Forum Plus - Rasputin Swims the Potomac: A Conversation with author Ben Fountain

Forum Plus - Rasputin Swims the Potomac: A Conversation with author Ben Fountain

In this episode of The Forum Plus, Jim Falk talks with acclaimed author Ben Fountain about his new novel, Rasputin Swims the Potomac. Best known for his National Book Critics Circle Award-winning novel Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, Fountain's latest work is a sharp political satire that blends celebrity culture, religion, and Washington intrigue into a highly entertaining story that, given today's political climate, feels all too plausible. Fountain shares his concern that the United States is approaching a moment when citizens will face difficult choices as they navigate an era of media manipulation, disinformation, and deep political polarization driven by economic disparity. He and Jim also explore the evolving role of religion in American politics and why faith will play an even greater part in the upcoming midterm and presidential elections. Describing how he approaches his subjects, Fountain says that his goal is always to write "a good yarn" that also delivers a punch.  Host:               Jim Falk Guest:              Ben Fountain [https://benfountain.com/], author, Rasputin Swims the Potomac

Can Santa Fe Sustain Its Success?

In this episode of The Forum, Jim Falk and co-host Daniel James explore the forces shaping Santa Fe's future through conversations with the city's tourism and economic development leaders. Fresh from Travel + Leisure naming Santa Fe the nation's best city to visit for the second consecutive year, Tourism Director Randy Randall explains what sets the City Different apart and how his office plans to build on that momentum. From its renowned arts community, outdoor recreation, world-class festivals, rich cultural heritage, and acclaimed culinary scene to accommodations that appeal to a wide range of travelers, Randall discusses why Santa Fe continues to attract visitors from around the world and the challenges of sustaining that success. Tourism is only one part of the story. Johanna Nelson, acting director of the City's Department of Economic Development & Creative Industries, outlines Santa Fe's strategy for strengthening the local economy by supporting existing businesses while attracting new investment. She highlights initiatives such as the Small Business Navigator Program and GO Local, GO Different, and explains why the addition of "Creative Industries" to her department's mission reflects the city's recognition that arts, culture, and entrepreneurship are essential to the city’s economic success. Responding to a recent ranking by Consumer Affairs that placed New Mexico last among states people are considering moving to, Nelson also draws on her experience in state government to discuss what New Mexico can do to become more competitive. Host:               Jim Falk Co-host:          Daniel James Guests:            Johanna Nelson [https://santafenm.gov/economic-development], Acting Director, Department of Economic Development & Creative Industries, City of Santa Fe                         Randy Randall [https://www.santafe.org/], Tourism Director, City of Santa Fe Show Notes Travel+Leisure Rankings [https://www.travelandleisure.com/]

Forum Plus - TRAITORS; A Conversation with author Robert McCaw

In this episode of The Forum Plus, Jim Falk talks with bestselling author Robert McCaw about his new novel, Traitors. Best known for his Koa Kāne Hawaiian mystery series, McCaw's latest novel takes readers into the world of counterintelligence, Russian disinformation, and the complex legal and moral choices involved in protecting national security. McCaw believes one reason for the success of his books is that, while he strives to tell a compelling story, he also works to make his plots plausible and relatable to current events. Before becoming a full-time novelist, McCaw spent more than four decades as an attorney handling some of the nation's most significant cases involving money laundering, financial fraud, and national security. He discusses how those experiences shaped Traitors, why he built the novel around Robert Cooper, the Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice's National Security Division, and why the spy genre has endured for generations. Host:            Jim Falk Guest:          Robert McCaw, author, Traitors (pub. 7/7/26)

The Future of the Arts in Santa Fe

Santa Fe's reputation as one of America's premier arts and cultural destinations is central to both its identity and its economy. But how are the city's galleries and performing arts organizations adapting to changing audiences, economic uncertainty, and new expectations? In this episode of The Forum, Jim Falk and co-host Daniel James, executive director of Santa Fe Pro Musica, explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Santa Fe's cultural future with two of the city's arts leaders: Joel Aalberts, executive director of the Lensic Performing Arts Center, and Ken Marvel, co-owner and CEO of LewAllen Galleries. Aalberts discusses how the Lensic has expanded its mission beyond its historic downtown theater through Lensic360, bringing performances, many of them free, to venues across the community and state in partnership with organizations including the Santa Fe Railyard, Reunity Resources Farm, and Meow Wolf. The Lensic, as a non-profit, is committed to taking the arts to different communities not just in Santa Fe but also throughout New Mexico. He also reflects on why audiences remain eager to share live performances, noting that unlike what is occurring with movies, attendance at The Lensic continues to grow. Marvel explains how galleries are evolving to meet changing visitor expectations by creating more immersive and educational experiences while expanding their online presence. Although economic uncertainty has affected buying patterns, he believes the art market remains fundamentally healthy. Both guests called for a greater investment by the city in marketing which in their view would strengthen Santa Fe's entire arts ecosystem.  Together, the conversation offers an insightful look at the creativity, and collaborative spirit that continue to make Santa Fe one of the nation's most distinctive and dynamic cultural communities. Host:               Jim Falk Co-host:          Daniel James Guests:            Ken Marvel, CEO and co-owner, LewAllen Galleries [https://lewallengalleries.com/]                         Joel Aalberts, Executive Director, Lensic Performing Arts Center [https://lensic.org/]

Crossing Borders: The Music That Made Us American

This coming Saturday is the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. In nearly every city, town, village across the U.S., there will be celebrations with fireworks, food, speeches and especially music—which is the focus of tonight’s forum, titled “Crossing Borders: The Music That Made Us American.” We’ll trace the history of some of the best-known songs and musical styles of this country—and especially the depth and diversity that developed when we were willing to learn from one another across lines of race, culture, class, and national origin.