Preserving History and Democracy

A podcast dedicated to teaching and informing our listeners regarding elections and the fascinating history of Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

Preserving History and Democracy is a history podcast hosted by Cynthia Mendoza, with 118 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Cynthia Mendoza hosts Preserving History and Democracy, a history show with 118 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #4

  Connecting History Through Archives ft. Victoria Contreras

  Oct 2, 202646 minS7

  What can old photographs, handwritten records, maps, and forgotten stories teach us about who we are today? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy , we're joined by Victoria Contreas of the Archives of the Big Bend at Sul Ross State University to talk about the Border Regional Archives Group and the upcoming Archives Bazaar. We explore the stories preserved in archives across the border region, the importance of firsthand accounts, the history held within the Harry Warren collection, and how archives help communities connect with their past. Victoria also gives us a preview of this year's Archives Bazaar, including its "Living with the Land / Viviendo con la Tierra" theme and the many archives, museums, and cultural institutions coming together to share their collections. Hosted by: Caroline Zamora, Angelica Valenzuela Special Guest: Victoria Contreras Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter Because sometimes, the best way to understand where we are is to look at what was left behind.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #3

  Absentee Voting Updates & What Voters Need to Know

  Sep 18, 202619 minS7

  What actually happens to your absentee ballot after you request it? How secure is voting by mail? And what does the latest Supreme Court decision mean for the 2026 election? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy , we break down the big election news in plain language, talk about how New Mexico protects access to the ballot, and share some of the personal stories that make working in elections so meaningful. From first-time voters to longtime election workers, we're talking about why trust, accurate information, and participation matter. LEARN MORE ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER 14399: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/03/ensuring-citizenship-verification-and-integrity-in-federal-elections/ NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/14/nx-s1-5962190/supreme-court-mail-in-voting-trump Federal Register Notices: https://pe.usps.com/FederalRegisterNotice ? Other sources: https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/26A305 ? https://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/opn/search-week ? Tune in and get ready for the 2026 General Election! Hosted by: Amanda López Askin, Caroline Zamora Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerks Office Edited By: Jacob Slaughter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #2

  Mapping Our Community ft. Charles Saenz

  Sep 3, 202644 minS7

  How do maps help preserve history, shape communities, and ensure voters receive the correct ballot? In this episode of Preserving History and Democracy, GIS Supervisor Charles "Chuck" shares how Geographic Information Systems connect data, history, technology, and elections. From preserving historic maps to exploring the future of AI and mapping, discover the fascinating work happening behind the scenes at the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office. Hosted by: Cynthia Diaz Special Guest: Charles Saenz Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #1

  A Conversation with our 2026 Summer Interns

  Aug 20, 202642 minS7

  Welcome to the latest episode of Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, County Clerk Dr. Amanda López Askin sits down with two of our summer interns, Chris and Fatima, for a conversation about their experiences working with the Doña Ana County Clerk's Office. Chris and Fatima share what inspired them to take on an internship with the Clerk's Office, the lessons and experiences they've gained along the way, and what they've enjoyed most about their time with the team. They also talk about their future career plans, hopes, dreams, and the goals they're working toward as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Join us for a fun and inspiring conversation that highlights the value of hands-on experience, mentorship, public service, and the importance of encouraging the next generation to dream big. Hosted by: Amanda López Askin Special guests: Fatima and Chris Produced by: The Doña Ana County Clerk's Office Edited by: Jacob Slaughter

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #20

  Season 6 Recap

  Jun 12, 202653 minS6

  <p >Season 6 has been packed with unforgettable stories, local legends, and fascinating history. Join Cynthia Diaz and Jacob Slaughter as they look back on 19 episodes featuring community leaders, historians, authors, election experts, and preservationists who helped bring Doña Ana County's rich past and vibrant present to life. From the history of Nopalito's Restaurant and the Taylor-Mesilla Historic Site to the Trinity Site, the New Mexico State Archives, election innovations, and the people preserving our community's stories, this special season recap highlights the moments that made Season 6 one of the podcast's most memorable yet.</p> <p >Watch here. </p> <p >Ho...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Preserving History and Democracy. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.