3 Essential Questions

3 Essential Questions 3 Questions, New Mexico’s Business & Nonprofit Podcast. Providing a Free a media outlet that helps New Mexico businesses and nonprofits get noticed?

09/22/2026

We had a fascinating conversation with Jen McDowell with reconnect consulting about why people and organizations resist change. Two common, yet counterproductive, responses often emerge:

1. Denial: The hope that if you ignore a problem long enough, it will simply disappear. This "head in the sand" approach keeps you stuck.
2. Doubling Down: The tendency, especially for high-achievers, to simply work harder using the same old methods, believing sheer effort will solve a new kind of problem.

The key insight is that real change requires a fundamental shift in mindset. You can't solve a problem with the same thinking that created it. It requires acknowledging the reality of the situation and being willing to explore new perspectives.

Learn more about Jen McDowell and reconnect consulting https://www.reconnectconsulting.com/about

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09/15/2026

How does an expert scale their impact?
I asked my guest, Ron Dimon , if he teaches others his facilitation and strategy methods. His answer was insightful.

To grow, he focuses on training others, often starting with MBA students or those with cross-functional business knowledge. The key isn't to lecture but to co-create, using a Socratic method that helps people find their own answers. He teaches them core frameworks and transformative facilitation skills, then empowers them to bring their own experiences to the table. This approach focuses on enabling others to have those "aha" moments on their own, long after the coaching session is over.

Learn more about Spark Labs https://sparklabs.studio/

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Two Flower Productions

09/12/2026

Following the Money in New Mexico's Nonprofit Sector

I was fascinated by some of the numbers that came up in my recent conversation with Prospera Partners. We often hear about the scarcity of funding, but the data tells a more complex story.

Here's a snapshot of New Mexico's philanthropic landscape:

381 foundations are based in the state.

Their combined assets total $2.3 billion.

Annual giving from these foundations is around $150 million.

This doesn't even include the significant investments from large national foundations. By law, foundations must spend at least 5% of their assets annually. My guests pointed out that if grantmaking increased by just 2%, the impact on our state's nonprofits would be enormous. It’s a compelling look at where the resources are and the potential for greater impact.

Learn more about Prospera Partners https://prosperapartners.org/

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Two Flower Productions Prospera Partners New Mexico Out and Allied Business Alliance Pamm Meyers Pmsm

09/01/2026

What Can the BBB Teach Us About Trust, Scams & Doing Business in New Mexico?

3 Questions Podcast with Austin Calabaza from the Better Business Bureau of NM and Southern Colorado.

For consumers: If you encounter a scam, report it. The BBB’s Scam Tracker helps identify patterns and can reveal when a particular scam is targeting your community and help prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

Business owners: If you receive a complaint, respond to it! Ignoring complaints can hurt your BBB rating and, more importantly, your reputation. A thoughtful response gives you an opportunity to tell your side of the story, demonstrate accountability, and potentially turn a negative experience into a positive one.

What does BBB Accreditation really mean? It’s more than putting a seal on your website. Accredited businesses go through a vetting process and commit to standards designed to build consumer trust.

When something feels off, STOP. Verify independently. Don't click.

Relationships matter in business, and trust is built over time, often through multiple conversations and interactions. Once you earn someone's trust, they can become your biggest advocate. But when that trust is broken, word travels fast.

Catch our latest 3 Questions episode with Austin Calabaza from the BBB and hear the full conversation!

Learn more about the BBB Serving New Mexico and Southern Colorado. https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-new-mexico-and-southwest-colorado

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Better Business Bureau Two Flower Productions Pmsm

08/25/2026

On the latest episode of , we spoke with Adrienne Smith of the about the challenges facing caregivers across our state.

A few things stopped us in our tracks:

Caregivers say respect and recognition matter most, even before wages and benefits.

1. Caregivers say respect and recognition matter most, even before wages and benefits.

2. When a woman leaves the workforce at 50 to care for a parent, she can lose an estimated $300,000 in future earnings and retirement benefits.

3. New Mexico has gone from the 39th to the 4th oldest state in the nation by percentage of residents age 65+.

4.Caregiver turnover can reach 50%, contributing to “care deserts” where families struggle to find reliable care.

5. Caregivers were excluded from federal labor protections until 2015, and New Mexico strengthened those protections in 2019.

6. The NM Caregivers Coalition was founded in 2009 through grassroots listening sessions across New Mexico because the people doing the work should help shape the solutions.

This conversation reminded us that caregiving isn't just a healthcare issue. It's a workforce, economic, family, and human dignity issue.

Hear the full conversation on 3Q and learn more about the people working to strengthen caregiving in New Mexico.

Learn more about the New Mexico Caregivers Coalition and the work they are doing to support Caregivers and the communities they serve. https://www.nmdcc.org/

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08/18/2026

Storytelling in the Nonprofit Sector

I was fascinated by a story Lauren Pellegrino Gomez shared on the podcast about a $30 million capital campaign she worked on. The goal wasn't just to fund a building; it was to create jobs and empower young people through art.
By framing the campaign around that human impact and providing living wages and professional development, they connected with donors on a much deeper level.
It’s a powerful reminder that for nonprofits, effective storytelling isn't just about what you do, but why it matters. Communicating the real-world impact of a contribution is what truly inspires connection and support.

Learn more about Lauren https://www.laurenpelleranogomez.com/

Tune in to this episode of Three Essential Questions and discover why every business has a story worth telling.
3 Essential Questions NM, anywhere you listen to your podcasts.

Be Part of Our Story and Join Us by making a Donation today at https://www.twoflowerproductions.com/

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Laughter, Purpose & Social ChangeAfter a six-year hiatus, Southwest Funny Fest is back! And this year, it’s bringing mor...
08/14/2026

Laughter, Purpose & Social Change

After a six-year hiatus, Southwest Funny Fest is back! And this year, it’s bringing more than laughs; it’s bringing purpose.

Comedy can be a powerful tool for social change.

In my latest podcast episode, I spoke with comedian Dana Goldberg, who has raised an incredible $75 million for nonprofits throughout her career. She shared how laughter can be a gateway to self-reflection: when you make someone laugh first, you create an opening for them to consider a new perspective.

That’s exactly what makes this festival so special. From Dana Goldberg to James Tom, Jared Goldstein, and Aaron Foley, these comedians use their platforms not only to entertain, but to make people think. Humor creates a space where important messages can be heard in a way that feels approachable, engaging, and most importantly fun.

Southwest Funny Fest
October 9
Kimo Theatre, Albuquerque

A portion of ticket sales benefits Equality New Mexico, helping support LGBTQ+ equality and advocacy across our state.

Get your tickets to Southwest Funny Fest: https://www.danagoldberg.com/funnyfest

Become a sponsor? https://www.danagoldberg.com/funnyfest

Learn more about Equality New Mexico: https://www.eqnm.org/

Come for the comedy. Stay for the impact!

Dana Goldberg

08/11/2026

From Flying Gas Stations to Training the Next Generation of Pilots.

In our recent interview with Dr. Lorenzo McDuffie, he explained that during his Air Force career, he served as an in-flight refueling specialist, working in the back of a KC-135 tanker to refuel aircraft while flying thousands of feet in the air. They described it as essentially being a “flying gas station.” But the job involved much more than refueling. Boom operators also assisted with navigation, cargo, and other responsibilities while flying missions, including missions over the southern no-fly zone during the Persian Gulf War.

That experience led to another fascinating chapter: helping military pilots make the transition from military aviation to civilian flying.

One thing that we did not know is that someone with decades of military flight experience can't simply walk into a commercial airline cockpit. Military and civilian aviation operate under very different rules, communication protocols, and procedures. Pilots have to learn how to navigate the FAA system and adapt from a military environment to civilian aviation.

That is where Sunex Air comes in. Dr. McDuffie's flight school has developed specialized training to help experienced military pilots earn their FAA certifications. And in 2021, after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Sunex Air stepped up to help Afghan military pilots who had arrived in the United States as refugees.

The philosophy behind the training. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, Sunex Air focuses on how each individual learns.

Sunex Air has grown beyond flight training, with locations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Puerto Rico.

I love stories like this because they show how one experience can lead to another, and how military service, education, entrepreneurship, and community impact can come together in unexpected ways.

BOOK YOUR ON-LINE INTERVIEW: www.TwoFlowerProductions.com

08/04/2026

What We Learned from Keith Allen West at Elkridge Ranch
We thought we were sitting down for a conversation about bison. Instead, we walked away with a whole new appreciation for New Mexico agriculture, ethical food sourcing, and the incredible stories behind ranch life.

Did you know agriculture is a $50.5 billion industry in New Mexico, supporting 265,000 jobs across more than 20,600 farms and ranches? It's one of the driving forces behind our state's economy and culture.

Keith also challenged the way we think about where our food comes from. His perspective on raising animals with respect and care offered a thoughtful look at ethical food sourcing and the importance of understanding the journey from ranch to table.

And here's a fun fact: What many call "buffalo" are actually American bison!

We also talked about the realities of ranching, from the high cost of feeding a bison herd to caring for orphaned calves and even relocating a rare white bison. Keith's own journey is just as fascinating, going from owning a skincare company to helping manage a working bison ranch in Placitas.

This episode is full of stories, surprising facts, and a deeper appreciation for the people who help keep New Mexico's agricultural heritage alive.

Learn more about Keith Allen West
Visibility Vixen in Public Relations, Professional Liar in Acting, Boss of the Brandiverse, Cedar Sorcerer-in-Chief, and Ethical Cult Leader

📞 (505) 514-1800
🌐 www.KeithAllenWest.com
📧 [email protected]

Los Angeles | Albuquerque | Atlanta
Tune in to this episode of Three Essential Questions and discover why every business has a story worth telling.
3 Essential Questions NM, anywhere you listen to your podcasts.

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Keith Allen West

07/28/2026

What does it really take to become a successful independent author?
On the latest episode of 3 Essential Questions, we sat down with author and publisher Diane Hatz to talk about the realities of indie publishing, overcoming the inner critic, and why it's never too late to follow your dreams.
We explored:
The growing indie publishing movement, where authors keep creative control of their work.
Why every writer has a "mind monster", that inner voice telling us we're not good enough, and how to overcome it.
The business of being an author, from marketing to selling books and building a career.
Diane's inspiring journey of becoming a full-time author at age 59 after being told to give up writing.
The exciting new Sage and Ink Writers Festival, created to support New Mexico's independent writers, poets, and screenwriters.
Whether you're a writer, an entrepreneur, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical insights.
Listen now and discover why every story and every storyteller matters.
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