backgrounds whose personal plans often collide with the realities of urban life. The conversation explored his approach to character-driven fiction, the influence of his experiences working on the census, and the challenges of writing authentically across difference. Pearce also reflected on his path as a writer, the long process of publishing fiction, and the importance of loving the work itself. He closed by previewing his upcoming reading at NMSU as part of the Nelson–Boswell Reading Series.
|
Local conservatives Brian Ormand and Juan Garcia joined Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman for a conversation that moved beyond the planned topic of Christian nationalism into a broader discussion of faith, politics, and civic life. The discussion explored abortion, the death penalty, immigration enforcement, economic inequality, and the role of religion and morality in public policy.
Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Peter Goodman opened the program with a discussion of the recent news.
Kathe Stark of Patients Primero joined co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss the growing health care crisis in New Mexico and the legislative efforts underway to address physician shortages. Stark pointed to a Legislative Finance Committee survey showing that two-thirds of responding doctors are considering leaving the state, citing medical malpractice laws—particularly punitive damage claims—as a primary driver. She explained how House Bill 99 seeks to rebalance the system by clarifying liability standards, codifying existing reforms, and stabilizing the patient compensation fund. The conversation also explored interstate licensure compacts, workforce recruitment initiatives, and the limits of piecemeal solutions during a short legislative session. Stark urged listeners to follow committee hearings, provide public comment, and contact lawmakers as debates over health care reform continue in Santa Fe.
Speak Up Las Cruces: Carlos Aceves on Immigration & The National Raza Day of Action Against ICE1/28/2026
Carlos Aceves joined Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to discuss immigration enforcement, historical patterns of repression, and the growing movement to resist what he described as an emerging authoritarian moment in the United States. Speaking as a longtime Chicano activist and member of the El Paso–based civic group El Chuco Habla, Aceves traced current immigration policies back to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and earlier mass deportations of Mexican Americans, arguing that today’s enforcement tactics echo past abuses. He announced two upcoming events: a February 2 public forum on the treaty’s modern relevance and the National Raza Day of Action Against ICE on February 7. Aceves urged listeners to understand their constitutional rights, reject fear-driven compliance, and remain civically engaged to defend democratic norms.
Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart joined co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado to reflect on a recent series of listening sessions held across the county, revealing stark differences in public safety needs from community to community. Stewart described severe service gaps in places like Hatch, where police and fire coverage has been sharply reduced, and explained how those conversations prompted immediate changes in county enforcement support. Much of the discussion focused on immigration enforcement, with Stewart outlining her refusal to participate in federal programs such as Stonegarden while emphasizing cooperation with federal agencies. The conversation also explored protest policing, de-escalation, and the leadership challenges facing local law enforcement in a time of national unrest and rapid policy change.
Co-hosts Walt Rubel and Daisy Maldonado opened the program with an extended discussion of recent national events, focusing largely on federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota and what they described as a dangerous escalation in tactics by ICE and other federal authorities. The conversation explored concerns about civil liberties, executive overreach, and the erosion of public accountability. Listeners weighed in during call-ins, including reflections on Minnesota’s political divisions and the role of public protest. The segment closed with a turn to New Mexico, touching on legislation aimed at limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and the broader implications for local law enforcement and community safety.
In a prerecorded interview conducted by Peter Goodman on January 16, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján discussed growing concerns about executive overreach and the erosion of constitutional checks and balances. Luján addressed threats and pressure facing Republican lawmakers, including intimidation from President Trump, and criticized Congress for failing to exercise its oversight responsibilities. Much of the conversation focused on the federal government’s response to the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, the refusal to allow independent state investigation, and what Luján described as a dangerous precedent. He also warned about efforts to weaken the Voting Rights Act, the possibility of martial law, and the long-term risks to democracy if citizens disengage, urging listeners to remain active, informed, and committed to peaceful civic participation.
Las Cruces Public Schools Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz joined Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss priorities facing the district as the New Mexico legislative session begins. He emphasized the push for a statewide 80–20 health insurance split for educators to aid recruitment and retention, reviewed facilities needs including planned work at Mayfield High School, and described academic progress reflected in improved reading and math scores. Ruiz also addressed equity obligations under the Martínez-Yazzie ruling, challenges such as declining enrollment and chronic absenteeism, and efforts to expand student supports through early childhood programs, career and technical education, and partnerships with NMSU.
Author Coventina Waterhawk joined co-hosts Walt Rubel and Nancy Baker to discuss her book Duly Diagnosed, Duly Blessed: From Struggle to Purpose, which examines life with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Waterhawk shared her personal journey through childhood depression, addiction, domestic abuse, and repeated misdiagnosis, highlighting the stigma and gaps in care faced by people with complex mental health needs. She spoke about recovery as an ongoing process, the role of medication and self-compassion, and how lived experience can be transformed into purpose through creativity, community, and advocacy.
|
Shows
All
Music ShowsYou can find a two-week archive of all of our music shows and nearly every other one of our shows by going to our Schedule page.
Archives
February 2026
|
RSS Feed