Start Bragging

Gabriella Blakey, the Superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools, was born and raised in Albuquerque and is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for our kids. In this episode, she shares her favorite walkout song, what she wants to be in her second life, where her favorite "getaway" is in Albuquerque, and so much more. Listen today!

Christian Slough of Build With Robots shares how Albuquerque's culture is built for connecting and how important that has been in his success as a young leader in our community. Also, hear about his journey of leaning into the uncomfortable and learning how to be more vulnerable. Not to mention his love for soccer and all the good weirdness that Albuquerque offers.

Julie Heinrich fell in love with New Mexico after reading Bless Me, Ultima. Since then, she and her family have dedicated their lives to making New Mexico the best possible place to live and work. As Chief Impact Officer of Meow Wolf, she's leading the charge to connect visitors and residents with a new and incredible way to experience art and creativity. Listen to Julie's thoughts about Albuquerque (and New Mexico!), why living here is a magical experience, and her advice for women in leadership.

Matt Rembe, Executive Director of Los Poblanos, shares the brand story of Los Poblanos and its authentic journey of becoming a collection of unmatched New Mexico experiences enjoyed by people from around the world. He also talks about how growing up in Albuquerque in the 1970s then leaving for high school and college, crafted his deep affection for this special place. 

Kathie Winograd is a celebrated leader, visionary and beloved mentor and friend. The "Coal Miner's Daughter" says she can't sing, but she certainly sings Albuquerque's praises. From her leadership as President of Central New Mexico Community College to "flunking retirement" and becoming the Executive Director of Economic Forum, Kathie is committed to making Albuquerque a better place to work and thrive. In this episode, Kathie talks about why she believes Albuquerque is unique, why it's a great place to immediately make an impact, and why it's a diverse, welcoming place to live.

T.J. Cook, Fund Manager, Ingenuity Venture Fund, and Executive Director, CNM Ingenuity (cnmingenuity.org), shares some wonderful insights about starting and growing a business in Albuquerque. He talks about the benefits of our city's unique position in the "hazy middle" of a big city and a small town. And also gives you an insider's tip on where to get a delicious apple soda in ABQ. 

Caitlin Hillygus, Aviation Structural Mechanic Egress in the US Navy, was a member of the first-ever, all-female flyover crew in Super Bowl LVII. She was born and raised in Albuquerque and shares some of her favorite local places to go when she visits. Caitlin also talks about the flyover experience and the rewards on the risk she took in changing careers to join the Navy. 

Natasha Garcia, the Executive Director of New Mexico Women's Reentry Center and ACF's Future Fund Outstanding Philanthropist, shares the inspiring story of her path to creating a non-profit that serves justice-involved women as they transition back into the Albuquerque community. Also, stay tuned to the end of this episode for a special message from the Future Fund!

Zoé Otero-Martinez is the COO of Family Friendly New Mexico and the Owner of Otero-Martinez Consulting. Born and raised in New Mexico, Zoé is passionate about creating opportunities for businesses and families to thrive together in this place we call home. 

Eddie Nuñez, Vice President/Director of Athletics at the University of New Mexico, talks about his time in Albuquerque over the last five years and how  he is fully committed to building community. You'll hear his thoughts about how the passion of our people is what truly makes our city unique. Plus, you'll learn about what he texts to the UNM coaches on a regular basis. 

Sean O'Neill, City Forrester for the City of Albuquerque's Parks and Recreation Department, is passionate about maintaining and growing Albuquerque's urban canopy. In this episode, he talks about why we should care about trees (shade! economic value! heating and cooling your house! improving neighborhoods! aesthetics! community planning! weather!), what it means for generations to come and how we can participate in the 100 Trees Pledge.

Kyle Stepp knows a thing or two about adversity. From battling childhood cancer to losing his leg in a mountain biking accident, his is a story about incredible resilience and gratitude. In this episode, Kyle talks about his decision to lean into hard moments, opening his heart to the many people offering support, and setting big goals. His love for Albuquerque runs deep, and he credits much of his healing to getting to do life here.

Hakim Bellamy, the Inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of Albuquerque (2012-2014), shares his great perspectives on the intersections of life in ABQ. You'll also hear what he believes our city has in common with South Jersey where he grew up. It's always fun to hear a transplant's view of New Mexico, so be sure to tune-in to this episode now. 

In a special podcast appearance by Hakim Bellamy, you'll hear some charming Tweets about Albuquerque read aloud by our city's Inaugural Poet Laureate. Bonus: a specially crafted haiku about New Mexico by Hakim.

Ernie C'de Baca, President & CEO of the Hispano Chamber of Commerce, shares his thoughts on how the friendly people of Albuquerque make our city so unique and special. He also brags about local business success stories and tells some interesting tales of random encounters around town. Sit back and enjoy the listen!

Maria Griego-Raby's roots in Albuquerque run so deep that her family is on the deed to Old Town. A community advocate and successful business owner, she is committed to making Albuquerque a better place to live. Listen to how her business pivoted during the pandemic, her take on what makes New Mexico special (it's the magic of the mountains!), her new role with the Federal Reserve and more. 

Ashley Fathergill, founder of YogaZo and Upside Goods Co., knows a thing or two about how to pivot. This entrepreneur shares her story about resiliency and her love affair with starting companies in Albuquerque. 

Paul Mondragón, President of Bank of America New Mexico, shares some of his interesting stories and insights about Albuquerque. He believes that one of the main reasons why people love it here is because Albuquerqueans are so accepting of and curious about each other.

Asa Stone, an educator and Advanced Cicerone, talks about the Albuquerque beer scene and how the environment around you will make your beer taste even better.

Lindsay Humphries, Program Director for Junior Achievement of New Mexico, loves the way Albuquerque and its people welcome transplants with open arms. Learn more about her experience here as a young professional, and why she's excited about what's next.

Steve Maestas, CEO of Maestas Development Group, knows a thing or two about taking a chance, believing in the community and harnessing the power of teams. Hear how Steve started in Albuquerque and what he loves most about the community (hint - it's the people!).

Jon Patten (co-founder) and Mark Herman (CEO) of Dion's share their stories about the symbiotic relationship between Albuquerque and Dion's, the iconic restaurant brand that was started in Albuquerque in 1978.

Peter Trevisani is the Owner and President of New Mexico United and he shares with us all the reasons he said yes to launching a professional soccer club in New Mexico.

David Campbell, CEO of Mesa del Sol, has a storied history of international and local diplomatic service, including serving in roles such as Chief Administrative Officer, City Manager, Planning Director and more with the City of Albuquerque. In this episode, David talks about the various cultural assets in Albuquerque, why it keeps pulling him back, and how in New Mexico, women lead.

Joline Gutierrez Krueger is a journalist and UpFront columnist for the Albuquerque Journal. A long-time media writer in Albuquerque gives her a great perspective on the city. 

Tony Monfiletto is the Executive Director of Future Focused Education and he is driven to create great opportunities for Albuquerque's young people. On this episode, hear Tony's take on how schools and focusing on growing our youth can make our city a better place to live. Also, you'll learn about why he thinks there's so much “room to run” in Albuquerque. 

Notah Begay III, a golf analyst, former PGA Tour pro, and a Native New Mexican, shares his thoughts on why Albuquerqueans' “gritty charm” makes this city so great. Also, hear his take on how New Mexico offers a living anthropology lesson and how the Indigenous approach to considering the next seven generations can benefit any community.

Dale Dekker, principal of engineering and architecture firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini, talks about what it's like to run a business in Albuquerque, why our community is poised for the "next normal" and how we can all participate, and his commitment to red chile.

Chad Cooper is a financial planner, entrepreneur, baseball lover and New Orleans transplant who loves pretty much everything about Albuquerque.

Rathi Casey, CEO of design firm UKUU Creative, has lived all over the world, but she calls Albuquerque home. From the landscapes to the architecture to the opportunity to build community, there's something about Albuquerque that's different from everywhere else.

Oti Ruiz is an award-winning, bilingual educator and wonderful musician in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hear about how his mother made a huge impact on his life, and how he humbly works to pay it forward by making a positive impact on young people in our community. 

In this episode, Monica Sandoval-Johnson talks about creating STEM Boomerang, a workforce development initiative that matches job seekers with employers. Learn more about Monica's love for Albuquerque, the outdoors, all things science and more.

In this episode, we hear from Kyle Biederwolf with Comcast, a young professional excited about his future in Albuquerque. Hear about why mentorship is so important to him, where he likes to grab a beer, and the truth about Albuquerque's hip-hop scene.

Leah Black, the Executive Director of the New Mexico Brewers Guild, shares her story about how “Albuquerque found her”. Also, hear what makes the New Mexico craft beer industry unique, why Leah considers Albuquerque to be a gem in the desert, and why she takes pride in being a promoter.

Annie Sanchez is a remarkable entrepreneur, coach and business strategist She shares her thoughts on gaining clarity in spite of (or because of) uncertainty and the benefits of having a business and deep network in Albuquerque.

Emily Howard, Alexis Tappan and Annemarie Henton (the three co-founders of the “Start Bragging” movement) share how this movement came to be and what they love about Albuquerque.

Charles Rath, CEO of RS21, created a values-based company to "do good with data." Hear why Charles loves having his company in Albuquerque, how he and his team are helping the world build resilience, and what it really takes to win him over when it comes to the perfect breakfast burrito.

Dr. Frank Mirabal, CEO at Mad Scientist Media, shares with us his stories from his musician touring days, his time in two Mayors' offices, and how Albuquerque's “little brother complex” makes us all better. 

Turns out Albuquerque has dynamic (and dynamite) weather! Join Kerry Jones from NOAA and the National Weather Service to discuss all things Albuquerque weather including the legendary ABQ snowhole!

Take a bite out of this conversation with Stan Sluder of Enterprise Bank in Albuquerque, and hear about his favorite local restaurants and Lebanese meals. You'll learn about his life philosophy, how ABQ greatly influenced who is today, and his work to make our community stronger.

Michelle DuVal, director of The Mindful Center, wants you to know that learning to be where your feet are can help you deal with stress (COVID, anyone?), heal your body, calm your soul and change your life. Whether it's taking three deep breaths, engaging in a hobby or sitting in silence for an hour, practicing mindfulness and living in the moment is attainable with a little practice. In this episode, Michelle gives us tips for how to start and why New Mexico is the best place for meditation.

Hugo Award-winning author Daniel Abraham talks writing, mentorship, why so many authors choose Albuquerque as their home, and of course, The Expanse.

Myra Ghattas, owner of Slate Street Café and Sixty-Six Acres, is a hard-working restaurateur and active community member. Hear about how growing up in the restaurant business in Albuquerque and living on the east and west coasts influenced who she is today.

Kenny Thomas, former UNM basketball star and NBA great, is proud to claim to Albuquerque as his “home”. Hear some wonderful stories about playing in the NBA, his push to help develop kids, and how New Mexico positively shaped his outlook.

After spending some time away, Amanda Aragon's love of her home state of New Mexico brought her right back, where she decided to pay it forward. Her return to the 505 ignited a passion in her so deep that she traded in her corporate job to start a nonprofit to improve education outcomes for kids in our state. Listen to why Amanda loves it here and why she thinks you should, too.

Mike Canfield, President/CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, talks about his experiences in Albuquerque as a young man and a businessman. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of a positive narrative about our city.