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Suncast

Jim Williams

Jim Williams speaks to New Mexico.

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All Episodes

00:51:44

Brian Cochran on the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: What...

Suncast ·

2025/08/19

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 planning, estate transfers, and how biblical financial principles shape John Moore Associates’

01:04:01

How New Mexico Can Lead: Investing in Our Own Future

Suncast ·

2025/08/07

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 homegrown tech to places like San Diego, this conversation hits hard on infrastructure, venture capital, and the

00:25:17

Faith, Border Security, and Civic Duty: Juan Garcia...

Suncast ·

2025/07/31

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 the controversial removal of prayer at county meetings. Garcia calls for greater engagement from all New

00:09:50

This Week in New Mexico: Floods, Fires, Corruption &...

Suncast ·

2025/07/31

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 launch of a new local chapter of the America First Policy Institute. If you want the real pulse of New

00:45:31

How One Woman Changed New Mexico's Mental Health Laws

Suncast ·

2025/07/25

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 conversations to Capitol Hill, Connie proves that one determined voice can ignite statewide change.If you're

00:39:57

Gun Rights, Youth Training, and Crime in New Mexico...

Suncast ·

2025/07/14

Zachary Fort, President of the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association, joins the New Mexico SunCast to discuss the rise of youth shooting sports, challenges in firearm legislation, and the link between criminal justice failures and gun crime. Fort shares his personal journey into advocacy, urges civic engagement, and explains why discipline and safety training—not bans—are the key to a safer state. Whether you're a gun owner or a skeptic, this interview brings clarity to the debate around Second

00:46:13

Fighting the Shadows: Confronting Human Trafficking...

Suncast ·

2025/07/10

In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams sits down with leaders from the New Mexico Dream Center and Basin Dream Center in Midland, Texas, to expose the hidden crisis of human trafficking across the Southwest. Survivors, outreach workers, and law enforcement allies discuss how vulnerable youth are preyed upon, the urgent need for public awareness, and what communities can do to fight back. From familial trafficking to AI-driven intervention tools, this conversation cuts

00:56:31

Ken Miyagishima: From Mayor to Governor? A Bold...

Suncast ·

2025/07/07

Four-term Las Cruces Mayor Ken Miyagishima joins the New Mexico Sun Cast to share his gubernatorial vision for 2026. With deep roots in the state and a unique multicultural background, Miyagashima discusses everything from geothermal desalination and housing reform to public safety, economic development, and his personal journey from small business owner to city leader. Learn how his experience in both the private and public sectors drives his data-informed, business-savvy approach to government

00:10:56

Young Voices, Big Change: Marcus Lujan on Lobbying...

Suncast ·

2025/06/27

At just 23, Marcus Lujan is already shaping state policy as Field Director for Think New Mexico. In this powerful interview, Lujan walks us through his efforts to recruit real voices for real legislative impact—from expanding Medicaid reimbursements to tackling New Mexico’s healthcare worker shortage. With insight into bridging political divides and a passion rooted in local Catholic education, Marcus shows what it means to lead with both humility and purpose.

00:20:02

Think New Mexico’s Kristina Fisher on Common-Sense...

Suncast ·

2025/06/27

Kristina Fisher, Associate Director of Think New Mexico, reflects on 23 years of public policy work in the Land of Enchantment. In this candid conversation, she shares how growing up in New Mexico shaped her mission, why environmental restoration is bipartisan at its core, and how Think New Mexico tackles real-world issues with deep research, grassroots support, and practical solutions. From repealing the food tax to advocating infrastructure reform, Fisher reminds us that common sense still has a

00:11:44

Behind the Curtain: Susan Martin on Arts, Admin, and...

Suncast ·

2025/06/26

In this episode of the New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Susan Martin, the business manager of Think New Mexico, to explore her unexpected path from theater major to nonprofit operations expert. Broadcasting from Santa Fe, they discuss the many hats she wears—from HR to property management—and how her years at the Santa Fe Opera shaped her love for behind-the-scenes work. It’s a candid conversation about dedication, arts, and the quiet engines that keep mission-driven work alive.

00:13:29

Fixing New Mexico’s Future: Katie Gutierrez on Tax...

Suncast ·

2025/06/26

On this episode of the New Mexico Suncast, host Jim Williams interviews Katie Gutierrez, the dynamic tax, budget, and economic reform director at Think New Mexico. From her roots in the East Mountains to shaping state-level policy, Gutierrez shares a forward-thinking vision for economic justice, food security, and how smart public investment can lift entire communities. The conversation tackles healthcare deserts, regressive tax structures, and the need for flexible infrastructure funds. A

00:56:14

Building a Better Politics: Bob Perls and the Forward...

Suncast ·

2025/06/19

Former state legislator, U.S. diplomat, and entrepreneur Bob Perls joins the New Mexico Sun Cast to talk about leading the Forward Party in New Mexico. In this powerful conversation, Perls shares why he’s stayed rooted in New Mexico, his long fight for open primaries, and his mission to unite voters across the political spectrum. He discusses the broken duopoly of American politics, the urgent need for electoral reform, and how the Forward Party offers a commonsense, community-driven alternative

00:28:30

Tackling New Mexico’s Education Crisis: Mandi Torrez...

Suncast ·

2025/06/05

Jim Williams sits down with Mandi Torrez, Education Reform Director at Think New Mexico and 2020 New Mexico Teacher of the Year, to discuss the deep challenges and promising solutions in New Mexico’s public education system. From class size caps to teacher residencies and literacy reform, Torres explains how sustainable, thoughtful change—modeled on real successes in states like Mississippi—could elevate education outcomes for all New Mexicans.

01:00:05

Fixing New Mexico’s Economy: Jeff Apodaca on Jobs,...

Suncast ·

2025/05/29

In this episode of Suncast, host Jim Williams sits down with businessman and former gubernatorial candidate Jeff Apodaca for a blunt and data-driven conversation on what’s holding New Mexico back—and how to fix it. Apodaca, drawing on both private-sector experience and deep family political roots, lays out a vision for job creation, investment in rural communities, and breaking the cycle of poverty through economic accountability. From underutilized state funds to missed opportunities in tech,

00:38:22

Why New Mexico Is Losing Doctors — Fred Nathan of...

Suncast ·

2025/05/28

Fred Nathan, founder and executive director of Think New Mexico, joins host Jim Williams to break down the alarming doctor shortage in New Mexico. In this revealing conversation, Nathan outlines the root causes—from soaring medical malpractice premiums to burdensome taxes on healthcare services—and shares bipartisan solutions that nearly passed in the 2025 legislative session. Learn about Think New Mexico’s successful push for a Medicaid trust fund, the impact of punitive damage lawsuits, and how

00:42:51

33 Years of Special Olympics New Mexico with Randy...

Suncast ·

2025/05/19

In this heartwarming episode of the New Mexico Sun podcast, host Jim Williams sits down with Randy Mascorella, Executive Director of Special Olympics New Mexico, to explore her powerful journey of more than 30 years advocating for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Randy shares how her experience as a coach led to a life-changing calling, the importance of sports in building confidence and inclusion, and how Special Olympics transforms lives—not just for athletes, but for families, volunteers,

00:53:29

Ep. 14 - Paul Gessing

Suncast ·

2025/05/01

In this powerful episode of the New Mexico Sun Cast, host Jim Williams sits down with Paul Gessing, President of the Rio Grande Foundation, to unpack the root causes of New Mexico’s most pressing issues—from failing public schools and economic stagnation to outmigration and health care challenges. Gessing, a longtime advocate for free markets and limited government, shares candid insights on the state’s political leadership, missed opportunities in Santa Fe, and practical reforms that could pave the

00:33:20

Ep. 13 - Jean Bernstein (Flying Star Cafe)

Suncast ·

2025/04/24

Join Jim Williams and Carla Sonntag as they sit down with Jean Bernstein, co-founder of Flying Star Cafe, to talk about the incredible journey of building one of Albuquerque’s most beloved local restaurant chains. From her early days as a teacher to managing over 400 employees, Jean shares the inspiration behind Flying Star, the secrets to its iconic menu, and what it takes to run a values-driven business in a challenging economic and political environment. This episode also dives deep into: - The

00:46:06

Ep. 12 - Don & Damara Andrade

Suncast ·

2025/04/11

In this episode of New Mexico Suncast, Jim Williams sits down with Don and Damara Andrade—parents, Christian apologists, and creators of A Parent’s Guide to 125+ Explicit Books in Albuquerque Public Schools. Together, they break down their findings on graphic sexual content embedded in K-12 school libraries, the dangers of early exposure, and the growing movement of concerned parents pushing back. This conversation isn’t about banning ideas—it’s about protecting innocence, restoring common sense,

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