Let's Talk New Mexico

  Let's Talk NM 10/17, 8a:The Day of the Dead has become increasingly high profile in New Mexico over the past few years, with celebrations like Albuquerque’s Muertos y Marigolds Parade attracting thousands of attendees, and traditional practices like the creation of sacred altars to departed loved ones running headlong into not-so-traditional practices like Halloween costumes. But what is the true meaning of Día de los Muertos? And how can people for whom it is not a traditional holiday engage with it in a way that’s respectful of its continued spiritual and religious significance? 

Let's Talk NM 9/5, 8a: Communities across New Mexico are trying a new approach to substance use disorder: having law enforcement work with service providers to get people into treatment instead of sending them to jail. We wrap up our summer series on recovery with a discussion of Law Enforcement-Assisted Diversion and similar programs. We want to hear from you! If you've quit using drugs or alcohol, how did interactions with the criminal justice system help or hurt your recovery process? How do these diversion programs make a difference for people who want to quit using? Do they go far enough in treating addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal issue? Email questions or comments to LetsTalk@kunm.org, or call in live during the show at (505) 277-5866.

Let's Talk New Mexico 8/29 8a: The Trump Administration recently changed Endangered Species Act regulations affecting how species are removed from endangered status and streamlining permits for the oil and gas and ranching industries. Environmentalists say the rules weaken protections. How could the new rules change industry and conservation in New Mexico? We want to hear from you! Do you work in oil and natural gas, mining, or outdoor recreation? How do endangered species affect your livelihood? Are you concerned about the future of endangered species? Email LetsTalk@KUNM.org, or call live during the show.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 8/22 8a: Studies are showing there’s a relationship between whether there’s good street-lighting in an area and crime. Do unlit places in our cities create opportunities for crime? Do local governments spread lighting resources fairly? Are there unlit spots out where you live that become known sites of violence or theft? Have you ever called your local elected officials to ask about more streetlights or long-broken lights? How did it go? Wherever you live in the state, do you feel OK going for a walk in the evening? Sitting on the porch? What would help? Email LetsTalk@kunm.org or call in live during the show.

Let's Talk New Mexico 8/15 8a: New Mexico and green chile seem inextricably linked. How did green chile get here in the first place? We’ll talk about chile verde, its origins in the pre-colonial Southwest, its present as New Mexico's most famous crop, and its future as NASA plans to grow chiles on the International Space Station. We want to hear from you! What are your favorite chile memories? Do you have chile recipes passed down from your ancestors? What do you want to know about the tasty pepper? Email us at LetsTalk@KUNM.org or call in live during the show.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 8/8, 8a: Call in now 505-277-5866. New Mexicans trying to kick an addiction to opioids have limited places to go for treatment. We're talking about options for recovery, and we want to hear from you. If you’ve quit using opioids, what was that like? And what helped? Have you sought out medication-assisted treatment, like a methadone clinic, or used medical cannabis in recovering from opioid addiction? Email LetsTalk@kunm.org, tweet with the hashtag #LetsTalkNM, or call in live during the show at (505) 277-5866.

  Let's Talk New Mexico 8/1 8a: Did you know that there are three regulation-sized boxing rings—plus cardio equipment and heavy bags—at local community center that people can reserve for free? Or that you can take a three-hour class as Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center and walk out with a refurbished bike and helmet? Or that Albuquerque has been creating all kinds of no-cost events for teens? We’re bringing back the free stuff show all about what costs $0 around the whole state, and we want to hear your tips. Email LetsTalk@kunm.org, tweet with the hashtag #LetsTalkNM or call in live during the show.

Let's Talk New Mexico 7/25 8a: It’s been a wetter than average year, but in a state like New Mexico wildfire is always a concern. This week we’ll hear about the logistics of firefighting, emergency preparedness, the ecological impact of fires and how climate change will play a role in future fires.

We want to hear from you! How do you prepare for fire season every year? What steps do you take when camping to make sure your pit fires don’t get out of control? Have you or someone you know been affected by a wildfire? Email LetsTalk@KUNM.org or call in live during the show.

Let's Talk New Mexico 7/18 8a: Thousands of New Mexicans with intellectual and developmental disabilities have waited years to get access to group homes, therapies and other services. We’ll discuss the plan Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced this month to get everyone off the waitlist for the developmental disability (DD) waiver program over the next six years. Have you or someone you know been on the waitlist? What would it take to get everyone the services they are eligible for in a timely fashion? Email us your thoughts at LetsTalk@kunm.org, or call in live during the show.

  Let's Talk NM 6/27 8a: With Fourth of July weekend just ahead and Pride celebrations ongoing, ‘tis the season for summer parties. And for many, that means being in social situations where the booze is flowing. On the next Let’s Talk New Mexico, we’re talking sobriety this summer. If you’ve quit drinking or using drugs, how has that changed the way you connect with people? What can friends and family do to support their sober loved ones? Email LetsTalk@KUNM.org or call in live during the show.

Let's Talk New Mexico 6/13 8a: New Mexico has rich African American history and culture beginning with the arrival of Spanish explorers, continuing with the Homestead Act, through the Civil Rights era, and into the present day. In celebration of Juneteenth, we'll hear from folks who are working to preserve and share this legacy here.

Let's Talk New Mexico 5/23 8a: Higher than average rainfall and snowpack means we're experiencing one of its wettest springs in decades. The Rio Grande is running ten times higher than it was at this time during last year's drought. So much water increases flood risks and challenges us to remain conservation minded. Has all the rain changed your plans for farming or planting gardens? How are you remaining water conscious? Do you plan to go river rafting or sailing on one of our state’s lakes this year? Email LetsTalk@KUNM.org, tweet us using the hashtag #LetsTalkNM or call in live during the show.

Let's Talk New Mexico 5/16 8a: All around the country, more people who are walking are hit by drivers in neighborhoods with low incomes and in communities of color. Here in Bernalillo County, one out of every five times there’s a pedestrian crash, it happens in the few square miles of Albuquerque’s International District. Residents say a big part of the problem is bad street lighting, speeding drivers, big roads, crumbling sidewalks, and not enough intersections or bus stops.

Let's Talk New Mexico 5/9 8a: Communities across New Mexico are stepping up to help migrants seeking asylum in the U.S. What kinds of assistance and services do these folks need the most? And how can you get involved if you want to help out? This week we're talking to the folks who are organizing volunteers and providing food, shelter, clothing and medical care to asylum seekers who are being released by the federal government here. We'd like to hear from you. Email LetsTalk@KUNM.org, tweet with the hashtag #LetsTalkNM or call in live during the show.