06/24/2026 The Expanding Reach of Private Equity

06/24/2026 The Expanding Reach of Private Equity

Originally, this program was intended to be an in-depth discussion of Blackstone's proposed acquisition of PNM, New Mexico's largest electric utility, by Blackstone, the private equity firm that describes itself as the world's largest alternative asset manager. Unfortunately, shortly before we went on the air, one of the leading opponents of the proposal was unable to join us. Representatives of both Blackstone and PNM also declined our invitations to participate. Fortunately, Evan Buckingham, who had originally planned to join us for the first 15 minutes of the program, was able to remain with us for the entire hour. Together, we examined the proposed acquisition, summarized the principal arguments both for and against the deal, and explored the broader implications of private equity's expanding role in the American economy. Our conversation also looked beyond the PNM proposal to consider how private equity ownership, from small medical practices to major corporations, is reshaping industries and raising important questions about public trust, corporate accountability, and the relationship between businesses and the communities they serve. Host:               Jim Falk Co-host:          Peter Smith Guests:            Evan Buckingham, contributing writer to of is Hope on Substack; author, “Snake Oil in the Modern Economy.”

The Archaeologists Who Became Spies

It is one of the most remarkable, and least known, stories of World War II. Under the leadership of William “Wild Bill” Donovan, founder of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), a group of American archaeologists set aside their scholarly pursuits to become intelligence operatives. After limited training at “The Farm,” they recruited Greeks and Greek Americans to carry out secret missions across Greece and the Middle East. During our conversation, Stephan Talty describes the extraordinary efforts undertaken to protect Greece’s ancient treasures from Nazi looters. He also explains how Hitler’s interest in Greece extended beyond military strategy. Hitler believed there was a racial and cultural connection between ancient Greece and the Aryan race, making Greece’s antiquities a matter of ideological as well as strategic importance. Host:            Jim Falk Guests:        Stephan Talty [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/61298/stephan-talty/], Author, The American School of Spies: The archaeologists Who Fought the Nazis and Saved the Treasures of Ancient Greece

Inside Santa Fe’s Summer Festival Season

Each summer, Santa Fe becomes a vibrant center of cultural activity, fueled by an extraordinary series of festivals that draw both residents and visitors from around the world. From classical music presented by the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, and the Santa Fe Opera, to celebrated arts traditions showcased through the Santa Fe Indian Market, Traditional Spanish Market, and the International Folk Art Market, the city offers a unique concentration of artistic experiences.  This show focuses on the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and the International Folk Art Market, while also surveying the broader landscape of Santa Fe’s festival season and the role these institutions play in shaping the city’s cultural life. Together,  these organizations create a rich cultural ecosystem with programming that complements and reinforces one another, while each maintains a distinct mission, history, and identity. At the same time, they share a common challenge: engaging the attention of both locals and tourists while exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration across the community. Co-hosts: Talitha Arnold and Daniel James  Guests: Emma Marzen, Executive Director, Santa Fe Desert Chorale [https://desertchorale.org/]               Nadia Hamid, Director of Artist Development, International Folk Art Market [https://folkartmarket.org/]

Under Threat: Women, Power, and Democracy

Why are fewer women seeking political leadership today? In this episode of The Forum Plus, journalist and author Linda Robinson examines the growing threats, harassment, and intimidation that are driving many women away from public service both in the United States and around the world.  As threats, harassment, and intimidation increasingly target women leaders, and often their families, many are deciding that the personal cost of public service is simply too high. Robinson explores how attacks on democracy and gender equality frequently go hand in hand, particularly under authoritarian movements. Drawing on her extensive interviews with women who have led their countries' defense against authoritarianism, she describes similarities among these inspiring leaders. Host:            Jim Falk Guests:        Linda Robinson [https://www.cfr.org/experts/linda-robinson], Senior Fellow for Women and Foreign Policy, and author of Women in Power: Fighting for Democracy in an Age of Authoritarianism [https://cup.columbia.edu/book/women-in-power/9780231563888/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

After the Primary: New Mexico's Race for Governor

The primary campaign is over. The general election campaign has begun. With just over 150 days until Election Day, New Mexico’s two gubernatorial nominees, Deb Haaland and Gregg Hull, join Jim Falk and Patrick Davis in separate recorded interviews to discuss the road ahead. They reflect on lessons learned during the primary, explain how they hope to win the support of independents and voters beyond their party base, and make their case for why they should become New Mexico’s next governor. Host:            Jim Falk Co-host:       Patrick Davis, KSFR News Reporter Guests:        Deb Haaland [https://debhaaland.com/], Democrat Party Candidate for governor of New Mexico                    Gregg Hull [https://gregghull.com/], Republican Party candidate for governor of New Mexico